Description
A new, professional grade, extended 7 day expedition to photograph European Brown Bears at an exclusive location inNorthern Finlandplanned for Friday 25th to Thursday 31st May 2012.
The Eastern borders ofFinlandwithRussiaare home to the magnificent European Brown Bear. This normally shy and reclusive mammal, comparable in size to the Grizzly, roams through beautiful forests in the never ending search for food. It is to this quiet corner ofFinlandthat our tour will take you in search of these magnificent mammals.
We will start the tour by spending 2 nights at the main feeding site, which the bears have been visiting for over 25 years. Because of the high latitude and the time of year, photography is possible up to midnight, so evenings are perfect for light and bear activity. The site is in a clearing in the middle of a beautiful pine forest and food is carefully placed to encourage the bears to forage and climb the trees surrounding the hides. The 2 purpose built hides (really small buildings) are complete with comfortable seats, bunk beds, a toilet and large viewing holes which will allow us to photograph the bears when they are very close but in complete safety. To maximise our chances of getting the best pictures we will stay overnight in the hides: drinks and snacks will be provided by our hosts. After leaving the hide in the morning we’ll have a hearty breakfast back at the Forest Lodge and then spend the days at leisure before we re-enter the hides again for a 2nd night.
After a rest night back at the lodge to give everyone a chance to ‘recharge’, we will spend a further 2 nights in the hides. However for this second session we will use a number of much smaller, ‘professional’ hides that accommodate only 1 or 2 photographers at a time. These fantastic hides are moved each season to ensure photographers get fresh and unspoilt views of the bears in near pristine surroundings. Whilst Bear numbers are likely to be lower than the main feeding area, the picture opportunities are potentially more rewarding and guests will experience a truly magical wildlife photography situation. There are a variety of different professional hide locations including a lakeside setting, cotton grass clearing and forest glade. Full instruction and support will be given to guests by the guide and lodge staff to ensure a safe but enjoyable 2 nights photography in these more challenging hides.
As with our shorter trips, during the days there will be plenty of chance to get some rest and to photograph in the local forests. Possible subjects also include the wildlife that visits the Lodge feeders (such as Bullfinch, Siberian Jay and Northern Red Squirrel). The Lodge has extremely comfortable rooms with hot showers and superb home cooking.
The trip will be escorted by an experiencedUKphotographic guide who will work in conjunction with the local rangers to get the best opportunities from the trip. The guide will also be able to spend time, during both the sessions in the hide, and time back in the lodge, to help guests improve their photographic skills.
NB: Flights are not included in the cost of this tour.
NB: The price is an estimate based on current exchange rates and guests should note the final balance may vary based on the prevailing exchange rates at the time of settlement.
- Fitness Level
This trip is suitable for guest with average levels of fitness but does involve a 2km walk both in and out of the hides each day over rough forests paths. Guest should also note that the trip will include 4 nights out of 6 in the hides and this is often more demanding that anticipated.
Photography Level
This trip is suitable for more experienced photographers who are looking for a professional style trip with wide ranging opportunities.
- Disability Access
This tour involves access to hides on foot over rough terrain. It is sadly therefore likely to be unsuitable for guests with disabilities but we suggest you contact us directly if you have specific needs or questions.
- Group Size
The maximum group size for this tour is 8 guests.
Itinerary
Day 1 (D)
Depart London Heathrow for Kajaani viaHelsinki(flight are not included in this tour but recommended connections are likely to depart around 7am). You will be met by your guides at Kajaani airport. 2 hour mini bus drive to The Remote Forest Lodge for late afternoon and a chance to settle in to this wonderful wilderness setting. Dinner and welcome briefing.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Breakfast. Optional guided walk in surrounding forest. Late lunch/dinner followed by a Bear photography presentation and briefing session by your Wild Arena guide. Drive to drop off point followed by 2km walk into the main hide location for around 5pm. The evening will then be spent photographing any attending Bears. The group will then be walked out of the hide around 7am.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
Leave hides at 7am and back for hearty breakfast. The day can then be spent at leisure with a chance to catch up on some sleep. There is also opportunity to photograph the varied visitors to the garden feeders (Red Squirrel, Siberian Jay etc) Late lunch/dinner and then a repeat of the evening/over night hides session as per day 2.
Day 4 (B,L,D)
In order to give the trip a sensible pace, day 4 will allow everyone a ‘day off’ and good nights sleep back in the lodge. There will be time during the day for photography around the lodge and the surrounding forest should provide ample subjects for those who wish to keep working.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
After a leisurely start and breakfast, we will have the day to review work and prepare for the last 2 nights in the professional hides. The local rangers will then get everyone into their allotted hides by around 5pm where we will spend the evening and over night photographing any attending Bears. Guests may be in a variety of different professional hide locations either by themselves or with one other person.
Day 6 (B,L,D)
Similar to Day 5.
Day 7 (B)
Leave hides at around 7am and back for hearty breakfast. Late morning transfer by minibus back to Kajaani for return flight to London Heathrow (flights not included).
Please note:
- The itinerary is provisional and subject to change depending on local conditions
- Not all wildlife mentioned can be seen well at all times of the year & some activities mentioned may not always be available
- Meals included are as shown - B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Venue
Finland
Our trip is based in East Finland at the Martin Selkonsen Remote Forest Lodge. This small family run wildlife lodge has twin sharing rooms, wonderful dining room with open fire, sauna facilities and options for walks in the magnificent forest surroundings
Summary
Duration: 7 days
Single supplement: Subject to availability. If you are a single person booking this holiday you do not have to pay single supplements, if you are happy to share. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired with another single client of the same gender. Single supplements are payable if you specifically request to have a room to yourself. If you have requested single accommodation we will do our best to secure this although this may not always be possible.
Deposit: £200
Travel insurance: You must be covered by insurance, which must include adequate cover for baggage, medical expenses and the cost of repatriation should you become too ill to continue, including air ambulance. Details of an appropriate insurance scheme will be supplied on request.
Group size: Maximum 8
Cost includes: Airport transfers, hide use,UKguide, Meals (as specified) and accommodation
Cost excludes: Flights and alcohol
