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Mafra
Autumn brings one of the most spectacular wildlife events at Tapada Nacional de Mafra: the mating season of deer species. This year offers an even more extraordinary phenomenon, with the red deer rut and the fallow deer groaning season occurring simultaneously.
As night falls, males of both species begin their courtship rituals, filling the forest with deep, powerful calls echoing through the valleys.
Beneath the stars, we invite you to enjoy an immersive sensory experience. The programme combines a one-hour electric vehicle ride to the main mating areas, followed by a one-hour guided walk through dark forest trails, where hearing and smell become your most important senses for experiencing the power and grandeur of nocturnal nature.
Dates and Information
Dates: 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27 September (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)
Time: 8:00pm (meeting point and gate opening at 7:45pm at Codeçal Gate)
Duration: Approximately 2 hours (1 hour by electric vehicle + 1 hour walking)
Maximum capacity: 40 participants per session
Recommendations
We recommend comfortable closed footwear suitable for uneven terrain. Please bring warm clothing and a torch for the walking section. Open footwear is not recommended.
Access Conditions and Important Notices
- Minimum age: 9 years. Proof of age may be requested at entry. Children below the minimum age will not be admitted.
- This experience focuses on quiet observation and attentive listening. Excessive noise may compromise the programme and disturb wildlife.
- Due to the nature of the activity and the uneven terrain walked in darkness, this experience is not recommended for persons with reduced mobility.
- Codeçal Gate opens at 7:45pm and the programme starts promptly at 8:00pm, with a maximum tolerance of 10 minutes. After this period, the gate will remain closed until the end of the programme. Late arrivals will not be admitted and will not be eligible for a refund.
