Białowieża February 2027

Q: What clothing do I need to bring?

Winter in Białowieża can be very cold and we will spend several hours outdoors, with temperatures close to -10 ºC, especially early in the morning. The best approach is to dress in layers: a thermal base layer (top and bottoms), a fleece or similar insulating second layer, a warm winter jacket as outer layer, preferably waterproof or water- and wind-resistant, trousers suited to low temperatures (with a waterproof outer layer if conditions require), waterproof winter boots with thermal socks, and a hat and gloves suitable for photography. It is better to bring too much clothing than too little.

Q: What photography equipment is recommended?

A camera with good high-ISO performance, a fast telephoto lens (with the widest aperture possible), spare batteries, enough memory cards, a power bank, a backpack suitable for carrying your gear and a lightweight tripod for the walking outings in the forest. A fast telephoto lens is especially recommended, as some sessions will take place in very low light, particularly at the start and end of the day and from the hide.

Q: Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No. Sightings cannot be guaranteed: the presence and behaviour of the animals depend on natural factors that we cannot control. That uncertainty is part of nature photography.

Q: What happens if the weather is bad?

In the event of intense cold, snow, rain or other adverse weather, activities will be adapted when necessary to ensure the safety of the group. Whenever conditions allow, the planned programme will be kept.

Q: What are the transport and accommodation like?

Transfers are made by van driven by the Tour Leader (the Warsaw – Białowieża journey takes about 3-4 hours). Accommodation is in a hotel, in a shared room. Those who prefer a single room can request one for a supplement, subject to availability. The specific accommodation will be confirmed by the agency.

A photography trip to the heart of the Białowieża Forest, one of Europe’s most unique natural areas, to enjoy wildlife photography in the wild during winter.

Throughout the trip we will look for some of the region’s most emblematic species, with special attention to the European bison, the pygmy owl and the white-tailed eagle, as well as other birds and mammals we may come across during our outings.

The trip will be accompanied at all times by Pablo Arrechea as Tour Leader and nature photographer, who will help participants both during the field sessions and in selecting and editing the material shot each day.

The experience combines photography, nature and learning, with outings accompanied by local guides and evening review and editing sessions.

Overview

Itinerary

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Dates

FAQs

This trip is designed for those who want to enjoy wildlife photography and, at the same time, improve their photographs during the trip itself.

As Tour Leader, Pablo Arrechea will accompany the group throughout the journey, offering photographic support and advice in the different situations we encounter.

During the outings we will be able to work on aspects such as: camera settings according to conditions; settings for photographing moving wildlife; using appropriate shutter speeds; working in low light; composition and framing; making the most of the environment and the available light; photography from a hide; handling and setting up the telephoto lens; and answering questions about equipment and technique.

The aim is not simply to get photographs during the trip, but to learn from each situation and use each day’s experiences to improve the following ones.

Our main destination will be the Białowieża Forest, in eastern Poland, near the border with Belarus. In winter, the forest takes on a special character for photography: the low temperatures, the first and last hours of the day and the chance of finding wintry landscapes will force us to work in demanding conditions, but they can also offer some of the most interesting photographic situations of the trip.

The main goal will be to look for wild animals in freedom, always bearing in mind that sightings cannot be guaranteed and that natural conditions will determine which species we find.

Highlights

Wildlife in one of Europe's most unique forests
European bison in the wild
White-tailed eagle from a specialised hide
Chance to look for pygmy owl and other species
Specialised local guides
Pablo Arrechea accompanying the whole trip as Tour Leader
Editing sessions every evening, so the learning doesn't end when we leave the forest

Day 1 - Feb 13 :

Day 1 · Madrid – Warsaw

Flight Madrid – Warsaw: midday departure with arrival expected at 19:00.

Transfer to the hotel, check-in and settling in.

In the evening we will hold a first meeting to get to know each other before heading into the new adventure. We will review the programme for the coming days, answer questions and talk about what awaits us in Białowieża: wildlife, photography, conditions and equipment.

Day 2 - Feb 14 :

Day 2 · Warsaw – Białowieża. First encounter with the European bison

We will get up early, around 5:00, and head for Białowieża. The van journey will take approximately 3-4 hours.

Once we reach the area, we will begin our first photography outing. The main goal will be to locate and photograph the European bison, one of the great protagonists of our trip. During this first outing we will also start to get familiar with the environment, the light conditions and the particulars of winter wildlife photography.

We will stop for lunch in the village of Białowieża.

In the afternoon we will return to the field to continue the search for bison and other species of interest, making the most of the last hours of light. At the end of the day we return to our accommodation.

Day 3 - Feb 15 :

Day 3 · Białowieża. White-tailed eagle hide and photo safari

Today we will split into two groups, so that we can be a small group in the forest and increase our chances of spotting wildlife.

Group A · White-tailed eagle hide
The first group will begin the experience from the specialised white-tailed eagle hide. The main goal will be to photograph the eagle, although during the session we may also have opportunities with other species that visit the setup, such as buzzards, foxes and various passerines. It will be a full-day session, so it is essential to be properly prepared for the low temperatures.

Group B · Photo safari
While the first group is in the hide, the second group will go on a photography outing through the forest with a local guide. The main goal will be to find European bison, although we will be alert for any other species that may appear along the way. We will work in a small group, which will allow us to move with greater flexibility and give more personalised attention to each photographer.

At the end of the activities, both groups will meet up in Białowieża.

Day 4 - Feb 16 :

Day 4 · Białowieża. Groups swap

Today we will swap the groups so that all participants can enjoy both experiences: the white-tailed eagle hide and the photo safari through the forest with a local guide.

Day 5 - Feb 17 :

Day 5 · Białowieża – Warsaw – Madrid

Last morning of the trip.

After breakfast we will begin the return to Warsaw in our van.

The return flight to Madrid is scheduled for approximately 14:00.

Arrival in Madrid and end of the trip.

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What clothing do I need to bring?

What photography equipment is recommended?

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

What happens if the weather is bad?

What are the transport and accommodation like?

Białowieża February 2027

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