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Pelican Photography Tour

€600 per person

Lake Kerkini is one of the most iconic sites for birdwatching and photography of pelicans in the Balkans. It is a national park in northern Greece, only 200 km (mostly highway) from Sofia. Throughout the year there is a multitude of species to be observed and taken pictures of. The most famous birds to be photographed are undoubtfully the Dalmatian Pelicans, especially when they are in their breeding plumage. The lake is arguably the best location in the world to photograph these remarkable birds and there are numerous wonderful opportunities for capturing images of them ranging from intimate portraits to wide-angle shots with stunning backdrops (mainly snow-capped mountain range).

Whilst it is possible to photograph the Dalmatian pelicans all year round, it is the winter months that provide the most dramatic and intriguing photographic options.

During our five-day trip to Lake Kerkini, we will be able to photograph the pelicans and other birdlife from a boat and from the shoreline.

Highlight species: Dalmatian Pelican, White Pelican, Flamingo, Pygmy Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe (in winter plumage), ducks, herons and egrets

  • Duration
    4 days
  • What is included
    ground transportation, English-speaking driver/guide, accommodation at a 3-star hotel on BB basis, boat trips
  • What is not included
    flight tickets, insurance, meals and drinks, other personal expenses, tips
  • Best period
    12-15 Feb 2024

FROM OUR GALLERY

Pelicans photography Kerkini, Greece
Pelicans photography Kerkini, Greece
Pelicans photography Kerkini, Greece
1
Day 1
You guide will be met by your guide at Sofia or Thessaloniki Airport and then transferred to Kerkini National Park. For the next 3 nights, you will be accommodated in a family-run hotel that offers breakfasts prepared from local products and great view of the lake. The nearby tavernas offer from traditional Greek dishes to local specialties prepared from buffalo's or freshwater fish meat.
2
Day 2
We will wake up before sunrise to meet at the harbour with our boat captain. Within the next 2-3 hours, we will be sailing by small boat in the lake to have worth thousand(s) of photos session. Expect close-up pictures of the pelicans in different light conditions and action pictures of single birds or flocks of pelicans. We return to the hotel for breakfast and then we will continue with our photography from the lakeshore choosing places where birds are concentrated. In the evening we will have another go with making pictures of the pelicans, but this time making use of the soft sunset light.
3
Day 3
We will follow the day program from the previous day, while trying to make artistic photos we have imagined, but didn't get yesterday. Note that White Pelicans often mingle with the Dalmatian Pelicans offering good options for contrasting pictures showcasing the two species side by side.
4
Day 4
Morning photo session is possible depending from the your flight time. Transfer to the airport. Departure.

TOUR LOCATION

Price
  • € 790 per person for a group of 2 persons;
  • € 650 per person for a group of up to 3 persons;
  • € 600 per person for a group of 4 persons or more;
  • € 100 for single room supplement.
The price includes
  • Tour leader (knowing the area and the wildlife photographer) throughout the tour;
  • Boat trips according to the itinerary;
  • All ground transportation costs are included; We will be travelling with a  modern and comfortable vehicle from Traventuria's fleet;
  • Accommodation: highly rated 3-star hotels with en suite double rooms on a bed & breakfast basis. Packed lunch can be ordered from the hotel or at a nearby tavern. Dinner can be organized at the hotel or a nearby tavern.
The price excluded
  • Flight tickets;
  • Insurance;
  • Other meals and drinks;
  • Other personal expenses;
  • Tips.
Recommended camera equipment
We would recommend that you have available, an array of lenses from an intermediate telephoto lens such as the 100-400mm, which is extremely versatile, through to your longest lens, whether that is a 400mm, 500mm or 600mm. A wide angle would also be useful if you fancy capturing. You should also pack a beanbag or low-angle tripod with a gimble head to help steady your lens while you are on the boat & the shoreline. A waterproof ground cloth is recommended for shoreline photography. Extra memory cards and batteries, cleaning set for the cameras and lenses.
Recommended clothing
We recommend that you pack plenty of warm clothing as the mornings on the boat will be quite cold. For your lower half, thermal leggings & winter lined trousers would work best. Gloves, warm waterproof jacket & waterproof over trousers. Don't forget to pack sensible waterproof walking boots and a hat to protect your head.
Maximum capacity
8 persons.

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