Most people who have been on one of Denis' birdwatching tours stress the beauty of the country, the wonderfully varied habitats that we visit, and the amazing birdlife at each location. But what makes this such a remarkable week of birdwatching is Denis himself. His intimate knowledge of his homeland and culture, his outstanding ability as a birdwatcher, his patience with the varied personalities of the group and his determination that everyone will experience the birds and places that he loves make him the perfect tour guide.

       I was amazed at his ability to spot birds and get them in his telescope for everyone to see. I was equally surprised by his generosity with the gifts of flasks that he gave us, the lack of a single person supplement, the restaurants he took us to and the lack of any restrictions on what we ate and drank — this is not a penny-pinching tour. All in all it was a most interesting and memorable week.

- Geoff Simmonds, Salisbury, 2026.

       We spent a wonderful week with Denis and his Team in BiH. It is almost impossible to write a review about the "perfect" tour.
All aspects of the Tour were very well organised as per the detailed brochure which Denis has carefully prepared. The transport was very comfortable and the food and drink was delicious and plentiful. The camaraderie amongst our fellow travellers ensured that we all had a great time with plenty of laughs and good humour. We will never forget Denis"s catchphrase "Shall We?".

       The birdwatching was incredible thanks to Denis"s local knowledge and he took us to some amazing locations. He is also an amazing bird spotter!

       The History and Cultural aspect of the Tour was also excellent visiting a number of interesting sites. The train trip from Mostar to Sarajevo and the tour of Sarajevo was one of many highlights.

       We would definitely recommend this tour to keen birders who also enjoy learning about the local Culture and History. I shall also say this only once - "a thousand thank you's Denis". A tour we will never forget.

- Lindsey and Russell Blakey, Oldbury, 2026.

       We were privileged to spend a memorable week in the company of Denis on his Birdwatching and History/Culture tour of Herzegovina. Together with our 11 fellow travellers, we were driven very professionally by Edin and Tale through a series of varied landscapes looking for some of the local birds. This particular tour mixed bird watching with cultural and historical visits to reflect the fact that the peak birdwatching period was drawing to a close.

       Denis is the consummate professional, and his attention to detail is key to the success of these holidays. Although there is always the possibility of unexpected events (in our case a 3 hour flight delay after diversion via Italy), Denis has the contacts and expertise to resolve such issues. We experienced a week of particularly hot temperatures, and Denis was adept at amending the itinerary to ensure we were not exposed to the extremes by opting for higher elevations on some of the birdwatching days.

       The birding was varied, from waterside to highlands, but there were many other things to spot along the way, from butterflies and insects to orchids and lilies. Something for everyone, in fact. Denis is an excellent spotter and makes good use of the scope to ensure that everyone gets a chance to see the birds that happen to be further away, or particularly hard to spot.

       On the cultural side, we all enjoyed the train trip from Mostar to Sarajevo, and the particularly informative guide who talked us through, and walked the sites, of some of the very significant events that have taken place in that city, from 1914 through to the awful events of the 1990s. We also enjoyed a relaxed coffee sitting, where the methodology for brewing and serving was explained, together with stories of how the coffee drinking tradition sits within the everyday culture.

       We also visited several medieval burial sites, characterised by the many large tombstones (stećci), with their enigmatic carved images. Truly fascinating to see the evidence of these diverse cultures from the south-eastern part of Europe.

       The accommodation was clean and comfortable, with a daily breakfast served a couple of minutes away. The evening meals, at the same location, were very substantial indeed, with very attentive and friendly staff available at all times.

       Overall, the week flew by, and we are looking to do a repeat visit at some point in the next year or two.

- Mick and Sue Oldham, Kent, 2026.

       Thank you for giving us such a wonderful week in Herzegovina. You gave us all that you promised at your talk to our RSPB group - a range of landscapes, habitats, birds, great food and all our needs seamlessly catered for. Our group quickly gelled and we have made some friends that we will stay in contact with back home.

       Being driven around this impressive landscape of mountains and valleys over switchback mountain roads by your careful and caring drivers was thrilling. The sites you chose provided all the birds we hoped you would find for us. I added an amazing 18 species to my life list and some great photos as a record of our week with you! Thank you again.

- Mike and Sheila Jordan, Oxfordshire, 2026.

Wild Herzegovina Trip Report 17-24 May 2026

       Our Trip

       We went with 11 other members of our Finchampstead / Bracknell RSPB group, using scheduled flights to/from Dubrovnik, then travelling by comfortable minibuses each day. Our base was a lovely guest house in Mostar, just minutes from the famous arched bridge. Two guest houses were used and our breakfast and evening meals were in a close by 4-star hotel.

       Denis, our wonderful host, guide and organiser and his two minibus drivers were all local and each day we travelled to various locations / habitats to see the abundant bird life, sample the fantastic scenery, meet some of the wonderful Bosnia Herzegovina locals, see some fabulous villages and towns and enjoy some of the local food / drink all wrapped up in the culture of this formerly war-torn country that has so much to offer visitors and is rich in history and wildlife. The weather was kind and the experience just amazing and we saw so much and learned so much about the lovely people of Bosnia Herzegovina, their welcome and hospitality was tremendous.

       What We Saw

       Each day we travelled to a particular location with appropriate habitats, these included the Dinaric Alps, Buna River, area of marshlands, Wooded areas and the Kast Limestone hills, The Neretva Delta wetlands, the Prenj mountains, areas close the Mostar including the aerodrome and finally a superb boat trip.

       Each area had a wealth of birds and abundant flora, which had recovered from the ravages of the war with many flowering species and incredible landscapes everywhere. Everywhere there were highlights with 40/50 bird types per day, approaching 120 species over the week.

       Standouts: - Bee-eaters, European Roller and Hoopoe; Common Cuckoo, Golden Oriel; Woodpeckers incl Lesser and Middle Spotted, plus Wryneck as well as the traditional Green and Greater Spotted; Swifts, including Alpine and Pallid; Martins, including Crag and Swallows including Red-rumped; Blue and Common Rock Trush and an abundance of warblers including Nightingale, Blackcap, Whitethroats, Eastern Subalpine and Eastern Orphean Warbler; Western Rock Nuthatch; Shrikes, including Woodchat, Lesser Grey and Red-backed; Finches, Wheatears and Buntings incl Cirl, Ortolan and Black-headed, Crossbill and a modest coverage of diving and dabbling ducks and waders, plus of course some European Birds of Prey.

       Personally, the visit to the Sand Martin quarry with thousands of nesting birds and mixed with hundreds of Bee-eaters was breathtaking and the sight of the European Roller and Crested Lark on the outskirts of the Airport in Mostar were stunning.

       Lots of orchids and wild flower meadows with over 20 species of moths and butterflies, including Scarce and conventional Swallowtail made for a fabulous rounded nature experience. Finally at one of the locations, we made friends with a female red fox, clearly with cubs close by, she was very tame but clearly very street wise and extremely photogenic.

       Accommodation

Our guest house was superb, a rebuilt and refurbished building in a lovely location just 10 minutes’ walk from the famous bridge in Mostar. The room was very comfortable and had all the amenities needed, with the owner on site to help at any time and a lovely shaded outside balcony area that we should have made better use of. It was very convenient and the other guest house, of similar spec, was close by.

       Travel

       We had two comfortable air-conditioned minibuses driven by two outstanding drivers who doubled as "tour coffee and water dispensers" and were so much part of Denis' team. Their Bosnia heritage, their stories and humour helped make the trip and there was lots of room available for scopes and equipment in the back.
Each day we had plenty of stops and if you wanted to remain in the minibus no problem at any time as our walks all went from the vehicles that would sometimes follow, especially if one of the party needed some special support as I did on occasion of a twisted ankle.

       Food/Drink

       The food was very generous at every meal, with packed lunch on some occasions and a light local meal at a Denis "known and approved location" on some days. We were encouraged to try local dishes but the fish was so fresh and from local streams that most in the party went no further. The breakfast and evening meals were selected daily and the menu was extensive as you chose the next meal you wanted. No one came away without a few extra pounds in tow!!
If you wanted something special Denis would do his best to organise it in advance.

       Organisation

       The organisation of the trip was brilliant throughout, from the ease of booking, payment, the information detail and communication could not be faulted and it was a really fun trip that Denis and his whole team just made sure we were always happy and attended to anything that was needed.

       Of all the trips we have been on over the years Wild Herzegovina was absolutely the best and my wife and I would have NO hesitation in recommending it to anyone, regardless of your fitness, so long as you are happy to walk a bit, enjoy the countryside, culture and above all else the nature. Be sure to go this part of Europe with a very knowledgeable local guide and organiser as many of the locations need to be well-researched and checked, there is no place and organisation we would like to return to more than Wild Herzegovina!
Thanks for a fantastic insight into your beautiful country and never to be forgotten birding trip.

- Alan and Susan Budge, Reading, 2026.

       A fantastic trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina for both wildlife and culture with Denis as our leader and guide. And excellent minibus drivers who drove us safely on our adventure both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia.

       From visiting woods for various species of Woodpeckers and a nesting Hoopoe, waterbirds on a reservoir and Bee-eaters living alongside a vast Sand Martin in a working quarry to the Dinaric Alpine meadows ablaze with flowers, ancient tombs and villages and the train journey between Mostar and Sarajevo, every day was varied, interesting and full.

       Denis is a great guide, very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly and he did his utmost to show us as much as possible. Whilst my prime interest is natural history it was good to spend some time discovering the country and learn about it’s chequered history.
All in all a great way to spend a week.

- Carol Greig, Salisbury, 2026.

       Firstly, thank you for introducing us to such an impressive selection of habitats. We had no idea just how varied the days would be. As I said to you on one day, you had surprised us with some superb birds and scenery, then the following day you exceeded all expectations and came up with even better experiences!

       Every day was a joy - terrific scenery, magnificent birds, great company with folk having a variety of knowledge to share. I can't actually decide which venue impressed most - personally I saw, well, ten new birds and to be able to play snowballs up a mountain while the temperature was bordering on mid-summer was an extraordinary experience! Experiencing some of the local restaurants during our days out was a treat, again diverse and interesting in their own way.

- Liz and John Costa, East Sussex, 2026.

       This was our first overseas birding holiday. We saw 45 new bird species, Swallowtail butterflies, snakes, newts and terapins. What a treat and we loved it. The Bee-eaters and Montagu's Harriers were spectacular. You were a marvellous guide and the drivers were also great. The scenery and cuisine were unmatched. Where else would you see people fly fishing from their restaurant table!
Thank you again.

- Janet and Robert Fisher, Reading, 2026.

       I still can't quite believe I was in such a fascinating, beautiful country seeing so much wildlife and flora. Denis shared his love and enthusiasm with us as did all the other members of our little group. I learnt so much that will lead me to more informed bird watching in the future. From day one to the last day Denis treated us to laughter, great food, excellent travel arrangements and an experience I will always treasure.

- Valerie Richards, Staffordshire, 2026.

       A stand-out moment was the huge Sand Martin colony, with about 5000 sand martins and about 400 Bee-eaters. We saw a lot of birds which are a rarity back home, such as Cirl Bunting, Cuckoos and Orioles. A favourite of mine was listening to a Corncrake calling up in the mountains. I hadn"t heard one for years, up on the Isle of Mull.

       Denis knows a great deal about Hercegovina (as well as the birds), so is a perfect guide to the region. On the first day we went for a walk along an abandoned railway and it turned out to be part of the narrow gauge system. Denis knew all about this too, when I questioned him about it. He also pointed out the Bogomil gravestones that we passed, as well as other curiosities.

       The trip seemed excellent value for money, with a buffet breakfast & large portions in the evening. Denis ensured that we tried some local dishes on the occasions where lunch was provided.

- Laurie Mountjoy, Wokingham, 2026.

       I really enjoyed my birding holiday and saw birds that I have never seen before. The old town of Mostar was lovely and very interesting and the scenery on our daily trips out was beautiful. Thank you for making sure that I got a Gluten Free option when we were dining in restaurants and also our packed lunches on some days.

       The guest house where I stayed was very clean and had everything I needed. The owner, Edin, was very helpful and when I accidentally broke the head off the shower, he had it fixed by the time we returned from our days bird watching. How helpful the drivers were on our trip. It's a testament to you that they have been with you since the start of your tours.

- Penny Blake, Surrey, 2026.

       Signing up for a "Birds and Culture" tour in late May/early June was a leap of faith, but I am glad that I did because it proved an excellent mix of both. As well as being a great birder Denis is a super guide and organiser.

       Bosnia and Herzegovina has so much to offer, and Denis planned a good mix of habitats and places to visit. Nowhere was too far from base, and the transport and drivers are first rate. We even managed some trainspotting on a trip to Sarajevo! As ever with birding, you will find yourself in some "interesting" locations, ranging from a sand quarry to peaceful mountain meadows. It's also a chance to learn more about the fascinating history of this part of Europe, both in the more remote past and the turbulent times more recently, through visits to medieval villages and castles and Sarajevo, and of course Mostar, where we were based.

       If you are interested in birds, but not sure that a full-on birding holiday is for you this trip is a great way to find out. If you travel with a non-birding partner there will be plenty for them to enjoy. I thoroughly recommend this trip!

- Anna Cronin, Surrey, 2026.

       We really enjoyed this lovely trip that included bird watching and visits to places in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Everything was very well organised, and every day was packed with activities. Bosnia is a beautiful country and we especially enjoyed the train trip to Sarajevo, and spending time in Mostar. Both cities are beautiful places and steeped in history. It is amazing how the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina have been able to restore these beautiful places following the damage caused in the Balkan wars.

       The bird watching was also great, and we were thrilled to see species that are now rare in the UK, such as Crested Tit, Cirl Bunting and Corn Bunting and birds that we don't see in the UK such as Alpine Swift, Crag Martin and Hoopoe. Altogether we counted up 69 species of bird that we saw or heard over the week - but the actual number must be larger. With your expertise, Denis, we saw and learned about such a lot. It was a really good trip, with good accommodation in Mostar. It was good that we were a small group of eight people, and had the use of two vehicles. Our drivers were also great, and very professional. We would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone who loves nature and travelling.

- Jacky and Martyn Atkinson, Stratford-upon-Avon, 2026.

       Experiencing birds, butterflies and orchids in stunning habitats was such a delight. Highlights included close views of migrating Montagu''s Harriers, the spectacle of the Sand Martin "murmuration" colony at a working quarry shared with Bee-eaters, and Wrynecks and Golden Orioles at the Buna River woodlands.

       Denis took so much care to show us the nest sites of Western Rock Nuthatch, Lesser Spotted and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers, and his local knowledge gave us every chance of seeing the most species possible. The local cuisine was delicious, including the burek Bosnian pie, and the tour was superbly organised and with such good humour. Our group had a truly memorable week.

- Alan Moore, Berkshire, 2026.

       Denis offered to give a talk to our local RSPB group about the little-known birding hotspot he used to call home. We had never had a talk about birdwatching in Herzegovina so were very interested in what he had to say.

       From the offset he was showing us wonderful pictures in varying habitats that begged to be explored. After his talk my wife and I knew straight away we had to go there, as did several others from our local group.

       Arriving at Dubrovnik airport one day early, we stayed in a local hotel arranged by Denis which had amazing wildlife just across the road and immediately we were seeing new birds, bees, butterflies and lizards in fabulous surroundings. We were collected on Sunday and headed to Herzegovina. The group (of 13) was a mixture of couples and individuals with different interests and expertise. Over the week we were taken to see the beautiful and varied habitats at a fairly leisurely pace. We explored marshes, wetlands, Karst Fields and mountainous regions. This diversity supplied us with an array of outstanding wildlife, unusual flowers, strange insects, reptiles, amphibians and of course the birds. Denis was on hand to identify the sounds we heard, and had a telescope to help all the group see some of the trickier species.

       Whether a novice or experienced birder, Denis did an excellent job of "catering" for all of us. With a continental breakfast before setting out, and exceptional lunches at remote and picturesque locations, returning back to base after a great day's birding for yet more food. Needless to say, the diet starts tomorrow! After the weeks exploration we clocked up 100-145 species of birds, but more importantly we all had a great time and this was all down to Denis. So, if you want to visit somewhere a little different, with great food and wildlife, and without thousands of tourists, then your search is over.
Thank you Denis.

- Mark and Karen Weston , West Sussex, 2026.

       Big thanks to Denis for a fabulous week in Herzegovina for the culture and birding tour. It didn't take long to get to know our travelling companions who helped the holiday to be so successful. The drivers of the two minibuses were very professional and we all felt very safe. Our party took up the whole guesthouse so we knew all of our neighbours. Rooms were clean, air-conditioned and Denis had provided a kettle and a variety of teabags, with a communal fridge containing milk. These are all thoughtful additions for our holiday. Water is very clean and drinkable from taps.

       Each day started with a breakfast buffet in a nearby restaurant. During the mornings we'd stop for coffee provided in the flasks Denis had given us in a picturesque location. Either packed lunches or restaurant lunches every day, too. The days were all at a comfortable pace, so we could all enjoy our surroundings. Fabulous scenery and great birding. The alpine meadows in the Dinaric Alps were a real favourite for me with Rock Partridge, Ortolan Bunting, Corncrake, Quail and Nutcracker amongst the wondrous wildflowers.

       Our day in Sarajevo was really moving. A city with a fascinating history. We arrived there by a world renowned train journey. Each evening we had delicious 3 course dinner at the local hotel with a couple of drinks included. Beware, the food portions are vast.
I can highly recommend this trip, it will long stay in my memory.

- Cheryl and David Deeks, Suffolk, 2026.

       I still can't quite believe I was in such a fascinating, beautiful country seeing so much wildlife and flora. Denis shared his love and enthusiasm with us as did all the other members of our little group. I learnt so much that will lead me to more informed bird watching in the future. From day one to the last day Denis treated us to laughter, great food, excellent travel arrangements and an experience I will always treasure.

- Valerie Richards, Staffordshire, 2026.

       Our week with in "Wild Herzegovina" was a joy from start to finish and thanks to Denis for making all go so well with your great humour, vigor, energy and tremendous knowledge and yet always with such great care, attention and kindness - thank you for all of this.

       The trip was truly perfect in all aspects across such a variety of terrain, and to be able to explore this with your insights bringing razor like bird and location knowledge to play day in and day out was a privilege and a daily treat! Thank you for your most generous and continuous hospitality which was unfailingly plentiful and often unexpected and so much enjoyed by all. I will be singing your praises to all who may be willing to listen (!) and thank you once again - memories have certainly been created which shall live long and bring happy smiles on contented recall for sure.

- Stephen Day, Berkshire, 2026.

       I really enjoyed the holiday and getting to know and understand a little better, that part of the Europe with its beautiful and diverse habitats and interesting history.

       You were a wonderful guide and host, keen for us to see as many birds of different species and habitats as possible. Not having been on a bird watching holiday before I learned a lot! Your attention to detail was much appreciated so everything ran smoothly even to checking the weather forecast daily and changing our itinerary where a different location might give us every chance of avoiding the rain which was mostly very successful. Our drivers Edin and Tale were ever vigilant and helpful to our needs. They had some long days and we always felt safe. They were wonderful, so attentive and fun. You are a great team. Thank you.

