Western Doñana Walking And Birding Trip, Andalucia

Western Doñana Walking and Birding Tour

This half-day walking and birding trip in Western Doñana National Park is a leisurely 7km hike through the wetlands in the west of Doñana National Park. The tour operates daily on request. Guests will visit El Rocio and the river La Rocina which empties into the main marsh, an astonishing birding spot when it is flooded.

You meet your guide at the historic town of El Rocio or you can arrange a hotel pick-up. This is a private birdwatching walk along the edge of the freshwater marshes for water birds such as herons, storks, Spoonbills, Greater Flamingos, ducks and shorebirds.

Not that we keep our eyes on the water all the time, as the sky, which is almost always blue, is frequently crossed by birds of prey including many harriers, kites, vultures and even the rare Spanish Imperial Eagle.

On this walking tour of Western Doñana, a local expert will introduce you not only to the birds of the National Park but also to the history and local traditions of El Rocio, a western-like town where a Pilgrimage Festival takes place every year. This is one of the most well-known events in Spain when over a million people congregate at the Feast of Pentecost to celebrate the procession of the image of the Madonna.

Another part of this Western Doñana walking and birding trip takes us through the beautiful pine forest of La Rocina, where a boardwalk connects several bird hides that overview the river and swamphens and ibis are easy to spot. In the spring, this is one of the best places to get close-up shots of Squacco and Purple Herons, with Crested Tits and Iberian Chiffchaffs singing along in the background.

This guided birdwatching and walking tour of Western Doñana is made all the more special by the company of our local wildlife expert and the knowledge they share that is what will make the experience unforgettable.

Western Doñana Walking and Birding Trip highlights include:

An introduction to Doñana National Park by a local expert.
Birding in two main habitats: wetland and forest.
The chance of an extensive bird list.
Culture and heritage of the picturesque town of El Rocio.
Suitable for all levels of birder. We adapt the pace of the walk and content of our talks to your requirements.

How does birdwatching in the Andalucian countryside sound? If it is something you might be interested in then please check out The Countryside Bird Watching Trip, Andalucía, Spain.

Alternative Tour Name: Western Doñana Walking Trip

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Why book with Wild Doñana?

We are a progressive young company having several years of experience guiding and a vast local knowledge of the region. We love our land and love how wilderness, history and traditions come all together in this corner of Spain. Doñana National Park is well known for its rich diversity of habitats and species of flora and fauna with Iberian Lynx and Spanish Imperial Eagle as the jewels of the crown. However, in the last few decades, the Park is facing several threats that compromise the conservation of those resources. Through ecotourism, we give a value to those as we generate an income for the local economy and keep in touch with the managers of the Park in order to improve its state. Help us to increase our concervation and educational work by joining us on a tour.

Is this tour really for me?

If you prefer to walk on a slow pace to enjoy the landscape and the bird sounds rather than rushing on a vehicle from point to point, this is your tour.

Do I need a minimum fitness level to join this tour?

This tour involves a walk of 7 kilometres so that is the only condition you must accomplish. It does not matter how fast you can do it as we walk at a pleasant pace. We stop very often to look at the birds and interpretate the environment and history of the Park, and there are benches in a few places.

Can I be collected from my accommodation?

You do not need your own transport to the meeting point at El Rocio as we can pick you up from your hotel (and drop you back off) in a driving distance of 30 minutes. For longer distances a fuel fee might be offered.

Do I enter restricted areas through this trip?

We cross some of the most beautiful corners of the National Park through this walk but those are in public areas. Excursions into the restricted side of the Park can be organised on 4WD vehicles.