

Finland
embark with us on an unforgettable journey to
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Join us in an immersive experience deep in the Finnish wilderness, where we'll spend 5 days photographing bears, wolves, and wolverines from small photography huts spread in a national park.
September is the time of autumn colors and an increase in cub sightings.
Our trip destination is one of the wildest, most untouched environments in Europe, and remains one of the last remaining European strongholds of Brown Bear, Wolverine and Wolves.
Hosted by Ricardo Braz & Leo Cavazzana
August 24-30th 2026

The place
We’ll be based at the Boreal Wildlife Centre in Kuhmo, Finland - one of the best places in Europe to see and photograph wild brown bears. We also have a great chance of seeing wolves, wolverines, and foxes. The centre is surrounded by untouched boreal forest and is designed especially for photographers and nature lovers. You’ll have cozy rooms, good food, and plenty of space to relax when you’re not in the hides.
It’s not just about the wildlife either: around the centre you’ll find hiking trails, lakes for canoeing, and a traditional Finnish sauna that’s free to use. Everything is within easy reach, making this trip both adventurous and comfortable.​
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The Boreal landscape is starting to change in Late August/early September. A moment of transition occurs in the surrounding landscape as the last of the summer greens turn yellow. Bear activity is at its highest in this area, which is a jostling ground for large males as well as smaller male and female bears.
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The trip
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We'll divide our days between the huts (roughly from 4 pm to 8 am) and the base camp (8 am - 4 pm).
The idea is simple: spend the nights in safe, purpose-built hides where bears and other animals often appear, and use the daytime to rest, relax, or explore. The hides are designed with sleeping areas, chairs, and camera windows so you’ll feel safe and comfortable while waiting for wildlife to show up.
When you’re not in the hides, the days are very flexible. You can take time to edit photos, go for a walk in the forest, enjoy a sauna, or just catch up on sleep. We’ll always be nearby if you need help with your photography, your gear, or even just a cup of coffee.
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The regular days go like this:
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14:00 – Lunch at the centre
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16:00 – Enter the hides for your overnight session
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07:30 – Return for breakfast
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Daytime – Free time to rest, edit, hike, canoe, sauna, or simply relax
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14:00 – Lunch again, then back into the rhythm
Final Day
After one last breakfast, we’ll transfer back to Kajaani where the trip ends.
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Photo by Oliver Larrey

Common area.

Our base camp.
​The hides
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The Boreal Wildlife Centre has a variety of hides:
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Large group hides (up to 10 people)
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Medium hides (6 or 4 people)
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Small private hides (2 people)
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We’ll divide the group based on preferences and availability, so you’ll always feel comfortable. Every hide has space to sit, lie down, and set up your camera. They are warm, safe, and specifically built to make long hours inside easy.
From the hides, it’s common to see brown bears, but also wolves, wolverines, eagles, and other wildlife. Some moments are quiet, others are full of action — that’s the magic of the forest.
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All hides have a chair, bed, mattress, sleeping bag, duvet, pillow, a compostable toilet, toilet paper, 3/8” mounting screws for the tripod head, and a heater when needed.
Sleeping is possible in the hides, but when it's still bright, it is not recommended to sleep since bears may come at any time.
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Inside the hide, more than just one camera can be used because hides have many spots for camera bodies. The photographic openings face the same direction or in different directions, depending on the hide.
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A tripod is not necessary because photography is possible using the plank that is in the hide. On the plank, a tripod head can be attached or a beanbag can be used.
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The tripod head can be moved cross-ways on the wooden plank and hides contain bolts to attach these to. The camera can be rotated 120-160 degrees in photographic openings because its fabrics have been sewn together and there is no bar between the openings to hamper rotation.
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Inside the hide, it is possible to change the lens of the camera when done quietly. When photographing, it is forbidden to use a flash or a flashlight in any circumstances. Leaving the hide in the evening, at night, or in the morning before the set period is also forbidden. All rules given in the start info must be followed.
The specially made photography plank is still more convenient for photographing. We have these photography planks and bolts to attach the tripod head in every hide.
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Photographers are required to have patience and keep silent when photographing from the hides.
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Itinerary
Day 1 (24/08)
Most days, flights from Helsinki arrive at 7 pm in Kajaani. A transfer will be waiting for you at the airport to bring you to our meeting point, our hotel. Once we have the whole group, we'll have our welcome dinner in the hotels restaurant.
We recommend you fly one day earlier to avoid airline problems.
Hotel: Original Sokos Hotel Valjus Kajaani
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Day 2 to 7 (25-30/08)
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After breakfast, we'll get a transfer (2 hours) to the Boreal Wildlife Centre. After settling in, we’ll have a full briefing about the hides and the animals, followed by our first overnight hide session.
The Following Days
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14:00 – Lunch at the centre
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16:00 – Enter the hides for your overnight session
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07:30 – Return for breakfast
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Daytime – Free time to rest, edit, hike, canoe, sauna, or simply relax
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14:00 – Lunch again, then back into the rhythm
A packed dinner, flasks (tea/coffee), and bottled water will be provided for each individual whilst in the hide. We do recommend bringing your favorite snacks though :)
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Day 7 (30/08)
This is the final day of the trip, and upon leaving the hides at 7:30am, you will be guided back to basecamp one final time for breakfast. After a shower and packing, it's time to get on the road and get the transfer back to Kajaani, where we'll say our goodbyes!
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Photographic equipment​
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I want to make it clear that there is no such thing as mandatory equipment - what you have is enough! That said, here is a list of equipment and accessories that, if you have them, will provide a better photographic experience. Remember that, on trips of this type, we can always share material and equipment so that we all have an incredible experience! Feel free to contact us beforehand to ask for help when packing/getting equipment.
Essentials:
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Camera (DSLR/Mirrorless); Two bodies will provide the best experience.
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Lenses: Telephotos will perform the best. Around 400mm is already a great range but, when talking wildlife, the more the better. We recommend having at least a 100-400 or similar. A great compliment would be a regular mid-range lens like a 24-70 for when the animals get closer and wider shots.
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Tripod head with 3/8" mount (if you're not sure what that is, send us a message!)
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Extras:
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Extra batteries;
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Memory cards;
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Cables and chargers;
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Polarizer/ND filter;
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HD or SSD for storage;
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Laptop (preferably with Lightroom and Photoshop installed);
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Investment
The price of the trip is EUR 2200 per person. 50% of the payment must be made at the time of booking to guarantee your place, and the remaining amount up to 30 days before the trip (July 24th), in as many monthly installments as you'd like.​
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*EARLY BIRD PRICE, IF BOOKED UNTIL THE END OF 2025: EUR 2000
USE THE CODE "EARLYBIRD" WHEN CHECKING OUT*
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What is included:
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Accommodation at the Boreal Wildlife Centre
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All meals from arrival dinner to final breakfast
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Overnight hide sessions
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Transfers in/out of Kajaani
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Photography guidance and support throughout the trip
What is not included:
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Airline tickets
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Health insurance
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Photographic equipment insurance
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Drinks
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Optional tours and activities
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Cancellation
In case of cancellation:
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Until March, the cancellation is free.
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If canceled after March, the deposit (50%) will not be refunded.
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After May, there is no possibility of cancellation.
*The participant is allowed to give up his/her spot/find someone else to replace him/her if his/her absence is confirmed, without any additional cost.
*We do recommend not booking flights (or booking with a flexible fare) until the trip is fully confirmed by us.
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