       I have many memorable moments such as the Red-footed Falcons flying over the water feeding up on Mayflies. The skies were black and the thunderstorm that followed was dramatic. We all hurriedly ran back to the vehicles and just missed the torrential ran that beat down on the vehicles roof. Afterwards we saw 30 or 40 Falcons lined up on the dead storks of corn, resting before they flew again and fed, until they were ready to continue their journey.

       Our river boat trip was another highlight for me with so many Squacco Herons flying from Lily Pad to Lily Pad, always just in front of us, together with many other herons. Then we saw a pair of Penduline tits finishing their exquisite nest made out of reed seed heads. Fingers crossed that it'll still be there next week for the following group to enjoy. Apparently they were often predated and destroyed. There were many, many other sightings. It's wonderful to have a better understanding of a very small part of our beautiful diverse planet.

- Ann Piggott, Warwickshire, 2026.

       An outstanding birdwatching trip to Herzegovina with a brief visit into Croatia. Denis is an excellent guide, whose knowledge of the area is superb. The whole experience was efficient and extremely well organised from start to finish. The transport and accommodation were first class. We had two excellent drivers, Edin and Tale who were safe and very helpful. We were taken to many restaurants to eat, which were all of a very high standard with plenty of unlimited choice from the menu.

       This tour comes highly recommended for those seeking to explore the birdlife amongst some lovely scenery. As a group of 13, between us we found 139 bird species as well as numerous butterflies, insects and pretty flowers. My hobby is bird photography so I captured some stunning photographs with many lifers.

- John and Alan Absolom, Reading, 2026.

       We had a wonderful holiday in Herzegovina with you Denis as our guide combining birdwatching with the history and culture of the area. We might have been a little early in the season for the best birdwatching but 63 species in the week is not a bad tally. I had never seen a Wryneck before and the three different types of Woodpecker all in the same day were simply wonderful. The Alpine Swifts screeching around the cliffs were a joyous sight. Not forgetting the Blue Rock Thrush and the Hoopoes, I could go on and on ...

       We ate lunches in some wonderful restaurants in special locations especially the Old Mill where we sat beside the waterfalls watching the Dippers. I will always remember being served coffee up in the mountains by our two friendly drivers Edin and Tale using the ancient tombstones of the necropolis as a table!

       We had knowledgeable local guides in Sarajevo and Mostar who shared their personal experiences of the war which left me wanting to learn more about the region and its history. We wanted for nothing the whole week, the weather was perfect with sunny blue skies every day. The whole tour was meticulously planned and we would't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

- Chris and Maureen Cobb, Northumberland, 2026.

       The Wild Herzegovina Birdwatching tour took us to a remarkable mix of habitats and stunningly beautiful locations. We walked at a pace to enable everyone in the group to spot birds that Denis pointed out and also for some of the group to observe the flora and invertebrates and all other wildlife. Denis' attention to detail provided everything for our comfort and always the best tables in restaurants - some beautiful and interesting places to eat lunch.

       We felt completely safe with the two vehicle drivers who took great care of us. All in all the tour was perfectly organised, from the initial booking and help with arranging accommodation the night before the tour started, until the special treat at the marshlands on our last day and a final photo of a very happy group.

- Helena Pointer, Bedford, 2026.

       Just to say many thanks for the very interesting stay with you in Bosnia. It was a very enjoyable birding trip. Your organisation was excellent,the variety of locations was always interesting and the lunch stops, breakfasts and evening meals always provided good choices and tasty meals. The variety of birds seen in so many different locations was excellent.
I would also like to complement your drivers for their courtesy and driving skills in sometimes difficult terrain.

       You can be proud of running such an impressive operation. I have very good memories of my trip to Bosnia.

- Roger Barnes, Kingston upon Thames, 2026.

       My wife and I thought we were keen birdwatchers; however, we were woefully unprepared for the spectacle of such a wide variety of species in this spectacular region of Herzegovina. Our low-end binoculars hampered the identification of some distant activity; however, other members of the friendly group were happy to help out and of course, Denis was quick to set up the scope for everyone to get a great view. We personally recorded well over a hundred and twenty different sightings, 50% or so, of which we had never seen before, fabulous!

      The food was fantastic (including some memorable lunches in authentic restaurants). Denis was the perfect host, leader, birdspotter and organiser. It was a truly innovative and enjoyable week pursuing our hobby in the friendliest of countries. Thank you, Denis, see you again soon!

- Andy and Anne-Christine Cameron, Oxfordshire, 2026.

       I really enjoyed the trip. Having never bird watched in Europe before I was introduced to many new birds, which was a delight. I also enjoyed the spectacular scenery, walking around Mostar, the other people on the trip and the thought that you had put into everything including the smaller things like beverages in our rooms, and the bird photos within the accommodation.

Many thanks for a lovely trip.

- Bridget Carter, Swansea, 2026.

       We thoroughly enjoyed our culture and birding trip to Herzogovina. Denis had organised a special itinerary with a great balance between the culture and the beautiful countryside. To visit all the different areas sometimes required a couple of hours in the minibuses, but his drivers were wonderful; safe, courteous and kind gentlemen who enhanced the trip.

       The majority of guests found no need to spend the "pocket money" Denis lent us as there was a generous allowance for food and beverage. The local restaurant where we had most breakfasts and all but one evening meal was great. A large selection of local and more international cuisine, although vegetarians would find fewer options. Denis has a gift for bringing out the best in people which made it a special holiday which achieved its billing of sharing the culture and nature, especially birds of this undervisited area.

- Veronica Priestly, Egham, 2026.

       A very enjoyable week discovering Herzegovina with Denis and his two very kind and caring drivers. The range of habitats and scenery was impressive, and we saw an excellent variety of birds, including for me over 20 "lifers".

       There were too many bird highlights to list them all, but the Wryneck, nesting Penduline Tits, perched Golden Oriels and a field of Red-footed Falcons were just a few. Despite the weather being unkind on the last couple of days we still added some memorable birds to our sightings, including Sombre Tits feeding young and a singing Ring Ouzel.

- Margo Scott, Surrey, 2026.

       At first I was a little apprehensive about going birding on my own outside the EU. My wife was so disappointed that she had to pull out. I needn't have worried! Everything went smoothly with Denis picking me, and some others up, who were a great bunch whisking us away to Mostar, which was to be the centre for our daily adventures. Even on the way, we stopped to visit a beautiful Karst Valley where we had a great view of Black Headed Bunting (which was quite yellow) and a Blue Rock Thrush with Nightingales singing in the bushes.
Quite a start!

       The rest of the holiday carried on in the same vein with a varied itinerary. One day in the mountains viewing Crested Tits, Firecrests, assorted raptors including Short-toed Eagles and Honey Buzzards. The most amazing site was a sand quarry with literally thousands of Sand Martins nesting there - almost comparable to a murmuration. Lastly the sheer numbers of Red-footed Falcons waiting for the Mayfly hatch on a marsh.

       I must mention our 2 mini bus drivers Edin and Tale who along with Denis, being so thoughtful and couldn't do enough for us. One thing that I had to cut down on was the great food (so much).
Generally the weather was very good which helped to make this a holiday I will never forget.

- Clifford Elliott, Surrey, 2026.

       It is some weeks since our holiday in Herzegovina with Denis and we are still talking about it. We saw some fabulous birds that we hadn't seen before, visited some amazing landscapes and water features, encountered extraordinary kindness, and all the time we knew that Denis and his two excellent drivers were on top of every eventuality.

       Thank you so much for a fantastic time and best wishes for the rest of the season.

- Judy Plant, London, 2026.

       What can we say that hasn't already been said? Denis planned the culture/bird watching brilliantly. We saw diverse environments, different bird life, met local people and had a variety of experiences without feeling rushed.

       The accommodation was ideal, the drivers looked after us with care and we had meals in wonderful locations. Denis' personality was certainly integral to our enjoyment of the holiday, too. We have returned wanting to find out more about the history of the area. Denis even arranged emergency dental treatment at a reasonable cost! What more can we say, than we would do it all again!

- Kay and David Petherick, Reading, 2026.

       Prior to the trip we had very little knowledge of Bosnia Herzegovina and were amazed both at the variety of habitats you introduced us to and the variety of species of birds, plants and wildlife in general that we saw.

       We had a fantastic time, loved the food (plenty of choice for us vegetarians) and appreciated your knowledge, expertise and good humour. All in all a thoroughly memorable trip that we have already recommended to family and friends.

- Virginia Craig, Essex, 2026.

       Jane and I enjoyed every moment of your perfectly crafted birding and cultural tour in Herzegovina which gave us an invaluable insight into the history and wildlife of this country. Without your detailed knowledge, particularly of its birds, we would only have seen and understood a small fraction of the story waiting to be told. The local food specialities and the fellow travellers were also much appreciated.

- Malcolm and Jane Key, Suffolk, 2026.

       We are so happy that we chose to visit Herzegovina with you. We had a wonderful time with lots of laughs, birds and amazing scenery & experiences.

       Your knowledge, personality and attention to detail meant that all we had to do was be in the right place at the right time to enjoy ourselves. You also felt like part of our group rather than just the leader and we had so much fun together.

       You should be very proud of your country and the way in which you have created a tour to showcase it to those lucky enough to experience it.
So a massive thank you from Elaine and I for an unforgettable week.

- Dominic and Elaine Honey, Pinner, 2026.

       We would like to thank you Denis for a wonderful holiday packed with bird watching highlights and interesting history of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

       The accommodation was clean and comfortable and the food was excellent with plenty of choice to suit all tastes. The two drivers were extremely friendly and always helpful which was much appreciated. Our personal highlights was seeing a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker for the first time and later in the tour a Nightingale which I managed to photograph.

- Deborah and David Howard, Kent, 2026.

       We simply loved our holiday!

       I had felt some trepidation at joining the group, with no previous experience of bird-watching and a somewhat limited knowledge of birds. However, you gave us such a warm welcome that I immediately felt at ease. You (and others) were very kind in helping me to sight each bird, (Peter first showing me on his app) and, with the speedy setting-up of your scope, we all had a splendid close-up view to enjoy. It was thrilling to see birds I'd never seen before, as well as the familiar in new surroundings.

       As to the country - how beautiful and varied it is: from fast-flowing, white-water rapids, to still, clear turquoise waters; a sandy quarry with masses of Sand Martins whirling and weaving, to deciduous woodland (woodpeckers); from awesome, towering rocky cliffs, to green meadows, with an abundance of wild flowers. I especially marvelled at so many flowers, most of which do not occur in the UK. Thanks for the loan of the book, which was helpful.

       I greatly enjoyed sampling the local food. I (almost always) greedily cleared my plate, despite the enormous helpings!

       So - a very big thank you, Denis, for giving us such a wonderful and memorable holiday.

       P.S.
       I would like to add my own personal thanks to you for the recent marvellous trip you led in Herzegovina. We have been on many such walking trips in small groups of like minded people in different parts of the world, your trip must be one of the best we have experienced.

In your quiet and unassuming way you made the group gel and, in only a day, despite our different backgrounds, everyone was mixing as if they were friends. Our favorite country has always been Greece, especially Crete, with its friendly people, unspoilt gorges and mountains and amazing archeology sites. We had never visited The Balkans before last year. You have now shown us what we have missed.

       Of course this trip was to see birds, and you led us skilfully to all the best places to achieve this. So many different and colourful birds, many only previously seen in bird books, were pointed out to us, and then shown to us in your scope in all their splendour.

       Your concept of providing all the meals in carefully chosen restaurants, in lovely situations, and introducing us to the traditional foods of your country added to our pleasure. We were able to relax and not worry about where to eat each night!

       Seeing your beautiful country before the advent of mass tourism was indeed a bonus. It reminded me of visiting Greece as a student in the 1960s!

       Finally, I would like to thank you for that extra bit of help, after our "goodbyes", of suggesting spending the day before our flight in Cavtat. It was the perfect place to visit. We were able to leave our cases at the bus station with no problem.

       We had a lovely walk beside the inlet, through the pine wood with its special evocative smell, to the lovely port full of waterside restaurants. What a perfect way to end our memorable holiday.

- Robert and Barbara Tan, Bath, 2025.

       Birds History and Culture.

       I have to say I think this was the perfect mix of both birds and culture. Although a little later in the season for most birding trips there was still lots to see. Denis knows his birds and locations so well, that there was plenty to show us, from woodland woodpeckers, Golden Orioles galore – he even knew individual nests, Dippers favourite watering spots in town, Bee eaters, Choughs in the mountains. It was glorious.

       But Denis also knows his history too. It was good to visit the ancient fortress at Daorson, to see the various sites for stećci, to spend time in Sarajevo, which was a real taster leaving us wanting more, and many opportunities to taste good local food. The guides he found to take us around Sarajevo and Mostar were excellent and all clearly invested in their country, factually correct and with no particular axe to grind. Truly professional.

       The organisation and admin of the whole trip was above and beyond my previous experience and I have travelled a lot over the decades. Greeted bang on time at the airport with personalised coffee cups and drinks flasks, and wherever we stopped our two excellent drivers Edin and Tale, were ready with flasks of hot water for tea, coffee and snacks and if we were out and about all day, beautifully fresh baguettes (with veggie option no problem) for lunch. Breakfast was in a hotel across the street from our spotless and very comfortable pension, and dinner about a 10-minute stroll in the absolute centre of Mostar. Always served with local ingredients, drinks and efficient service.

       All in all, in my opinion, I think this was one of the best trips I have ever taken, and that is up against the likes of some well known wildlife travel companies. Our group was small, well cared for, and treated like royalty. Well done, Denis and his team for a great trip.

- Janice McClean, Kent, 2025.

       Wild Herzegovina April 2025.

       It's very difficult to find an accolade that hasn't already been applied to this amazing tour. For me it was an introduction to a completely unfamiliar part of the world: its scenery, culture and wildlife. Although I knew a little of the turbulent history of Mostar, it was fascinating to actually be there and to learn more about the complexities behind the conflict. This added an extra dimension to an already unforgettable experience.

       It's true what everyone says - Denis is a thoughtful, congenial and extremely knowledgeable host, and everyone else who looked after us, in the accommodation, the restaurants and the vehicles, went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable. As for the scenery and wildlife... wow! Some of our group had brought along serious pieces of photographic kit so were able to take excellent close-ups which they kindly shared with the rest of us. What you're likely to see depends on the time of year, and the weather of course is in the lap of the Gods, but by taking us through lush valleys, woodlands, marshes and high limestone crags Denis made sure we weren't ever disappointed. The boat trip through the Hutovo Blato National Park was particularly memorable.

       And the food...! All delicious and substantial, with plenty of choice, taken in delightful surroundings whether outdoors or in.

       All in all it was a most enjoyable holiday. Meeting so many lovely new like-minded friends was a definite bonus! Thank you so much Denis.

- Christine Bateman, East Sussex, 2025.

       I would like to express my renewed thanks for a marvellous week combining birdwatching and culture/history. I was uplifted by the sheer beauty of the mountains and limestone escarpments, the glorious profusion of wildflowers and the dramatic waterfalls, before even mentioning the interesting birds we saw! To see a Wryneck at its nest hole, a Golden Oriole on its nest while a Short-toed Snake Eagle circled above, was a huge thrill and was brought about by your skill and deep knowledge of these (and many other) species.

       Our cultural range was also wide - from medieval tombs left by early Christians to Tito's nuclear bunker complex deep inside a mountain! My personal highlight was our guided tour of Sarajevo, led by an exceptional local resident who'd lost her own father in the 1991-5 war. It was heartening to see that beleaguered city thriving despite the many reminders of war all around us, from bullet holes on buildings to street memorials.

       Your care throughout the week was faultless and we wanted for nothing! We ate delicious food in local restaurants and were served coffee in remote locations by our two friendly drivers, who also refilled our water flasks when wanted.

       I will always remember my week in your beautiful country and I have no hesitation in recommenting Wild Herzegovina to others.

- Sylvia Bain, East Sussex, 2025.

       I accompanied my birding husband on this tour, I was quite apprehensive about the trip as although I love wildlife I don’t pretend to be an avid birdwatcher, but I was immediately put at ease when we were met at the airport by Denis and the minibus drivers Edin and Tale, I was also pleasantly surprised to meet such a lovely and fun group of people too.

       Denis was so knowledgeable and made every outing so interesting, the drivers were so much fun, and they kept us topped up with Tea, biscuits and water, they were so attentive and helpful and shared interesting local history and knowledge. The whole tour was so well organised and catered for our every need, every day included a group breakfast at a local hotel, then we were taken out to fabulous and very diverse areas, with different sights and scenery each day , including mountains, meadows, waterfalls, rivers, caves, valleys and karst fields, with beautiful birds, butterflies, moths, flowers, bugs, lizards and frogs.

       We were treated to delicious picnic lunches or taken to beautiful restaurants for lunch, and then ended each day with a dinner with the group in the beautiful Mostar old town. Both my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip and we are looking at booking one of the other available tours. Thank you all for such a great week.

- Julie and Dick Johnson, Derbyshire, 2025.

       I saw Denis's stand at Bird Fair and was captivated by the spectacular panoramic image. We reserved for the Birding, History & Culture tour and before we went had the pleasure of seeing Denis again, giving a talk at our local RSPB group.

       The reality was every bit as good as the slide show. A beautiful and interesting country, great birds, excellent food (Taurus tavern in Mostar was a favourite) and fascinating historical sites. Edin, our driver, was always so kind and helpful. Guides in Mostar and Sarajevo gave fascinating and sobering insights into more recent history. The tour certainly covered all three topics well and satisfied the keen birders as well as those of us with more general interest. We would certainly go to Bosnia/Herzegovina again.

- Jan Tilsley and Robert Bird, Nottingham, 2025.

       Just returned from Denis's Birdwatching and History/culture tour. As most of our holidays are 100% wildlife based this was a change of direction and so pleased we chose it.

       Denis selected the best birdwatching sites for the time of year, taking us to some fantastic mountain and marshland habitats. Contrast that with a mix of ancient cultural sites and to understand more about the recent history with guided tours of Old Mostar and Sarajevo made for a wonderful combination. Add to that some excellent local cuisine in family run restaurants completed a most enjoyable holiday.

- Ralph and Brenda Todd, Kent, 2025.

       A unique and amazing week in a beautiful country with a wide variety of habitats. Migration was over by the time we went, but there are plenty of resident birds to see, many not found in the UK, as well as all the other wildlife. Denis took us to places that would only be known to someone with his excellent local knowledge. With his encyclopaedic knowledge of the birds of Herzegovina and his quick eye for identification we saw many birds that we would otherwise have missed.

       Denis put so much effort into ensuring that everything went smoothly, accommodation clean and comfortable, restaurants booked with advance copies of the menus, transport with excellent careful drivers, knowledgeable guides in Mostar and Sarajevo, tea and coffee facilities laid on, and even water bottles and reusable cups provided. A big thank you to Denis.

- Sacha and Margaret Shaw, East Sussex, 2025.

       An excellent week spent in good company, enjoying the natural and cultural features of Herzegovina. A well-planned itinerary with lots of attention to detail, very good food and drink, safe travel with friendly drivers, and comfortable accommodation.

       We saw the places whose names I remembered from the news in the 90s and heard from locals about the impact the conflicts had on them. We birded in alpine meadows, mountain ridges, woods and wetlands. We saw a lot of birds but also flowers, insects, bats and a few lizards, which made the whole experience so much more rounded and enjoyable. Highly recommended.

