Slovenian Bears in the Dinaric Alps
June 19-24 2019
Number of participants 4 (plus guide)
Join me in Slovenia for four unforgettable days with these gentle giants in one of Europe's most scenic wilderness areas. Slovenia is covered by 60% forest, which makes it ideal habitat for Ursus Arctos Arctos, the European brown bear. More importantly Slovenia is an easily accessible country with flights to both Ljubljana or Triest no more than ninety minutes drive from base camp.
I have been photgraphing the brown bears of Slovenia for over three years now and would love to share this experience with other photographers in this unique and pristine corner of Europe. The trip is designed for photographers of all experience levels. I will be your guide and will be on hand at all times should any participant require help or guidance. I am also happy to communicate in either French or German should the need arise.
A full gallery of my bear images can be found here
The trip will include four hide visits, which take place after lunch to maximize the chances of photographing these amazing mammals. We will be taken by 4x4 to the hide locations and return to base camp as darkess begins to fall. This allows for some of the most amazing "golden hour" lighting, due to our position high in the mountains.
Our host, Miha, has been working with these amazing animals for many years and his guesthouse is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and great local food. Miha knows not only the terrain but also the wildlife and will ensure that guests are placed in the most productive hides at any given period.
The guesthouse is located in a small picturesque village at the foot of the mountains through which runs a crystal clear river. Well located for a visit to Lake Cerknica, the castle Grad Snežnik or the gorge at Rakov Škocjan should it be of interest.
Details:
19/06/19 - arrive at guesthouse with transportation of you own choosing
20 - 23/06/19 - after a hearty breakfast guests are free to explore the local area, making sure to arrive back at the guesthouse for lunch at 1PM.
Between 2 and 2:30 PM we will be taken to to the hides where we stay until around 8 PM then return to the guesthouse for the evening meal.
24/06/19 - guests may check-out at their leisure after breakfast
Equipment:
300mm is my minimum recommended focal length for the bear hides, the ability to use a tele-converter is also recommended. The bears are truly wild and can appear in low light, therefore a tele lens with a max apperture of f2.8 - f4 is always my recommendation.
A good wide angle and a macro lens could be of great use in the surrounding area.
Camera choice is always a personal thing but I do recommend the use of a "silent" or "quiet" shutter to avoid the possibility of spooking the wildlife.
As June is gererally a warm month in Slovenia light clothes are recommended, however a fleece may be needed once night falls.
Please feel free to bring your own laptop/tablet and should you have any questions on image processing we can then spend some time covering individual needs.
Information:
If you have any specific dietry requirements please get in touch.
This trip requires a minimum of three participants, should the required number not be reached the trip will be cancelled and all deposits refunded.
The aim of the trip is to allow all participants to photograph, at close quaters, shy and difficult to see wildlife. There can be no absolute guarantees about the length or number of the sightings. However, thanks to Miha's constant and passionate relationship with the surroundings he has created one of the premier bear viewing areas in Europe. The positions of the hides makes best use of this unique habitat.
Price: 1350€ double room sharing (single room on request at extra charge), half board.
Not included in the trip:
No flights of any nature are included in the price of the trip.
Transport to and from the accomodation, to be arrange by the individual (I recommend a hire car as the area offers some wonderful photographic opportunities).
Travel Insurance, please make sure your policy is up to date!
Tips
Alcoholic beverages
Ready to go? Please contact me here
