Faia Brava Star Camp, Europe’s first real safari accommodation in Côa Valley, Western Iberia rewilding landscape, Portugal.
Juan Carlos Múñoz / Rewilding Europe

Star Camp is located in the Faia Brava Reserve that covers nearly 1000 hectares of the beautiful steep-sided valley of the Côa River, between the peaks of the Serra da Marofa and vineyards of the Douro River. Only 4 hours’ drive from Lisbon, Star Camp is overlooking the breath-taking landscape of Western Iberia, rich in wildlife and with a varied habitat of olive trees and cork oaks, recovering Mediterranean forests as well as abandoned farmhouses, shepherd shelters and dry stonewalls. In recent years, this area has also become home to wild-living Garrano horses and Tauros cattle that graze the area in natural way. It is within this magnificent natural setting that Star Camp – with its safari-style feel can currently house six guests – is located. Thanks to its low-impact design, the camp strikes a perfect balance between comfort and sustainability.

Star Camp is a semi-permanent setup of three 20m² rooms located in the Faia Brava reserve.  Its components, except the wooden skeleton, are removable during winter. Every ‘lodge’ has running water, composting toilet, a hot solar shower, and is fully equipped with double beds, a sitting lounge space, mosquito nets, fine linen beddings, towels, fans and Wi-Fi in the central area. It offers uninterrupted mountain views from the wooden porches and an option to pull back the canvas to sleep under the crystal clear starry nights.

Built with mainly wood and canvas, rooms are incorporated into the Côa Valley wild landscape and allow a unique nature experience with a touch of luxury. Breakfasts plates are served to your rooom, filled with freshly brewed coffee & tea, orange juice, local breads and cheeses and can be enjoyed in bed or at the wooden deck under a nearby olive tree observing the variety of birds. Dinners are offered on the cliffs overlooking the vast Côa River canyon while soaking up the sounds of the distant village bells echoing down the valley below.

During the days, Faia Brava Reserve offers various attractions such as wildlife and bird watching with eagles and vultures both nesting on riverside cliffs – the vulture hide experience is not to be missed. Visitors can go on guided walks or hike through the four-mile segment of the Grand Route, a 125-mile walking trail and wildlife corridor that opened in 2014 or go biking and horse-riding. There are also guided walks through wine cellars, olive oil presses, fabulous local vineyards with wine tastings and visits to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock carvings.

The Star Camp was developed by Rewilding Europe in cooperation with Associação Transumância e Natureza (ATN) and local entrepreneur Sara Noro, who is operating the Star Camp.  A low-cost loan was offered through Rewilding Europe Capital, with Rewilding Europe also providing ongoing technical and operational support.

Book your nights under the stars and discover wild Europe!