- David Scott, Oxford, 2025.

       What a great combination of birdwatching, other wildlife , history and culture this tour was! Denis took us to some beautiful and varied habitats with a whole host of different bird species.

       The historic sites we visited and learning about the complicated history of this region was so interesting and eye opening. Denis's attention to detail is superb and has all of your everyday needs covered. This unique and niche tour has given us a fantastic holiday with some lovely memories to take away.

- Richard and Amanda Nelson, Essex, 2025.

       Thanks for an excellent trip to Herzegovina - right from picking us up and handing out individual water flasks and cups to the end dropping us off at Cavtat for a very enjoyable few hours before our flight home.

       We certainly saw lots of fabulous scenery in the different locations we were taken by your colleagues. We saw a total of 133 bird species, some a fleeting glimpse and others much more visible. We managed a few life ticks such as the Western Rock Nuthatch, Sombre Tit, Rock Partridge and Ortolan Bunting. We also saw 15 species of Butterfly and a red (black) squirrel in Cavtat.

       The wild flowers and orchids were stunning but left the experts to identify them. The weather was kind, apart from one thunderstorm we were caught in.

       All the food we had from sandwiches to restaurants was excellent too - we probably over-indulged but needed to keep our strength up!

       The huge colony of Sand Martins and Bee-eaters will live in the memory for a long time, as will the beautiful poppies in that location.

       Thanks to the great drivers who looked after us and hope Edin's new van will give many miles of service even on a few bumpy mountain roads. Thanks also to all the restaurant staff who were very attentive.

       Finally a thank you to you Denis for a wonderful trip and appreciate all the detailed organisation you put into the trip and won't hesitate to recommend you to like-minded birders in the future.

- Paul and Denise Bebbington, Cheshire, 2025.

       Thank you for a memorable trip.

       We enjoyed the experience of a new country with its uniques culture and history, the wide variety of habitats we visited and the birds (obviously) especially the Western Rock Nuthatch (a lifer for me as were 16 others). We were very well treated - excellent accommodation and food - by amazing hosts; a big thank you to our driver Edin. And we had good weather as well despite the gloomy forecast at the beginning to the week.

- David, Lesley and Warren Luyt, Leicester, 2025.

       This holiday was an excellent blend of some memorable birding experiences coupled with accounts of the near and far histories of this nation. Walking on a sandy ridge with Bee eaters nesting below us on one side and thousands of Sand Martins on the other was one of the most memorable experiences of our birding lives. Denis is a meticulous planner: whatever you think of, he will have it covered.

- Alan and Monica Bowen, Guildford, 2025.

       We've had a wonderful week - thank you, Denis. You balanced the bird-watching perfectly with the history and culture of the country. We have come away with far more understanding of this beautiful part of Europe with its stunning scenery and complex history.

- Maggie Grimsdell and Vic Ellis, Brighton, 2025.

       Just a quick note to say thank you, and say how much we enjoyed our visit to Herzegovina. The birding was as good as it could possibly have been, great photo opportunities, and your enthusiasm for birds and nature, along with your local knowledge are out of this world.

       The hospitality shown to us by everyone we met during our stay was a credit to your very special country. Your organisation, and flexibility when required to make sure that we all had a fabulous trip was exceptional, WELL DONE! You clearly pride yourself on making sure everyone has a great time during their stay.

       Cavtat was very nice, thanks for your suggestions as to what to do to fill the time before our flights, and we saw a squirrel on our walk around the headland which was nice.

- Terry and Lesley Armstrong, Northampton, 2025.

       From the moment I arrived at Dubrovnik Airport, I was very well taken care of on this birding holiday. The drivers were kind, helping us to get out of the vehicles if we needed an extra hand (as well as slipping us an extra biscuit with our morning hot drinks) and Edin in particular was very informative so I feel I learnt a lot about not only wildlife but the recent history of the area too.

       The accommodation was well located and the rooms were stocked with enough tea, coffee and hot chocolate to open a small cafe! Not that there was much free time to sit and relax as the days were full, leaving after breakfast and coming back with just enough time for a shower before the evening meal in the delightful Taurus restaurant in the old town.

       So many good birds, including a few lifers, which is always a bonus. Denis went out of his way to make sure we had as many good views of the birds as possible. Some eluded us, like the Nutcracker, but that's always a reason to come back another year, which I'm sure I will. Too many highlights to mention them all but one of the simplest was walking into the old town, watching out for the Dipper and Grey Wagtail on the fast flowing river. On the last evening I spotted the Wagtail feeding a youngster near the restaurant, which was a delight to watch.

- Janet Panter, Dorset, 2025.

       This was my first birding holiday and I was not disappointed. The week was well organised from being collected at the airport and then dropped off at the end of the week. Everything you need is provided, so no further costs are incurred.

       The birdwatching was amazing as were the varied locations visited. Denis is a fountain of knowledge on all things wildlife, not just birds. I was impressed to record 135 bird species with 22 lifers, with the Nutcracker being the highlight.

       I can recommend this trip and no doubt will be returning in years to come.

- Marion Bertuzzo, London, 2025.

       Everything about Denis's holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina was Gold Star. His birding skills and knowledge in his familiar surroundings are absolutely top class. In addition to a wealth of birds, migrating or otherwise, we visited widely varied landscapes all around Mostar, Sand Martin cliff faces, marshlands, karst fields, lower alpine meadows and high up into the Dinaric Alps. Our minibus drivers were ace drivers. They were fun, friendly, polite and very helpful.

       At every stopping off point there was plenty of time to find and view the birds, take in the remarkable scenery and photograph the many beautiful wild flowers, especially the orchids.

       Our restaurant lunch breaks were always delightful - tasting wonderful traditional dishes and freshly baked breads. Our Mostar restaurant for evening meals was equally good with so many choices of meat, fish and veggie dishes - all so tasty. It goes without saying that the local beers and wines hit the mark every time! Accommodation in Mostar was equally tip top with every need catered for. Denis, you are a star and your holidays are 5 star++.

- Pamela Rogerson, Edinburgh, 2025.

       We thoroughly enjoyed our trip with you and thought you were very patient with ourg roup! We loved Mostar and appreciated staying in one place and visiting different habitats within reasonable distances every day. We thought the scenery was amazing and the bodies of water particularly beautiful.

       We did have fun and want to thank you for your efforts in finding the birds and in looking after us. We were grateful of the coffee stops and enjoyed trying the different restaurants for lunch. We will recommend your trip to others and may see you on a cultural holiday in the future.

- Janet Jackson and David Waltham, Buckinghamshire, 2025.

       Thank you for making every aspect our trip to Herzegovina so memorable. The warm welcome at our comfortable guest house. The stunning scenery and fabulous wildlife at all the diverse habitats we visited.

       The delicious regional food at the lovely restaurant in beautiful old Mostar, and the lunches en route. Who else sees dipper and grey wagtail on their way to dinner?

       Thanks to our drivers Edin and Tale for their friendly helpfulness and the much appreciated drinks and biscuits. There are too many highlights to mention but the Bee-eaters, the endless wild flowers and the peksimeti at the mountain restaurant will stay with me forever.

       Thank you again for coming to talk to RSPB Leicester, without which some of us would not have known about the trip and wouldn't have met such a great group of people.

- Linda Hardcastle, Leicestershire, 2025.

       Firstly our group would like to say a big thanks to a fabulous week in your beautiful country. Our hosts were fantastic they couldn't do enough for us which we really appreciated and the food was a tantalizing experience so yummy.

       Each day was an adventure with so many different birds, flowers, butterflies and amphibians we didn't know which way to look. I for one got my target birds with a lot of lifers to add to the count.

       Your knowledge of the areas we visited showed how dedicated you are to give us all the experience of seeing beautiful birds and stunning scenery.

       Finally I want to say how friendly the group was that we met we had such a good time with plenty of laughs along the way.

- Myra and Steve Carter, Leicestershire, 2025.

       I thoroughly enjoyed myself and it was really lovely being amongst other people who enjoy this wonderful hobby of ours. There are certain moments that will stick in my memory of course: the 20 or so Red Footed Falcons hawking by the vans, the Montagu's Harriers and the amazing spectacle of the Sand Martin and Bee-eater colony, not to forget the Rock Partridge of course.

       If you want a birding trip that delivers quality birding with good company and an excellent leader then this is most certainly the trip for you. Herzegovina is a little gem of a corner of Europe that not only promises good birding and beautiful countryside but delivers too as it not only boasts Mediterranean specialities but also sub-alpine and Southern European specialities too.

       Herzegovina sits on the cusp of all of these areas and on our trip we managed 139 species of quality birds including Rock Bunting, Rock Partridge, Short Toed Snake Eagle and Western Rock Nuthatch. This really is a special area and I cannot recommend this trip more highly to any birdwatcher of any standard. Denis caters for all abilities and his thoroughness and patience with all is to be commended. I promise, on the words of The Terminator, I will be back!

- Martin Bailey-Wood, Cardiff, 2025.

       When we told friends we were going on a birding holiday to Herzegovina, the general response was "I didn’t know that anyone ran them!" And that's because Denis is literally a one-man show there, but definitely knows the region very well.

       Our trip involved a wide range of habitats, literally driving out to all points of the compass from Mostar. And Denis knew just where to go specifically to spot a wide range of birds, including those on migration. The scenery is stunning in itself, and as well as birds we came across a range of species of invertebrates, orchids, frogs, toads and bats. My camera was working overtime.

       Finally, good food, drink and company rounded off a great break. Many thanks, Denis.

- John and Diane Osborne , Coventry, 2025.

       What can I say? Brilliant birding, fantastic food, stunning scenery and great company. Denis, our leader, very knowledgeable, helpful and a wonderful sense of humour.

       A definite "must do". I can’t recommend it highly enough.

- Martin Bland, North Yorkshire, 2025.

       Denis and his team worked exceptionally hard to provide an excellent holiday. Many birds were seen in varied and beautiful landscapes and good meals were enjoyed with a friendly group of people.

       We would highly recommend his tour in a country where there are few visiting birders and where Denis provides a well organised all round experience.

- Jane and Glenn Stamp, Lincoln, 2025.

       Thank you for giving us a great birding experience. We learnt a lot about your beautiful country, and saw some amazing birds.

       The food provided was outstanding and I really appreciated your attention to detail and the care you took to make sure my lactose free diet was available.

       I am sure we will remember our Herzegovina experience for ever and for all the right reasons.

- Margaret and Derek Beardsmore, Staffordshire, 2025.

       The tour represented excellent value, being less expensive than birdwatching holidays to other European destinations. Denis is an excellent guide, possessing the attributes of acute eyesight and hearing, and an encyclopaedic knowledge of the region's bird life and migration patterns, having watched birds there since his youth.

       All meals and drinks were included. Where possible lunch was taken at local restaurants, including one offering freshly caught trout from the river alongside. Evening meals were taken at a restaurant serving traditional local food near the iconic Mostar Bridge in the old town.

       The guest houses used were clean and comfortable and run by friendly and helpful hosts.

- Peter Smart and Ann Russell, Orpington, 2025.

       We had a marvellous time visiting Bosnia-Herzegovina. The profound knowledge and fieldwork by Denis meant that he knew where the birds would be and enabled us to see over 115 types of bird, some in our group even spotted more! Many of the birds we had not seen before and were very beautiful. But just as importantly Denis took us to such a variety of settings to see the birds - rivers, marshlands, valleys, mountains - we were so privileged to see the beautiful landscapes of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

       Mostar is a charming city and the accommodation was very comfortable and modern. The food at the Taurus restaurant was delicious with plenty of choices.

       We were so impressed with Denis' meticulous organisation, the friendliness of our drivers and the other people we met there. Go on the Wild Herzegovina birdwatching holiday - you will be wowed by what you see and experience!

- Andrew and Lesley Pearce, Wokingham, 2025.

       I have not been on a bird watching holiday before and was really impressed with the attention to detail. Denis, our tour guide, provided in every aspect of the holiday arrangements: accommodation, restaurant choices, travel arrangements and wide variety of habitats we were able to visit.

       Denis's in-depth knowledge and fantastic enthusiasm really increased the experience. I would also like to thank our very careful and competent drivers and hosts. This combined with the commerardery of a very friendly, like minded, small group tour completed my holiday.

- Judith Dakin, London, 2025.

       We loved Herzegovina, the scenery is spectacular, the people were really friendly and the food was good. We were also with a really great group of people and we saw lots of great birds and other wildlife. We would certainly recommend it to anybody.

- Martin and Carol Ann Langhorn, Cheshire, 2025.

       Denis's Wild Herzegovina birding holiday was just brilliant. The country is SO beautiful, not to mention interesting, and the bird life is fantastic. Our time more than fulfilled every expectation. Denis is completely enthusiastic, and a great advocate for the country and its birdlife.

       He works so hard to ensure you get to all the best sites, which of course he knows inside out, and ensures you get every chance to see the special birds there. All practicalities are worked out, tried and tested, and function superbly.

       He has the best drivers imaginable, they take such care of you, and feeding you in lovely local restaurants gives you an excellent snapshot of local food, always delivered with care and attention. Accommodation is great, and Denis will help you or advise you efficiently also with whatever needs you have before the start and after the end of your time with him.

       Can't speak too highly of it all in every way. Book up quickly!

- Clive and Nicola Hall, Somerset, 2025.

       Not having been to any of Denis's presentations of the Wild Herzegovina trips, bur hearing glowing reports from those who had, I booked onto one of Denis's trips 2025.

       I thoroughly enjoyed looking at the scenery, flora, fauna and birds of the Bosnia Herzegovina region, especially having close views of birds such as Zitting Cisticola .

       Who could forget the sight of 5000+ Sand Martins pairs at the sand quarry.
I have no hesitation in recommending Denis'’s Wild Herz trips.

- Michael Pooling, Lincolnshire, 2025.

       Denis gave us a great introduction to Herzegovina. Never a site visited without his finding us something new, even if it took most of the day to track it down - think elusive Rock Partridge! The area, which is very beautiful, is barely on the birdwatching map.

       Not a single hide or pair of binoculars to be seen outside our group. For me that made it all the more special. There are a wide range of habitats within easy reach, so great for a mix of birds, with butterflies and wildflowers besides. We were treated royally with a sit down lunch most days, and dinner each evening in a restaurant next to Mostar's old bridge. Boy did we eat a lot, and a generous drinks allowance to go with! Interesting to explore the local cuisine under guidance from Denis. We were encouraged to keep our own bird lists. Mine was 110ish, give or take a few. It was a great trip which I'd certainly recommend. With many thanks to our two drivers, and especially to Denis for his enthusiasm and commitment to showing us a good time in all sorts of ways.

- Jenny Hill, Hertfordshire, 2024.

      We wanted to say again a huge thank you for hosting such a wonderful week of birdwatching, wildflowers, and other natural history highlights!

      Within a few minutes of meeting you at Dubrovnik Airport, we were sure we were in for a great time! We remember another guest had found an Emperor Moth just outside the terminal building window and was keen to show you. Having checked your other guests were OK with this, you headed outside to confirm the sighting! Your natural enthusiasm was infectious.

      And we very much benefitted from this, as well as your amazing knowledge of where to find the birds we wanted to see and hear, including Golden Orioles, Short-toed Eagles, Black Terns, Montague’s Harriers, and many more whose names escape me!

      And we also very much appreciated your interest in other aspects of nature that we all saw and found, including so many different types of butterfly, beautiful wild flowers such as orchids, vivid blue gentians, fritillaries, and even a hare! And experiencing so many varied environments in just a few days wwas amazing.

      You were also very patient with those of us who wanted to take photos of birds, flowers and insects.

      As well as being careful on the roads, your two experienced drivers were exceptionally kind and thoughtful. In addition to driving us to the many different sites each day, they served out the teas and coffee and biscuits for us, helped with our luggage and belongings, and even found a crate for the less agile to use as an extra step to get into our van.

      Our lodgings were clean and comfortable, the owner looked after us very well, and it was only a few minutes’ walk to the nearby hotel where we had a super breakfast each day – which provided plenty to keep us going through the morning.

      We enjoyed the variety of lunches – sometimes at independent restaurants where we sat at a big table together and tried local dishes, and other times sandwiches and fruit while sitting on folding chairs or a convenient wall. And the restaurant where we all ate together each evening, in the centre of Mostar, was a great choice! – with delicious food, efficient and friendly service, and no need to worry about finding a restaurant or choosing a table every night.

      And by providing us each with our own metal water flask and mug for hot drinks, you ensured there was no need for single-use plastic during our week with you.

      We were also very lucky with our group: we really enjoyed their company and found everyone shared their knowledge and experience.

      During the whole week, it felt as though nothing was too much trouble. Bravo and well done to you and your colleagues!

      Thank you for making sure we both had a really lovely time!

- Robert Harris and Susan Kirkwood, Devon, 2024.

       I have been on quite a few birding holidays around our beautiful planet, but I can honestly say I haven't enjoyed any more than this one. The locations, birds, food (and beer), together with some great company, made this trip really memorable. Denis is an attentive host and a knowledgeable leader, our driver was a mine of information concerning the areas we travelled through (who will forget the village which translates as 'Ant town'?).

       It took me a few years to visit Wild Herzegovina, but I'm really glad I did.

- David Hill, Buckinghamshire, 2024.

       We have been on several bird/wildlife organised trips and this was the best all round experience. We visited varied and unique landscapes from marsh to mountain and saw a wide variety of birds at close quarters. Each day was finished with good food and wine at a local restaurant with friendly excellent service. Denis and his team did everything to make the trip a success and we were not disappointed in any way.

       Definitely recommend, thanks Denis.

- John and Jayne Coulter, Cambridgeshire, 2024.

North West Surrey RSPB Local Group Wild Herzegovina Holiday

       Thank you very much for your email, the photos and a wonderful trip. It ranks very high amongst our group ventures into Europe.

       We had a brilliant time with such a variety of birds, butterflies, plants, habitats, verdant landscapes and dramatic rivers. My trip count came to 148 bird species and at least 25 butterfly species seen (or heard) by the group. We saw some great views and I particularly enjoyed the breeding sights and interactions. The Red-footed falcon/Hobby migrating flock was memorable, as were the Sand martins, Golden Orioles, Scops Owl, and for me the Ring Ouzel alpestris pair and many others. Our hunt for the Rock Partridge was in stunning scenery, and it proved to be a very fine bird.

       I look forward to dropping in at your stand at Global Birdfair.

- Hilary MacBean, Woking, 2024.

       What a time we had with Denis in Herzegovina. The whole trip was immaculately organised with visits to a wide variety of ecosystems. To call this a bird watching tour is an underestimate as to what the experience offers. The flowers and landscapes were stunning and the camaraderie excellent. Mostar is an interesting city and we spent a rainy afternoon exploring its sights.

       The food was excellent and the quality of the drivers was superb. The trip far exceeded my expectations and I managed to get some fantastic photographs of Penduline Tits, Subalpine Warblers and many more. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone interested in eco tourism and bird watching. Denis's knowledge of the bird life of the area is second to none. I am sure if we were more expert watchers we could have seen more! A definite must to add to anyone's bucket list.

- Pete Orpin, Leicester, 2024.

       Sarah and I first met Denis of Wild Herzegovina at Birdfair 2023, he left a good impression and upon returning home and reading his website we decided to take our first ever bird watching holiday together to Herzegovina, a country we knew little about but were excited to try.

