Bisons & Raptors – Poland
11 December 2023 - 16 December 2023
| €18906 days
1890 €
3 seats
Index
Recommended photographic Equipment:
Tour informations:
Imagine the rustle of the wind gently caressing the trees in the heart of an impenetrable forest, the resonance of bison hooves breaking the serene silence in the endless meadows, and the winding roads that traverse this pristine wilderness. These sensations evoke primordial emotions that can only be truly felt in places like Bialowieza National Park.
Over the course of six days, we invite you to embark on a journey to seek out these very feelings, immersing yourself in the untouched wilderness of Bialowieza National Park—a forest that has been preserved for millennia.
To ensure an intimate experience, our main group will be divided into small units, each consisting of a maximum of four participants. Together, we will explore the park’s most remote corners, tracking herds of bison in various natural settings, from the expansive meadows to the dense forest. Our aim is to capture the essence of the largest land mammal in Europe, in unique lighting and textural conditions. Thanks to special permissions, we will venture deep into the forest’s heart, where silence reigns supreme, and where we may have the rare chance to encounter other elusive forest inhabitants such as wolves, European beavers, otters, and the incredibly rare European lynx.
Our adventure isn’t limited to exploration; it also includes moments of contemplation. With exclusive access to photo hides, we will have the privilege of observing various animal species up close without disturbing their natural behaviors. From these observation huts, and with a bit of luck, we may spot majestic raptors like the golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, goshawk, sparrowhawk, commo buzzard along with dozens of passerine birds and woodpeckers. Of course, we’ll also have opportunities to capture images of all the mammals residing in the Bialowieza Forest. These photo hides are discreetly positioned within wild meadows at the forest’s edge.
Our small group size enables us to minimize disruption to the animals, optimize our photography sessions, and move swiftly and silently throughout our journey.
The purpose of this extraordinary experience is to grant every nature-loving photographer the chance to connect with the wild equilibrium of this forest, allowing you to witness and capture moments of sheer uniqueness in this pristine natural setting.
Book your spot now:
This is a limited seat tour. We like to travel with small groups to maximize the experience and to give each participant the right space to enjoy this adventure.
If you want to be part of this adventure, just enter your email in the box below and you will receive all the information on how to sign up and a small guide with all the additional information to this trip. Always check your SPAM inbox if you can’t find our email.
For any other questions you can fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page or contact us via whatsapp by clicking the icon at the bottom right.
Destination
Certainly, here’s an improved version of your description with additional information:
Correction: Bialowieza Forest, a relic of the primeval forest that once stretched across northeastern Poland, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. It stands as the sole surviving fragment of the ancient woodland that covered much of Europe thousands of years ago.
This vast forest spans an impressive 879 square kilometers and is predominantly characterized by the typical vegetation of temperate forests, adorned with deciduous trees that infuse the landscape with a magical winter atmosphere. However, what truly defines the heart of this journey is the untamed wildlife. The forest boasts an incredible biodiversity, housing a remarkable 11,864 species of mammals, birds, amphibians, and insects (including 260 bird species, of which 240 breed within the forest).
Of particular fascination is the European giant, the Bison. Bialowieza is home to the largest and most significant population of European Bison, which was considered extinct in 1919. However, through a dedicated reintroduction project, the population has rebounded, currently comprising approximately 5,000 individuals.
These majestic creatures, measuring up to 300 cm in length, standing at heights of 200 cm, and weighing up to 1,000 kg, represent the largest land mammals in Europe. They inhabit both the meadows and the most impenetrable depths of the Bialowieza Forest, offering us the opportunity to observe them in diverse contexts.
In addition to the European Bison, the forest harbors numerous other mammal species, including the European Wolf, the Lynx, the Deer, the Beaver, the Otter, the Roe Deer, the Wild Boar, the Fox, and many more.
The avian diversity is equally captivating. You can expect to encounter the Golden Eagle, White-Tailed Eagle, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, and various species of night raptors such as the Pygmy Owl, Common Owl, Ural Owl, Long-Eared Owl, and Tawny Owl.
Moreover, an array of passerine species and all the European woodpecker species, including the Great Spotted, Lesser Spotted, Middle Spotted, Green, Grey-headed, Red-headed, Three-toed, and White-backed Woodpeckers, contribute to the remarkable birdlife.
