Bird Watching & Scenic Day Tours in Serrania de Ronda
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New... Please see the above article index for 2 new day tour destinations departing from the Ronda area..
A unique and diverse habitat
Whether you enjoy spectacular scenery or fauna and flora, then this personally guided birdwatching tour of the Serranía de Ronda and Sierra de Grazalema is for you! With mountains and hills predominately of limestone, the bio-diversity of the Serranía and Sierras is stunning. From rocky outcrops, mountaintop and valleys, the birding tour will take you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Spain. Birds of interest are virtually guaranteed, though of course time of year and the weather, will dictate the number and type of bird species you will see. Accompanied by your own expert tour guide, you will waste no time searching for those elusive ‘best bird areas’. Your birding guide will be able to assist beginners and discuss the area with visiting experienced birders. So whatever your level of expertise, there will be much to reward your birding trip.
Author of Walking in Andalucia, Guy Hunter Watts, recently wrote: Peter Jones is a nature guide based close to Ronda, who leads groups and individuals throughout the province. He also leads guided birding tours to other parts of Spain, Morocco and many other destinations (Costa Rica, Ecuador, India, Kenya, Gambia e.o.) worldwide. The author can not speak too highly of Peter’s birding excursions. A natural communicator, Peter has that rare ability of conveying specialist knowledge in a way that’s accessible to one and all. A day in his company offers a unique insight into the extraordinarily diverse birdlife of southern Spain and would dovetail perfectly with your walks in and around Ronda and Grazalema.
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The independant traveller's guide What people have said about this tour: We enjoyed our holiday in Andalucia very much, but the first day with you was the most impressive. For sure we will make a bird tour with you again. Ger en Mieke Thank you for the most wonderful day with you. We so enjoyed it and speak about it frequently, such lovely memories, but especially your great company. Calum We've received emails from all our Frontier clients about the tour. They all agree on one thing, it was a privilege having you as their guide! Frontier Holidays Thank you for guiding us on our recent trip, it really was memorable and your gift of imparting your love of birds and nature is truly something to experience. Bill and Doreen The above is a sample selection from over 200 recommendations |
Price details Day - Tour:
Tour dates:
Every day, 7 days a week, all year round subject to availability
Tour times:
From 10.00 am to 16.00 pm. Longer hours by arrangement.
Price 2015/16:
Standard Day Tour: 185 euro minimum charge for up to 3 persons, 45 Euro per each extra person (maximum 4 persons)
Private tours: Exclusive private tours minimum price of 195 Euro per day by arrangement (price based on up to 3 persons).
Includes:
Free collection from your accommodation in the Ronda area (15km radius), transport, use of telescope
Excluded:
Costs for lunch and drinks. Meal time stop over at a "local" Restaurant.
Tour party:
Minimum 3 or 185 Euro, maximum 4 fellow travellers. Larger groups by prior arrangement
Private and exclusive tours by special arrangement only (see prices above)
Why choose a day trip with Spanish Nature?
- A highly personalised guided birding tour with a birding guide who enjoys the subject as much as you.
- Through experienced guide, go straight to where the birds are, no wasted time!
- Limited numbers of clients each day gives you the attention of the birding guide.
- Expert or beginners welcomed.
- Stopovers in any of the villages by majority consent!
- Extra time added where requested by the majority of those on tour.
For Bookings you can contact us or by telephone: +34 616 891 359 - {modal url=option=index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=116:peter-jones&catid=68:guides&Itemid=239|width=450|height=520|overlay=1}Peter Jones{/modal}
Bio: Peter Jones
Peter has been an active member of the national organisation for ornithology in Spain (SEO/Birdlife) since 2003. He is co-founder of the local SEO group for the Serranía de Ronda and is also a licensed bird ringer/bander, classified as ‘Experto’ the foremost classification for ringers/banders in Spain. A Naturalist, Birder, Nature Guide, Tour Leader, Author, Artist and Field Researcher. Peter is a senior tour leader and guide for several destinations and companies throughout the world. Peter is the founder and now the President of the Andalucia Bird Society and also involved in various steering committees developing sustainable tourism here and in other countries. Founder of 
the Iberia Bird Festival. Peter is also a founding member and associate of Andalucia Wildlife Guides. Involved in animal studies and research projects in Spain and overseas. Currently developing natural history education projects for schools in Morocco and Spain. Current projects also include coordinating efforts to engage schools in Spain and Morocco to participate in the Osprey Migration Foundation project to link both children and communities through satellite tracking of migrating Osprey.