       We were not disappointed, from the moment Denis picked us up in Dubrovnik until the day he dropped us back at the airport for our return we were treated to a wonderful 7 day experience of wonderful Herzegovina. Not only superbly guided bird watching, to so many sites of urban and rural beauty, such diversity, but also our lovely, comfortable accommodation in Mostar, daily breakfast, delicious and culturally exciting lunches and our daily evening meal in a lovely restaurant in the centre of Mostar where we made new friends.

       I highly recommend Denis's Wild Herzegovina trips, they are suited to nature lovers of all abilities, they are so well organised, and will leave you with a lovely memory of a wonderful country.

- Paul and Sarah Brindley, Berkshire, 2024.

       Birdwatching in Herzegovina - April 21st - 28th 2024.

       This was our first birdwatching holiday and I can't imagine how it could have been better. Denis, our guide, had researched and planned everything down to the tiniest detail. We were taken out every day to a different location to habitats that you could never hope to find without the knowledge and experience of a local guide who had really done his homework! On arrival, Denis would tell us what birds we should expect to see in that particular area and there they were - incredible. The variety of bird life that we saw was just fantastic.

       The whole experience was wonderful and Denis has found really lovely people to work with - the minibus drivers, Tale and Edin, the owner of the guesthouse, also called Edin, and even the staff at the restaurant were all extremely nice, patient and helpful.

       If you're interested in birds and birdwatching then this is for you. Highly recommended, and also very good value!

- Russell & Julia Stevens, Leicester, 2024.

       We spent a fantastic 7 days in Bosnia led by our guide Denis whose enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge of the flora and fauna made for a wonderful trip. The range of bird species was incredible as was the varied scenery. We were very well provided for in terms of the hospitality we received and the whole experience was delightful.

       We would thoroughly recommend Wild-Herzegovina for a bird-watching and cultural extravaganza.

- Roger Trowbridge, Cardiff, 2024.

       I certainly enjoyed my visit to Herzegovina and am grateful for all your hard work in putting the package together. I have never seen so many different species of bird and other wildlife on one holiday. The opportunities for photography were just right. It only remains for me to do some editing and then put all the photos together for a (modest) boasting exercise with the family. The accommodation, eating and travel arrangements were just right and a credit to you and our driver. I can’t remember the name of our host in the Guest House but his attention to our needs was first class.

       Please pass on my sincere thanks to all concerned but in particular my thanks to you for a memorable holiday.

- Roger Muchmore, Weymouth, 2024.

       Thank you for a great holiday made possible by your skilful preparation. There were too many birding highlights to mention all but watching Penduline Tits prepare their nest must be one! The food was delicious and plentiful. We sampled both local dishes and drinks, often spoilt for choice. Mostar is a fascinating city with such a long and complicated history.

We enjoyed our walk down to the restaurant by the side of the river Neretva every evening. The landscapes were varied and beautiful. I loved the mountains, the delta and the lake/nature reserve. Everyone we met was helpful and friendly. The drivers deserve a special mention. Their driving was calm and skilful. They were kind, patient and friendly.

       I would certainly recommend the holiday and wish you all the best.

- Stella Zethraeus, Suffolk, 2024.

       Thank you so much for the great week, birdwatching/photography, accommodation and food were all excellent and the tour group was great fun. Thank you for sharing your experience of your lovely country, scenically also stunning.

       Many lifers were captured.

- Andrew Golder, Hampshire, 2024.

       We really enjoyed the holiday and will have lasting memories of the beautiful scenery, wild flowers, delicious food, birds and of course enthusiastic and excellent guiding.

       We have been on about 20 guided birding holidays and your trip was by far the best. Mostar was a great base, with a quality B&B, it was lovely to wander around the cobbled streets with the bonus of a craft ale pub. In addition, Edin the driver did a great job looking after us and keeping us safe.

       Thanks and hopefully we will see you and Herzegovina again in the near future.

- Karen and David Hedley, Sunderland, 2023.

       I have been on many birding holidays, but this is the first time I have written a testimonial. This is mainly in recognition of Denis’s investigation efforts beforehand to locate nests for his clients, for his birding skills and his dedication to looking after the group.

       The Penduline Tits nest building, the Red‐footed Falcons and the Black and Whiskered Terns hawking insects over Mostarsko Blato Wetland, the thousands of Sand Martins nesting in the sand quarry and the superb views of the Collared Flycatcher whilst enjoying a trout lunch at Borak Restaurant are just some of the memories that I will never forget.

       The food along with the beer and wine were excellent and the evening walk to the restaurant in Mostar was given added interest with a stop-off to see the two Dippers and Grey Wagtails always found on the stream close by the pavement.

       Overall, an excellent holiday and very good value, especially for a single traveller, with no supplement. I would not hesitate to recommend this holiday to others.

- Robert Carr, Surrey, 2023.

       I have travelled extensively throughout Europe, but never before chosen to repeat a tour using the same company, just five years after a first stay in Mostar. Such is the variety of habitats, landscapes, bird species, flora and fauna in Herzegovina that one visit is simply not enough! And then there's Denis, of course ..... a first‐class, extremely knowledgeable and approachable tour guide for whom nothing is too much trouble.

       Weather is always a factor in making a tour enjoyable, and on this occasion, a couple of showers early in the week are quickly forgotten, and my lasting memory will be one of blue skies dotted with fluffy white clouds ‐ springtime at its best.

       Via the Wild Herzegovina website and/or brochure, anyone can easily gain a comprehensive and totally honest picture of what's on offer during a week‐long stay. I logged 130 bird species during my recent visit, including "special" birds like Ferruginous Duck, Rock Partridge, Stone‐curlew, Curlew Sandpiper, Caspian Tern, all three Marsh Terns, Red‐throated Pipit, Eastern Orphean Warbler, Sombre Tit, Lesser Grey Shrike, Ortolan Bunting and Ring Ouzel. My highlights of the week, however, were (a) the stunning landscapes of this under‐visited country, (b) a brief encounter with a Nose‐horned Viper, and (c) a "treeful" of Red‐footed Falcons! We counted (and photographed) no fewer than 41 birds, a mix of males and females, all perched like candles on a Christmas tree ‐ a sight I shall never forget.

       Huge thanks once again to Denis, and to his reliable team of associates (notably Edin, owner of the Liska Guesthouse). I can't recommend this tour highly enough. It's a cracker!

- Roger Beck, Guildford, 2023.

       You could almost describe this trip as a gourmet tour of Herzegovina with some serious birdwatching thrown in but that wouldn't do justice to Denis's expertise in the field and his priceless knowledge of suitable sites, not to mention his infectious affability even when faced with nil visibility and pouring rain. It's not only Blighty that can suffer from weather!

       Storm clouds notwithstanding we had a priceless week's birdwatching with the highlight having to be in the midst of a Mayfly hatching with anything up to fifty Red‐Footed Falcons zipping close overhead to the rattle of a multitude of camera shutters. Some of the pictures were actually in focus.

       Even the non‐fanatic partners of the serious birdwatchers were impressed and kept interested throughout the trip so ideal for anyone not totally into birds but keen to join a partner in the quest for, to us Brits, the exotic, colourful wildlife of foreign parts.

       It's a trip I'd happily recommend to anyone and, who knows, we might even be there again, next year.

- Daniel and Shirley Law, Dorset, 2023.

       What can we say ‐ what a fabulous birding trip! Denis really does his homework to find a wide variety of great birding sites, from along the coast to right up in the mountains, with amazing karst scenery, dramatic river valleys and lovely woodlands and marshes in between.

       We saw 145 species, including a good number of the "harder to find" ones like Western Rock Nuthatch, Rock Partridge, Red‐throated Pipit, several "eastern" warblers … I could go on! Other personal highlights were seeing Hawfinch in the airport carpark before we'd even unpacked our bins, unforgettable views of Firecrest and Crested Tit in a deserted ski resort, Sombre Tit and Rock Thrush high in the mountains, numerous Red‐footed Falcon, Whiskered Tern and Montagu's Harrier swooping low over us at a karst valley lake, several Penduline Tit at their nests, Pallid Swift nesting under a city bridge, and even a Collared Flycatcher during lunch! And it's not often that one gets to see five Woodpecker species and a Wryneck in the same small area of woodland either.

       So many fantastic memories. Every detail of our stay was incredibly well organised and brilliantly guided by the ever upbeat Denis, and on top of all this, we ate lovely local speciality meals at both lunch and dinner!

       We would thoroughly recommend this trip to a not‐much visited area for a relaxed yet marvellously fulfilling birding holiday, with fabulous scenery and great food thrown in. What's not to like!

- Andy and Polly Merryweather, Cambridge, 2023.

       The birding trip was excellent with 130 species seen. The sites visited were not far from the hotel so no long journeys in the minibus. This was our ninth birding trip in Europe so we were in a position to make comparisons with earlier trips and this trip was one of the best.

       The food was excellent as was the local beer and wine. Denis was very generous with his alcohol allocation and we didn't pay for a thing the whole time we were away. Denis is a delightful person, generous to a fault with a fantastic knowledge of birds.

       I can recommend this well organised trip to any serious birder. Well done Denis!

- Richard Beer, Devon, 2023.

       I came to Herzegovina as a writer ‐ watch out for the article in Bird Watching magazine. Denis took us to plenty of birds, including, eventually, two Rock Partridge. What else? A close, sub‐adult Golden Eagle being mobbed by a Peregrine (the first afternoon), the Sand Martins (you'll have to come yourself to see why), Red‐footed Falcons, Montagu's Harriers, chuntering, grumpy Great Reed Warblers, a Penduline Tit nest building, Western Rock Nuthatch at the nest, Great, Middle and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, plus Wryneck and Black Woodpecker, Black-eared Wheatear, Rock Thrush and Blue Rock Thrush, Pallid Swifts, Willow Tit, Firecrest, Crested Tit, Quail, Bee‐eaters, Red‐backed and Woodchat Shrike. And Denis found a Red‐throated Pipit ‐ a Herzegovinan rarity.

       Great landscape and a relaxed approach. An ad‐hoc session sampling sour cherry brandy in a local's garden was good too, and two Honey Buzzards flew over. This was my third trip.
Would I come again? Yes.

- David Chandler, Cambridge, 2023.

       Thank you for a truly unforgettable trip to your homeland. It was a great holiday and even though I am pretty hopeless at identifying birds I am pretty good at spotting them, so having eleven experts and three telescopes to help me was perfect. The accommodation was ideal and Edin a perfect host. Edin, our driver, was efficient and more than helpful at all times.

       You certainly know your stuff and the area well! Very good food even though I had some difficulty in remembering exactly what I had ordered on several occasions. It was more than adequate and always very tasty. Thank you again.

- Cherry Zevra, Athens, 2023.

       Thank you so much for a memorable holiday. The birding was excellent in both the numbers and variety of birds, many of which I had not seen before, and in such a beautiful part of the world.

       The organisation was equally perfect, as was the accommodation and food and everyone involved in your setup was so helpful.

- Patricia Dunningham, Manchester, 2023.

       We cannot recommend this birding holiday highly enough. Denis was a kind and very helpful host and guide who looked after us extremely well. We are both keen birders but far from experts. However, Denis was always on hand to give us his expert advice and a great view of the many birds we saw through his telescope. We saw 104 species during the week and had 32 new ticks!

       Aside from the birding, Bosnia Herzegovina is awash with many wild flowers and a stunning array of array of wild orchids. The landscape of the country is simply stunning. We were also well looked after in the food and drink department. We had lovely lunches in a number of local restaurants and in the evening had excellent dinners in the beautiful city of Mostar, the base for our stay. The restaurant was called Taurus and was in the old part of Mostar, just a short walk from the famous Mostar Bridge.

       It is a trip that will live long in the memory.

- Hugh Atkinson and Rosalind Wade, Croydon, 2023.

       Just to say I had such a wonderful Holiday and the birds and scenery were amazing. Such a beautiful country, I seen every bird on my must see list. Also Three lifers. Thank you Denis. See you at the bird fair.

- Julie Brown, Nuneaton, 2023.

       Despite a very rainy first day on the coast, we spotted some good birds: Gull‐billed Tern, Caspian Tern, Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint. Inland, we were welcomed by Short‐toed Eagle, Montagus Harrier, more than 100 Red‐footed Falcons along with Hobby, Marsh Harrier and migrating Honey Buzzard... Spectacular fly‐by's of Alpine Swifts and the sight and sound of hundreds of Sand Martins at a sand quarry nesting site contributed to the enjoyment. Seven species of woodpecker (including Wryneck and Lesser‐spotted) along with Crested Tit and Nutcracker were recorded amongst the woodland birds. All this against a soundscape of Golden Oriole, Nightingale and Cuckoo. Not to forget, of course, the marvellous views of the calling Rock Partridge!

       Denis and his driver Edin looked after us well and the accommodation and food were excellent.

- Michael Youkee and Jeanette Phillips, Dorset, 2023.

       An early May trip to Herzegovina, a region with a multitude of terrains including riverside woodlands, Karst fields (underlying limestone), wetlands, sloping hillsides and mountainous meadows and forests. Each region having some specific bird species, with travel often on winding roads or on occasions dirt tracks. The guesthouse accommodation in Mostar was comfortable and we eat out at other establishments, breakfasting in a café around the corner and evening dining in old town Mostar next to the Crooked Bridge. Lunchtimes could be leisurely, as we dined at a restaurant on several days.

       Here are a few of my birding highlights of this weeklong trip. The male Montagu's Harriers quartering the hillside or fields, their wing tips as if dipped in black ink. A visit to a sand quarry, which contained a Sand Martin colony numbering in excess of 3000, with the addition of around 300 European Bee‐eaters, some Hoopoes and a Little Owl. When the martins took off it appeared like a cloud of gnats. A visit to wet karst fields with mayflies emerging everywhere and Red-footed Falcons, in their 100's feeding on the mayflies. Whilst over a lake approximately 300 marsh terns, including Black, White‐winged Black and Whiskered, were feasting on the insects. A riverside woodland, resounding to the calls of Golden Orioles, occasionally some would pop into view, if I was not distracted by one of the four woodpecker species in the woods, or the Levant Sparrowhawk dashing over or through the trees. Singing Nightingales in several places we visited, a song that always intrigues me, and now a lot rarer in the UK.

       Some species we saw only on one occasion, but others were seen more frequently. I recorded a 128 bird species over the week, of which 12 were first sightings for me. The total would have been slightly higher for the group. We were hampered over the week with unseasonal high rainfall, which was manfully worked around.

- Stephen Hughes, Hertfordshire, 2023.

       I truly enjoyed my trip to Herzegovina, it's a beautiful country and the birding was very good. I have been on numerous birding trips but have never experienced the level care and attention that I received from Denis.

       It was one of the best trips I have been on. I would definitely do it all again!

- Iris O'Neil, Edinburgh, 2023.

       My first visit to Herzegovina was really special, in the very capable care of Denis. It was great to unpack and stay in one place, in lovely Mostar, and yet have such varied habitats all, almost, on the doorstep. I can honestly say that every day provided me with a highlight.

       Denis is a total expert in this area, and although my visit was the first of the year, he had mapped out many current nesting sites for us to enjoy.
The accommodation was comfortable, and with all drinks and food generously provided it was a novelty to have no need to get the walet out!

       This country has so much to offer the Birdwatcher, and no better person than Denis to be your Guide.

- Christine Bingley, Ipswich, 2023.

       This was my wonderful FORTH VISIT to Mostar with Wild Herzegovina. Everything went so smoothly, from being collected at the airport, by an owner of Country House where we stayed overnight, then onwards to Mostar, feeling extremely safe in the capable hands of our driver. En route when enjoying lunch, we had very close up views of a Golden Eagle, being harassed by a Peregrine - what a start to the trip!

Every day we had a different location to visit, providing us with superb birding within a short distance from our guesthouse ‐ where nothing is too much trouble for Edin the owner ( even helping with luggage and saying goodbye when we left "at crack of Sparrows").

       Denis ‐ AS ALWAYS ‐ is such a mine of information about finding where we are most likely to find superb birds and getting just as enthusiastic, as we all did, when his perseverance was rewarded. We all had time to observe the birds, take in the truly wonderful scenery that surrounded us every day. Getting treated to delicious lunches, including local dishes/beers etc and then go to the restaurant Taurus in the evening, seeing the Dippers and Grey Wagtails in the river ‐ who could possibly ask for more?

       I would defy another specialist birding trip to give such expert guiding, when nothing is too much trouble and also proving such good value for money.

- Judith Gault, Poole, 2023.

Wild Herzegovina Birding Week - May 15th-22nd 2022

       On August 16th 2019 we attended the Rutland Water Bird Fair with friends. My husband was very taken with the photos on the Wild Herzegovina stand because the scenery was so beautiful. Being a slightly reluctant birder (I am the keen one) he thought he would rather be in this lovely place than a rain forest or somewhere in a hide! Going through the huge pile of brochures we brought home, we kept returning to the Wild Herzegovina one because we both loved the sound of it. We booked to go the next year.

       Covid stopped us the next year and again in 2021. Then, third time lucky, we finally made it to Mostar in 2022. We had a few days in Dubrovnik beforehand and joined Denis at Dubrovnik airport on Sunday May 15th where the other members of the group were arriving from different airports. We were a small group of six … all from the U.K. We had a very pleasant ride to Mostar with a picnic lunch stop provided and a short birdwalk to stretch the legs en route.

       Our accommodation was comfortable, simple and provided all we needed. Plugs are two pin European style. There is a small kitchen available for making drinks and AC in the room. We took continental style breakfasts on the patio. Wifi is free. In the evening Denis took us on the short walk to our restaurant where we took all our evening meals. We walked past a wall covered in jasmin and the scent was delicious. In no time we were in the old town with the famous cobbled streets and bridge. Our restaurant was in the heart of the old town and the food and drink there was very good. I recommend the black squid risotto, although maybe not the most attractive dish!
In May the temperature was cool in the evening and early morning and a cardigan or extra layer occasionally necessary, but in the middle of the day late 20s or early 30s.
On this holiday we were collected every morning for an 8am start. We were very happy not to have to be up at dawn, as is so often the case when birding. Our driver, Edin, spoke only a little English, but he was an excellent driver and looked after us and his vehicle very well.

On our first day we saw so many species. Denis was particularly excited to see Levant Sparrowhawk, but we were loving all the Bee-eaters, Golden Orioles and Woodpeckers.
We also loved that we did a few miles walking each day as well as the birding, so we could take in all the varied scenery, flora and fauna along the way. There are numerous wild orchids and some lovely butterflies and dragonflies and the scenery is spectacular. We were treated to hot drinks at elevenses and had several delicious lunches in picturesque restaurants. Some days we had packed lunches, which were simple, but tasty, rolls and fruit.

       Every day was different - different scenery, different birds - and every day was exciting. I saw my first Hawfinch one day and it made my day. I have never seen one in U.K. and not for lack of trying. Among my favourites on this holiday: Crested Tits, bee-eaters, Golden Orioles, Cuckoos, Montague’s Harrier, Hoopoe, White-tailed eEgles, Short-toed Eagle, Nightingale.

