BEARS OF THE PRIMEVAL FOREST
2026: May 15th - 20th (1 Space Remaining) | Guide: Kyle Moore | Location: Slovinia | Cost: £1,750 | Deposit: £300
Tour Overview:
Spring in Slovenia, the air is crisp, and the surrounding landscapes are lush and green. Birdlife is plentiful, and the bears of the Dinaric Alps are awake! Working in an area that is home to one of Europe’s densest populations of brown bears, we’ll visit purpose-built wildlife photography hides, strategically placed throughout the surrounding mountainous forests. Here, we’ll sit quietly and wait for the forest’s inhabitants to reveal themselves.
We’ll make our way to the hides in time for the late afternoon light, prioritising the best part of the day for photography. Each afternoon, we’ll spend approximately four hours in the hides as the sun clings low in the sky, casting beautiful, soft, dappled light through the forest - ideal conditions for capturing these enchanting forest ghosts. Returning to base at dusk, we’ll be welcomed by a home-cooked meal in the modern dining area overlooking the meadows.
For those not quite ready for bed, there’s the option to spend a few hours in a nearby forest hide that’s floodlit—perfect for spotting nocturnal wildlife such as badgers, hedgehogs, foxes, and even wild canines. In the morning, we’ll enjoy breakfast while gazing out over the valley and meadows, often grazed by spring lambs during these early summer months. By day, we can relax in the comfort of the guesthouse, take time to edit our images, and discuss the upcoming hide session. For those who prefer to get back outside, we have exclusive access to a modern hide situated at a forest pool, attracting a wide variety of birdlife—including woodpeckers, hawfinches, chiffchaffs, and many more.
Cost Includes:
✅ Transfers from/to Ljubljana Airport
✅ Local guide and 4x4 transport to the hides
✅ Bear photography hide fees
✅ All meals at basecamp inc breakfast, lunch and dinner
✅ Accommodation
Cost Excludes:
❌ Internatinal Airline Flights to Ljubljana
❌ Travel Insurance
Base Camp
Our accommodation for this trip is a cozy guesthouse nestled at the foot of the mountains in the Notranjska region - a wild and scenic area known for hosting one of Europe's largest bear populations. The guesthouse is well-equipped for a comfortable stay, featuring a spacious, modern dining area, twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms, and a beautifully maintained garden that draws in a variety of insects and birdlife, creating a peaceful place to unwind.
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We will arrive in Ljubljana by late afternoon, where our minibus driver will be waiting to transfer us to the guesthouse - a journey of approximately one hour by road. Upon arrival, we'll be shown to our rooms, giving us time to unpack and settle in before dinner is served. Over the evening meal, we'll have the opportunity to discuss the plans for the week ahead.
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08:00 – Continental Breakfast
Each morning begins with a continental breakfast served at 08:00, offering a selection of breads, hams, cheeses, cereals, yogurts, and fresh juice.Morning – Free Time or Local Exploration
After breakfast, the morning is free for you to explore the local area or relax in the forest reflection-pool hides. The nearest village is approximately 15 minutes away and is well worth a visit.13:00 – Lunch & Preparation for Bear Hides
Lunch will be prepared for us around 13:00. Following lunch, we’ll begin preparations for the afternoon bear hide session. We’ll make sandwiches and fill flasks with hot drinks to take along with us.Afternoon – Journey to the Bear Hides
We’ll travel roughly 20 minutes out of town, heading toward the mountains and deep into the forest via rugged tracks. Once we arrive at the hide area, we’ll get comfortable and prepare for an afternoon of wildlife observation.Dusk – Return & Dinner
Around dusk, we’ll return to basecamp by vehicle. Upon arrival, a home-cooked meal and freshly baked dessert will be waiting to welcome us back.Daily Routine
Each day will follow a similar rhythm—starting with a relaxing breakfast, followed by free time or exploration, lunch, and an afternoon and evening spent in the hides before returning for a comforting evening meal. -
Our final day in Slovenia will begin with breakfast at 8:00 AM, as usual. Afterwards, there will be a short period to pack and prepare for our transfer back to Ljubljana Airport. Flights to the UK typically depart in the mid-afternoon, making for a relatively comfortable and relaxed day of travel.
Meet The Guide
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KYLE MOORE
Kyle Moore is a multi-award-winning nature photographer and wildlife guide based in the UK. Renowned for his work with bears across the globe, Kyle has documented species in some of the planet’s most remote and rugged environments, from the Alaskan wilderness and Canada’s Arctic tundra in pursuit of Polar Bears, to the dense boreal forests of Finland in pursuit of the elusive European Brown Bear.
His powerful imagery and deep understanding of wildlife have led to collaborations with national tourism boards, major broadcasters including the BBC, and, most recently, a global campaign for Samsung promoting their latest mobile phone technology. Kyle’s photographs are represented by some of the world’s leading photographic stock agencies and are widely published in international media.
Frequent Questions
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FITNESS LEVEL EASY
Each day, we will use off-road vehicles to reach the hides, so only a minimal level of walking is required. However, the walk to the hide may involve uneven terrain and ascending or descending steep inclines.
Approximately four hours are spent inside the hide. Please note that the hides do not have toilet facilities.
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To make the most of your bear photography experience in Slovenia, we recommend bringing the following equipment:
Camera Gear:
A DSLR or mirrorless camera
Telephoto lens (ideally 300mm to 600mm) – bears are often at a close distance, however a longer lens allows for close-up shots without disturbing them.
Spare batteries and memory cards – you'll be in the hide for several hours with no charging facilities.
Tripod hide or beanbag. The hides have platforms or ledges where you can steady your camera.
Clothing & Accessories:
Dark or muted clothing – to reduce visibility through the hide windows.
Snacks and water – you'll be in the hide for around 4 hours, and no facilities are available.
Optional but helpful:
Binoculars for spotting.
Remember to pack light but be prepared – once you're in the hide, you won't be able to leave until the session is over.
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Absolutely! We’re happy to cater to all dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and any allergies or specific preferences. We just ask that you let us know in advance so we can ensure everything is prepared to suit your needs.
HOW TO BOOk
To secure your place on this tour, please follow the link below and complete your booking through our secure online portal. Alternatively, we accept manual bookings via email, with deposits made by BACS. Please note, bookings are only confirmed once a £300 deposit per person has been received. Make sure you have carefully read all relevant tour itineraries and terms of business before booking.
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at info@bearphoto.co.uk.
Have a Question About This Tour?
We’re here to help! If you have any questions about this tour, including availability, itinerary, special requests, or anything else, please complete the contact form. One of our team members will get back to you as soon as possible. We look forward to helping you plan your perfect adventure!