In July 2015 we visited Hungary for 2 weeks and after a wonderful week in Budapest we spent 1 week at Kondor Ecolodge. This was a perfect way to experience the nature and wildlife of Kiskunsag NP. Kondor is a beautiful peaceful oasis where we felt perfectly at home. Andrea and Gabor are great hosts. The lodge was a comfortable base to explore the surrounding areas and we really enjoyed the excellent Hungarian food. Our main focus was birding. Kondor had a special treat with Nightjars visiting their pond each evening as dusk. I enjoyed the photography opportunities Gabor provided with his mobile hide, which made it possible to photograph a bee-eater colony. We spent several days exploring the different areas of Kiskunsag with Gabor and this proved that even in the middle of Summer birding in Hungary can be very productive. In total we observed 125 species including many highlights: Imperial Eagles flying over us at close range, a hunting Saker Falcon, a colony of Red-footed Falcons feeding their young, European Nightjars, great views of Little Bittern and Great Bittern, Pygmy Cormorants, Ferrugineous Ducks, Lesser Grey Shrikes and abundant Bee-eaters and Rollers. The landscapes were stunning and varied and next to birds there were plenty of mammals, butterflies and dragonflies to enjoy. We can highly recommend Kondor Ecolodge to all birdwatchers and nature lovers visiting Hungary.

A brilliant week, starting at Kondor Lodge in Kiskunsagi, a lovely location rich in birdlife, with excellent food provided by Andi. Highlights included Saker Falcon, Great Bustard and Eastern Imperial Eagle. We visited the Apaj fishponds where an abundance of waders, wildfowl and raptors were found. Gabor and Andi were both excellent and knowledgeable guides, sharing their cultural and historical knowledge alongside their love of birds. They are good company, very friendly and with a great sense of humour. The Bulk hills were stunningly beautiful, with fiery beeches glowing in the autumn sun. Here we found Hawfinches and Grey-headed and Black woodpeckers as well as the amazing Ural Owl. Again, the accommodation and food were excellent. The whole trip was well organised with excellent accommodation and a good variety of birds and wildlife seen. We look forward to travelling with them again in the future.

A full trip quality accommodation and food to compliment the terrific guides and organisation.

I was ask by my local Birdwatching Society in England if it was possible to plan a trip to Hungary in the autumn, having travelled with Gabor and Andi in Hungary several times before they were my first choice of contact, Making contact with them was easy and soon they offered our group the Autumn trip in October to witness the Crane Spectacular migration and much more. This trip was an 8 day bespoke trip for our group visiting The Kondor Lodge-Kiskunsag, Hortobagy and the Bukk Hills National Park. Their organisation including transport from Airport to Airport was seamless. The accommodation at all the locations were perfect including Kondor Lodge. This purpose built lodge set in open woodland is just amazing for wildlife observation. You were able to wander around using the hides and trails enabling you to watch birds at close quarters. The facilities at this rural settings were excellent with amazing home cooked food and service that was complemented by Gabor and Andi's attention to detail. The other locations were hand picked for authentic Hungarian food and hospitality and the locations great for our birdwatching needs. The entire group felt that the deep love of the countryside and the depth of knowledge of birds and all the wildlife shown by our guides was excellent. The Birdwatching was amazing with so many highlights during our weeks trip. To witness the cranes and other wildlife flighting into there roost at dusk was one of the most exciting birding events anyone could wish to see.

I had a really enjoyable trip to Hungary staying at the Ecotours Kondor Ecolodge. Gabor and Andi were very friendly hosts. Andi was an excellent cook and Gabor a guide with a fun sense of humour and in-depth knowledge of the places we visited. At Kiskunsagi National Park, we saw not only White-tailed Eagle but also the magnificent Eastern Imperial Eagle. We had good views of Great Bustard and visited a daytime roost of Long-eared Owls. In the Bukk Hills, we had a stunning view of a Ural Owl which flew over our heads and landed on a tree nearby. Woodpeckers were were abundant and on one grassy area near the hotel we had three different species on view, namely, Grey-headed Woodpecker, European Green and Great Spotted. On the trip we also saw Middle-Spotted and Syrian Woodpeckers. In total for the trip I saw 109 species in one week. An excellent trip led by Gabor and Andi.

We had a wonderful birding holiday with Andi and Gabor in Hungary. With the highlights being Saker Falcon, Eastern Imperial Eagles, great Bustard, Roller, golden Oreiol, Hawfinch, 8 different species of Woodpeckers, the lust just goes in. Excellent hosts, Gabor's knowledge of Bird calls was incredible. It was so lovely to hear if Hungarian culture from Andi. Excellent food, we loved Kondor lodge, well organised throughout. A five-star holiday without a doubt.