       I counted 122 different species over the week but it was not the numbers that made this holiday, it was the brilliant organisation, the infinite care and preparation that Denis put into everything in order that we could get the most out of this experience. The country is stunning and birdwatching is in its infancy there. We always felt that the birds were there just for us.

A very memorable experience and a rare treat.

- Susan Day & Brian Burlingham, Norfolk, 2022.

       Thank you for a most enjoyable trip. You certainly looked after us, from picking us up from the hotel in Cavtat (as we arrived a day earlier) to Edin dropping us off at our apartment. Your country is surely very beautiful from the mountains to the karst fields.

       Treating us to the local cuisine from fresh trout to eel and frog leg stew which was very nice. I managed to get 142 species which I was very impressed with. Bird of the trip? its difficult to pick one out with so many close views of a variety of different species, but seeing Penduline Tits nest building, thousands of Sand Martins in the quarry, more than 15 Montagu's Harriers, Golden Orioles using a plastic bag hung between 2 branches as a base for their nest, these are just a few of the highlights.

       It was an excellent trip with so many great birds. I can fully recommend this trip. Once again thank you for your hospitality.

- Robert Wale, Nuneaton, 2022.

       It was a great trip. We were taken to some great areas for birding, the Sand Martins and Bee-eaters were great and to here Golden Orioles every day was something special. Thanks again for your guiding.

- Andy Levitt, Cambridgeshire, 2022.

       Just like to thank you for a great wildlife tour with fantastic unspoilt scenery. It was ideal to be based in one location with short trips each day to different habitats.

       The birding was excellent and provided great photography .Special thanks to you, your hospitality and enthusiasm was second to none. Food was great and always something we looked forward to at the end of the day. I will happily recommend this tour to anyone whether you are new to wildlife trips or an experienced birder.

- James & Jo Whetham, Ipswich, 2022.

       We had such a good week with you and the group...memorable in many ways.

       Thank you for sharing your amazing local birdlife knowledge with us, taking us to some beautiful wild areas of your lovely homeland, and indulging us with some delicious food and drink.

- Liz & Mick Mellor , Suffolk, 2022.

       I enjoyed the visit to Herzegovina immensely. For the record I saw 121 species, not counting some which were just possibly glimpsed. I logged 15 special birds including lifers like the Firecrest, Nutcracker, Sombre Tit, Penduline Tit etc..., but the most amazing sight was the huge quarry full of Sand Martins with the Little Owl and Bee-eaters thrown in for good measure. We have a sand quarry near here where there are usually between 10 and 15 pairs of Sand Martins !

       You worked very hard to find some of the birds and your efforts were very much appreciated.

       My flight home was on time and the onward transport was ok. The guest house and the restaurant looked after us very well.

- Ian Pascoe, Glasgow, 2022.

       Thank you for a great trip. As you know we booked in 2019 but could not go because of the travel restrictions caused by the pandemic, but finally got there in 2022 and we both thought that it was well worth waiting for.

       The holiday was far more than just a birding trip, although the birding was very good, there were beautiful wild flowers, especially the orchids, insects, butterflies, wonderful scenery and lots of culinary delights, especially the eel and frog strew and local cheeses.

       Mostar is a beautiful historic and interesting city, and the accommodation and restaurants you arranged did not disappoint. Everything was very well planned visiting different habitats each day to maximise our opportunities to see the birds we had come to see, especially loved the Black Woodpecker.

       So thank you and Edin, our driver for a safe and memorable trip which we would happily recommend. Hope you are keeping well and busy. Thanks again.

- Eileen & Derek Walsh, Nuneaton, 2022.

       Thanks for an very enjoyable trip ,thanks again for getting my tablets I forgot. Your knowledge of the sites was great, the beautiful scenery and clean air was a tonic, the food was also great.

       I’m sure I will visit again

- Tony Clancy , London, 2022.

       Being our first visit to Herzegovina we were not sure what to expect, but we were really impressed by the variety of landscapes and habitats.

       To say that we were happy with your services is an understatement, as your expertise and attention to detail was without equal!

Guiding us from sea level to 1500m gave us the opportunity to see a great variety of species and six species of woodpecker in one morning was a knockout!

       Many thanks again for making our holiday so enjoyable.

- Malcolm & Margaret Goude , Manchester, 2022.

      We booked our holiday with Denis for 2020, inspired by all the comments about beautiful scenery, spectacular birds, varied habitats, wonderful food and great organisation.

      By the time we were finally able to go in 2022, our levels of anticipation were high. We were not disappointed. Everything that everyone has said in other reviews is absolutely true and we would not hesitate to recommend this holiday to others.

      Thank you very much to Denis, to Edin (our driver) and to Edin (our guesthouse host). You gave us a truly memorable experience.

- Chris & Nicole Lamb , Derbyshire, 2022.

      Thank you for this lovely trip. It was worth the two year wait! Plenty of birds in such wonderful scenery. The food was delicious and the accommodation comfortable and welcoming.

      I really appreciated the effort made to find an extremely elusive Sombre Tit. The spectacular views of thousands of Sand Martins and lots of Bee-eaters, Golden Orioles, Nightingales, Hobbies and many other birds we would normally be excited to see just one or two of. And of course special sightings including Rock Partridge.

      And the attention to detail such as having the scope at a suitable height for the shorter members of the group (including me!) . The friendly atmosphere and the local knowledge makes this a trip to recommend - and I certainly will.

- Janet Reynolds , Watford, 2022.

      From the moment Denis meets you at Dubrovnik airport, you are in good hands. His guided trip to see birds and other wildlife in Herzegovina is a pleasure to take part in. Luggage stowed in the bus, we are off to start sampling the beautiful landscapes, the birds, the friendly local people and great food.

      The trips are based in Mostar, in comfortable accommodation within 10 minutes walk of the old town and Stari Most, the famous 16th Century Ottaman bridge, destroyed in the war in 1993 and reconstructed since then in full traditional style.

      Denis has an infectious passion for birds and knows where to find them, from sea‐level at the Neretva delta, and karst polje meadows to the limestone‐rich high slopes of the Dinaric Alps. The sight of literally thousands of Sand Martins swarming and swooping around nest sites in a local sand quarry is a lasting memory of the trip.

      For those with a range of other interests, there are many butterflies, wild flowers (many orchids), dragonflies and other insects. A trip into the limestone cave at Vjetrenica is a fantastic show of speliothems and gives a rewarding glimpse of a white cave salamander.

      A week on a trip with Denis is a memorable experience for the rich landscapes and local culture, and for the wide variety of fauna and flora of Herzegovina.

- Jim Asher , Abingdon, 2019.

      Herzegovina is beautiful and geologically interesting. Add to that the myriad natural habitats, from snow‐capped mountains to crystal clear rivers, and a wealth of wildlife, and the whole makes for a great holiday. Wild Herzegovina founder and bird tour leader, Denis Bohm, knows every corner of his homeland, every bird by sight and song, and knows how to make birding fun.

      Mostar is full of history and character. Accommodation is simple, clean and hospitable. Food is locally produced, varied and plentiful. The vehicles used are comfortable and air‐conditioned and the drivers skilled and careful. Sorry that I've needed so many adjectives to paint the picture.

      This bird tour is suitable for all levels and can be enjoyed by the novice birder. You may even receive some surprise presents. Why don't you book now, to avoid disappointment?

- Teresa Corcoran , St. Albans, 2019.

      Most of our trip have already written testimonials and we don't want to just duplicate what has already been written, but we do want to express our appreciation to Denis for the very enjoyable week we had with him in Herzegovina.

      Denis is great company and does a wonderful job in finding the best sites, filling each day with interest without making it too strenuous and, if necessary, adjusting the itinerary to suit the weather conditions. The range of habitats on different days produces different birds and adds to the interest.

      With stops morning and afternoon for tea and coffee, restaurant or picnic lunches and restaurant evening meals all included for the group this was a great trip for anyone with an interest in birds in particular, and nature in general, who still wants to have a holiday rather than an expedition.

- Roger & Lynn Moody , Surrey, 2019.

      Having been on one of Denis's tours a few years ago, I suggested to some friends, with varying natural history interests, that they too would enjoy a visit! They did! Denis is a great leader and the whole week was relaxed, informative and entertaining but we did have significant lists of birds, butterflies, orchids and other plants, and insects by the end of the week from the varied, stunning habitats.

      Denis knows the sites so well and, for example, pointed out nests that we would have walked past and orchids that would have gone unnoticed. The Sand Martin colony was a highlight and a mesmerizing sight. The Olm, the Spider Ladybird, the ubiquitous Golden Oriole and the variety of butterflies were all special too.

      Our accommodation in Mostar was ideal and Edin looked after us well. We enjoyed his packed lunches and on some days we visited remote restaurants sampling local delicacies. Evening meals in Mostar were good and our very capable driver tackled some rough terrain taking us to Denis's special places!

      It was an excellent week and thanks to Denis for his expertise, sense of humour and relaxed approach ‐ oh, and patience!

- Sheila Brooke , Bedfordshire, 2019.

      I really enjoyed my Wild Herzegovina holiday experience! Thank you so much for showing us around your beautiful country and finding us amazing and close views of birds, butterflies and orchids.

      I was so pleased to have seen 15 lifers from that impressive bird list! Also as a life‐long arachnophobe I was almost cured by the gorgeous Ladybird Spider, seen on our last day!!
The very clean and comfortable accommodation, excellent food, careful, safe driving, and easy paced walking suited me perfectly. The whole week was very well organised and cleverly adapted to avoid exposure to the worst of the weather.

      A holiday to remember for so many very enjoyable experiences.

- Betty Cooke , Bedfordshire, 2019.

With Wild Herzegovina 27 April to 04 May 2019

      We arrived a day early for our week‐long guided tour of the natural world of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as arranged with Denis Bohm, the owner and leader of this unique "small adventure". We explored the old city of Mostar that day, then joined the departing guests from the previous tour to go to Dubrovnik Airport to meet our fellow arriving guests. This was our second time with Denis: the first was four years earlier when the tour was shorter. We decided to return for four main reasons; the country is spectacular, the people are friendly and helpful, the food is amazing (and more than ample) and Denis is superb at his job. Every year, he checks out beforehand the roads and tracks, looking out for additional locations. He is hugely knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the country, and is a superb photographer. Added to that, his people skills and diplomacy are of the highest order. His tours tend to develop into happy events.

      The concept is simple: the cost covers accommodation in Guesthouse Liska in Mostar, all food and drink, collection from and delivery to Dubrovnik Airport¹ and all tour travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including a sojourn or two into nearby Croatia, particularly to visit the Neretva Delta² . Every evening, guests can dine in the excellent Taurus Restaurant only a stone's throw from the Mostar Bridge³ , or can dine elsewhere of course at any time (and pay for it!).

      Our tour was full, a total of 12 people who, with their birdwatching telescopes, fitted comfortably into the 17‐seater coach. Our driver, Edin⁴ , was superb on the mountain roads and tracks ‐ he's a fully‐qualified driving instructor! Although this time we had more rain than average for the time of year, Denis's knowledge of the local meteorological quirks, meant that on each rain‐affected day, we visited the least rain‐affected karst plateau valley and so lost little bird‐finding/watching time.

      Each day began with breakfast at 07:00 in the tiny but welcoming Restaurant Liska, almost adjacent to the guesthouse, the names deriving we think from a shared, but unrelated surname. The daily trips are a mix of longer and shorter distance drives on the bus, but are interspersed with multiple stops to visit good birding, geographical or cultural sites. Some fit all three categories: one, a sheer 120‐metre cliff with Alpine Swift, Common Swift, Crag Martin, Blue Rock Thrush and Western Rock Nuthatch nesting, overhangs an emergent river fed underground by water absorbed through karst fields, but is opposite a monastery of Whirling Dervishes!

      Other highlights were a visit to the spectacular waterfall at Kravica; finding Pallid Swifts that nest under a major road bridge over the Neretva; walking in a grassy valley where Montagu's Harriers were numerous; obtaining brief views of Rock Partridge (although we heard them elsewhere ‐ the low cloud had discouraged them somewhat), and in the mountains sighting a 40+ strong kettle of Ravens wheeling and zooming in pairs vigorously in the breeze. We also experienced Rock Buntings singing only a few metres away, located singing Cirl Buntings in lower valleys and encountered Sombre Tit on the trip from Dubrovnik singing and only a few days later found the same species nesting in a hole in a garden wall. In a wooded public picnic park on a rainy day we were entranced by 5 woodpecker species⁵ and many singing Common Nightingales and Golden Orioles. We also were fascinated by the combative Spanish Sparrows.

      On several days, Short‐toed Eagles flew close by, but passerine return migration generally was late, Lesser Whitethroat arriving in numbers midweek. Only a single male Red‐backed Shrike was on territory. Only two Woodchat Shrikes were recorded. Tawny Pipits had begun arriving, but Hoopoes and Common Cuckoo seemed to materialise everywhere. From our accommodation in the city, we could hear Scops Owl at night, calling from trees that had grown in a former two‐storey house shattered by mortar fire in the 1990s conflict; Common Nightingales sang throughout the day. On our evening 400‐metre stroll to the Taurus (quite often in rain) we failed to find a city‐dwelling Dipper, but we caught up with the species elsewhere.

      Most of the lower Neretva watershed consists of pellucid streams that traverse superb woodland. However, the Neretva is the only major river system of Bosnia and Herzegovina that flows southwest into the Adriatic. Further inland, the mountain chain that occurs from northwest to southeast creates a divide between watersheds; beyond it, water drains to the north and east eventually reaching the Danube and thence empties into the distant Black Sea. Consequently, natural and manmade waterbodies on the Mostar side of the divide are important breeding areas for waterbirds and waders and are vital stopover points for long‐distance migrants.

      Hutovo Blato is one such artificial lake some 35km south of Mostar. It's home to White‐tailed Eagle, Glossy Ibis, Penduline Tit, Squacco Heron, Night Heron and quite recently to Western Cattle Egret. The lake has artificial tides, because a distant hydro‐electric scheme operating turbines at the foot of several massive pipes that run from a mountain reservoir down to low level drains into Hutovo Blato, where the workers have to control the water level by releasing that water via the irrigated fields into the nearby Neretva. At night, water is pumped back up to the mountain reservoir to help replenish it for the next day. Although tides in the Adriatic are small, at times they force water from the Neretva upstream towards Hutovo Blato, which can make the job of the dam workers a little tricky!

      Even the best guides find that fortune doesn't always favour them, as in the case where Denis was engrossed in conversation with one of our group a little ahead of the rest of us when a Black Woodpecker flew behind Denis and continued past us, giving us excellent close-up views...

      On one visit to a karst field, the track had become unsuitable for the bus because of earlier rains, and so we walked for some distance, at last encountering newly arrived Red‐footed Falcons, all female bar one, zipping around in tight manoeuvres chasing dragonflies and other large insects. This trove of food attracted several Hobbies that joined the aerial display. Throw in some Marsh and Montagu's Harriers and you get some idea of the whirl of activity. Karst fields, wooded or treeless, have an abundance of rocks that provide perching places for Eastern Black‐eared Wheatear (Recently shown to be only distantly related to Western Black‐eared Wheatear, although both species have black ‐ or white‐chinned morphs.)⁶

      What else did we see that UK birders might seek? Crested Tit obliged at close quarters, Great Reed Warblers were far from shy on reed‐tops, Turtle Doves were their usual purring selves, Ferruginous Duck occurred across the low‐altitude ponds, Black‐necked Grebe haunted open ponds and lakes that attracted few other birds, Pygmy Cormorants abounded, Little Bitterns skulked through reedbeds, Purple Herons, though wary, panicked into flight instead of remaining hidden and a few Honey Buzzards migrated through.

      Green Sandpiper was commoner than on our 2015 trip, Curlew Sandpipers, transitioning into summer plumage rested, awaiting the melt on their high‐Arctic breeding grounds, a couple of Collared Pratincoles attended the rolling upwind‐feeding⁷ Black, White‐winged and Whiskered Terns and we saw one, but heard several Greater Short‐toed Larks at the same grasslands that provided us with a passage of Red‐rumped Swallows at close quarters. Alpine Chough favours certain mountain ridges, where they obliged with spectacular aerobatics. Sporadic Firecrest and Eastern Bonelli's Warbler⁸ sightings were probably symptomatic of delayed migrants, as were the low numbers of Eastern Olivaceous and Icterine Warblers, but Eastern Subalpine⁹ and Eastern Orphean Warblers were nesting. Rock Thrush paused close enough for photography, as did a male Common Crossbill, but Hawfinch was an elusive, glimpsed species.

      However, the most spectacular sight was at a sand and gravel quarry just south of Mostar Airport. Here, thousands of pairs of Sand Martins nest, as do large numbers of European Bee‐eaters. The quarry management, thanks to Denis Bohm's persuasive nature, now avoids extracting at the sand cliffs during the nesting season and creates new sand walls whenever the old ones are demolished. The experience of standing close to the colonies during flocking behaviour is overwhelming. The birds ignore the day‐to‐day quarry operations as well as people walking slowly and quietly past.

      For those whose main interests lie in butterflies, orchids, amphibians, mammals, dragonflies, fish or reptiles¹º , Denis is knowledgeable on these subjects, too, and so we keen birdwatchers all learned much about the rest of nature in this fascinating land. We would gladly go on this tour for a third time (We certainly wouldn't be the first to do so) because there is so much to see and so little recording has been done of flora and fauna across much of the country, but we must confess that it is a superb eating safari, too. The local breads are reminiscent of what our grannies used to bake some 60 years ago and the restaurant food is startingly good all round. Perhaps our favourite meal was at a riverside restaurant; the outdoor tables were on an island reached by a handrail‐free bridge, where we were served trout that had been captured that morning...
________________________________

¹ About 2.5 hours, with a birdwatching/coffee stop en route after being picked up. Stops on the return to Dubrovnik are dependent on guests' flight departure times.
² The same river that runs through Mostar.
³ The Taurus is adjacent to the Crooked Bridge, a miniature version of the more famous Old Bridge.
⁴ Confusingly, the guesthouse owner is also called Edin (we called him Edin1), our driver became Edin 2 and the restaurant manager, yes, you've guessed it, Edin 3...
⁵ Including singing Wrynecks.
⁶ Schweizer, M, V Warmuth, NA Kakhki, M Aliabadian, M Förschler, H Shirihai, A Suh and R Burri. 2018: Parallel plumage color evolution and introgressive hybridization in wheatears. Journal of Evolutionary Biology 32, 100–110.
⁷ The marsh terns almost dance just above the surface as they use the headwind to feed on insects while flying slowly over several hundred metres, then they pop up and fly rapidly downwind to their starting point to repeat the pattern.
⁸ Also called "Balkan Warbler".
⁹ The complex re‐evaluation of the populations previously grouped simply as "Subalpine Warbler" need not concern us because the only species from that work that occurs in the Balkans is Eastern Subalpine Warbler.
¹º There are checklists for each of these categories in Wild Herzegovina's goodies for guests.


- Mike Blair & Sue Fleming, Norfolk, 2019.

      An extremely well-organised trip that took us to beautiful out‐of‐the‐way places from the Adriatic seashore to the caves and mountains of the dramatic Karst landscape of Herzegovina.

      We enjoyed excellent views of many hard to find bird species, like Red‐footed Falcon, Crested, Sombre and Penduline Tits, and we enjoyed everywhere the wealth of wild flowers, especially orchids. Denis made sure that we avoided the worst of the unseasonal weather, and that we still visited all the key locations. Food and accommodation were excellent, likewise transport.

