WILDERNESS FACILITATION AND GROUP DYNAMICS TRAINING COURSE
17-21 JUNE 2026
CHATAMA FOREST CENTER, BULGARIA
Arrival and departure
The Chatama Forest Center offers a unique space for recreation and experiential education, nestled at 1,530 meters above sea level, 170 km from Sofia, in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains, on the picturesque shores of the Beglika Dam.
There are two ways to arrive at the Chatama Forest Centre:
- Arriving with a vehicle to a meeting point at the Beglika dam, from where there is an organised boat transfer (30-minute ride, included in the fee of the training course);
- Arriving with an all-terrain vehicle directly to the Center via a macadam road (12 km from the meeting point).
Google map location of Chatama Forest Centre.
We will organise a common transfer from Sofia and back with a mini-bus upon request. The cost for the mini-bus transfer is additional to the course fee and will vary depending on the number of people.
To make use of the transfer, please make sure you arrive in Sofia by 2 pm on 17 June 2026. The exact departure location will be confirmed prior to the training.
Arrival back to Sofia / Sofia Airport on 21 June will be between 4 and 5 pm.
How to get to and from Sofia:
- By plane: Major carriers offering flights include low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet, as well as regular carriers like Bulgaria Air and Lufthansa, often with direct flights from most European capitals and major cities.
- By train: Sofia’s Central Railway Station offers international connections, including routes via Serbia, Turkey, and other European countries through transfers. The time table is available on the website of Bulgarian State Railways.
- By bus: Sofia also has an international bus station served by many regional and European bus lines.
Accommodation
The Chatаma accommodation is communal and hut-like. Rooms are heated by wood stoves and have simple furnishing. Please note that we usually offer shared rooms (with 1 or 2 other participants). Depending on the number of subscriptions, single rooms could become available.
The Center has two outdoor hot water fountains, outdoor composting toilets and an outdoor bathroom with a solar water heater and a wood water heater that are available to all its guests.
The Center is entirely solar powered with a limited number of 220V charger points for charging phones and laptops. It is prohibited to use other electric appliances such as hairdryers, electric kettles, and electric heaters. We recommend charging your devices at daytime.
The center offers wireless internet and cell phone reception.
Meals and drinks
The course fee covers 3 common vegetarian meals per day prepared by Chatama Forest Centre staff, as well as coffee and tea. Other drinks are available on the spot at your own expenses.
Getting around and accommodation in Sofia
From Sofia Airport to town
Sofia airport is located about 10 km east of the city center.
Public Transport
There is a direct metro line to Terminal 2 (regular flights), or a bus / bus+metro line from Terminal 1 (low-cost flights) with a free shuttle connecting them. Your bank card is your ticket (0.80 euro) or you can also buy tickets at the metro entrances).
Taxi
There is also an official taxi company, which takes around 12-15 EUR to the centre of Sofia. The taxi company is Yellow Taxi, it is on your right when you exit the airport (no matter the Terminal). Make sure to get that one, and don’t get any offers for taxis from people waiting at the arrivals halls, there are some scam taxis. If you want to use a taxi app, you can download (Yellow Taxi, TaxiMe app). Bulgaria does not have Uber or Bolt services.
Accommodation in Sofia
In Sofia you can choose to stay in a hotel, a hostel or an AirBnB. Options are wide.
Our hotel recommendations
- Rosslyn Thracia Hotel Sofia – 90-100 EUR per night/room/breakfast included
- Rosslyn Central Park Hotel Sofia – 90-100 EUR per night/room/breakfast included
- Hotel Niky – around 80 EUR/night/room/breakfast included
- Aurora Sofia hotel – 100 EUR/night/room/breakfast included
- Arte Sofia Hotel – 95 EUR/night/room/breakfast included
- Location Hotel, 70-80 EUR/night/room/ no breakfast – can be served in the room
- Eurostars Sofia City hotel, 120-130 EUR/night/room/breakfast included
- B1 Downtown Hotel – 90-100 EUR/night/room/breakfast can be paid additionally and it has a coffee shop in the building – can get a bit crowded – 12 mins to the venue
- Amar Design Hotel – 80 EUR / night /single or double beds/has breakfast
Historical and cultural information of Sofia:
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is one of Europe’s oldest cities, where ancient history blends naturally with modern urban life. Founded over 7,000 years ago, the city offers a unique mix of Roman ruins, Orthodox churches, Ottoman-era mosques, and elegant buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Sofia is also known for its green spaces and proximity to nature. Vitosha Mountain rises just south of the city and is easily accessible, offering hiking, skiing, and panoramic views—making Sofia one of the few European capitals with a mountain right on its doorstep.
Useful links:
- Communist tour – every day at 4PM
- Culture tour
- Sofia walking tour
Nature and Biodiversity in Bulgaria
Bulgaria, often called the Green Heart of Europe, is a great destination for anyone who loves spending time in nature. The country has extensive forests, high mountains reaching almost 3,000 meters, and a variety of protected areas that make it perfect for hiking, trekking, and outdoor exploration. Bulgaria has 3 national and 11 nature parks with around 340 Natura 2000 areas that cover about 34–35% of the country’s territory. Whether you enjoy day hikes, multi-day treks, or just spending time in quiet natural spaces, Bulgaria offers trails and landscapes that are both accessible and inspiring. The forests and mountains provide excellent opportunities for experiential learning, from studying local plants and wildlife to practicing outdoor skills in a natural setting.
The country’s biodiversity is impressive, with many areas set aside for conservation, so you can often spot interesting wildlife or unique plant species along your journey. Bulgaria’s nature isn’t just scenic—it’s a space for hands-on experiences, reflection, and learning in the outdoors. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or leading group activities, the mix of mountains, forests, and rivers gives you a lot of options for connecting with the environment and challenging yourself in different ways.
Additional Information
Currency: Euro (€) is the official currency of Bulgaria
Alphabet: Bulgarian uses the Cyrillic alphabet, so signs may look unfamiliar at first — but most places that work with visitors also have Latin script and English.
Visa & Entry: Visitors from many countries can stay in Bulgaria up to 90 days without a visa. EU citizens don’t need a visa at all. It’s best to check requirements for your specific nationality before traveling.