Working together with Peter is Cristina Buendía
Name: Cristina Buendía
Based: Ronda - Málaga Province
Areas covered: Serranía de Ronda and Sierra de Grazalema.
Bio: She has worked as a sustainability environmental resources technician since finishing her degree as a biologist and has always combined her work together with volunteering for SeoBirdlife in Málaga, Extremadura, and raptor migration in the Strait of Gibraltar (Fundación Migres) for around 5 years. Nowadays Cristina works as a science teacher and combines this with guiding tours for studying the natural heritage in her area by mixing hiking with birdwatching.
Catch-up on the news here and with our tours on Peter's Blog. Trip reports, articles, personal stories and lots of photographs, always worth a read and interesting updates for all our many friends here at Spanish Nature!
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Serrania de Ronda - 1st in Europe for Raptors?
The geographical location of the Serranía and Sierras makes it one of Europe's best areas for the concentration of raptors. The Serranía and Sierras have four breeding species of eagle and many other raptors.
Click on next to go to - From Mountains to Lagoons...
From mountains to lagoons……
A typical day for visiting the Lagunas de Campillos and Fuente de Piedra begins with our journey from our base near to Ronda. The contrast in scenery and wildlife is very spectacular, travelling over mountains and eventually arriving to the rolling hills and flat basin that surrounds Fuente de Piedra. The lake is huge, measuring some 6 kilometres long and 3 kilometres wide, it is considered one of the largest natural lagoons in Spain. Due to the salinity of the water here, Greater Flamingo choose to breed in massive numbers, at their peak numbers can exceed 30,000 and so making this the largest breeding colony in Europe. There are other lagoons in the area and depending on water levels, these can hold such sought after species as White-headed Duck and Marbled Teal, as well as the beautiful Red-crested Pochard.
Migrating birds are also a feature here and virtually anything can turn-up, including large concentrations of raptors and also wading birds. The area in summer is very good for some specialist steppe birds including Montagu’s Harrier, Calandra and Short-toed Lark, Little Bustard and the elusive Roller. Along with the ever present Greater Flamingo, Black-necked Grebe is common and occasionally Red-knobbed Coot is seen. Gull-billed Tern are common breeding birds and Whiskered Tern are also in the area, with Black Tern common migrants. Rarities include Lesser Flamingo and White-winged Black Tern, although the list is endless as the area annually attracts so many rarities!
So for a change of route and an entirely different experience, why not accompany Peter to this most rewarding and spectacular area?
Journey time from Ronda to Fuente de Piedra is approximately 45 minutes, so allow time for an earluer collection from your accommodation. Of course our journey might take longer should we see anything of particular interest along our route, such as Bonelli's Eagle!
Price details Day – Tour: Lagunas de Campillos and Fuente de Piedra
Tour dates:
Every day, 7 days a week, all year round subject to availability
Tour times:
From 09.30 am to 16.00 pm. Longer hours by arrangement.
Price 2015/16:
Standard Day Tour: 185 Euro minimum charge for up to 3 persons, 45 Euro per each extra person (maximum 4 persons)
Private tours: Exclusive private tours minimum price of 195 Euro per day by arrangement (price based on up to 3 persons).
Important note: In addition to the above a fuel surcharge applies to this route of 25 Euro total
Includes:
Free collection from your accommodation in the Ronda area (15km radius), transport, use of telescope
Excluded:
Costs for lunch and drinks. Meal time stop over at a "local" Restaurant.
Tour party:
Minimum 3 or 185 Euro, maximum 4 fellow travellers. Larger groups by prior arrangement
Private and exclusive tours by special arrangement only (see prices above)
Note: Photography tours can be accommodated by special arrangement.
Keep up to date on our activities here in Spain. To catch-up on the news here and with our tours take a look at Peter's Blog. Peter gives his personal account on our activities as well as writing some insights to both the area and himself. Trip reports, articles, personal stories and lots of photographs, always worth a read and lots of interesting updates for all our many friends here at Spanish Nature!
Click on next to go to - A Journey into Steppe Country
A Journey into Steppe Country.......
