W I L D E S T O N I A
C O M I N G S P R I N G 2 0 2 5
Capture the wild beauty of Estonia, with exclusive access to a state-of-the-art hide complex,
for unforgettable encounters with bears, elk, owls, woodpeckers, and more!
H I G H L I G H T S
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5 nights' stay at one of Europe's premiere wildlife photography facilities - with exclusive use of hide facilities, tuition, & more
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Photograph Estonia's iconic wildlife - including bears, wolves, elk, sea eagles, owls & woodpeckers - in pristine taiga forest
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Take a photography boat for eye-level shots of the rare steller's eider, ringed seal & cranes
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Develop a uniquely rich portfolio of animal portraits & behaviours ​​
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Expert guiding and 1-on-1 tuition from award-winning photographer & local guides ​
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Optional editing sessions & evening seminars
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T R I P O V E R V I E W
Welcome to Estonia - one of Europe’s hidden gems for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Estonia is one of Europe’s least densely populated countries, and an up-and-coming destination for nature photography. With over 50% of the landscape covered in taiga forest, there is room for lynx, brown bear, elk, and grey wolf to thrive in greater numbers than elsewhere in Europe. Its 3800km of unspoiled coastline are home to grey and ringed seals, while nearly 400 bird species can be seen.
During our stay, we'll be based at Wildlife Dreams' brand-new state-of-the-art hides. Seamlessly blending into this remarkable landscape, allowing you to photograph all these animals and hone your craft in comfort.
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Photographable Species: Brown Bear, Elk, Raccoon Dog, Mink, Grey Wolf, Ringed Seal, Grey Seal, Goshawk, White-Tailed Sea Eagle, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Woodpeckers (Black, Grey-Headed, Great Spotted, Middle-Spotted, White-Backed), Nuthatch, Raven, Kingfisher, Willow Tit, Steller's Eider, Crane, and much more!
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O U R B A S E
Tucked away in a secluded taiga forest, on the edge of a man-made lake, the new Wildlife Dreams Lodge & Hides is celebrated as one of Europe’s top wildlife photography facilities. We will have exclusive use for the duration of our stay.
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With 14 private en-suite rooms, 3 on-site photo hides, photography boat, lounge, sauna and swimming pool, editing and seminar rooms, café and art gallery, it’s the perfect base for both comfort and creativity. Located 14 km from Põlva and 200 km from Tallinn, this is where nature and world-class facilities meet. ​​
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T H E H I D E S
The hides offer fantastic opportunities to photograph some of Estonia’s most iconic and rare wildlife by day and night. ​
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Thes hide are connected to our accommodation via a 150metre undercover walkway, meaning that we can approach unseen by animals. Spaciously seating up to 14 photographers, the hide is designed with photographers in mind, featuring high-quality one-way glass (to the same high spec as on my other photo tours). This keeps us hidden from view, increasing the chances of spotting natural behaviours. Each window offers a different backdrop, and with a maximum of 2 photographers per window, there’s plenty of space to work and flexibility for lower-angle shots.
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The Main Hide
White-Tailed Sea Eagles and Goshawks are frequent visitors, while mammals such as Bears, Grey Wolves, Mink, Raccoon Dogs, and Elk may appear at any time. The longer you spend here, the more you’re likely to see! If you'd like to spend all your time in the hide, be our guest!
Each window offers a different backdrop, and with a maximum of 2 photographers per window, there’s plenty of space to work and flexibility for lower-angle shots.
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An extra window overlooks the Reflection Pool and Woodpecker Hide, so you won't miss out on any activity at the other hides. The setup also allows for creative options like remote wide-angle cameras for unique perspectives.
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Capacity Seats up to 14 people.
Lens 100-400mm, up to 500mm. ​
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The Reflection Pool
The raised reflection pool hide offers many photographic opportunities at eye level. On the edge of the forest, it provides drinking water for many species of wildlife during the day and even night, as the pools are floodlit for nocturnal mammals and owls.
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*Please note that these images are all from the past few months and we will update with each season.
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Capacity Seats up to 6 people.
Lens 100-400mm, up to 500mm.
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The Woodpecker & Waterfall Hide
This hide allows you to photograph wildlife that uses the waterfall to drink and bathe in before it flows from the woods into a pond. Specialist windows allow you close up images of the various woodpeckers that come to the feeding posts around the natural forest.
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Capacity Seats up to 6 people
people.
Lens 100-400mm, up to 500mm. ​
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