Bialowieza photography tour 2027
Spring in eastern Poland is a moment of awakening, and there is no better place to witness it than the ancient forests of Białowieża.
This small-group photography tour offers an immersive introduction to one of Europe’s last remaining wild landscapes, at the very best time of year. As winter loosens its grip, the forest comes alive with birdsong, emerging mammals and soft spring light filtering through centuries-old trees.
This trip is designed for photographers and budding filmmakers who want time, access and expert guidance. With a strong focus on hides, you’ll work to capture intimate wildlife moments, while also learning how to combine stills and video into compelling visual stories. With a maximum of six participants, this is a calm, focused and deeply rewarding wildlife experience.
Key info
Available spaces:
6
duration:
7 Days
DATES:
12th - 18th April 2027
Fitness level:
Easy
price:
2350 Euros (c. £2000)
Single supplement:
200 Euros
group size:
6
pACKING LIST:
into Europe’s last primeval forest
– Photograph in one of the last remaining primeval forests in Europe
– Spring wildlife photography at peak activity levels
– Dedicated hide sessions for close encounters
– Learn both photography and wildlife videography techniques
– Expert guidance from an award-winning photographer and filmmaker
– Small group size (maximum 6 guests) for personalised tuition
– Comfortable village accommodation with all meals included
– A relaxed, hide-focused itinerary to maximise time in the field
itinerary
This tour is built around a hide-focused schedule designed to maximise wildlife encounters during the most productive periods of the day. Each day combines early starts, extended hide sessions and time to rest, review images and refine both photographic and video techniques. The itinerary below is an example and subject to change.
Day 1 – Arrival and transfer
Guests arrive in Poland and are met for transfer to Białowieża village. The journey offers the first glimpse of eastern Poland’s changing landscapes before arrival in the forest region. After settling into the guesthouse, the group gathers for a welcome dinner and briefing, followed by preparation for the first full day in the field.
Day 2 – Bison and woodland birds
An early start introduces the group to the forest with a morning bison safari, offering opportunities to photograph Europe’s largest land mammal in atmospheric spring light. After breakfast, the day continues with an extended session in a woodland bird hide, focusing on woodpeckers, forest passerines and small mammals. Evening image review and dinner in the village.
Day 3 – Owls and riverside wildlife
The morning begins with a guided walk to search for pygmy owls and other woodland species, working with natural light and behaviour-based opportunities. The afternoon is spent in a riverside hide overlooking open woodland and water, ideal for raptors, cranes and mammals. Evening discussion covers storytelling approaches across stills and video.
Day 4 – Eagles and garden hide
A full morning is dedicated to a specialist eagle hide, offering chances to photograph birds of prey in flight and at close range. After a midday break, the group moves to a garden hide with feeders and reflection pools, allowing for more intimate compositions and experimentation with video techniques, including low-light work.
Day 5 – Deer hide and forest mammals
Another early woodland walk provides further chances for owl encounters before a long afternoon session in a deer hide. This hide offers excellent opportunities for cranes, deer, foxes and, occasionally, bison, with activity often increasing toward dusk. Evening review and discussion.
Day 6 – Flexible hide sessions
The final full day is kept flexible, allowing the group to return to favourite hides or respond to recent wildlife activity. This adaptive approach ensures the best possible use of conditions and sightings, with Josh providing tailored guidance based on individual goals.
Final day – Departure
After breakfast, the group departs Białowieża village for onward travel, bringing the tour to a close.
Accommodation
You will stay in comfortable double or twin rooms in a local guesthouse or B&B in Białowieża village. All rooms are en-suite with private bathrooms, providing a warm and restful base between field sessions.
Single rooms are available on request, subject to availability, with a single supplement of €200.
Accommodation will be in Białowieża village, with options such as Guesthouse Krainka, offering easy access to hides and local amenities.
"I enjoyed a fantastic trip to Zimanga with Jon last year, and found his easy going but attentive style to be perfect for me. Every client in our group was made to feel personally cared for, and his liason with the hosts at the Lodge ensured that everything ran smoothly leaving us to concentrate on getting our awesome images. It was such a far superior experience to the other trip I did...with a different outfit that I would only ever imagine using Wilder Photography for any future plans”
- Pete Lloyd
Hides & Wildlife
Photography will take place primarily from professional wildlife hides positioned to minimise disturbance and maximise close-range encounters. These carefully sited hides allow you to photograph animals behaving naturally, often at eye level, with clean backgrounds and soft spring light that works beautifully for both stills and video.
Spring is an exceptional time in the Białowieża Forest, with heightened activity across many species. Key photographic subjects include European bison, red and roe deer, elk, red fox and raccoon dog, alongside smaller mammals such as red squirrel and pine marten. The forest is also renowned for its birdlife, with excellent opportunities to photograph cranes, lesser spotted eagles, buzzards, goshawks, woodpeckers, pygmy owls and a wide variety of woodland passerines at reflection pools and feeders.
While some of the forest’s most elusive predators, such as wolf and lynx, are rarely seen, their presence is strongly felt through tracks, calls and behaviour of other wildlife. Working from hides encourages patience and quiet observation, offering a deeper understanding of this intact forest ecosystem and the chance to create intimate, authentic wildlife images.
included
not included
– Expert photography and videography tuition and guiding from Josh Jaggard
– All accommodation in Białowieża village
– All meals from dinner on day 1 through to breakfast and a packed lunch on the final day
– All transfers from and to Warsaw airport
– Access to a range of professional wildlife photography hides
– A small-group experience with a maximum of six participants
– International flights to and from Poland
– Travel insurance
– Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
– Single room supplement (€200)
aDD-oNS
Coming soon!
TBC
Coming soon!
TBC
Testimonials from our trips
“I joined Wilder Photography on a Kenya trip. We has such an absolutely amazing time. Incredible scenery, wildlife and photographic opportunities. Jon was patient, knowledgeable, easy going and fun! He made the trip a joy. Don't hesitate - just book! You will have an amazing experience!”
- Jodi Gray