- Mandy and Edward Mayer , London, 2019.

      We both thought that the whole trip was brilliant and great value. Thank you for the excellent research in locating all of the birds seen and even the ones that should have been "home" but playing hard to get.

      We really enjoyed the different environments you took us to. This made for a broad variety of birds seen. The use of your scope was an added bonus to see the distant birds or just to get a better view. The 4‐5000 Sand Martins and 100 or so European Bee‐eaters stands out as simply amazing. There were too many bird sightings to mention but another exceptional spot was the flock of Red‐footed Falcons of which this was one of many "Life" ticks for us both.

      We also enjoyed the company of the small party of like minded birders especially Jim who expanded our interests into the world of Butterflies, Moths and Orchids.

      Your generosity is very much appreciated in supplying wonderful food, drink and, of course, the flask and mug too.

- Jane and Graham Dawe , Bristol, 2019.

      Susan and myself thoroughly enjoyed our trip with you into Bosnia and Herzegovina, every day there was surprises, fantastic locations, beautiful views, all with wonderful birding and great places to eat our lunches with local dishes, and evening dining in the old town of Mostar what atmosphere!

      We would truly recommend this to any like minded person who enjoys wildlife, discovering local history while meeting the pleasant and helpful people of Bosnia and Herzegovina the memories will stay with us for ever.

- Susan and John Hayward , Bedfordshire, 2019.

      We have just returned from a week with Denis Bohm of Wild Herzegovina. There were ten of us from the Beds Natural History Society and we all thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Denis had put together a terrific itinerary based around the city of Mostar with a nice variety of activities and habitats to visit. These included caves ( conveniently timed when it was raining), waterfalls and boat rides out on the wetlands.

      We had a dedicated and careful driver in a comfortable minibus which meant Denis could focus on his guiding. His local knowledge meant we were taken to some excellent and often beautiful sites, not just for birds but also butterflies and plants much to the pleasure of many group members.

      Our Guesthouse accommodation was fine, perfectly clean, safe and functional. We were a short distance from the breakfast café and our evening meals were taken at a restaurant in the heart of the old town. The extensive menu meant that we could enjoy a different hearty and tasty meal on each of the seven nights. Lunch was often enjoyed at different venues and a particularly memorable meal was taken at a trout farm. Vegetarians were well catered for throughout the week. The pace of the trip was fairly casual and no long or steep walks were included.

      We all agreed at the end we had experienced the wild side of Herzegovina in a safe, comfortable and enjoyable way with some terrific encounters with a wide range of wildlife and fantastic landscapes. Thank you Denis for making this possible.

- Mike Bird , Leighton Buzaard, 2019.

      Thank you for arranging such a great holiday Denis. I thoroughly enjoyed myself seeing lots of interesting species. The fact that we also enjoyed great scenery and food really enhanced the experience.

- Marion Hession , Bedford, 2019.

      I went on one of the May 2019 tours in Herzegovina and it fully lived up to my expectations, despite disappointing weather which brought snow to some of the high mountains!

      The birding was excellent, and I clocked up six "lifers", after expecting only five! The highlight of these was a large flock of Red‐footed Falcons over the Hutovo Blato marshes, following a magical three‐hour boat trip in glorious sunshine. Although I'm a birder, rather than an all‐round naturalist, it was great to have a butterfly specialist and botanists in the group, with superb wildflowers, especially orchids, even if the butterflies were relatively thin on the ground because of the cold and cloudy weather for most of the week.

      Denis is an excellent leader with a great sense of humour and looked after us unobtrusively but well. In addition to the wildlife, which was our primary purpose, he was very good at including cultural visits in the tour, especially our requested return visit to a beautiful medieval village.

      Magnificent scenery, excellent birding, wonderful wildflowers and great local cuisine ‐ what's not to like!

- Giles Pepler , Bagillt, 2019.

      Thank you very much for a great week. It was only my second birdwatching holiday and I wondered if it might be a bit intense. It proved to be the very opposite, thanks to your relaxed and humorous manner, which combined with your excellent knowledge of birds and Herzegovina made for an unforgettable experience. The locations we visited were varied and beautiful and the local cuisine and wine were outstanding. All in all, it was a 5 star holiday.

      I hope to see you at Birdfair or perhaps in Herzegovina again some time.

- Stephen Mc Mullen , Co. Down, 2019.

      I thoroughly enjoyed my recent bird tour with Denis Bohm from Wild Herzegovina. Apart from his knowledge of the region's birds and landscapes, Denis is extremely well‐organised, yet easy-going. And thanks to his versatility, we were able to make the most of the (not‐so‐perfect) weather. Nothing was left to chance: from the accommodation and restaurants, to the daily field programme.

      Thank you, Denis, for a wonderful week!

- Julia Alikki , Athens, 2019.

      Thank you for an enjoyable holiday in Herzegovina, you were very helpful and considerate, I will always remember the way you looked after us. I’ll look out for you at the Bird Fair.

- Kenneth Knowles , Sheffield, 2019.

      Thank you for making our trip to Herzegovina so enjoyable. When we to told friends where we were going they mostly asked where? And I admit I had to take a look at the map to find the country. I had a good idea of course as we had driven from Germany to Greece through Yugoslavia in 1980.

      We loved the format of the tour. No 5am starts and leisurely lunches with everyone eating together in the evening. This was a bit different to some tours we have been on. It was great that the group got along well and I would like to think we parted as friends. The itinerary was perfect with visits to good birding sites and also to places such as the waterfalls which were beautiful.

      We are happy just to hear Nightingales and Golden Orioles but the variety of birds we saw was astounding. I am now trying to sort out my pictures as the local RSPB group want me to write for their newsletter and give a talk later. I will of course give you lots of praise and hope to encourage more of them to visit Herzegovina.

      Thank you once again and I may see you at the bird fair.

- Kathleen and Christopher Wyeth , Weymouth, 2019.

      I have been going to write since our return to thank you for an amazing week. My first birding holiday and it will always be with me. You are a brilliant guide ‐ quietly knowledgeable, subtly funny and so diplomatic and patient. It was to lovely to stop and eat locally at lunch times too.

      John and I led a walk for Cheltenham bird club this morning and I know several went home to look you up!!

      I hope the rest of your season is successful and you continue to go from strength to strength. Many thanks again.

- Jane Bailey and John Casswell , Cheltenham, 2019.

      Just wanted to thank you for a very enjoyable holiday. Good birds, especially the quarry with the sand martins and bee eaters, good food and good company.

- Sandra and Ian Caldwell , Hertfordshire, 2019.

      Who better to lead us into the wild and beautiful Herzegovinian countryside but the wonderful Denis who we cannot speak highly enough of? The only thing he didn't do for our comfort and wellbeing was tuck us up at night.

      Not only did he drive us everywhere on all sorts of roads and tracks but he provided coffee and tea (a Fortnum and Mason box of selected varieties), choccy biscuits, folding picnic seats and our own flasks and drinking mugs with bright and cheerful pictures of birds and scenery.

      His bird knowledge was exceptional and he was fantastic at locating them and had clearly researched all the places we visited very thoroughly to include finding quite a few well‐hidden nests. He even managed to avoid the rain when it was forecast. Three cheers for Denis!

      We met five super new companions to experience all the joys of this country with: birds, flowers, butterflies, insects and Edin's picnics. Our comfortable guest house was five minutes walk from the Mostar Bridge in an area of cobbled streets where every evening we sat at our waterside table enjoying a good meal in the Taurus Restaurant.

      A final word on the birds ‐ 146 species and a constant backdrop of fluting Golden Orioles, wonderful Nightingales and exotic Beeaters.

- Nigel and Debbie Colgate , West Sussex, 2018.

      From the moment we first met Denis and his family at the Bird Fair, we knew we just had to go on one of his trips.

      Here is a man who is passionate about birds; his knowledge of his homeland and its birdlife is unsurpassed, and his enthusiasm and easy manner mean that the whole trip from beginning to end was wonderful.

      Denis' commitment to his clients' needs and comfort is full and thorough and he will do his utmost to ensure that on his trips if the bird is there he will try to find it for you, even if it is elusive!

      We clocked 147 species of birds, including quite a few "lifers", as well as butterflies, orchids and other wildlife.

      The accommodation is very good ‐ breakfast sets you up for the day and if you are picnicking, then Edin's rolls are very substantial. If not picnicking, then be ready for a full lunch! Eating dinner at the Taurus restaurant was great fun and the food was excellent.

      Though the days were full and action packed, the pace was easy and comfortable, and though the temptation to tick and move on is always lurking there, we had time to stop and take photographs and enjoy the surroundings.

      We both unreservedly recommend you go!

- Jim and Pippa Preston , Worcestershire, 2018.

      I enjoyed every minute of this trip. Denis's attention to detail was impressive, he knew all the best locations for the birds, and was careful that each member of the group saw as much as possible.

      He chose lovely restaurants and peaceful picnic spots. He also joined in with our (terrible) jokes.

      Herzegovina has wonderful landscapes and the wildflowers and butterflies were beautiful. Thanks also to Edin, the guesthouse owner who gave us a plentiful breakfast each day and made us feel very welcome.

      I thoroughly recommend this trip.

- Barbara Woodhouse , Leicestershire, 2018.

      We have just returned from a very enjoyable week Bird Watching in Herzegovina.

      From the moment we were met at the airport by our guide, the extremely likeable Denis Bohm, from Wild Herzegovina, everything ran very smoothly. Denis has thought of so many little extras to make the experience relaxed and pleasurable. We visited several very different habitats, with the bonus of many butterflies and wild flowers.

      The "Konoba Taurus", where we ate our evening meals, was excellent, with an extensive menu. We stayed at the Guest House Liska, where the owner Edin, made us very welcome. We enjoyed good breakfasts, comfortable beds and plentiful hot water.

      All in all a great week with of course, new birds to add to our list. We hope to return,

      Many thanks Denis.

- Sandra and Tony Eady , Essex, 2018.

      Many thanks for our hugely enjoyable Wild Herzegovina tour ‐ April 2018. We were lucky to be in a small group who all got on well.

      The vehicle was very comfortable and Denis was a safe and smooth driver. Denis's field craft, knowledge of the region and the range of habitats made every day interesting. Our week's birding represented excellent value for money.

      Also worthy of mention is the accommodation at GH Liska which was great. After doing the checklist I made it 130 species seen by me, including 2 lifers in Sombre Tit and Rock Nuthatch which I'm well pleased with.

      We have so many good memories from the holiday.

- Shaun Wells and Sally Robinson , Chepstow, 2018.

      A fun, relaxed week with Denis as a really knowledgeable and enthusiastic leader and some great travelling companions. Good range of birdlife in beautiful and varied environments ‐ with truly spectacular spring wildflowers as a bonus.

      Accommodation in Mostar was just right and the restaurant in the old town for our evening meals was a delight. We were able to add on two days in Dubrovnik and would thoroughly recommend this: the chance to explore two such extraordinary and historic old towns is yet another plus.

      Altogether a memorable and rewarding trip ‐ many thanks Denis.

- John and Janet Groom , Berkshire, 2018.

      Yes, we had a really nice time in Herzegovina on your tour and saw some nice birds, two new ticks for Julia and 1 for me was good, as we have been birding in Europe for a long time!

      We enjoyed the different habitat, the relaxed lunches, and the length of the day, which gave us time to clean up and go out into Mostar for our evening meal. We enjoyed the situation of the restaurant that you chose, then going to the Black Dog Pub and also the ice cream sold in Mostar by the Old Bridge.

      We found the Liska Guest House very comfortable and enjoyed the breakfasts; Edin could not do enough for us, he was very, very helpful!

      Finally, we enjoyed the company of the others on the trip; they added to our enjoyment, and we all got on well in the minibus each day. We have seen the list of the birds on the 2 days we missed, and will have to find a way of doing them next year!

- Robin and Julia Springett , Dartmouth, 2018.

      Herzegovina may not be the first place people think of as a birding destination but when a tour is so well organized as Denis has managed to provide then it probably should be.

      Thanks to Denis's birdwatching skills and local knowledge we had 7 days fantastic birding (140+ species of birds plus numerous butterflies, dragonflies, plants and other wildlife) seeing numerous new species for us as well as exceptional views of birds we struggle to see well in Britain.

      Our accommodation was clean and simple providing us with everything we needed thanks to our friendly host. The restaurant for our evening meal was just a short walk away with friendly service and excellent (and plentiful!) food and drink.

      We would definitely recommend this holiday to anybody who enjoys birdwatching whether an expert or relative beginner.

- Michael and Christine Robinson , Halifax, 2018.

      Got back and have just flopped after a great week in Herzegovina. We had so many magnificent sights that it is hard to pick a favourite, though the Sand Martins "Throng" have to be well up there.

      As the first birding trip we have taken abroad your tour exceeded our expectations, of the birds we saw over 30% were our first time views and great ones at that. It felt like the whole group knew each other for ages after just one day.

      The elusive Rock Lobster Partridge (an on going joke within the group) eventually showing itself after we began to doubt if there was such a thing, but worth the wait sitting up and posing on a rock. The quality of the views of the birds and butterflies was fantastic as was the scenery which was as varied as the wildlife its‐self.

      The sound of the bee eaters and Golden Orioles are still playing in our ears.

      Your enthusiasm for the wildlife was also a pleasure as it wasn't just a tick and move on, we got to enjoy the scene. I will certainly recommend you and your tour to anyone I meet as the undisturbed nature of Herzegovina deserves to be seen by more.

- Paul and Stella Isaac , Northamptonshire, 2018.

      My trip to Herzegovina fully lived up to expectations. Denis was an excellent guide, knowledgeable and helpful, with a good ear for the birds. He had a great sense of humour and helped to make the trip fun. The birdwatching was excellent and was well‐paced, giving opportunities to observe the species well and to take photographs. Although it was sometimes over rough ground, the walking was generally easy.

      Finding Denis at Dubrovnik Airport was easy as it was not very big or busy. His Mercedes vehicle was very comfortable and easy to get in and out of and, with the seats facing together, the group of seven quickly got to know each other. Denis had everything well organised, even down to reusable personalised mugs and water‐bottles to avoid unnecessary use of plastic bottles.

      At the Liska Hotel we were given a friendly welcome by Edin. My comfortable room was well fitted‐out and the breakfasts were good. At night I could hear the nearby Scops Owls calling and Nightingales singing, but I was initially puzzled on hearing Edin's pet canaries in the morning. The substantial evening meals at the Konoba Taurus restaurant, near Stari Most bridge, were delicious and the local wine was very palatable.

      We saw several raptors during the tour, some very well such as the Montagu's Harriers gently quartering the Mostarsko Blato karst‐field and Booted and Short‐toed Eagles. The spectacle of the two thousand or more Sand Martins around their nest‐bank in a quarry will stay in my memory as will the gorgeous Bee‐eaters nesting at another. Other highlights for me were the Gargany, Spoonbills and Glossy Ibis at Hutovo Blato, wonderful views of Ortolan Buntings bathing in a small stream at Prenj Mountain in the Dinaric Alps and the co‐operative Lesser‐Spotted Woodpecker by the Buna River.

      The impressive scenery with its interesting karst landscapes, mountains, crystal‐clear rivers and spectacular waterfalls was an added bonus, as were the butterflies, dragonflies and flowers. The Rock Partridge eluded me again, but I enjoyed looking for it and it gives me an excuse to visit Herzegovina again in the future.

- Gillian Flinn , Surrey, 2018.

      Wild Herzegovina was a wonderful exploration of a very interesting corner of the world with high, rugged mountains and vast plateaus surrounding Mostar where our group of 7 stayed for the week in the comfortable Liska House.

      Denis Bohm is a very thoughtful and responsible tour leader and an excellent birder. He knows the area very well and selects which sites to go to each day according to which are likely to be most productive.

      I would recommend this tour for anyone wishing to explore springtime Southern‐European birds in a most interesting environment.

- Edna Alvarez , Los Angeles, CA, 2018.

      I thought the range of habitats that we visited within reasonable distance of Mostar was remarkable and I thought you did a marvelous job locating birds and then ensuring that everybody had a good chance to see them.

      Then there was the food! All the restaurants we visited at lunchtime and in the evening were exceptionally good and it was a real pleasure to enjoy such high quality and varied meals in such good company.

      To sum it all up ‐ you promised beforehand that the trip would be exceptional and I think you delivered 100% on that promise.

- Martin Francis , Lincolnshire, 2018.

      Thank you for a relaxed and enjoyable birdwatching holiday, led and organised by you.We certainly saw a large number of birds, many of which I had not seen before.I also enjoyed the variety of scenery flora and fauna.Our guesthouse in Mostar was of good standard and we were made to feel most welcome.

      I will certainly recommend a holiday in Herzegovina with you to my birdwatching friends.

- Victor Fielding , Wiltshire, 2018.

      Sue and I would like to say thanks again for the wonderful week we spent with you in Wild Herzegovina.

      Everything was just perfect, you made the trip exceptional, as promised. The sights , the sounds and the weather were memorable, an unforgettable birding adventure, with beautiful wild flowers too!

- Digby & Sue Greenhill , Devon, 2017.

      I thoroughly enjoyed our week with you. The planning and organisation were excellent. We visited beautiful and varied habitats every day, with so much to look at in addition to the birds. Everyone was excited to see so many first-time birds.

      I certainly hope to return some day.

      Many thanks,

- Clive Burton , Bristol, 2017.

      Denis' powers of observation and especially his hearing are second to none. His easy going and relaxed style helped to blend the small group together very quickly.

      The Mercedes transport with its opposing rear seats was an excellent choice of vehicle and contributed a lot to the cohesion of the group. His flexibility throughout the week ensured that everyone had the opportunity to see whatever they wanted.

      Over 160 species in a week for the group without having to get up at the crack of dawn, or keep going till dark has to rank as success in anybody's books. With all meals and drink included in the price, the holiday was superb value for money.

      Denis had clearly done his homework before we arrived, because virtually everything he said we'd see at a site was indeed there.

      Finally, very many thanks for making our visit to BiH so memorable.We saw scenery quite unlike anything we've seen in Britain. I personally saw 6 new bird species ‐ 5 more than I expected. I also had 5 new odonates at Hutovo Blato and besides 17 species in a day at one site in Britain would be very difficult, especially so early in the year. We found Mostar a very interesting place and what a superb job has been done on repairing the Old Bridge and its surroundings from the devastation of the war. You can easily understand why it is so iconic.

      Thanks again and we look forward to seeing you at the "Birdfair"

- Tim & Cindy Bennett, Cambridgeshire, 2017.

      I really enjoyed the birdwatching holiday in May. We saw far more species, and better views of them, than I expected. There were over 50 new to me ( a novice to Continental birding), but it was also good to see British migrants in their different surroundings, and lovely to hear nightingales all over the place!

      I was also very impressed with the country ‐ how varied were the habitats we visited, the beautiful unspoilt countryside and the interesting city of Mostar. I hope to come again some day and see a bit more.

      I have recommended you to birdwarching friends.

- Kate Cashmore , Bristol, 2017.

      Denis, thank you very much once again for arranging and leading our excellent trip to Herzegovina which I believe was a great success. I'm glad you found us fun to be with ‐ I think it makes a difference that most of us already knew most of the others before the start of the trip which is the advantage of coming from the same bird club.