Great week with Gabor and Andrea. So much so we booked different trip with them to Austria and Hungary, equally enjoyable. They have that uncanny knack of setting the pace and style of outings to maximise your enjoyment. Their knowledge of all the natural history in their beautiful local patch is comprehensive. We have unforgettable memories and good bird photographs too! Thoroughly recommended.

The early summer natural history tour to the Kiskunság National Park was hugely enjoyable and highly successful, helped by glorious weather throughout the week. As expected, there was high quality birding on this holiday as well as a wide range of other wildlife, and we marvelled at the unspoilt and varied landscapes. We started by exploring the puszta close to Kondor Eco-lodge; it held a breeding colony of Bee-eaters as well as impressive numbers of Rollers, several Lesser Grey Shrikes, Montagu’s Harrier and Short-toed Snake Eagle. The highlight of a visit to the north was the privilege of seeing a Red-footed Falcon colony, whilst the west gave us first-class views of Saker Falcon, in typical pose on a pylon. To the east, close to the Tisza river, we found a Penduline Tit constructing its nest and enjoyed the spectacle of a wetland teeming with an array of waterbirds including Pygmy Cormorant; a nearby forest produced Black and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers. On our final day we headed south for a relaxing boat trip before having the thrill of spotting five Great Bustards on a vast area of grassland. During the week we had several unexpected sightings including Long-legged Buzzard, Bluethroat and Collared Pratincole. Butterflies were numerous, especially in the flower-rich meadows; we saw 45 species including Large Copper, Eastern Baton Blue, Nettle-tree Butterfly, Lesser Purple Emperor, Common Glider, Map, Cardinal, Lesser Spotted Fritillary and Safflower Skipper. The group also made the most of the opportunities to study the dragonflies, a new experience for some; we tallied 22 species including the sought-after Large White-faced Darter, Yellow-spotted Emerald and Dainty Damselfly; the former was abundant at Lake Kolon, perhaps the best site to see it in the whole of Europe. Kondor Eco-Lodge proved to be an ideal base from which to explore, with early morning strolls into the woods, across the fields and within the grounds highly productive; we also made use of the photographic hides at the garden pond where the views of Hawfinches in particular were incredible! We were served a range of traditional Hungarian dishes, and Gábor and Andrea did everything possible to make us feel at home; Gábor is not simply a ‘local bird guide’; he is passionate about Hungarian culture, history and politics, and Andrea is not only an experienced guide but also a wonderful cook! As a one-centre holiday at a relaxed pace with a rich variety of wildlife on the doorstep and some highly sought-after birds not much further away this trip is hard to beat!

The early summer natural history tour to the Kiskunság National Park was hugely enjoyable and highly successful, helped by glorious weather throughout the week. As expected, there was high quality birding on this holiday as well as a wide range of other wildlife, and we marvelled at the unspoilt and varied landscapes. We started by exploring the puszta close to Kondor Eco-lodge; it held a breeding colony of Bee-eaters as well as impressive numbers of Rollers, several Lesser Grey Shrikes, Montagu’s Harrier and Short-toed Snake Eagle. The highlight of a visit to the north was the privilege of seeing a Red-footed Falcon colony, whilst the west gave us first-class views of Saker Falcon, in typical pose on a pylon. To the east, close to the Tisza river, we found a Penduline Tit constructing its nest and enjoyed the spectacle of a wetland teeming with an array of waterbirds including Pygmy Cormorant; a nearby forest produced Black and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers. On our final day we headed south for a relaxing boat trip before having the thrill of spotting five Great Bustards on a vast area of grassland. During the week we had several unexpected sightings including Long-legged Buzzard, Bluethroat and Collared Pratincole. Butterflies were numerous, especially in the flower-rich meadows; we saw 45 species including Large Copper, Eastern Baton Blue, Nettle-tree Butterfly, Lesser Purple Emperor, Common Glider, Map, Cardinal, Lesser Spotted Fritillary and Safflower Skipper. The group also made the most of the opportunities to study the dragonflies, a new experience for some; we tallied 22 species including the sought-after Large White-faced Darter, Yellow-spotted Emerald and Dainty Damselfly; the former was abundant at Lake Kolon, perhaps the best site to see it in the whole of Europe. Kondor Eco-Lodge proved to be an ideal base from which to explore, with early morning strolls into the woods, across the fields and within the grounds highly productive; we also made use of the photographic hides at the garden pond where the views of Hawfinches in particular were incredible! We were served a range of traditional Hungarian dishes, and Gábor and Andrea did everything possible to make us feel at home; Gábor is not simply a ‘local bird guide’; he is passionate about Hungarian culture, history and politics, and Andrea is not only an experienced guide but also a wonderful cook! As a one-centre holiday at a relaxed pace with a rich variety of wildlife on the doorstep and some highly sought-after birds not much further away this trip is hard to beat!

