Overview:
Meeting the ‘Wild Brown Bear’ in its natural environment, the Wild Taiga, is an unforgettable experience and of course for photography enthusiasts an opportunity to take the shot of a lifetime from the comfort and safety of our specially designed Bear hides. The ‘Brown Bear’ and other rare animals such as the wolverine or the wild forest deer can be seen from specially designed hides.
Holiday price is from £ 1,175 per person based on availability and 2 persons sharing a standard double/twin room.
2018 Departure Dates:
| Departure dates |
Departure |
Arrival |
Arrive |
Leave |
| 1 May - 30 Sep |
London |
Kajaani |
Daily |
Daily |
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kajaani
Arrival to Kajaani airport and transfer to accommodation at Lakeside Hotel Kalevala. At night, evening sauna with jacuzzi followed by dinner.
Day 2: Husky Trek & Picnic
After breakfast there is a transfer to the husky farm, where there is a husky trekking tour including a 3-hour tour with a picnic lunch. Hiking with the dogs is more intensive than normal hill walking as the dogs are very eager to study the surroundings. Mostly they follow the trail but sometimes they also like to investigate what can be found deeper in the forests. As the dogs have much better senses than us, they also help us to see and hear what is happening in nature better. The route can be chosen based on your wishes.
After the trek we head back to the hotel for relaxing, including an evening sauna and jacuzzi followed by dinner.
Day 3: Wild Brown Bear Adventure
After breakfast there is a short canoeing tour to Petola Nature Centre which is a large carnivore centre, where there is a guided tour at the exhibition “Predators on the prowl”. This permanent exhibition has comprehensive information on Finnish predators such as bears, wolves, wolverines and lynxes. The information section presents a wide range of information related to many interesting aspects of large carnivores. The visit also includes a 30 minute film “Large carnivores in the border region”. The canoe tour continues to Harakkasaari island with a picnic on the sandy beach.
At around 3PM we move even closer to the Russian border for bear watching. Upon arrival to the main lodge there is information about the hides and bears, and other animals which are possible to observe. At 5:30PM you will move from the main building to the hides with a picnic, binoculars and a camera. All hides are equipped with viewing chairs, sleeping areas and dry toilets. They are situated in a small, open wetland area with a backdrop of spruce pine and birch forest. For photographers the site offers excellent photography opportunities: there is about twelve to sixteen hours of direct sunlight and two to four hours of twilight in the viewing season.
The package includes refreshments and sandwiches in the hides, sleeping bags and a personal tour guide. Recommended equipment includes: clothing according to the weather forecast, binoculars and a camera. Please note that smoking is not allowed during the night.
Day 4: National Park Hiidenportti
After an interesting observation night there is a transfer back to Hotel Kalevala for breakfast, and after a little rest, another transfer to Hiidenportti National Park for a guided hiking tour. According to an old Finnish legend a demon called Hiisi who fled to the peaceful and quiet setting of Hiidenportti – you can do the same: escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In Hiidenportti National Park you can find peace in the middle of nature and see backwoods, which are the most typical of the area. The heart of the park is the majestic Hiidenportti Gorge, which is the most notable nature attraction in Kainuu region.
After returning back to the hotel there is free time for optional activities or treatments, which can be booked at the Hotel reception. After an evening sauna and jacuzzi there is dinner at the hotel for the final night of the trip.
Day 5: Departure Day
After breakfast there is a transfer to the airport for departure.
Package Includes:
- Return flights from London Heathrow to Kajaani on Finnair (other UK airports upon request)
- 1 piece of check-in luggage (up to 23 kg)
- Airport transfers from/to Kajaani Airport
- 3 nights of accommodation in Hotel Kalevala with half board
- Bathrobes, sparkling wine and chocolate with fresh berries in the room (depending on the month: strawberries, cloudberries, blueberries, lingonberries, cranberries)
- Welcome drink
- Guided tours: Petola Visitor Centre (incl. short canoe tour), midnight bicycling tour around Kuhmo, hiking tour with huskies (incl. picnic lunch) and a day in the Hiidenportti National Park
- Bear watching night in a bear hide incl. transfers and a picnic for the night
- Free use of bicycles, rowing boat, summer games, fireplace and Wi-Fi
- 24-hour emergency service
- ATOL Protection
- All taxes
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