6-day winter photography tour into the heart of the Białowieża Forest , in search of European bison, birds of prey, and large mammals of Nordic nature.
DATES AND PARTICIPANTS
DURATION
6 Days and 5 Nights
DATES
December 26-31, 2027
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
10 participants
DETAILS AND ACTIVITIES
DIFFICULTY
Easy
PREPARATION AND EQUIPMENT
No long excursions or other strenuous physical activities are planned.
MODALITY
Safari – Hut – Itinerant
Cost and Tour Leader
TOUR LEADER
Michael Lovera
STARTING FROM
€2090
PAYMENT
€500 deposit upon registration and balance due 60 days before departure
HOW TO BOOK?
Scroll to the bottom of the page and fill out the contact form, asking for more information on the event or confirming your participation. You will be quickly contacted on Whatsapp.
DESTINATION:
Explore the ancient Białowieża Forest , one of Europe’s most iconic and wild places, on a winter photography journey dedicated to the wildlife of the North. Some of the continent’s most fascinating species live here: the European bison , the symbol of the region; the wolf , the forest’s most elusive predator; the moose , Europe’s largest deer; the raccoon dog , the fox , and the extremely rare Eurasian lynx .
The biodiversity is also extraordinary when it comes to birdlife. In winter, it’s possible to observe large birds of prey such as the white-tailed eagle , the golden eagle , the goshawk , the buzzard , as well as woodpeckers, tits, and numerous passerines. Winter conditions offer soft colors, perfect lighting for nature photography, and, in some years, the possibility of encountering snow-covered landscapes that add a magical touch to the images.
Thanks to professional lodges and targeted safaris, you will have an authentic and intense photographic experience, accompanied by an expert photographer and specialized local guides.
ABOUT THE TOUR:
The trip consists of six days of intensive photography in the wildest part of Białowieża National Park. We will operate in groups of four to ensure adequate space, silence, and the highest possible quality in each session. Thanks to our guides’ authorizations, we will also have access to areas where wildlife roams freely away from tourist trails, increasing the chances of observing bison , elk , deer , wolves , and a rich variety of birds.
The hide sessions allow for close contact with large birds of prey and perhaps some mammals. The hides are heated , equipped with professional photographic glass , comfortable seating, and a small separate area with a basic but functional bathroom , ensuring privacy even during the longest days.
During the tour, a professional photographer will curate the program and sessions to maximize your experience. During your free evening hours, you’ll have full technical and creative support from the tour leader, giving you the opportunity to share ideas every day.
Photographic Activities:
The tour includes four days entirely dedicated to photography, with full-day sessions alternating between birds of prey hides and winter safaris in search of bison and the forest’s most elusive fauna.
Activities are organized on a rotating basis in groups of four photographers. Each day is designed to maximize the winter light, which remains soft from the first to the last hour of the day.
The hide sessions offer the opportunity to observe white-tailed eagles , buzzards , goshawks , woodpeckers, and small passerines from close range and in complete safety. The safari sessions, on the other hand, pass through prairies, clearings, and areas constantly monitored by local guides, where bison , elk , deer , roe deer , foxes, and, occasionally, wolves roam. The presence of the European lynx has been documented in the area, but sightings are extremely rare; however, it remains part of the fauna that inhabits these forests.
Winter days, with soft light and cold atmospheres, offer ideal aesthetic inspiration for nature photography, with the occasional possibility of light snowfall depending on the seasonal conditions.
hotel:
We’ll stay in spacious double rooms with separate beds , equipped with private bathrooms, heating, and Wi-Fi. The rooms are very spacious and comfortable, even for those traveling with a lot of gear. Single rooms are available upon request for a supplement.
Breakfasts and lunches will be packed by the hotel to ensure maximum freedom during the full-day sessions. Dinners will be served at a local restaurant, within walking distance of the hotel.
All dietary requirements, allergies, intolerances, special diets, vegetarian or vegan, can be accommodated without any problem, but must be communicated at the time of registration.
DAILY PROGRAM
Day 1
- Arrival at Warsaw Chopin Airport by 12:00 and private transfer to Białowieża.