For some very unusual and much sought after species, this day tour can produce excellent chances for such species as Great Bustard and in the summer, Roller. It is a route that has been researched to give rewards to the birder at any time of year. We need to allow 1 hour for reaching the site from our base in the Ronda area, so an earlier start is recommended (see tour details below). Specialist birds for a route that, broadly speaking, covers a triangle between Osuna, Marchena and La Lantejuela, are Great and Little Bustard, Lesser Kestrel, Montagu’s Harrier, Roller and Black-winged Kite.
Typical of steppe habitat, good and distant viewing is a feature of the day tour, with the added bonus of several lagoons being on our route. In the spring and summer some species, such as Collared Pratincole, take advantage of the areas surrounding wetlands. Marsh Harrier is ever present and Red Kite winter in good numbers with Hen Harrier often seen quartering open expanses during 
the colder winter months. Whiskered and Black Tern join Greater Flamingo to take advantage of lagoons, when there have been sufficient winter rains, to breed and White-headed Duck can also join the masses at any time throughout the year.
Peter has an extensive knowledge of this prime birding area and can take the visitor to many special sites including very large colonies of Lesser Kestrel, concentrations of Roller and display areas for Great Bustard. It is a total contrast to the mountains of Ronda and will add many species to your vacation bird list.
Price details Day – Tour: Osuna, Marchena and La Lantejuela
Tour dates:
Every day, 7 days a week, all year round subject to availabilty
Tour times:
From 09.00 am to 16.00 pm. Longer hours by arrangement.
Price 2015/16:
Standard Day Tour: 185 Euro minimum charge for up to 3 persons, 45 Euro per each extra person (maximum 4 persons)
Private tours: Exclusive private tours minimum price of 195 Euro per day by arrangement (price based on up to 3 persons).
Important note: In addition to the above a fuel surcharge applies to this route of 30 Euro total
Includes:
Free collection from your accommodation in the Ronda area (15km radius), transport, use of telescope
Excluded:
Costs for lunch and drinks. Meal time stop over at a "local" Restaurant.
Tour party:
Minimum 3 or 185 Euro, maximum 4 fellow travellers. Larger groups by prior arrangement.
Private and exclusive tours by special arrangement only (see prices above)
Keep up to date on our activities here in Spain. To catch-up on the news here and with our tours take a look at Peter's Blog. Peter gives his personal account on our activities as well as writing some insights to both the area and himself. Trip reports, articles, personal stories and lots of photographs, always worth a read and lots of interesting updates for all our many friends here at Spanish Nature!
Note: Photography tours can be accommodated by special arrangement.
Click next to go to - Accommodation in the area
Accomodation in the area - Rural Hotels
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Hotel BandoleroAddress: Avenida Havaral, 43, Juzcar, Malaga 29462, EspañaContact Details: Tel: +34 952 183 660, mobile : +34 648092242 / 2243Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Website: http://www.hotelbandolero.com/
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Hotel Casa Grande -
Address: C/ Barranco, 76, 29460 Alpandeire, Malaga, España
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Contact Details: Tel: +34 952 180 400 Mobile: +34 629 564 784
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Website: http://www.hotelcasagrande.es/
- Hotel Los Castaños
Address: Calle Iglesia 40, 29452 Cartajima, Málaga, España
Contact: Tel: +34 952 180 778 Fax: +34 952 180 901
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: http://www.loscastanos.com/
- Hotel Cortijo de Las Piletas
Address: Apdo.559, E 29400 Ronda, Málaga, España.
Contact: Tel: +34 605 080 295 Fax: +34 952 874 476
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: http://www.cortijolaspiletas.com/
- Huerta de la Cazalla
29400Ronda, Málaga, España.
Contact: Tel: +34 952 114 175 Fax: +34 952 114 175
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: http://www.lacazalladeronda.com/
- Hotel Enfrente Arte
- Address: c/Real, 40, 29400 Ronda, Malaga, España
- Contact Details: Tel: +34 952 879 088 Fax: +34 952 877 217
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Website: http://www.enfrentearte.com/
- Hotel Molino Cuatro Paradas
Address: MA7401 Ctra, Ronda-Benaojan Km8 - Contact Details: Tel: +34 952 167 129 or +34 952 167 200
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: http://www.molino4paradas.com/
- Hotel Molino del Santo
Address: Bda. Estación s/n, 29370 Benaoján, Málaga, España
Contact: Tel: +34 952 167 151 Fax: +34 952 167 327
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: http://www.molinodelsanto.com/
- Hotel San Gabriel
Address: Marqués de Moctezuma 19, 29400 Ronda, Málaga, España
Contact: Tel: +34 952 190 392 Fax: +34 952 190 117
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: http://www.hotelsangabriel.com/
- Hotel Molino del Puente
Contact: Tel: +34 952 874 164 Mobile: +34 667 433 887
Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: http://www.hotelmolinodelpuente.com/
- The Hoopoe Yurt Hotel
- Address: Cortes de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain
- Contact: +34 951 168 040 Mobile: +34 660 668 241
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Website: http://www.yurthotel.com
Accommodation in the area - Guest houses & Villas
- Finca La Guzmana
Address: Apt. Correos 408, 29400 Ronda, Málaga, España
Contact: Tel: +34 610 826 279& 600 006 305
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: www.laguzmana.com
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Finca Retama Farmstead
Near Ronda, a delightful high specification self-catering riverside farmstead. Excellent base for birdwatchers, nature lovers and walkers. One recent guest logged 48 different bird species from the comfort of our terrace which included honey buzzards, golden oioles, griffin vultures and much more besides.