Without a doubt, Bialowieza Forest stands as one of Europe’s most significant wilderness areas, where natural cycles have remained untouched for thousands of years. It is a primordial forest where you can truly connect with the essence of wild nature.
Photographic Activities:
Joining our tour means experiencing four full-day photo sessions, carefully designed to immerse you in the natural wonders of Bialowieza Forest. These sessions will seamlessly alternate between photography from concealed hides and exploratory adventures in pursuit of bison and other captivating mammals within the park.
Each session will be conducted with the utmost respect for nature. We have secured special transit authorizations, granting us exclusive access to designated areas and photographic huts accessible solely to our tour participants. During our mammal-seeking sessions, we will traverse the terrain in 4×4 vehicles, expertly guided by our team. These areas have been meticulously scouted, ensuring optimal opportunities for wildlife sightings.
The diverse forest landscapes and the wintry climate of the region offer an exceptional canvas for high-level photography, allowing you to unleash your creativity. In contrast, our hide sessions will offer an intimate view of elusive and often shy birds, particularly birds of prey, mere meters away. It’s important to note that these are wild animals, and while we cannot guarantee sightings of every species, our chances are exceptionally high, and diverse species encounters are virtually assured.
We’ve tailored this itinerary to be accessible to all, without strenuous excursions or long hikes. This means that it’s open to anyone who wishes to immerse themselves in the splendor of Bialowieza Forest and capture its extraordinary natural beauty.
Recommended photographic Equipment:
Our tour promises a diverse range of environments to explore and photograph. We will embark on photo sessions in the expansive grasslands bordering the forest, seek out the impressive mammals and bird species residing within the forest itself, and indulge in photo sessions from our bird hides, which also offer opportunities to observe mammals.
During our hide activities, you’ll have the privilege of observing animals from distances as close as 10-20 meters, allowing for truly immersive wildlife encounters.
Our photographic subjects will span the entire spectrum, from tiny passerines weighing just a few grams to the magnificent large mammals like bison and moose. Our objective is to position ourselves optimally to capture exceptional shots in both scenarios, eliminating the need for extremely powerful lenses.
As such, we recommend using DSLR, bridge, or mirrorless cameras equipped with lenses of 300 mm or greater focal length, potentially complemented by teleconverters for added versatility.
For our hide sessions, it is essential to bring a tripod or even just the tripod head alone. All the hides we visit will be outfitted with bases designed to accommodate tripod heads seamlessly. Alternatively, you can opt for bean bags to support your photographic equipment during hide sessions, ensuring steady shots and maximum comfort.
Do you think you don’t have the right equipment for this event?
Don’t worry, it is now possible to rent lenses and camera bodies for our events at a special price!
An interesting catalog of lenses and cameras is available to all customers and can be booked and collected directly on site, without deposits or credit cards.
Contact us for more information
Day by day program:
Day 1 – Warsaw Airport – Białowieża Forest
12:00 PM: Arrive at Warsaw Chopin Airport and embark on a private transfer to our hotel, which will take approximately 4 hours.
5:00 PM: Upon reaching our destination, complete the check-in process at the hotel and short time to rest.
7:00 PM: Dinner, followed by a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 2 – Białowieża Forest
5:00 AM: Rise early, before dawn breaks, and enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day’s adventures. Our first photographic session will be dedicated to the magnificent bison. We’ll embark on a full-day expedition, exploring the flat areas adjacent to the Bialowieza Forest. To optimize our photographic opportunities, we’ll navigate in safari-style vehicles, providing flexibility in choosing the best vantage points. At times, we may disembark from the vehicles and quietly trail the bison to capture exceptional shots.
12:30 PM: We’ll take a break in the heart of the forest, surrounded by nature’s serenity, for a delicious packed lunch.
6:00 PM: As the sun begins its descent below the horizon, we’ll make our way back to the hotel. Upon our return, you’ll have time to unwind and savor a well-deserved dinner. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a restful overnight stay.
Day 3 – Białowieża Forest
5:00 AM: Begin your day with an early rise, preceding the dawn, and set out towards the Bialowieza Forest. Today’s focus is on a specialized hide dedicated to birds of prey and a diverse array of bird species. With a bit of luck, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph numerous species, including the majestic golden eagle, the white-tailed sea eagle, the buzzard. If fortune truly favors us, we might even capture images of some elusive mammals, such as wolves, foxes, wild boars, or bison.