- The journey will slowly take us from urban areas to rural areas and finally to the edge of the primary forest. After settling into our rooms, a typical Polish dinner will allow us to get to know each other and discuss the following days’ activities.
Day 2
- The first day in the field is dedicated to the European bison . We’ll set out in 4×4 vehicles before dawn to reach the areas where the herds spend the early morning hours. The cold, delicate winter light enhances the large mammals and the landscape. During the day, we’ll explore prairies, open forests, and clearings. We might also encounter deer, roe deer, moose, and, with a bit of luck, wolf tracks.
- Activities will alternate between car trips and short walks to get closer to the animals spotted.
- NB – Activities will be rotated between small groups: the order of sessions may therefore vary for each participant, but everyone will have exactly the same experiences by the end of the tour.
Day 3
- Today, we’ll enter the professional hides before dawn , staying inside until after sunset to make the most of every opportunity. The silence of the forest will allow us to observe birds of prey such as goshawks and buzzards at close range. The hides are heated and equipped with photographic glass.
- During the day, you can also observe woodpeckers, tits, squirrels, and, in rare cases, foxes or martens. The cabin has a simple but private bathroom , located in a small, separate room.
- The guide will accompany you to within a few meters of the hut, making access easy for anyone.
Day 4
- The fourth day will once again be dedicated to searching for European bison , this time in a different part of the forest than the previous day. We’ll set off in the morning, when the wildlife is most active, and travel in 4×4 vehicles along forest roads and areas monitored by local guides.
- The goal is to explore diverse environments to maximize photographic opportunities: open prairies, interior clearings, and transition zones between forest and fields. Depending on seasonal conditions, bison can be found in small groups or in larger herds.
- In addition to bison, we will also be able to observe deer , roe deer , foxes and, sometimes, signs of the passage of wolves or moose.
- The day will proceed by following the animals’ movements and the guides’ directions, always maintaining a respectful approach and avoiding invasive approaches. There are no challenging hikes planned: all observations will be made from permitted vantage points, with stops in areas that offer the best combination of light, distance, and safety.
Day 5
- The fifth day will be entirely dedicated to a session in a professional hide , designed for photographing birds of prey and more . We’ll enter before dawn , so we’re fully prepared for the arrival of the first animals, and we’ll remain inside the hide until after sunset.
- The station is heated, equipped with photographic glass and a small separate bathroom , simple but useful for ensuring privacy during your stay.
- The activity takes place in complete autonomy and tranquility, without moving or disturbing the wildlife.
- Throughout the day, we’ll be able to observe species such as white-tailed eagles, goshawks , and various woodpeckers and passerines typical of the area. Birds of prey activity can vary depending on weather conditions and the season; therefore, the session requires patience, attentiveness, and the ability to make the most of the moments when the animals approach.
- The cabin offers optimal conditions for photography: filtered light, natural backgrounds, and manageable distances, allowing you to focus on technique and composition. At the end of the day, we’ll head out after sunset, completing the last photo session of the trip.
Day 6
- After a well-deserved rest, we will meet again for breakfast , one last shared moment before leaving the forest.
- We’ll calmly collect our bags and prepare to leave Białowieża, bidding farewell to this remote corner of nature that hosted us for an intense week.
- The transfer will take us back to Warsaw, where we’ll conclude the tour and say goodbye after our shared experience. The WhatsApp group we created for the trip will remain active, so we can continue sharing images, moments, and the photographic results that will arrive in the following days.
Note on task rotation
To ensure adequate space, silence, and the best photographic quality, all tour activities are carried out in small groups that rotate between huts and safaris.
This system allows each participant to experience the same sessions in the best possible conditions.
Due to this rotation, the order of the days indicated in the program may vary : some groups will start from the huts, others from the safaris, or they will alternate in a different way.
The content of the tour, however, remains identical for everyone: each participant will carry out exactly the same activities , simply in a different order.
In other words, the published daily program represents the general structure of the trip, but the internal organization of the groups may lead to inverting or swapping the days for logistical reasons .
