Description
The wildlife and landscapes of Norway have become a favourite destination for Wild Arena photographic tours in recent years with the amazing White Tailed Sea Eagles of the coastal fjords being aparticular highlight. Now we have a wonderful new trip that combines these majestic coastal birds with the enigmatic mountain Musk Ox. The amazing, large arctic mammals are the descendants of a population that was introduced to this area from northern Greenland and are perfectly adapted to the harsh winter conditions of the area.
Our trip is focused on getting natural history images of the very highest standard and the small group of only 4 guests will not only have the support of local guides but will also be escorted by a highly experience UK based photographer from Wild Arena. This extra support should mean everyone attending will get individual help and assistance to make the very best of the exclusive opportunities we will encounter.
Our tour begins with a 3 day stay in Dombås on the edge of the Dovrefjell National park. From here we hope to get high into the mountains not only to capture stunning images of the Musk Ox but also the beauty of the autumn landscapes in this spectacular mountain setting. With the help of an expert guide, we will take time to locate the animals and then follow them to obtain the best chances for pictures. The evenings can then be spent relaxing and reviewing the days work and planning our excursions for the following day.
Day 4 will see the group heading north to Flantanger, the second location of the tour. During the journey there will be opportunities to stop and take in some of the beautiful autumn Norwegian landscapes. On arrival in Lauvnes village we will have time to settle into our comfortable guest house before and evening meal in the local restaurant.
During the following 3 full days, we will concentrate our efforts on capturing images of feeding White Tailed Sea Eagles. These incredible birds are resident in good numbers in this wild stretch of Fjordland coast and our experience local guide, Ole Martin Dahle, has dedicated many years to learning their habits and locations. Weather permitting the group will make 2 trips per day out into the mosaic of island and inlets to photograph the Eagles in both morning and evening light. The guide has huge experience at enticing the Eagles close to the boat by calling and rewarding them with fresh fish. At times this can mean these enormous birds drop to take the fish from the water surface within 20 metres of the boat. The duration of the trip, abundance of the birds and vast experience of the guide should make capturing top quality image extremely likely.
As well as the unique chance to photograph Sea Eagles at amazingly close quarters we will also have ample chance to capture flying shots of a number of Gull species as they follow the boat across the water. We will also take some time during our stay to capture some of the culture and beautifully scenery of this wild part ofNorway.
All in all this trip should provide some truly professional standard opportunities for the experienced guest and the combination of Majestic Sea Eagle, awesome Musk Ox and breath taking autumn scenery promises to be a unforgettable experience.
● Fitness
This event is most suitable for guests with good levels of fitness. Whilst the Sea Eagle sessions will involve photography from a boat, the Musk Ox excursions will be on foot and we may need to walk some distance to find the animals.
● Photography Level
This tour is aimed at the more experienced photographer who is looking for very unusual and challenging subjects. The opportunities during both the Sea Eagle and Musk Ox excursions will require a reasonable understanding of technique and a good quality SLR camera and telephoto lens of at least 400mm.
● Disability Access
This tour will involve a fair degree of physical fitness, particular during the days in the Dovrefjell National Park. By definition these animals are best tracked on foot and there may be a need to walk some distance to reach the best locations for photography. The Sea Eagles will be photographed from a small boat and again guests will need to have the mobility to board and disembark safely from the jetty. We suggest guests with specific requirements contact us before booking.
●Group Size
The normal group size for this exclusive tour is 4 delegates.
NB: The price of this trip excludes international flights.
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.
Itinerary
Day 1 (D)
Arrival at TrondheimAirport where you will be met by your guides for the week. We will then make the long drive to Dombås, near the Dovrefjell National Park, where we will be based for the following 3 nights. During the journey your guides will brief you on the trip ahead. Evening meal and overnight in Dombås.
Day 2 (B, L, D)
We will drive into the DovrefjellNational Parkand look for the majestic Musk Ox in the beautiful early autumn mountain landscape. Evening meal and overnight in Dombås.
Day 3 (B, L, D)
A second full day in the spectacular Dovrefjell National Park again looking for the majestic Musk Ox in the beautiful early autumn mountain landscape. Evening meal and overnight in Dombås.
Day 4 (B, L, D)
After Breakfast we will begin the long drive north to Flatanger where we be based for the remainder of the trip. We will stop on route to break the journey with some landscape picture opportunities. Evening meal and overnight in Lauvnes, Flantanger.
Day 5 (B, L, D)
We will begin 3 days of photographing White Tailed Sea Eagles in the beautiful scenery of the coastal fjords of Flantanger. The majestic birds are photographed form our guide’s boatand we may take 1 or 2 trips out to catch the best light in the day. Evening meal and overnight in Lauvnes, Flantanger.
Day 6 (B, L, D)
A second day of photography of Sea Eagles from the boat. Evening meal and overnight in Lauvnes, Flantanger.
Day 7 (B, L, D)
A third day of photography of Sea Eagles from the boat. Evening meal and overnight in Lauvnes, Flantanger.
Day 8 (B)
After an early breakfast we will make the drive back for the return flight home from Trondheim airport
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
Norway Mountains
This trip is based in 2 separate venues representing very different habitats in this beautiful country. The first half of the tour will be spent in Dombås on the edge of the Dovrefjell National park. This spectacular mountain region is the only place in Europe where the Musk Ox can be seen and photographed. We will be staying in a friendly guest house close by on a twin sharing accommodation basis.
The second half of our trip will be further north in the coastal region of Flantanger. Here we will stay right on the waterside in the guest house of our local guide, Ole Martin Dahle. Again the accommodation is offered on a twin sharing basis and guests will have free use of the lodges spacious lounge and kitchen areas.
Breakfast and dinner is included in the price of the trip and provision will be made to allow the guests the chance to prepare packed lunches for extended trips out.
Summary
Duration
8 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. However your booking is accepted only on the understanding that if no roommate is available then you accept a single supplement may be levied. Single supplements are payable if you specifically request to have a room to yourself. If you have requested single accommodationwe 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
4
Cost includes
Airport transfers, hide use, UK photographic guide, Local guide, Meals (as specified) and accommodation
Cost excludes
Flights and alcohol