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Contact: Julia or Nick on: +34 610 609 340
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.fincaretama.com
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La Casa del Llanete
- B&B in a spacious village house full of character in the famous white village Alpandeire.
- 3 twin/double rooms, sitting room and roof terrace. Enjoy the many different species of birds that are here in the Alto-Genal valley.
- Contact: Nicky Duirs Telephone: + 34 951166057
- Website: www.casadellanete.com
- Casa de la Justa
A newly reformed village house in the Lecrin Valley Granada, offering stylisyh and comfortable B&B accomodation with 4 guest bedrooms, terraces, courtyard and pool. The beautiful Lecrin Valley is a perfect location for lovers of nature with wonderful walks from our front door. We are also close to the Sierra Nevada and Aplujarra. We also offer evening meals - using quality local ingredients and can arrange airport pick up for those travelling without a car.
Contact:+ 34 958793155 or + 34 664762295
Website: www.lecrinvalleycasa.net
- Casa Samuel
- Montejaque. A poolside village house with wonderful views in Montejaque, near Ronda, a superb and stunning location. Located within the small community, sleeps up to 4 (two bedrooms),terrace and balcony. For all year round bookings. Short breaks available (minimum 3 nights). One of the few properties in this wonderful village with vehicle parking outside it´s own front door!
- Contact:Mrs S. Thomas, Tel: + 44 1446 781363 Fax: + 44 1446 781239
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Website: www.casasamuelspain.com
- Huerta Cinco Lunas
- B&B accomodation in a Organic riverside Spanish Farmhouse!
- Zahara de la Sierra: 25 min. driving from Ronda
- We are in the Grazalema Natural Park and offering bed and breakfast accommodation and optional dinners in a personal and friendly way.
- Cinco Lunas is for families and people who share a concern for the environment and are looking for a tranquil place in which to enjoy being close to nature.
- Contact: Gonzalo, Tel: (+34) 609 123 966
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Website: www.cincolunas.com
- EL Gastor Village Lodgings
Contact: Tel: +34 952123640 or Mobile: +34 677722842
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: www.elgastor.co.uk
- Casa de Limon
Montejaque- A modern, well equipped 2 bedroom Andalucian holiday house with air-conditioning in a small private community with shared swimming pool. The house is in a quiet location but only 100 m to the shops and café bars in this charming rustic white village of Montejaque in the Sierra de Grazalema National Park near Ronda .
Website: www.casadelimon.co.uk
- Montejaque Magic
Las Mariposas (3 bedrooms) and Santa Cruz(2) in Natural Park
Two well equipped cottages in Montejaque near Ronda.Ideally situated for bird watching,walking etc.Centre of village with all amenities.
Website: www.montejaquemagic.com - Casa Santa Maria
- Charming village house to rent in Montejaque; a typical Spanish ‘white village’.
Casa ‘Santa Maria’ comfortably accommodates up to 4 people but for a couple there is a reduced rate.
Website: www.bradlane.co.uk
Accommodation in the area - Holiday rentals
- SunSeekers
- Locate your perfect villa holiday rental from the comfort of your own home!!
- Website: www.sunseekers.com
- REALRONDA LTD
- The specialist in holiday accommodation in Andalucia. Real Ronda offers a range of holiday houses, cortijos, cottages and villas to rent in Andalucia. Nearly all the properties have swimming pools and many have fabulous views whilst some are also available throughout the winter.
- For more information: 01275 464225
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Website: www.real-ronda.com
