Land of the Lynx

Arrive in Malaga (alternative airports include Madrid and Granada) with pick up and transfer to the Sierra de Andújar. The journey from Malaga takes around 2.5 hours and passes through ever-changing Andalusian scenery. If time allows, stop at the Fuente de Piedra Reserve to see flocks of greater flamingo, various waders and basking Spanish terrapins. Arrive at your accommodation in the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park in the late afternoon with time to rest.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax at the villa and enjoy its swimming pool and peaceful surroundings.

There are independent walking trails leading out from the villa into the nearby estate where a variety of birds and other wildlife can be seen.

Birdlife includes the locally endemic Iberian azure-winged magpie as well as hawfinch, crested tit, firecrest, Sardinian and Dartford warblers, rock bunting, hoopoe and little owl. Keep an eye out too for reptiles which include the brightly coloured ocellated lizard which can grow to 90cm in length.

Today begin your exploration of the beautiful Sierra de Andújar Natural Park in search of the elusive Iberian lynx and plenty of other wildlife. Explore by 4x4 and visit viewpoints along quiet mountain roads overlooking known lynx territories and hotspots where time will be spent patiently scanning (with binoculars and telescopes) for signs of lynx.

The beautifully marked Iberian lynx is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and is currently listed as the world’s rarest and most endangered wild cat.

Recent estimates suggest its current population is now over 800 individuals, split between several key populations. The world's largest population occurs here and within the surrounding Sierra Morena. Lynx can be very elusive but, with the experience of your local guide and patience, you are likely to enjoy some memorable sightings of these beautiful cats in their natural habitat.

Morning and afternoon guided excursions in search of Iberian lynx and other wildlife in the park. Please note each day’s itinerary will be flexible and depends on the local conditions, recent sightings, and your interests.

In addition to lynx the park is home to a large population of red and fallow deer, wild boar, Iberian hare and other mammals such as the Spanish ibex and otter, and bats can often be seen at the Jándula dam and river.

Another specialty of the park is the endangered Spanish imperial eagle which can often be spotted alongside cinerous and griffon vultures soaring over the hillsides.

Another day of morning and afternoon guided excursions in search of Iberian lynx and other wildlife in the park.

The 74,774-hectare park consists of a Mediterranean habitat known as dehesa comprising large tracts of holm and cork oak woodland and rocky outcrops, making for a beautiful landscape in which to find lynx. There are many special plants, reptiles, amphibians and insects to discover: your guide will help find them and also introduce you to the fascinating history of the region.

Another day of morning and afternoon guided excursions in search of Iberian lynx and other wildlife in the park.

Each day’s itinerary remains flexible to increase the chances for lynx and other wildlife observation. An evening torchlight walk in the grounds of the villa can reveal interesting amphibians such as Western spadefoot (or Iberian midwife) and natterjack toads, Iberian water frog and sharp-ribbed newt, and invertebrates such as giant megarian banded centipede.

Today perhaps take a guided tour to local historical points of interests or enjoy more excursions in search of Iberian lynx and other wildlife in the park.

Today depart after breakfast for the transfer back to Malaga airport, stopping at a local wildlife spot on the way (if time allows) such as the moonlike karst of El Torcal to see Spanish ibex or look for birdlife at a wetland site.