      We loved both countries and thought them very beautiful. We spent our days at Cavtat walking around the town and taking the water ferry to Dubrovnik (worth suggesting to other groups) for a tour of that lovely city.

      The traditional bird‐of‐the‐trip question provoked a variety of replies. The twitchier element chose Rock Partridge but I think the most popular bird was actually the Rock Thrush, with species like Bee-eater and Crane close behind.

      We were extremely happy with your organisation and guiding services and would recommend them to anyone else thinking of a visit to Herzegovina, either individually or as a group. I'm sure all the participants will join me in wishing you continued and growing success with your birding company.

- Jane Cumming , Bristol, 2017.

      Our recent visit to Herzegovina was everything that the brochure promised. The landscapes were awe inspiring and the birdwatching was fantastic. Even the weather was kind.

      The arrangements made by Dennis and Wild Herzegovina worked perfectly. The accommodation was simple but perfectly adequate. Breakfast was a very short walk from the rooms, and our hosts went out of their way to meet our breakfast preferences. The evening meals, in the Taurus restaurant, were nothing short of delicious, and in a most beautiful setting in Mostar old town.

      Denis has obviously spent many, many hours in the field around Mostar and beyond. He was able to take us to see all of our target species, whilst showing us some very beautiful country. Every day was different, but every day provided brilliant birding.

      Thank you Denis, for a really memorable trip.

- Andrew Senior , Bristol, 2017.

      Thank you Denis for a very nice week and nice company. We all are very happy with the trip.

      Well organised, generous, good food, nice accommodation, beautiful countryside and exciting birds! Looking forward to coming back with new group 2019!

- Gigi Sahlstrand, Sweden, 2017.

      Thank you for an unforgettable week in your country with you as our guide watching birds. Everything was so well planned.

      The birdwatching, lunches, coffee pauses, dinners and the small family hotel we lived in were excellent!

      And you had really given us the best weather in a marvellous nature.

- Laila Lindgren , Sweden, 2017.

      I really enjoyed the visit to Herzegovina!

      Thank you for your guidence in the lovely nature with so many faces. And the birds where there of course ‐ you knew where to find them!

- Elsbeth Hök, Sweden, 2017.

      I must say, that the visit to Herzegovina was all exiting, both all the birds and the landscape, and also history, brought to us by your telling.

      You drove us to so many different types of landscapes, you had really an excellent knowledge of where to find the birds. And also good knowledge of restaurangs in the neibourhood ;-).

      I have told my friends of the experiences I had, and showed them photos I took. They got interested!
I wish you the best in the future, and hopefully a lot of laughing too...
Warm greatings from a not so warm summer in the north of Sweden

- Gunnel Brolin, Sweden, 2017.

      I would be delighted to give you a glowing testimonial ‐ your tour was wonderful.

      I loved visiting the very distinct habitats you chose for us, which were absolute wonderlands of beauty and interest.

      I haven't birdwatched in the Mediterranean before, so of the 136 species we saw, 44 were new to me ‐ almost a third. Accommodation, food, transport all very good.

      Your guiding was superb, and you are such a nice person to be with!

- Lois Pryce, Bristol, 2017.

      Just to say thanks for a another wonderful six days birding in Herzegovina.
This the second time l have visited Bosnia Herzegovina in late April with Wild Herzegovina Holidays and Denis Bohm. The weather this year was again kind to us apart from a couple of days which were quite windy, never the less Denis with his intensive knowledge of the area and excellent birding skills we still managed to see 129 species over the six days including some really close views of the elusive Rock Partridge and some stunning sounds and sights of 1500+ pairs of Sand Martins.

      A few people in our party of seven had a would like to see tick list and all went home with a smile on their face.

      Over the six days we covered many diverse habitats from mountains to coastal in order to maximise our chances of seeing not only birds but the wonderful flora, fauna and stunning vista's that Herzegovina has to offer. Denis's style of guiding is informative, relaxed and well organised with a little humour thrown in , he knows the country well as he lived in Mostar for many years before moving to the UK.

      Once again we're based in the wonderful city of Mostar at the Pansion Liska B&B in a quiet part of the city but only ten minutes walk from the old town were the Konoba Taurus restaurant is situated (where we ate our evening meals) and the world famous bridge which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

      All the rooms at Pansion Liska are on suite, air conditioned, very clean and comfortable. Edin the owner provides a substantial continental style breakfast with warm fresh breads from the local bakery every morning and if you want any thing different to what's been provided just ask and Edin will do his best to accommodate(nothing to much trouble). The restaurant Konoba Taurus has a very extensive menu, the food and service are excellent(the portions are large).

      To sum up, would I return to Herzegovina and use Wild Herzegovina Holidays and Denis Bohm as my guide? That's a definite Yes.

      Great place, Nice people and Wonderful wildlife.

- Alan Cordin, Nottingham, 2017.

      Thank you for guiding us round Herzegovina, we had a lovely holiday, and 50 new bird species definitely exceeded my expectations! We loved the variety of habitats and landscapes we visited, the guest house was great, the food was delicious (especially the polenta and garlic yoghurt!) and your passion for the country and the birdlife was evident. Many, many thanks for a wonderful trip!

      See you at BirdFair,

- Jennifer & Patricia Grewal, Wiltshire, 2017.

      I admit I had felt slighltly apprehensive ‐ as woman on her own ‐ going off on a birding trip. How mistaken I was! After being met at the airport by a very friendly Denis and then safely transported into the AMAZING countryside of Herzegovina any apprehension quickly disappeared.

      My room in the Guest House ‐ run by a very kind and helpful gentleman called Edin ‐ was excellent. Denis had everything organised in the finest detail ‐ nothing was overlooked. As for the Flora & Fauna ‐ I cannot begin to relate how impressive the variety is; the birds especially were just incredible, the scenery has to be seen to be believed. Spectacular locations for picnics, lunches and evening meals were an additional bonus too.

      The vast experience and knowledge that Denis has, is remarkable. I feel so privileged to have had such a worthy guide during my stay and know that I want to return, to take advantage of travelling to other sites in the region.

      I thoroughly recommend this holiday to everyone who appreciates the wonder of Mother Nature, I can guarantee they certainly would not be disappointed.

- Judith Gault, Poole, 2016.

      On my second visit to Herzegovina Bosnia with Denis ‐ proved to be even better than the first. More different birds seen AND in greater numbers. Denis made the whole experience so enjoyable and informative. We visited lots of contrasting locations, had delicious meals both at lunch time and in the evenings too. All little details were taken into account i.e. along with coffee ‐ there was a wonderful selection of tea bags to chose from! Nothing was too much trouble for Denis and most of all, for me, IT WAS FUN!!

      Once again thank you so very much and I will be back for a 3rd time I'm sure.

- Judith Gault, Poole, 2017.

      My THIRD visit to the wonderful countryside of Herzegovina proved to be as delightful as before! The various locations we visited were spectacular, the food in restaurants was so tempting and delicious and quantities ‐large‐ as before. Then ‐ the bird life found by you was so plentiful.

      I'll never forget the flock of Bee Eaters around the sheep field,(where the Black Woodpecker put in an appearance) the abundance of Sand Martins, the Hobby's and Montague Harriers and then the icing on the cake for me, TWO 'lifers' the Little Bittern and Ring Ouzel.

      The meadows of Orchids and higher up of Gentians, pastures and woodland areas of cowslips, Karst fields ablaze with yellow & white flowers ‐ it was all magical for me. Thank you.

      Do hope you have remaining successful tours with appreciative groups of people ‐ I for one can't thank you enough.

- Judith Gault, Poole, 2019.

      Quite apart from your intimate knowledge of your (very large) "patch", we were fortunate with both the weather and the group members who got along very well with each other and (a bonus for me) seemed to share a similar sense of humour. There were very few silences during our travels! The various types of limestone country we visited reminded us of the Malham area and a few other sites in the Yorkshire Dales quite near to our home, although covering a vastly greater area of course and with much more variety. Our karst country also lacks Rock Partridge! Congratulations are due to you for persisting when it seemed we may not find one.

      It is difficult to pick a favourite from the various habitats on offer, but although we much enjoyed the day in the Dinaric Alps and the Sand Martin colony is just stunning, the experience at Buna is our choice. Six woodpecker species with a very cooperative Syrian Woodpecker at the nest, the active Lesser Grey Shrikes plus so many Golden Orioles; having the latter and Green Woodpeckers accompany our excellent lunch made it a special day indeed.

      We did not expect to have such a large bird list of over 150 species. There was a good range of butterflies, dragonflies, other insects, amphibians, flowers, etc., despite the relatively early date, plus the occasional encounter with a few mammals. I particularly enjoyed meeting the Glass Lizard which posed helpfully for so long!

      We are very happy that, just for once, the sparse flights from and to the north of England fell on just the right days, and from our nearest airport to boot! It enabled us to have a really good time in a country we knew little about apart from the famous Old Bridge in Mostar. Edin's guesthouse was comfortable and the Taurus Restaurant most enjoyable and its proximity to the Old Bridge a bonus. When we walked to and from the Taurus we raised the average age of the evening throngs in Mostar considerably!


- David & Kathryn Beeken, Yorkshire, 2017.

      Wild Herzegovina is an exceptional birding tour. Denis Bohm is a marvellous guide. From the minute he picked us up from our hotel near the airport it was clear that we were in good hands. He is an excellent and safe driver (non smoking) and his Mercedes Vanio is very comfortable, accommodating 7 people plus driver. The seats inside the cab have 3 seats facing the other 3 seats. This works well and there are sliding doors at both sides making rapid exits easy. Birding started at Dubrovnik airport where hawfinches were spotted.

      The drive to Mostar takes about two hours but Denis organised a packed lunch then a walk in karst fields with lots of birds to see as well as butterflies and lizards.

      On to historic Mostar which is an attractive town, easy and safe to walk around. Accommodation in Mostar is simple but comfortable and scrupulously clean. Though in the middle of town, the place is surrounded by Scops owls that can be heard hooting through the night ‐ our group saw 2 of these owls in the Muslim graveyard in town. Breakfast is produced by the owner Edin each morning. The following days passed in a flash ‐ Denis scouts out the birding sites and obtains permission from landowners in advance. He is extremely sharp in both spotting and hearing birds and knows his warblers! You start around 7.30 with a drive of anything up to an hour from Mostar. A different habitat is visited each day and the contrast in magnificent scenery and different birds is amazing. Lunch at one of several excellent restaurants is followed by birding in the afternoon, before returning to Mostar where dinner in a Mostar restaurant is provided.

      Over 150 species of birds were seen but some of the sights were astonishing ‐ being in the midst of several thousand Sand Martins was an experience not to be forgotten. At one site we saw 6 woodpecker species and plenty of Golden Orioles. Plenty of Wrynecks was a new experience for me. There is some walking but nothing too strenuous.

      On the last day Denis took our group to the airport then drove us into Dubrovnik where we spent a couple of days decompressing from all these birds. This trip would suit the expert birder but Denis is happy to share his (considerable) knowledge with the less expert. One final thing ‐ you are unlikely to meet others with scopes and binoculars as there are virtually no birdwatchers in Herzegovina!


- Colin and Rowena Paton, Bedford, 2017.

      I travelled with "Wild Herzegovina" for a five day stay in late April. Denis our guide was an excellent host and delighted in showing us the best of his homeland. The countryside was stunningly beautiful and the birds lived up to and indeed exceeded my expectations. Highlights included superb views of the normally illusive Rock Partridge and the largest and most spectacular mixed Sand Martin and Bee-eater colony I have ever seen, and just so so much more.

      I have no hesitation in recommending this trip to anyone who wants a bird filled, stress free and fun holiday.


- Neil Bowman, Norfolk, 2017.

A Trip to Wild Herzegovina

      This was my kind of birding holiday. I've been on "holidays" where the group waits to see the 101st Whitethroat and misses other habitats because the day's run out, or the leader is determined to keep you out in the burning midday sun to identify the differences between such and such at all costs. Not this one. Denis paced the holiday to suit his guests and we were the "lazy birdwatchers". We all very much enjoyed the relaxed pace he allowed us with time to really see the birds and take photos. With a total of 121 species seen and more heard, we didn't miss anything either. There is certainly plenty of "Wild" to enjoy and explore in the variety of habitats and landscapes Denis took us to.

      On getting out of the car for our first birding and lunch stop I was overwhelmed by the wonderful waft of mint enveloping us while we munched our sandwiches, one of the many perfumes from herbs and trees pervading our senses during the trip. Butterflies too were in good supply: Swallowtails too flittery to photograph with Grizzled and Dingy Skippers obligingly settling on damp patches. And not to forget the amazingly intense blue of Beautiful Demoiselles chasing along a river edge. In mid May we were still in time for some orchids and gentians while the hedgerows were a medley of colour.

      What were the bird highlights for me? Well, where in the UK would one see within a few metres: 2 Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers at their nests, a Syrian Woodpecker at the nest and Wryneck at the nest?

      Not to mention the Hoopoes getting lost in the long grass on the other side of the river. The Golden Oriole peeking from the top of a tree, Bee‐eaters near and far, a large, thriving colony of Sand Martins, and delightful views of Black‐headed Buntings and a Subalpine Warbler were real treats. Then there were the searches for the elusive Eastern Orphean Warbler, Ortolan Bunting and Rock Partridge ‐ great adventures to be had.

      Our family run hotel was clean and comfortable with fresh baked still warm breakfast rolls. A gentle evening stroll led to the restaurant for our evening meal where the portions were massive ‐ we mostly shared ‐ and the local wine was delicious. Denis had a few surprises up his sleeve for us to try on our lunch stops!

      I was intrigued to visit a lesser travelled European destination. How was Herzegovina faring now after that cataclysmic implosion which shook the whole region? One can't get under the surface of a place in a week but the people we came across were enterprising, resilient and welcoming of quirky Brits who like watching birds!


- Pat Rumpus, Hitchin, 2016.

      I had the privilege of visiting Herzegovina in Spring 2016. Denis, our guide, was friendly, looked after us well and took us to some great landscapes and some great birds, in the comfort of a Mercedes van with leather seats, coffee, water and a bag of assorted field guides ‐ nice touches.

      There is no way we could have seen all that we did without someone who knows the country. Our week long tour clocked up over 150 species without rushing around too much. As for the birds... Golden Orioles and Nightingales were singing all over the place, Bee‐eaters, Hoopoes, Eastern Orphean, Eastern Subalpine, Great Reed, and Moustached Warblers, Western Rock Nuthatch, Quail, Corncrake, Black, and White‐winged Terns, Montagu's Harriers, Red‐footed Falcons, White‐tailed Eagle, Syrian, Middle‐spotted, Lesser Spotted, and Grey‐headed Woodpeckers, Wrynecks, Rock Thrush, Blue Rock Thrush, Alpine, and Pallid Swifts, Black‐eared Wheatears, Rock Partridge, Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, Red‐crested Pochard, Garganey and every regular European heron species.

      The food and accommodation were very good too! Thank you Denis for making it possible ‐ I would very much like to visit Herzegovina again.

- David Chandler, Cambridge, 2016.

      We had an excellent 7 day’s birding with Denis in Bosnia and Herzegovina in late May 2016. We experienced a mixed bag of weather from dry, warm and sunny, to wet and windy. The wet and windy episodes did make birding challenging and we had to work hard for views of birds as they were keeping a low profile but Denis did his best to ensure we were rewarded for our efforts.

      For us seeing Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers emerging and returning to their nests, providing excellent photo opportunities was a highlight, as was seeing a Rock Partridge run across the track in front of the van, and two Golden Eagles flew overhead when we stopped for a picnic lunch one day.

      We particularly enjoyed the restaurant lunches where we were introduced to the specialities of the area. The breakfast at the B & B was a continental with ample to satisfy us. Fresh rolls and croissants from the bakery every morning with meat, cheese, eggs, etc. We found the B & B simple, very clean and spacious and the owner, Edin friendly and helpful. A kitchenette is available to make tea, coffee and snacks if required. The accommodation is ideally located in Mostar for excursions into the mountains and to the sea.

      Denis works very hard to match the tour, as much as possible, to customer expectations with the emphasis being on birding. We enjoyed the whole experience and hope we get the opportunity to return.

- Lynn & Stephen Scarrott, Bicester, 2016.

      We really enjoyed our bird watching trip with you and were very impressed with your great knowledge and enthusiasm for your Herzegovina homeland. Every day you took us to a different habitat which allowed us to see the many different bird species.

      We found the accommodation and the Taurus restaurant very comfortable and friendly. We will have no hesitation in recommending your services to any of our birding friends. The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and the Hoopoe made our day!

- Paul and Myrtle Greenough, Beaconsfield, 2016.

      This was my first time to go bird‐watching and visit Herzegovina. It was a most interesting experience to locate and see some absolutely beautiful birds under the guidance of Denis who was our very knowledgeable tour leader and guide.

      The landscape was beautiful, unspoilt and varied depending on the locations we visited to spot the birds in their habitats. When we stumbled on the wonderful fauna and flora in different areas it added more excitement to our day.

      Herzegovina was relaxing and unspoilt and offered us some excellent traditional cuisine. All provisions and the accommodation were just as we would require. It was all most comfortable.

      Denis provided us with an excellent holiday and the organisation was superb.

- Valerie Leung, Berkshire, 2016.

      Herzegovina as introduced by Denis was a spectacular discovery. We covered a wide range of rich and unspoilt habitat brimming with diverse birds, insects and flowers. It reminded me in parts of the Camargue forty years ago with the abundant Bee-eaters, Orioles, Penduline tits, Shrikes, Warblers, Herons etc.

      Denis was a wonderfully informed and generous guide to this fascinating country; his balanced presentation of its history, and guide to its culinary nuances, as well as his awareness of the Geology made for a far richer trip than a traditional Nature tour ‐ even though the Nature alone was fabulous. I would be very happy to go back.

- Dermot Cooper, Cambridge, 2014.

      Well, I said last year that I would be happy to go back again to Herzegovina on Denis' tour and so I did at precisely the same time.

      Again this year Denis was as informed, enthusiastic and energetic as ever. Even with a slightly larger group he responded to everybody's agendas. Again the Nature was superb, the birds ‐ a slightly different cross‐section this year ‐ one fabulous stream of Honey Buzzards, waves of Montagu's Harriers, Cuckoos and Golden Orioles gave a real sense of migration as well as beautiful Collared Flycatcher and Collared Pratincole ‐ down to twenty metres!

      Again every aspect of the trip was flawless and again I would be very tempted to repeat it next year!

- Dermot Cooper, Cambridge, 2015.

      Well, I said last year (and the year before) that I would be tempted to go back again this year. Well I did!

      It was a slightly earlier this and the weather was a little cooler and damper than usual, but this made for more visible migration and longer access to birds in the field.

      I continue to be overwhelmed by the countryside, the landscape, the plant‐life and butterflies. But the birds just keep taking one's breath away. Sights like parades of Purple Heron rising from the reeds, rushes of unexpected waders moving north in summer plumage ‐ a party of 13 Black Terns weaving around a lake in gorgeous plumage, six woodpecker species, four Wryneck together on a path at one point, exotic warblers in abundance ‐ Orpheans were very noisy this year, not to mention an enormous White‐tailed Eagle. No visit is the same but they are all spectacular. It's really not the numbers although we registered over 150 species for the week, it's the unexpected combinations against gorgeous backdrops.

