Dear hikers,
On March 15 we will make a new exploration into the protected areas of Sibiu County. This time we will discover the secrets of a protected area dedicated to waterbirds called the Eleșteele de la Mândra Natural Reserve. After a short presentation of the day’s program, we will drive toward the village of Mândra. At the exit of the village toward the lakes we will park the cars and begin our hike to observe the waterbirds that winter on the lakes near this locality.
We will walk along the road that follows the embankment of the fishponds near Mândra. After our first observation of the waterbirds wintering hereboth with the naked eye, binoculars, and with the help of the spotting scope provided by the guidewe will talk about the protected areas of this region: the Eleșteele de la Mândra Natural Reserve and the Natura 2000 Podișul Secașelor site. The Mândra Fishponds have been an important aquatic habitat for rare waterbird species since the 19th century. From 1990 until today, a total of 161 bird species have been identified in this area, including 89 breeding species. The guide will share interesting facts from the world of birdsboth those that remain in our country during winter and those that will return from migration starting in April to nest in this area. Among the rare bird species that winter on these lakes are the goosander and smew, the common shelduck and ruddy shelduck, the red-throated diver, the curlew, and the red-breasted goose.
WHERE AND WHEN DO WE MEET?
Date: 15.03.2026
Meeting time: 9:30
Meeting point: Kaufland Veteranilor parking lot (opposite from Hornbach Sibiu)
ROUTE INFORMATION
Distance: 4 – 6 km
Elevation gain: no elevation gain
Trail difficulty: very easy
Hike duration: approximately 4–5 hours.
Tourists who would like to join the hike but cannot travel to Mândra by personal car can call the guide (Mihai Proca – 0720003332) to arrange car sharing.
The hike is very easy, suitable for people of any age as well as children from 6 years old.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Water/tea bottle, minimum 1 l.;
Snack for a break halfway along the route;
Binoculars of any size are welcome!
COSTS
80 RON/adult participant. Children between 4 and 16 years old: 20 RON/participant.
The hike will take place with a minimum of 10 paying adult participants.
Children will participate accompanied by an adult.
GUIDE
Proca Mihai – local and national tourism guide
Contact: 0720-003.332
Note:
– The route configuration and length will be adjusted according to weather conditions and the homogeneity/heterogeneity of the group.
– The organizer (guide) reserves the right to refuse participants who are not appropriately equipped or who have inadequate physical condition.
– Tours are conducted under safe conditions and with a minimum number of participants. The organizer reserves the right to reschedule or cancel tours without prior notice if these conditions are not met.
– Ticket refunds are only provided in case the organizer (guide) cancels the hike.
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By participating in this event, I consent to being photographed. I acknowledge that the photos may be used for promotional purposes, both online and in printed materials, within the “Anii Drumeției” Program to promote it. I declare under my own responsibility that, to the best of my knowledge, I am physically capable of sustained physical effort during hiking events without jeopardizing my health in any way. My participation in this event is entirely voluntary, understanding the associated risks to which I expose myself.
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The “Anii Drumeției” Program is initiated and funded by the Sibiu County Council in collaboration with the Sibiu County Tourism Association. Its main purpose is to improve hiking infrastructure in the county and promote activities specific to ecotourism.
