Lynx Tour – Winter
7 December 2023 - 12 December 2023
| €21906 days
2190 €
6 seats
Index
Destination
You will find yourself in the splendid Spanish lands, in the northern slopes of Sierra Morena and the Sierra de Andujar Natural Park. These locations harbor one of the highest densities of Iberian lynx in the Iberian Peninsula.
This magnificent feline is one of the world’s most endangered species, but thanks to combined efforts to preserve its habitat and manage the population of wild rabbits (which constitute 90% of its diet), the Iberian lynx is making a comeback in these territories. Just a few decades ago, there were only 94 surviving individuals, but today, thanks to conservation actions, the population has already exceeded 1000 lynxes.
Join us on this unique journey into the heart of wild nature, where you will have the opportunity to capture the grace and beauty of these magnificent creatures with your camera. Get ready to take unforgettable photos, immerse yourself in the successful conservation story, and experience a unique thrill witnessing the resurgence of an endangered species.
Discover with your own eyes the magic of the Iberian lynx as you explore the reclaimed habitats and live the incredible survival story of this fascinating feline.
Join us on this extraordinary photographic adventure and help us preserve and protect this natural treasure for future generations.
Tour information:
The shy winter sun lights up the arid land that stretches for miles, an expanse of yellow and red earth prairies that give refuge to wild rabbits and the many species of birds that inhabit it. But a sudden event breaks the silence: the alarm of the green woodpecker echoes in the air. In a swirl of dust, rabbits, partridges and pheasants flee in all directions, creating a dreamlike atmosphere, and there, in the midst of all this, emerges the majestic Iberian lynx.
The lands we enter, this season, contain a treasure of inestimable value: water. In a lifeless terrain, small scattered pools offer hope of survival for hundreds of creatures.
It will be six intense days, dedicated to the exploration of these lands, focusing on the precious pools of water. Our mission will be to spot one of the most elusive and endangered felines in the world, in total respect for the nature that surrounds us. Thanks to the exclusive access to underground photographic sheds, we will be able to observe and immortalize this incredible feline without disturbing its innate habits, with a perfect shooting point.
Each hut overlooks a pool of water, an oasis of life where the lynx and many other species go to quench their thirst during the dry winter days. In this period the Pardina lynx is in the middle of its reproductive season, the males are very active and we may be lucky enough to witness the courtship and mating of these very rare animals.
But the Lynx will not be the only protagonist of this extraordinary adventure. We will have the opportunity to admire a variety of bird species, such as the green woodpecker, the great spotted woodpecker, the rock partridge, the pheasant, the little owl and several species of tits, the long-tailed tit, the turtle dove, the hoopoe and many still others. And let’s not forget the small mammals that inhabit these lands, such as the wild rabbit, which will enliven the landscape with their grace.
The goal of this tour is to have a unique experience, in perfect harmony with nature and without disturbing the delicate balance of the animals and the surrounding environment in the slightest. The Iberian lynx will be the fulcrum of this extraordinary adventure, a fascinating species due to its history and the ecology that surrounds it.
During the entire tour, you will be accompanied by a professional photographer specialized in nature photography, a member of Michele Bavassano’s team.
Our photographer will be there to offer you personalized advice and help you make the most of your camera and lenses. You will have the opportunity to learn advanced composition techniques, light control, camera setup and more.
No matter what level of experience you have, the professional photographer will be able to provide you with targeted tips to improve your photography skills and achieve even more stunning results. You’ll be able to ask questions, discuss your challenges and receive direct feedback to help you grow as a photographer.
This invaluable learning opportunity will make your photographic journey even more meaningful and will allow you to acquire new skills that you can apply in the future. We look forward to seeing your skills grow and assisting you in achieving your photography goals during this amazing nature experience.
Level of difficulty: SIMPLE
No hiking or other physically demanding activities are planned. Walking will be short and in flat areas.
Hide photographic activities:
Immerse yourself in an unprecedented photographic experience with eight thrilling photography activities that will take place inside our exclusive hides, specifically designed and built to meet the needs of every nature photographer. Every detail has been carefully curated to ensure a perfect backdrop, natural settings, and impeccable lighting.
Our hides have been meticulously crafted to provide you with an extraordinary experience. Thanks to the 4mm thick anti-reflective glass (one millimeter thinner than common solutions), you can observe animals from extremely close distances while maintaining perfect reproduction of details and colors. This glass allows you to capture breathtaking images without animals noticing your presence.
One major advantage of these hides is the freedom of movement they offer. You can freely navigate within the hide, following the animals with your lens without being noticed, even by incredibly elusive creatures like eagles or other raptors. This allows you to capture unique photographs and get closer to animals like never before.