INCLUDED
- 5 nights in a double room
- A forest hide session for birds of prey and mammals
- A grassland hideout session for sea eagles and mammals
- Two forest safari activities
- All dinners at the restaurant
- All breakfasts and packed lunches
- All transfers
- Assistance from a local guide
- Assistance in Italian language
- English language support
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights
- Single Room Supplement (€250)
- Cancellation insurance
❓ Frequently Asked Questions ❓
What equipment will I need?
The tour includes a variety of photographic settings, from lodges to safaris in the grasslands and forest clearings. For best results, we recommend using a DSLR, mirrorless, or bridge camera with lenses of 300mm or more , with 300–500mm ideal for lodge photography. For mobile activities, slightly shorter focal lengths, such as 200–400mm , may be helpful. Teleconverters can also be used.
In sheds, it’s important to have a tripod head , as all structures have dedicated bases. Alternatively, a bean bag works perfectly as a support.
After registering, you will receive a complete and personalized list of recommended equipment.
Is rental service available?
Do you think you don’t have the right equipment for this event?
No problem: you can rent a complete Nikon, Canon, or Sony camera kit (DSLR or mirrorless with super-telephoto lenses) to participate in the event and make the most of this experience.
Some of the products currently available
Camera bodies
Canon R6, Canon 70D, Nikon Z6 III, Nikon D7100, Nikon Z8, Nikon Z9, Sony A6000
Optics
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 (Canon and Nikon), Nikon 400mm f/2.8 VR, Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR,
Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8 G ED VR II, Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
If you are looking for a specific product not listed, please contact us : we will do our best to help you find the camera or lens that best suits your needs.
Rental conditions
The rental service is simple and without constraints :
- no deposit required
- no credit or prepaid card
- no insurance
The equipment is delivered directly to your location .
This service was created to allow anyone to participate in an experience like this, offering every photographer the opportunity to shoot in the best possible conditions .
Contact us for information on availability and prices.
What clothing will I need?
For sessions in the huts, it’s not necessary to wear technical clothing, as the rooms are heated and ensure a good level of comfort throughout the day. However, comfortable, layered clothing is recommended to easily adapt to changes in internal temperature.
During outdoor activities, however, conditions can be cold or changeable. For this reason, we recommend waterproof boots , winter trousers , a warm jacket , a hat , and gloves suitable for winter weather .
After registering, you’ll receive a detailed list with all the specific instructions for best planning your days in Białowieża National Park.
Which flight should I buy?
You must be at Warsaw Chopin Airport by 12:00 on January 26 and choose a return flight after 16:00 on January 31 .
You can fly with any airline, and if you prefer to arrive earlier or depart later, there are numerous hotels near the airport for an extra night’s accommodation.
After registering, our team will also provide you with personalized assistance in choosing your flights.
Will there be a dedicated Whatsapp group?
Yes, a Whatsapp group will be created for all official communications in view of the event.
The group will remain open even after the Workshop, so that we can all keep in touch and receive support in the future.
Terms and Conditions
By booking by paying a deposit to the organizers, you accept the following clauses:
1. As this is a pre-registration, the organizer will endeavor to promptly communicate any possible changes in the price of the tour, characterized by cost fluctuations. An annual price fluctuation of approximately 5% is highly likely if the booking is made more than a year in advance. in relation to potential variations in the prices of ground services (for example variations influenced by the fluctuating costs of electricity, fuel and others).
2. The price of the entire workshop will be paid through the payment methods offered by the organizing body, such as bank transfer, PayPal, credit card or cash according to the procedures and deadlines established by the organizers, taking charge of the transaction costs.
3. In case the tour does not take place due to the organizer, the entire amount paid will be refunded.
4. In case of cancellation for personal reasons of any kind and in any case not dependent on the organizer, the deposit and any other registration fees will be retained as reimbursement of expenses.
5. In case of cancellation for personal reasons within 60 days of departure, the entire balance of the tour will be required.
By registering, paying the deposit and sending your personal data, you accept clauses 1,2,3,4,5 again.
Below are some shots taken at this location:
Request the full program or confirm your registration by filling out the form below
You will be contacted on Whatsapp with all the information on the event
Available places:
4
Cost:
€ 2090
Fill out the form to request the full program and reserve your place!
You will be contacted on Whatsapp with all the information about the event