Our Kondor Ecolodge Wildlife and Birdwatching Tour in Hungary in May 2016 The Ecolodge proved to be as advertised with the thatched-roofed houses, all en-suite, and very clean and comfortable. We enjoyed some lovely home cooked traditional Hungarian meals by Andrea which were washed down with wine from their own wine cellar. Our days were varied with some local trips and a variety of mini-bus outings to the more distant natural habitats from grasslands, flower meadows, wetlands and the Kolon Lake Centre for Ornithological Research. We saw a variety of different birds including an abundance of Bee Eaters along with Rollers, River Warbler, Lesser Grey Shrike, Hoopoe, Saker Falcon, Long Eared Owl, Golden Oriole, Swallows, Nightingale, Black Woodpecker, Penduline Tit at its nest, Kentish Plover, Little Owl, Corn Crake, Night Heron, Great Reed Warbler, Long-tailed Tit and much to our delight, good views of several Great Bustards. Also seen were the Great White Heron and nesting White Storks along with great views of Red Footed Falcons at a registered nesting site. The Kiskunsag National Park is a wonderful area with beautiful flower meadows with an interesting variety of insect life. A very enjoyable holiday with our excellent hosts with their expert knowledge of the region and its wildlife, and their friendly hospitality.

We experienced an unforgettable week in the Kiskunsag National Park. We list the highlights: the breathtaking views over the flowery puszta from the birdwatching huts including Great Bustards; a beautiful sighting of a Saker Falcon who came to see us up close; a breeding colony of Red footed falcons, imperturbable despite a heavy thunderstorm; daily Rollers, Bee eaters, Hoopoes, Red backed Shrikes, ...; in between, beautiful sightings of Eastern Imperial Eagles and Penduline Tits; interspersed with beautiful insects such as Pheghea butterflies and dragonflies; some culture now and then with a city tour in Budapest and nostalgic stops in the countryside and picturesque towns; pleasant breaks in the wildlife watching hides and feeders near the ecolodge with hawfinches and grass snakes and last but not least the pleasant and expert explanations of the modest and very sympathetic couple Andi and Gabor!

The Ecolodge , set in lovely surroundings proved to be as advertised with the thatched-roofed houses, all en-suite, and very clean and comfortable. We enjoyed some lovely home cooked traditional Hungarian meals by Andrea which were washed down with wine from their own wine cellar. Our days were varied with some local trips and a variety of mini-bus outings to the more distant natural habitats from grasslands, flower meadows, wetlands and the Kolon Lake Centre for Ornithological Research. We saw a variety of different birds including an abundance of Bee Eaters along with Rollers, River Warbler, Lesser Grey Shrike, Hoopoe, Saker Falcon, Long Eared Owl, Golden Oriole, Swallows, Nightingale, Black Woodpecker, Penduline Tit at its nest, Kentish Plover, Little Owl, Corn Crake, Night Heron, Great Reed Warbler, Long-tailed Tit and much to our delight, good views of several Great Bustards. Also seen were the Great White Heron and nesting White Storks along with great views of Red Footed Falcons at a registered nesting site providing excellent opportunities for some good photographs. The Kiskunsag National Park is a wonderful area with beautiful flower meadows with an interesting variety of insect life. we also saw several Hares and a herd of the famous traditional Hungarian Grey Cattle with their long and pointed horns. A very enjoyable holiday with our excellent hosts with their expert knowledge of the region and its wildlife, and their friendly hospitality.

This was our second visit to Kondor Ecolodge and once again it didn’t disappoint. We were a group of 10 and from the start to the finish of the tour we were well looked after by Andrea and Gabor whose enthusiasm for their country and wildlife shone through. The birding and wildlife in the local area was superb with early morning walks being amazing. This along with the good traditional food, superb accommodation and wonderful hospitality made it a privilege to visit.

Our trip was with a small group from the UK staying at the ideally located Kondor Tanya Lodge where Gabor and Andrea made us so welcome. The lodge is surrounded by the Kiskungság National Park, so most of the birding was done less than an hour’s drive away and there was plenty to see within walking distance in the adjacent woods and un-spoilt farmlands. We visited a wide range of habitats from wetlands and fishponds, forests and meadows, to the wide open plains of the Puszta. During the week we saw 138 species of birds, including Saker Falcon, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Great Bustard, breeding colonies of Red-footed Falcons and European Bee-eaters, Golden Orioles, Moustached, Barred and other warblers, and 5 woodpecker species. Although this was primarily a birdwatching trip, it had a more to offer as we saw so much other wildlife, since Gabor and David (our UK leader) were great all-round naturalists. We saw 32 species of butterflies, 26 dragonflies and damselflies, and managed to identify 21 species of the moths caught in the moth trap one night. Highlights were the stunning Lesser Purple Emperor mud-puddling, and the elegant Dark Spreadwing.

