Rewilding efforts are supporting the return of wildlife in the stunning Velebit Mountains of Croatia. A range of exciting tourism experiences are offering growing numbers of visitors the chance to witness this comeback first-hand — and give back to nature and local communities.
A very African adventure… in Europe
Viewed from the open windows of the rugged 4×4 vehicle, the shimmering, largely treeless plains extend towards the horizon, where craggy mountain peaks rise up into the cloudless sky. Herds of large herbivores dot the landscape, kicking up small clouds of dust as they move between grazing spots and watering holes. Close by, a pair of hoopoes forage on the ground, feeding on the insects disturbed by the wandering mammals.
To many, this sweeping panorama will bring to mind the savannahs of Africa’s Serengeti or Maasai Mara. This is, in fact, the Lika Plains: a scenic, high-altitude grassland at the base of Croatia’s Velebit Mountains. Set against this spectacular natural backdrop, increasingly popular photographic safaris are offering visitors thrilling encounters with semi-wild horses and Tauros, released by the Rewilding Velebit team to restore mosaic habitats and promote biodiversity as they naturally graze the 1500-hectare site.
From guns to cameras
Rewilding Velebit’s work in and around the Velebit Mountains is focused on transforming the management of five hunting concessions totalling nearly 30,000 hectares. A fresh and sustainable approach to the way land here is managed — based on wildlife watching, rather than the traditional practice of hunting — is supporting a gradual resurgence in the area’s spectacular wildlife and driving the development of a burgeoning nature-based economy.
A growing range of tourism products — encompassing photographic safaris, wildlife watching hides, and guided hiking tours — are now offering those who visit Velebit the opportunity to see wildlife and witness first-hand the positive impact of rewilding efforts. With a percentage of the fee for these products fed back into supporting these efforts, those making bookings can enjoy their experiences knowing they are directly contributing to the ongoing recovery of nature on Velebit, and amplifying the socio-economic benefits that recovery is generating for people in local communities.
Uniquely immersive experiences
Rewilding Velebit began offering photographic safaris on the Lika Plains in 2023. Since then, they have been enhanced with new features, including the introduction of a converted Land Rover Defender and the creation of several purpose-built, strategically located fenced enclosures. These allow wildlife watchers to step outside their vehicle and enjoy close, secure encounters with the more than 200-strong population of Konik horses, Bosnian Mountain Horses, and Tauros that roam the plains. Panels inside, featuring text, photos and QR codes, allow visitors to learn more about the animals they are watching and capturing on camera, and how rewilding efforts are transforming the landscape and its wildlife.
“This is a truly unique experience — for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and keen photographers,” says Javor Jogunica, Rewilding Velebit’s Enterprise Officer. “The whole set-up of the Lika Plains, with the magnificent scenery of the Velebit Mountains and these roaming herds of wild and semi-wild herbivores, means most of our guests compare it to going on an African safari.”
Those taking safaris are accompanied at all times by a knowledgeable local nature guide, who drives the vehicle, locates prime viewing spots, provides information, and answers questions. Visitors are collected and dropped off at a location of their choosing, with the time spent on the Lika Plains lasting between two-and-a half to three hours. The safari season typically runs from April to October.
A growing hide collection
Many of the groups who book a Lika Plains photographic safari combine their experience with a visit to one of the wildlife watching hides that are also run by Rewilding Velebit. Five hides, which opened in 2023 in various locations across the rewilding landscape, are now available for booking (also from April to October), with three more set to become operational by April 2026. These hides, which all have beds and chairs inside, can either be booked for a half-day or overnight stay.
“Our rangers know which of these hides offers the best opportunities to see wildlife on any given day, depending on factors such as recent sightings and the time of year,” explains Javor Jogunica. “We select a particular hide for a group to use based on this assessment, to maximise their odds of seeing animals.”
While there can never be a guarantee of encountering a particular animal in the wild, the hides on Velebit offer visitors a good chance of seeing a wide range of iconic species — from Eurasian lynx, grey wolves, brown bears, and foxes, to badgers, wild boar, roe deer, and red deer — plus a wide range of different birds. In 2025, every hide on Velebit was equipped with an audio system, which means visitors can put on a pair of headphones inside and sample the natural soundscape outside.
An upward trajectory
This year, more than 10 groups of visitors have booked photographic safaris on the Lika Plains, while more than 20 have booked a wildlife watching hide experience.
“Every year, more and more people are coming here to see the landscapes and enjoy the resurgent wildlife of Velebit,” says Javor Jogunica. “This means we are showcasing our rewilding efforts on a growing scale, as well as generating increasing income for local people and our work to support nature recovery. It also means that the owners of neighbouring concessions see that wildlife watching and nature-positive tourism can be profitable, which incentivises them to include wildlife watching in their business models — which also supports wildlife comeback.”
In a survey of 158 Velebit hunters carried out earlier this year, nearly three-quarters agreed that wild areas and wildlife have the potential to attract new investment, business opportunities, jobs, and income to Velebit, while over 70% supported the release of wild animals in areas of Velebit where populations are absent or degraded.
Book your Velebit experience
The photographic safaris, wildlife watching hides, and guided hiking tours offered by Rewilding Velebit are now available to book through Wilder Places, Rewilding Europe’s tourism booking platform, which launched in July. The platform also offers a range of other nature-based experiences in the Velebit Mountains rewilding landscape, as well as a carefully curated selection of local accommodation. Isn’t it time you visited Velebit?