      Denis remains an enthusiastic, warm, tireless and widely‐informed guide. I will be tempted to return next year.

- Dermot Cooper, Cambridge, 2016.

Wild Herzegovina with Denis Bohm

      We travelled with "Wild Herzegovina" in early May 2015. Apart from arranging our own flights to Dubrovnik, everything was organised by Denis Bohm. Pick-up, transport, accommodation, food and really important ... valuable local knowledge.

      The vehicle we travelled in daily was very comfortable ‐ we especially liked the darkened windows which meant the inside didn't get toasted in sunshine. Denis is a safe and considerate driver.

      The accommodation had many nice features ‐ a lovely veranda for morning breakfast and group "relax and chat" at the end of each day; a small kitchen where tea/coffee could be made at any time, and quiet bedrooms with air-con. Plus it was a pleasant stroll into the lovely Old Town of Mostar.

      But most important to convey is the "feel" of Herzegovina. Despite some evidence of its troubled past there is so much for a visitor to experience; the unspoilt, open and varied countryside, local restaurants taking great pride in their regional food and a wonderful diversity of wild flowers, birds and wildlife. A bonus for us, was that every day was sunny!

      Threading through our trip, Denis was the organiser ‐ taking us each day to a different location, depending on weather and circumstance. Mountains with meadows full of wild flowers (un‐grazed land helps!) like bright blue Gentians, green hellebores, narcissi and everywhere recumbent Juniper bushes. Snow still lingered on the top of the mountains, the air was clean and the views uplifting. Rivers and lakes. Meandering rivers with clean, clear water and lakes with reed beds and water meadows.

      Our main focus was on birds, and we saw many species 150; some in amazing numbers, for example a huge colony of zooming Sand Martins at their nest site, while also making use of the sand cliff were good numbers of beautiful Beeaters. Cuckoos were heard every day ‐ a real treat, as well as the fluty sounds of the Golden Orioles. Pygmy Cormorants were present where there was water and we often heard the purring sound of Turtle Doves. One of the group was a sound recorder (with all the gear) which made us much more aware of bird sounds for identifying what was around - an interesting facet of the trip.

      Food was also an important part of our stay. Trying local specialities, eating in small local restaurants and having local honey, fantastic bread, herb tea, local cheeses and fish was all very "tasty!" Local wine and beer are also worth having!

      Overall, a fascinating holiday, full of new experiences, good birding spots, lovely locations and very enjoyable company. We were lucky with sunny days and the timing of the visit, so I have no hesitation in commending this trip.

      Herzegovina is a delight as seen through "Wild Herzegovina" and the company of the very capable, knowledgeable, amusing and likeable Denis.

- Iris de Carteret & Brian Shepherd, Hampton, 2015.

      Should you decide to commit yourself to a five day adventure with "Wild Herzegovina" you will not regret it. From landing to departure you are in the hands of a true expert, a man of varied skills, who will ensure that nothing gets in the way of a truly memorable holiday.

      True, Denis has the advantage of a wonderful canvas upon which to paint his picture but in a beautiful yet unforgiving landscape the best secrets of Herzegovina are not won easily. To appreciate the very best of this region it was a joy for all of our group to be in his company as he allowed us to discover this area that he both knows and loves.

      Denis certainly has all the credentials that allow him to offer a superb service to his clients but perhaps the best tribute we could offer him is that - he's a damned good bloke.

      PS We are not really record keepers (we saw 120+ species) but you will see a great many species. At one venue my head went into a spin as I didn't now whether to focus on a LSW, a Wryneck, a Nightingale or a Hawfinch. Such an eventuality may be your biggest problem of the week...

- Eric Davies & Dilys Powell, Kidderminster, 2015.

      We really enjoyed our trip to this largely under explored part of Europe.

      It was nice to find an easy paced, small group, single centre based (a comfortable hotel in old town Mostar) tour, with day trips never taking us more than an hour from "home". This might all sound a bit restrictive but nothing could be further from the truth.

      We saw a thorough and comprehensive range of birds and other flora and fauna that the country has to offer all in a great range of wonderfully scenic habitats; and we had plenty of time to sample some fine local cuisine!

      Denis was a first class leader, careful driver with an excellent vehicle, provider of great picnics and "in the field" snacks etc etc. Nothing had been overlooked.

      So thanks Denis; we look forward to seeing you on your stand at The British Birdwatching Fair in August.

- Tim & Irene Loseby, Norfolk, 2015.

      Stunning and diverse scenery, ranging from wetlands and marshes to mountains and pastures, all with spectacular birds and an array of colourful wild flowers, not to mention dragonflies and butterflies; these combined with Denis' informative comments about the culture and history of his country ensured that our holiday with Wild Herzegovina an extremely memorable and interesting experience.

      Denis is an exceptional guide and a brilliant birder, with a wonderful sense of humour, and he went out of his way to make our days out extra special and enjoyable.

      Our transport was comfortable and spacious with plenty of room for all our birding gear, and Denis was an extremely careful, thoughtful and patient driver.

      Denis' ability to make each day different and interesting was greatly appreciated by all of us on the trip and I am sure we would all be more than happy to repeat this unique experience.

- Kathy Gay, Norfolk, 2015.

      The Wild Herzegovina website claims to offer a comprehensive tour of the country, with comfortable transport and a generous host. And this is precisely what Denis delivers.

      His management and organisation of our week's tour was faultless; his generosity and continuous awareness of our needs and wishes made the whole trip so memorable. He went the extra mile on many occasions such as producing punnets of fresh strawberries to go with lunch; miraculously getting a pair of spectacles repaired within minutes of them being broken; providing unexpected refreshment in the middle of a very hot walk.

      His itinerary was so varied as to produce constant interest and a wide variety of birds. His knowledge of the country, its history and politics contributed to our enjoyment and his continued good humour ensured a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of laughs. Birds there were aplenty, with some stunning views obtained of species we had rarely seen before.

      Transport was genuinely comfortable with quick and easy exit when a likely bird was spotted. Altogether, a most enjoyable and memorable holiday which we are very happy to recommend. Thank you Denis.

- David & Pamela Manger, Ashford, 2015.

With Wild Herzegovina

      Is going on the guided tour Wild Herzegovina for you? Denis Bohm is the tour organiser and leader. The tour, based in Mostar comprises a maximum of Denis plus 7 people. This is our assessment:

1. Website (www.wild-herzegovina.com): Excellent. Comprehensive, detailed and up‐to‐date.
   
   
2. Dates: Mostly Spring, mostly 5 days, but two trips are 7 days. An autumn option is being considered. Denis is flexible about whether you arrive by air, train, coach or car, but he collects and delivers to Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia as part of the deal. We drove¹ to Mostar², but our friends flew out. Both our journeys were problem-free.
   
   
3. Accommodation: Excellent. A comfortable, recently-completed B&B in the centre of Mostar close to the Old City, but away from the main thoroughfares. The B&B owner was cheerful, well-organised and quick to meet requests about our comfort, or breakfast, which was taken on an elevated patio from which we could hear Nightingale and Golden Oriole! Scops Owl called at night. We much enjoyed our stay there³.
   
   
4. Food: Evening meals were at a superb restaurant in the Old Town beside a stream that feeds into the Neretva River just below Mostar Bridge. The menu was extensive⁴ and varied and the hospitality wonderful. The roast vegetables were addictive! Midday meals either were pre-prepared picnics or taken at restaurants at the halfway point in our daily excursions.
   
   
5. Daily Itineraries: Because Denis had carried out detailed reconnaissances beforehand, each day's itinerary covered several habitats or biomes, from sea‐level to rugged mountains. That said, the Mediterranean latitude and a mostly montane region can lend a degree of unpredictability to the weather and so Denis can modify his programme to suit most eventualities. Fortunately, we had mostly superb weather, although earlier heavy rainfall prevented any visits to cave systems in the limestone mountains.
   
   
6. Birds, flora and landscape: These were all magical. The streams and rivers are practically free of turbidity, the variety of karst landscapes seemed infinite, the multitude of orchids spellbinding, and the birds were very cooperative, in that few sightings were momentary.
   
   
7. Degree of difficulty: Essentially easy. The transport is a comfortable Mercedes Viano ‐ two sets of 3 seats face one another, the seventh tour member being up front with Denis. There is ample room for small backpacks and telescopes. If people were tired, it was due only to the fresh air, for almost all walking was on level, or near-level ground. The whole itinerary is designed not to do too much, and so anyone who can amble for about 5 km per day should have no difficulty. Consequently, all seven of us could relax in each other's company, but here we must commend Denis for his endless good humour, his extensive knowledge of the natural history and culture of the area, and in particular for his excellent driving, an essential aspect of travelling on often poor roads filled with poor drivers!
   
   

      We would love to return sometime soon. Do you need a guide? Probably not, but no matter how well you did your preparation, you would not see so much in so short a time, nor would you find all the locations we visited ‐ the locals know Denis, but might not cooperate with strangers met for the first time in a remote area. We thought (and our friends are experienced tour leaders themselves in remote parts of the world) that the value for money given by our Wild Herzegovina trip was terrific.⁵
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¹ It's essential to follow AA or RAC advice on the differing motoring requirements of the countries you are visiting. You may need to change your motor insurance provider to obtain insurance for Bosnia‐Herzegovina.
² We drove to Mostar via Croatia, where the new toll motorway (€30) from Slovenia almost reaches Mostar.
³ All accommodation costs for the tour period are covered in your payment for the trip.
⁴ All food costs for the tour period are covered in your payment for the trip.
⁵ We're compiling a narrative describing our trip. Once it's complete it will be available through Denis.

- Mike Blair & Sue Fleming, Norfolk, 2015.

      We have just returned from a marvellous holiday courtesy of Wild Herzegovina. Everything was dedicated to ensuring our enjoyment. Breathtaking scenery, stunning views of the diverse array of birds, dragonflies and butterflies, a very hospitable small hotel and lots of chances to eat high quality local food.

      He obviously customises his trips to meet your needs and abilities and is very informative on history and culture as well as nature. The spectacle of sand martin and bee-eater colonies in a working quarry and the boat trip in Hutovo Blato were unforgettable.

      We would wholeheartedly recommend Wild Herzegovina to anyone who wants a truly memorable and enjoyable holiday.

- Richard & Jean Attenborrow, Ipswich, 2015.
- Andrew & Margaret Gregory, Ipswich, 2015.

      We had never been on a birdwatching holiday before. What a memorable experience!

      Not just birds but flowers, butterflies, dragonflies (16 species), snakes and lizards, mountains, rivers and waterfalls, tasty food, friendly people and to cap it all ‐ VIP transport throughout.

      Thank you, Denis, for sharing your amazing country with us.

- Peter & Lee Jessen, London, 2015.

      We would certainly recommend "Wild Herzegovina" to any one interested in the flora and fauna of that area. You certainly know your birds and you knew where to find them too!

      We shall never forget the sight of over 100 Red‐footed Falcons feeding over that wetland lake, the biggest colony of Sand Martins we have ever seen and the Rock Nuthatch with its nest to name only a few of the highlights.You took us to different habitats every day and the surrounding countryside was wonderful and unspoilt.

      Accommodation was excellent and I think we all agreed that the restaurant we used all week was perfect in every way. Consistently excellent meals in friendly surroundings with great staff.

      All in all a really good trip. Not been to that part of the world before but would certainly love to go again. Many thanks Denis.

- John Cottis & Barbara Padbury, Maidstone, 2015.

      I just wanted to say a huge thank you for making my holiday such a memorable experience. When Moe and Ian told me about their holiday last year, I had high expectations and I wasn't disappointed.

      I was stunned by the diverse habitats and the number of bird species seen. The food and accommodation were superb too. I would not hesitate in recommending this holiday, and I hope to return.

- Hazel Jessett, Faversham, 2015.

      I had a very good time on this trip - Herzegovina is an interesting country with a great selection of wildlife.

      Denis' attention to detail and organisation was outstanding. He placed us in a very nice hotel and introduced us to superb restaurants.

- Trevor Hatton, Chatham, 2015.

      I thoroughly enjoyed my holiday.

      As a guide you have an excellent eye for finding and seeing the birds, together with your local knowledge and sense of humour made for an unforgettable week.

      Nothing was too much trouble for you, and I would definitely recommend your tours to both experienced and beginners bird‐watchers.

- David Richardson, Whitby, 2015.

      Many thanks to Denis for a wonderful and extremely interesting holiday. The food, company and accommodation was excellent.

      I never realised that this part of Europe has such impressive natural scenery as well as an abundance of wildlife.

- Michael Gardner, Lancaster, 2015.

      Denis is all you could wish for in a tour leader ‐ organised and flexible, knowledgeable and dependable, calm and unflappable. He is a responsible and careful non-smoking driver and the tour vehicle is spacious, air‐conditioned and comfortable. By making advance arrangements, he was able to ensure that both our hotel and all the restaurants we visited catered amply for our vegan diet ‐ the food was fresh, varied and tasty, and much of it locally grown and organic.

      We had travelled widely in the Balkans before but while with Wild Herzegovina we added no fewer than 10 new bird species to our life list, as well as enjoying great views of species we have seen before but never grow tired of seeing again ‐ Alpine and Pallid Swifts, Bee‐eaters, Crested Tits and both Rock Thrushes, for example.

      This is more than a birdwatching tour, though ‐ the landscapes of Herzegovina are astonishing and the local culture rich and exciting, and Denis makes a balanced, well‐informed and funny guide to this little visited part of Europe.

- Stephen Rigden & Claire Langford, London, 2014.

      We enjoyed our Wild Herzegovina experience so much in June 2014 that we came back for more in April 2015. If possible, we had an even better time this year. Knowing us from last year, our guide Denis was able to adapt and personalise our tour even more to our tastes and interests, and took us to some beautiful off‐the‐beaten‐track locations, both for birdwatching and for lunch. With Denis, you are in safe hands ‐ super‐knowledgeable birdwatcher, local expert, and one of the most decent and likeable human beings you will ever meet.

      Last year, we decided to stay in an historic boutique hotel in Mostar but, this time, we took up Denis' recommendation of the local bed and breakfast Pansion Liska. The Pansion really is the better choice ‐ at least equal in comfort, but with a much more personal touch and genuine hospitality. We are vegan, and the Pansion owner prepared us a tremendous vegan breakfast every morning, and was welcoming and helpful. And, just like last year, the three‐course dinners at Konoba Taurus were truly exceptional ‐ we have never been as well looked after as we have by the team at Taurus.

      Birds vary according to the season, of course. We saw Alpine Choughs from our Pansion window in Mostar every morning, because we were there in mid‐April. Elsewhere, we had wonderful views of such memorable birds as Great Egrets and Purple Herons, Hoopoes and Wryneck, Ortolan Buntings and Sombre Tits ‐ over 100 species in six days. Perhaps you'll come for the birds, but you'll leave loving the whole Herzegovina experience ‐ the landscapes and the flora, the architecture and history, the culture and the cuisine. We are already planning our next trip for 2016.

- Stephen Rigden & Claire Langford, London, 2015.

      What a great experience our holiday with "Wild Herzegovina" was. The accommodation was very good; the food was wonderful; and the nature part of the holiday was not to missed, we are looking forward to returning next year.

- Ian & Moe Parker, Faversham, 2014.

      This is the second year we have been to Herzegovina with Denis. We were so pleased last year, we wanted to come back. Denis arranged for a group from the Faversham Natural History Group to come over for a weeks "field trip". The weather was not so kind as last year, but Denis found places to go and find all the Natural History we wanted.

      If anybody wants to find birds, flowers, butterflies, etc., then go to Herzegovina and let Denis be your guide. You will not be disappointed.

- Ian & Moe Parker, Faversham, 2015.

      Our experience with Wild Herzegovina was fabulous. Denis' company has attracted similar minded birders who do not take themselves too seriously (there were many laugh out loud moments) but are generous with their knowledge and experience.

      We learnt not just about the many birds of the area but also about the flora, fauna, geology and history, the politics and the cuisine. No two days were the same and nothing was too much trouble before the holiday, on the road, at our accommodation and at the many restaurants we visited.

      I can't recommend the experience highly enough and would urge you to go and see this amazing and varied country, with an experienced and knowledgeable guide.

- Jane Burgess & John Lamport, Derbyshire, 2014.

      I booked a trip with Wild Herzegovina for mid‐May 2014 and can confirm that it met all expectations and I had a great time. Denis delivered exactly what his website claimed.

      We had good accommodation, safe and comfortable transport, interesting local cuisine and excellent bird watching in a range of fascinating habitats. As the wildlife in the country is not well surveyed it was good to also be adding to national knowledge.

- Ian Draycott, Herefordshire, 2014.

      We just wanted to say how much we enjoyed the trip. It was so interesting and the birds, scenery, food, flowers, wildlife and company were great. We have already recommended you to several people.

- Chris & Bill Ashby, Lancashire, 2014.

      This was our first visit to Herzegovina and we couldn't have been more pleased. The accommodation was excellent, clean and very comfortable and well located for visiting the Old Town and Bridge in Mostar. The birds were just brilliant. We achieved a list of nearly 100 in just 5 days and the various locations were as diverse as they were beautiful.

      Denis looked after us so well and made sure we were fed to bursting with delicious and interesting local dishes (including vegetarian) each day. We can highly recommend Wild Herzegovina and would have no hesitation at using them again.

- Jenny & Dave Wright, Shropshire, 2014.

      Denis, a big thank you from both Nora and myself for all your kindness, hard work and good company. We thoroughly enjoyed the "Wild Herzegovina" experience and will be back.

- Sinclair & Nora Manson, Highland, 2014.

      My visit to Herzegovina early in May was most enjoyable. Herzegovina sounded an interesting country to visit and indeed it was. Denis is a knowledgeable and entertaining guide, and being brought up in Mostar, has an intimate knowledge of the country and the countryside.

      We drove in comfort to a variety of amazing habitats, from wetland to mountain to moonscape, in this very scenic country and we had some memorable walks. We learned a lot about the history of the country, we sampled the local cuisine, we drank local wine and met some of the local inhabitants. This aspect was especially appreciated, as on so many tours this experience is not built in.

      Our accommodation in Mostar was excellent and the old town, with its rebuilt bridge and occasional shell-shattered building, was an interesting base.       Denis found us great birds and exotic reptiles, and we saw beautiful butterflies and flowers. To hear more nightingales than blackbirds and hear cuckoos all day long was amazing.

      I added 3 days to the start of my trip, enjoying the sights and sounds (Alpine Swifts!) of the Old City of Dubrovnik and took a trip to the island of Lokrum. This was a pleasant add-on to my bird tour and Denis helped me find accommodation in Dubrovnik. Nothing was too much trouble.

      I highly recommend this varied and fascinating holiday.

- Sheila Brooke, Bedfordshire, 2014.

      I had a wonderful holiday with Wild Herzegovina in May this year. From start to finish it was brilliantly organised by Denis. the owner and tour guide. From collection in Dubrovnik, accommodation in Mostar to eating in stunning locations everything went smoothly.

      The bird watching was excellent. I feel I came away from this trip having had a real travel experience. Great value for money. Definitely a 10 out of 10 holiday.

- Charles Martin, Gloucester, 2014.