Each hide has a capacity of 2-3 seats, allowing us to split the group and occupy preferred locations. Daily planning will be based on your preferences, ensuring that each participant has the opportunity to make the most of the hides.
Get ready to experience something truly exceptional, where you can capture the beauty of nature and wildlife with extraordinary clarity. Our hides will provide you with a privileged observation point, offering the opportunity to take photos that will forever be etched in your memory and photography portfolio.
Recommended camera equipment:
In this tour, all photography activities will take place inside our hides, offering you the opportunity to observe animals from extremely close distances, sometimes as close as 4 to 5 meters.
To capture the details and essence of these fascinating animals, we recommend using DSLR, mirrorless, or bridge cameras equipped with lenses ranging from 200mm to 500mm. This range of focal lengths will allow you to obtain sharp and proportionate images.
Using a tripod inside the hides will be essential. The tripod will help you maintain a stable image, allowing for longer exposure times without any issues. Additionally, you’ll be able to compose your photos precisely and make detailed adjustments.
By consciously using the tripod and recommended photography equipment, you’ll be able to capture extraordinary images and create unforgettable memories of this nature adventure.
Throughout these days, you’ll have the support of an experienced professional photographer who will assist you in optimizing the use of your photography gear.
Our photographer will be present to provide personalized advice and help you make the most of your camera and lenses. You’ll have the opportunity to learn advanced techniques in composition, light control, camera settings, and more.
Rental:
Do you think you dont have the right equipment for this event?
Now it is possible to rent a complete set of equipment (Reflex + supertele) to attend the event and
enjoy the experience.
Among the products currently available are:
Canon R5, Canon 70D, Canon 5d Mark IV
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 (Canon and Nikon)
Canon 300 f/2.8 IS L USM II
Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 IS L USM
Canon 500 f/4 IS L USM
Canon RF 600mm f/2.8 IS L USM
If you are looking for other products, contact us and we will help you find the lens or camera you want.
Products are rented without deposits, no credit/prepaid card or special bond. Each product is delivered on site and no insurance or documents are required.
This service is provided to enable anyone to take part in a trip like this, allowing each photographer to shoot in the optimum conditions.
Contact us for more information on availability and prices.
Programme details
Day 1
Arrival at the Madrid airport; a private transfer will take us to a small town just a few kilometres
from the locations. We will have about 2.30 hours on the road, after which we can settle in the
hotel, rest, and have dinner together.
Day 2
Wake up, packed breakfast and departure before dawn and first photographic session dedicated to the shed lynx, the morning sessions will start from around 7.30 to 12.00. (Timetables may then undergo changes according to sightings or to optimize the experience)
Each location has two very large two-person sheds with high quality glass that will allow sightings of the animals even very close up without the slightest disturbance or danger of scaring them.
Return to the hotel for lunch and relaxation in the early afternoon, with the possibility of accessing the hotel swimming pool.
From 1.30 pm we will resume the photo sessions until sunset (the sun sets at about 6.00 pm in this period)
Return, dinner and overnight.
Day 3,4 and 5
Same programme but with the rotation of at least 2 different locations. We will focus on this
animal with as many as 8 targeted sessions, which will give us a very high chance of success,
potentially even several times a day.
Day 6
Breakfast and transfer to Madrid for the departure.
How to apply
An advance payment and personal information will be required for registration.
Please enter your email in the box below to receive support for your booking. Always check your SPAM box if you don’t find our email.
If you have any further questions, please fill in the contact form at the bottom of the page or contact us via whatsapp by clicking on the icon at the bottom right.
Who will be your tour leader?
During this extraordinary adventure, you will guided by an exceptional tour leader: a professional photographer specializing in nature photography, an experienced member of Michele Bavassano’s team.
This tour leader will be by your side throughout the journey, offering support and assistance in every detail for your photography and personal needs. With their experience and in-depth knowledge of nature photography, you can fully enjoy the experience without worrying about anything.
Your tour leader will take care to ensure that you can capture the most amazing and meaningful moments, providing personalized advice to enhance your photography skills and make the most of your equipment. You can ask questions, discuss your challenges, and receive direct support to help you grow as a photographer.
With your tour leader by your side, you can experience this adventure without worries, focusing on your passion for photography while leaving the organizational aspects to them. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey and create extraordinary memories, knowing that you have a trusted professional by your side.
The price includes
Included
Assistance from a professional photographer throughout the trip
All nights in a double room in a 4-star hotel
8 photo sessions from the hide (sunrise and sunset) / 4 sessions full day
Transfer to and from Madrid-Barajas Airport
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
All local transfers (location/hotel)
Not included
Extra Drinks
Flights
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”