Whereas in the past we focused on a single location (Andújar) to observe the Iberian lynx, we now also visit a second and third area: the Toledo Mountains and Doñana. In addition, we combine various approaches to increase the chances of encountering Iberian lynxes. The trip offers a varied programme with plenty of photo opportunities.

This trip is a more affordable version of the one organized a week earlier. It includes alternative activities and excursions instead of the hide sessions.

Strengths of this trip

• Most experienced Iberian lynx guide in the Benelux
• One day of guided Iberian lynx viewing on a private property
• Combination of Andujar and Doñana
• Photo hides can be booked extra for €225/day.

Doñana inside out

Near Seville, we’re searching for lynxes in a completely different habitat than Andujar. This time, no rocky slopes with holm oaks, lavender, or giant fennel. We’re now in a flat area characterized by permanent sand dunes, dunes, scrub, and the typical umbrella pines. And it’s not just the vegetation and landscape that look different.

The same applies to the lynxes: their fur is lighter and more mottled. The strategy we use to search for lynxes is also different: in adjacent areas outside the national park. You’ll see traffic and information signs everywhere here, clearly indicating that the Iberian lynx is part of the landscape. The numerous speed bumps, fences, and tunnels in the lynx habitat are there to ensure the animals don’t fall prey to heavy traffic.

Lynxes are relatively tolerant of human-disturbed habitats, as long as their main prey is present: rabbits. Because this staple food source is mainly active in the early morning and evening, there’s plenty of time during the day to observe birds: ducks, storks, kites, herons, spoonbills, and ibises. In the permanent water features, you can also find gems such as red-knobbed coot, white-headed duck, marbled duck, ferruginous duck, and black-winged stilt. Among the birds of prey, there are also many gems: Montagu’s harrier, black kite, lesser kestrel, and imperial eagle. True rarities include pallid harrier and sometimes even greater spotted eagle. Both species have wintered here in recent years. Being overwhelmed by the birdlife while searching for the rarest cat in the world is perhaps the best way to describe how this trip ends!

Sierra de Andújar: a Spanish gem

In terms of wildlife habitat, this rugged area is among the most beautiful and biodiverse sierras in Spain. The area is not only home to one of the largest populations of Iberian lynx in Spain, but is also known for its large numbers of ungulates. Red deer, fallow deer, wild boar, and even mouflon are all relatively easy to spot, especially given our guide’s scanning skills! The same goes for the herds of Iberian ibex. Badgers, genets, and polecats are also present, but these are mainly active at night. A local otter family is usually very cooperative! Birds you can see here in winter include griffon vultures and cinereous vultures, golden eagles, Spanish imperial eagles, azure-winged magpies, Iberian green woodpeckers, blue rock thrushes, crested tits, hawfinches, and rock buntings. The real star of the area is the great spotted cuckoo, one of the most spectacular birds in Europe!

Looking for rabbits?

The Iberian lynx population in the Toledo Mountains has seen a remarkable recovery. It has become one of the most important strongholds for the species outside Andalusia. By early 2023, there were over 580 Iberian lynxes across the entire region. By 2026, the lynx population there has only increased further. The main reason for this remarkable development? Rabbits!

With a bit of luck, we might spot a lynx on the day we arrive in Madrid. The following day, we’ll also visit the core area characterised by large rabbit populations. The golden rule: where there are rabbits, there are lynxes.