Spain Wildlife Tour: Finding the Iberian Lynx
Embark on an unforgettable Spain wildlife tour, immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Spain, a crucial stronghold for the endangered Iberian Lynx. Once on the brink of extinction, this elusive predator now roams freely across protected lands, offering wildlife enthusiasts a rare chance to witness its beauty in the wild.
This journey takes you through some of Spain’s most diverse ecosystems, from the renowned wetlands of Doñana National Park, home to the rare Marbled Duck, to the Mediterranean oak forests of Andújar, where the Iberian Green Woodpecker thrives. Venture into the vast steppes of southern Extremadura, where the majestic Great Bustard, one of Europe’s largest and most iconic birds, can be spotted in its natural habitat.
Beyond the Iberian Lynx and exceptional birdlife, Spain’s wildlife tours offer encounters with an incredible array of species. From rare mammals to vibrant birdlife and diverse flora, this tour is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and conservation enthusiasts alike.
Join us for a wildlife adventure in Spain and explore one of Europe’s most remarkable biodiversity hotspots!
| Starts in Seville | Ends in Seville | Duration: 7 Days | Next departure: 4 November 2026 |
Highlights:
Doñana National Park- a UNESCO World Heritage site and spans 54,000 hectares of diverse landscapes, including wetlands, forests, and sand dunes. It is home to the endangered Iberian Lynx, Marbled Duck, and numerous migratory birds.
Andújar Natural Park- The park is located in the heart of southern Spain, is a vast wilderness of rugged hills, Mediterranean forests, and diverse ecosystems. Renowned for its population of Iberian Lynx, the park is a key habitat for this endangered predator.
Top Mammals:
Iberian Lynx, Mouflon, Iberian Ibex, Red Deer, Fallow Deer.
Top Birds:
Iberian Magpie, Long-tailed Tit, Short-toed Treecreeper, Marbled Duck, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Golden Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Blue Rock-Thrush, Great Bustard, Red-legged Partridge.
Day to day summary:
| Day 1-2 | Doñana National Park |
| Day 3 | Towards the north |
| Day 4 | Across the steppes to the Lynx kingdom |
| Day 5-6 | Andújar Natural Park |
| Day 7 | Seville departure |
Day to Day Itinerary
DAY 1:
Doñana National Park – Upon arrival at Seville Airport, the journey continues toward the northern region of Doñana National Park, a historic stronghold of the Iberian Lynx. After checking in at the Ardea Purpurea Lodge, the adventure begins with an excursion to Dehesa Tornero, renowned as one of the prime locations for spotting the elusive Iberian Lynx. A dehesa is a cultivated oak forest cleared for farming, offering an ideal habitat for the European Rabbit, the Lynx’s primary prey.
The journey offers encounters with various bird species, including the iconic Iberian Magpie. Observations may also include the Long-tailed Tit and Short-toed Treecreeper. In the evening, there is an opportunity to venture out after dark, searching for the Lynx and other nocturnal creatures, such as various owl species.
DAY 2:
Doñana National Park – The day centres on exploring Doñana National Park’s expansive marshes and surrounding landscapes. Among Europe’s largest wetland complexes, the rice paddies and marshes near the Rio Guadalquivir’s mouth are largely safeguarded within the park’s boundaries.
The wetlands are home to endangered species such as the Marbled Duck and White-headed Duck, alongside vibrant flocks of Greater Flamingo and Eurasian Spoonbill, bringing bursts of colour to the birding experience. The early morning and evening are dedicated to searching for the Iberian Lynx, exploring Mediterranean shrubland and pine forests teeming with birdlife, including species such as the Eurasian Hoopoe and Sardinian Warbler.
DAY 3:
Towards the North – Following a final effort to spot the Iberian Lynx in Doñana, the journey continues north to Extremadura, a region just beyond Andalucía renowned for its thriving Iberian Lynx population and exceptional raptor sightings. The first stop is at a hilltop vantage point, offering a sweeping view of the surrounding dehesa and bushland. In addition to the elusive Iberian Lynx, the area is a prime location for spotting some of Europe’s most majestic raptors.
The search will focus on iconic species such as the Spanish Imperial Eagle, Golden Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, and the ground-dwelling Red-legged Partridge, all of which thrive in this rugged, wildlife-rich habitat. The journey will also take us to a craggy environment within the surrounding hills. The focus will be on the Blue Rock-Thrush, Black Wheatear, and Rock Bunting.
DAY 4:
Across the steppes to the Lynx kingdom – The route today heads southeast toward Andújar, the base for the final leg of the tour. Along the way, the path traverses the expansive, steppe-like landscapes of southern Extremadura, a region renowned for its open plains and rich avian diversity. These vast, rolling habitats are home to impressive species such as the Great Bustard, Little Bustard, and Black-bellied Sandgrouse.
In the afternoon, arrival in Andújar marks the start of the final days of the tour, with the focus shifting to securing exceptional views of the elusive Iberian Lynx. This area, renowned for its strong Lynx population, offers prime opportunities to observe these magnificent predators in their natural habitat, with the remaining days dedicated to tracking their movements.
DAY 5-6:
Andújar Natural Park – Two full days will be dedicated to searching for the Iberian Lynx in Andújar Natural Park, widely regarded as one of the best places in the world to observe this endangered species. During this time, the opportunity arises to visit one of the trusted private estates in the area, where specialised hide sessions provide the chance for intimate, up-close encounters with the elusive lynx. These sessions, set within the Lynx’s natural environment, enhance the likelihood of spotting this magnificent cat as it moves through its territory.
The landscape is characterized by expansive Mediterranean forests, with the surrounding hills providing a rich habitat for a variety of raptors. Among the most notable are the high densities of Spanish Imperial Eagles and Cinereous Vultures. Other remarkable bird species in the area include the Red-legged Partridge, Eurasian Griffon, Golden Eagle, Eurasian Goshawk, and Eurasian Sparrowhawk. Smaller, yet equally fascinating, species such as the Little Owl, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Iberian Magpie, Crested Tit, and Eurasian Nuthatch add to the region’s diverse avian population.
The search also provides the opportunity to encounter a range of interesting mammals, including the Mouflon, Iberian Ibex, and Red and Fallow Deer.
DAY 7:
Departure from Seville – If time allows, the final opportunity for Lynx sightings in the Andújar area will be seized, offering one last chance to immerse in the rich wildlife of the region. Following this, the journey continues to Seville airport, where the tour will come to an end, marking the conclusion of an unforgettable wildlife adventure.
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