The Arctic fox is one of the most endearing mammals found in Europe. This trip has been carefully designed to provide as many photographic opportunities of these characterful canines as possible.
Based in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and led by award-winning wildlife photographer Bret Charman, we make the most of the longer daylight hours in order to maximise our time outside with the foxes. This area is well known for its population of blue morph Arctic foxes (the rarest colouration) which are habituated to humans. Photography will primarily be with telephoto lenses, enabling the foxes to go about their business and Bret will be on hand throughout the week to provide photographic tuition.
We spend time in Reykjavik either side of our stay on the Hornstrandir Peninsula in dedicated accommodation. Depending on the weather there may also be chances to photograph the Northern Lights. If the conditions are right, our leader Bret will run an aurora workshop, ensuring you get the best pictures possible of this natural wonder.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Fly to Reykjavik
On arrival in the capital, we will make our way to our overnight accommodation in the city.
Accommodation: Sunna Guesthouse, 1-night
Day2: Fly to Ísafjörður, ferry over to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
This morning we take a domestic flight to the town of Ísafjörður where we will be met on arrival and transferred to the town’s harbour (a 5-minute drive). From here we take the boat over to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve where we spend the next four nights. Please be aware that the weather at this time of year can be unpredictable, the boat crossing can be rough at times. On arrival, we are transferred on to a zodiac and make a wet landing on the shores of Hornstrandir. Depending on when we arrive at our lodge, we will head out for our first opportunity to photograph the Arctic fox.
The next three days will be spent making the most of our time in the remote wilderness of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. We can spend as much of the day as we like out photographing the foxes, although mornings and evenings will provide the best light on clear days. If the weather is a little on the wild side, then the middle of the day can provide fantastic opportunities, particularly if it is snowing. Typically, the foxes will come around the lodge as they provide supplementary food between the months of January and March. The resident foxes are habituated to people and can be incredibly obliging. We work with the foxes to try and maximise the photography opportunities in this stunning landscape. There may also be the opportunity to use wide-angle lenses for when the foxes come particularly close.
For those that are interested, there is always the option to go over any digital darkroom techniques with Bret each evening. Alternatively, if there is a clear evening, there will be the possibility of heading out to photograph the night sky (including the Northern Lights if conditions allow) with long exposures.
Day6: Return to Ísafjörður & fly to Reykjavik
Today will be our last day in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and, if timings allow, we will be able to spend the morning photographing the Arctic foxes once more. Hopefully we will have some more rewarding encounters to add to our portfolios.
Afterwards, we board the boat which will take us back to Ísafjörður. Once we have disembarked, we are transferred to the local airport for our return flight to Reykjavik where we spend the night.
Accommodation: Sunna Guesthouse, 1-night.
Day7: Departure
The day is free for us to explore to Reykjavik before it is time to transfer to the international airport for our return flights back to the UK.
Please note: This trip can be physically demanding based on the terrain and weather conditions so please contact your sales consultant if you have any concerns over fitness.
Key info
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 7 daysfrom £4,475 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 7 daysfrom £4,175 pp
Bret is an award-winning wildlife photographer with a background in the wildlife travel and safari industry, with a particular interest in African and Australian wildlife.
After spending a year in Australia to pursue wildlife photography, he was rewarded with success at the prestigious Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition, as well as winning the Birds in Flight category in Bird Photographer of the Year. Bret has experience leading groups in Europe, the Americas and in Africa.
Covering over 550 square kilometres, the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve stands on the most northerly peninsula on the Icelandic mainland at the northern end of the Westfjords. This peninsula has been protected as a nature reserve since 1975, allowing the native flora and fauna to thrive.
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Where: Westfjords, northwest Iceland
Ideal for viewing: Arctic fox, field mouse, Atlantic puffin, harlequin duck, golden plover
Situated on the northernmost peninsula of the Icelandic mainland, Kvíar Lodge is one of the most remote properties in the country. This former farm overlooks the wonderfully scenic Jökulfirðir Bay and is excellent place to encounter Arctic fox and the Northern Lights if the weather allows.
Find Out More about Kvíar Lodge