Our visit was excellent. We were picked up at Budapest airport and dropped off at the end of the tour. Transport for the tour was 4x4 which had plenty of space and was comfortable. Each day we went out to a different location and had a full day's birding with packed lunch provided. The birds (and butterflies) always came thick and fast and were species we would be very unlikely to see in the UK unless twitching a single bird, so the numbers of Beeeaters, Rollers, Red-footed Falcons, Orioles etc, etc was amazing. Every day started with a substantial breakfast and end with a tasty evening meal. We probably didn't spend enough time in the grounds because we were out birding elsewhere!

Our tour group consisted of 6 clients and two leaders. We flew into Budapest airport from East Midlands and met up with everybody at the airport. Kondor EcoLodge is situated in the middle of an amazing NP. Lots of birds in the grounds and within 1 mile radius. Amazing views of nightjars just 500 metres from the lodge. In July we had numerous species of dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies. We never travelled very far but had great views of Great Bustard, Saker Falcon, Eastern Imperial Eagle, various woodpeckers, long eared Owl, Savi’s warbler and Icterine warbler. The food was based on traditional Hungarian recipes but healthy and nutritious.

After a short trip by myself in 2015 I eagerly returned to Kondor Ecolodge with a small group of like-minded friends in May 2016. The lodge being very central in the Kiskunsag NP is an amazing base for birding with so much to be seen and photographed up-close nearby. Gabor and Andrea are fantastic hosts, so welcoming and friendly, they really make you feel at home in their traditional Hungarian lodge, a very comfortable and peaceful place to return to each day. The bedrooms stay nice and cool even when the outside temperature soars up towards 30 and the food and drink offerings (including some lovely Hungarian wines) are very good too. Gabor and Andrea are both fluent in English and highly knowledgeable of the local area and all the top birding sites. List of notable birds seen included: Bee-eater (hundreds in nesting colony) , Roller (dozens), Turtle dove, Golden Oriole, Great Bustard, Red-footed falcon (dozens in nesting colony), Great reed warbler, White stork, Black stork, Penduline tit (on the nest), Nightingale (captured singing in the scope for 10 minutes or so), Lesser grey shrike, Red backed shrike, Black WP, Lesser-spotted WP, Wood warbler, Thorny pipit, Little owl, Long-eared owl (posed nicely for us low down in a tree at the back of a village bakery!), Night heron, Squacco heron, Purple heron, Corn bunting, Nightjar (circling over the gardens at dusk) and White tailed eagle. Cannot recommend this tour enough!

I thoroughly recommend this tour. Our hosts, Gabor and Andrea, as well as being extremely knowledgeable made us feel completely at home with them. Every day Gabor would strive to find particular birds on our wish list as well as some pleasant surprises such as the roost of long-eared owls in the trees of a town square and the white-tailed eagle soaring just over our heads! There are some wonderful wild flower meadows alive with various butterflies and other insects. As well as learning a lot about Hungary we were kept entertained with Gabor and Andrea's anecdotes and well fed with some lovely traditional home made food. Now for some of the birds that we saw: Black Redstart; Lesser Grey Shrike; Red Backed Shrike; Pratincole; Golden Oriole; Black Woodpecker; European Roller; Great Bustard; European Bee Eater; Turtle Dove; Tree Sparrow; Great Reed Warbler; Long Eared Owl; Little Owl; Montague Harrier; Honey Buzzard; Hobby; Marsh Harrier; Red Footed Falcon; Saker Falcon and White Tailed Eagle...and others! We also saw many butterflies including the Queen of Spain Fritillary and Cardinal and were lucky enough to see a Polecat.

I've led many photographic tours and workshops including numerous birding tours with Gabor and Andi in Belarus, Poland and this one in Hungary. This photographic tour gets you close to the birds! Using purpose built hides to put you in the best possible position as a photographer. Hard to photograph species like Bee-eater, Roller, Lesser Grey Shrike and Hawfinch are combined with time spent at a Red-footed Falcon colony, and a boat trip out onto the marshes and lakes, thronged with gulls and terns, Purple Herons and White-tailed Eagles galore. All this followed by an extended period in the Bukk hills where Ural Owls and Rock Buntings await us. After a hot day in the field what better way to spend the evening than home cooked meals and a warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the lodge. Highly recommended! Stu www.stuartelsom.co.uk

I stayed at Kondor Ecolodge in June 2019, spending some days photographing from the garden hides and other days touring the area photographing other species. Andrea and Gabor are excellent hosts and made sure I got the best out of my stay. At the lodge I photographed frogs, dragonflies, a water snake, a sparrowhawk and plenty of other birds, including a hoopoe and chick. Within walking distance of the lodge I photographed ground squirrels and butterflies. On day trips I photographed little owls, bee eaters, rollers and red footed falcons. I got some great photos but found my 300mm lens a bit short for some of the species- recommend 400mm plus ideally teleconverter. Highly recommend.