Rediscovering Croatia’s Wild Heart: Velebit Mountains Embrace Nature and Tourism

The Velebit Mountains of Croatia are already famous for their wild beauty, but lately they’ve become an exciting place for nature to bounce back. Thanks to the group Rewilding Velebit, animals that had disappeared from the peaks are coming home, and the wild heart of the mountains is beating strong. Once, overgrazing and hunting took a heavy toll, but now the same valleys are showing how land and communities can thrive together. Smart, gentle tourism is starting to weave even tighter to the forests and rocks, inviting hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves the wild to come and explore responsibly. With jaw-dropping vistas, wolves patrolling the ridges, and well-planned conservation projects, Velebit is effortlessly turning into the go-to spot for anyone who craves a real adventure and deep, direct contact with nature’s wonders.

A Vision of Rewilding

The Velebit Mountains are home to the Lika Plains, a vast, high-altitude grassland area spanning 1,500 hectares at the foot of the mountains. Rewilding Velebit, part of a larger European initiative to reintroduce species and restore ecosystems, has spearheaded efforts to return large herbivores to these plains. The release of species such as the Konik horse, Bosnian Mountain horse, and Tauros cattle plays a crucial role in transforming the land’s ecology. These animals naturally graze the area, restoring the mosaic habitats that once flourished and promoting biodiversity in the process.

Rewilding Velebit’s efforts extend beyond the Lika Plains. The organisation has been working to restore nearly 30,000 hectares of land, focusing on transforming five former hunting concessions into wildlife sanctuaries. The vision is simple: replace hunting with wildlife watching and create a sustainable, nature-positive economy that will benefit both the wildlife and local communities. This shift in land management is an innovative approach to conservation and sustainable tourism, and it has already begun to show impressive results.

Eco-Tourism: A Growing Industry in Velebit

As part of its mission to promote conservation, Rewilding Velebit has developed a range of nature-based tourism experiences that allow visitors to witness the wildlife comeback firsthand. Photographic safaris have become increasingly popular, offering ecotourists the chance to get up close with the semi-wild horses and Tauros cattle that roam freely on the plains. These safaris, which began in 2023, have evolved into immersive wildlife experiences, featuring converted Land Rover Defenders that navigate the rugged terrain of the Lika Plains.

One of the highlights of these safaris is the chance to observe the animals in their natural habitat. The herds of wild horses and cattle graze the plains, and visitors often find themselves face-to-face with them. This truly unique experience, set against the stunning backdrop of the Velebit Mountains, has been compared to the iconic safaris of Africa’s Serengeti and Maasai Mara. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers can take advantage of these tours to capture stunning images of the animals while also learning about the ongoing rewilding efforts from knowledgeable local guides.

In addition to the safaris, Rewilding Velebit offers a series of wildlife-watching hides that provide a quieter, more intimate way to observe the area’s wildlife. These hides, which can be booked for half-day or overnight stays, are scattered across the rewilding landscape and offer visitors a prime spot to watch and listen to the sounds of the wild. Guests can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while keeping a lookout for iconic species such as Eurasian lynx, grey wolves, brown bears, wild boar, roe deer, and red deer. The hides, equipped with beds and chairs, also feature an audio system that enhances the experience by allowing visitors to hear the natural sounds of the area, from the rustling of leaves to the calls of distant animals.

Guided Hiking Tours: A Deeper Connection with Nature

For those who prefer exploring on foot, Rewilding Velebit also offers guided hiking tours across the Velebit Mountains. These tours are perfect for nature lovers who want to learn more about the local flora and fauna while experiencing the stunning scenery of the area. The hikes are tailored to various skill levels, allowing everyone from beginners to experienced trekkers to enjoy the beauty of Velebit.

During these guided hikes, visitors have the opportunity to observe animal tracks, learn about the region’s history, and gain insight into the vital work being done to restore wildlife populations. Guides share their knowledge about the ecological significance of the area, highlighting the importance of maintaining biodiversity and the role that rewilding plays in the broader context of conservation. These hiking experiences are ideal for those looking for a deeper connection with nature, offering a chance to witness the land’s revitalisation up close.

Sustainable Tourism for Local Communities

The integration of rewilding with tourism is proving to be a win-win situation for both the environment and local communities. A portion of the revenue generated from the safari tours, wildlife-watching hides, and guided hiking experiences is reinvested into the conservation efforts, directly supporting the recovery of nature in the region. Moreover, the rise of ecotourism in Velebit is bringing much-needed income to local businesses and creating job opportunities in the region.

The success of these initiatives has inspired neighbouring areas to explore similar approaches. Local residents are now seeing firsthand how wildlife watching can be a profitable and sustainable alternative to traditional practices like hunting. This shift is helping to generate new investment, business opportunities, and jobs, benefiting not just the wildlife but also the people who live in the region.

In a survey of local hunters, nearly three-quarters agreed that wild areas and wildlife could attract new investment and job opportunities to Velebit. Over 70% of respondents also supported the reintroduction of wild animals to areas where populations had been depleted. This positive response from the community is a sign of the growing acceptance of rewilding and the benefits it can bring.

Booking Your Velebit Adventure

For those eager to experience the Velebit Mountains and its wild wonders, Rewilding Velebit has made it easy to book a range of activities through their dedicated platform, Wilder Places. Whether you’re interested in a photographic safari, wildlife-watching hide, or a guided hiking tour, Wilder Places offers convenient access to these unique experiences. The platform also features a curated selection of local accommodations, ensuring a seamless experience for travellers.

The safari season runs from April to October, making it the perfect time to visit and witness the transformation of Velebit. As the region continues to recover and thrive, it is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for ecotourists and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.

Conclusion

The Velebit Mountains are not merely a travel destination; they personify nature’s steady strength. Guided by Rewilding Velebit and fuelled by local support, an area once stressed has come alive again. Returning wild animals, hand in hand with eco-friendly tourism, weaves a new story where protecting nature and enriching local lives work together. Adventurers ready for stunning views, wild animals, and a purpose beyond sightseeing will find a trip here they will always remember.

For more details about Rewilding Velebit and to plan a trip, visit their official site and check out the range of tours and activities they offer. One can experience the stunning beauty of Croatia’s Velebit Mountains firsthand and see how they are bringing back the wild to one of Europe’s most iconic landscapes. It’s a visit one won’t forget.

[Source: Rewilding Europe Official Website]

[Image Source: Rewilding Europe Official Website]