This hide session spans the entire day, commencing at sunrise and concluding at sunset. The hides are thoughtfully equipped with heating facilities and restroom amenities for your comfort. Packed lunches will be thoughtfully provided by our organizers, ensuring you stay nourished throughout the day.
5:30 PM: As the day gracefully transitions into evening, we will make our way back to the hotel after sunset. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved dinner and spend a restful overnight stay.
Day 4 – Białowieża Forest
5:00 AM: Rise before the break of dawn and set off on an exciting photographic adventure dedicated to the bison. Our entire day will be immersed in the enchanting Bialowieza Forest, where we’ll have exclusive access to specially authorized areas. Thanks to our permits, we’ll explore the forest using our own vehicles, covering its diverse landscapes.
Within this pristine environment, we’ll have exceptional opportunities to capture photographs of bison, sometimes deep within the heart of the forest. With a touch of luck, we may even have rare encounters with other elusive mammals, such as wolves or the enigmatic European lynx.
12:30 PM: As noon approaches, enjoy a packed lunch thoughtfully provided by our organizers, allowing us to refuel without interrupting our exploration.
6:00 PM: As the sun dips below the horizon, we’ll conclude our day in the forest and return to the hotel. Here, you’ll have the chance to unwind and savor a well-deserved dinner, followed by a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 5 – Białowieża Forest
5:00 AM: Begin your day with an early rise, before the dawn, and make your way to the Bialowieza Forest, where we’ll be stationed in a dedicated hide, focusing on the goshawk and a variety of other captivating bird species. With a bit of luck, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph numerous species, including the agile goshawk, the buzzard, the great spotted woodpecker, the spotted woodpecker, the crested tit, greenfinches, siskins, and a multitude of other fascinating birds. If fortune truly smiles upon us, we might even have the chance to capture images of some elusive mammals, such as wolves, foxes, wild boars, or bison.
This hide session spans the entire day, commencing at sunrise and concluding at sunset. The hides are thoughtfully equipped with heating facilities and restroom amenities for your comfort. Packed lunches, thoughtfully provided by our organizers, will keep you nourished throughout the day.
6:30 PM: As the day gracefully transitions into evening, we will make our way back to the hotel after sunset. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved dinner and spend a comfortable overnight stay.*
Day 6 – Białowieża Forest – Warsaw Airport
8.30 AM: Wake up, breakfast at the hotel.
9.30 AM: Private transfer to the Warsaw Chopin airport
02.00 PM: Arrival in Warsaw Airport
All nights will be in a shared room with private facilities. Single room can be requested with supplement.
How to register:
This is a limited seat tour. We like to travel with small groups to maximize the experience and to give each participant the right space to enjoy this adventure.
If you want to be part of this adventure, just enter your email in the box below and you will receive all the information on how to sign up and a small guide with all the additional information to this trip. Always check your SPAM inbox if you can’t find our email.
For any other questions you can fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page or contact us via whatsapp by clicking the icon at the bottom right.
The price include:
Included
Private transfer to and from Warsaw-Chopin airport
All meals
Overnight stay in a double room for 5 nights
Private guide for the exclusive use of the group
All the photographic sessions
Traffic authorizations within the protected areas of the national park
All photo sessions from the hides for the exclusive use reserved only for the group.
Assistance by a professional photographer
Not included
Flights
Extra drinks and other personal needs
Single room (150€ supplement for the whole tour)
Michele Bavassano
Passionate about nature , he travels in search of the perfect shot, exploring unspoiled areas around the world . Through his camera he tries to share moments and emotions. Michele defines his photography “A search for art in nature”. He works as a professional photographer and offers events in the most interesting and important destinations in Italy and abroad. His images have been used by Discovery, BBC , ENEL and have been published in numerous magazines around the world. “In 2015 he participated in the FIAP Youth World Championship with the Italian team, obtaining 2nd place. Since May 2018 he is ambassador of the GITZO brand. He is currently one of the most followed Italian nature photographers on the web. He has collected collaborations with various brands such as “Canon”, “Gitzo”, “Swarovsky”, “Manfrotto”, “Wacom”, “Eizo”, “BenQ”, “Pluto Trigger”, “Scubla”, “Revolution Race “,” Easy Cover “,” Wise “,” Xp-Pen “, “Deer Hunter”, “Polyver” , “Lenz”, “Lens Coat”