Join wildlife photographer and guide Kyle Moore on an unforgettable bear photography adventure in the wild forests of Slovenia. Venture into the heart of Slovenia’s beautiful woodland landscapes, where intimate encounters with wild brown bears offer exceptional opportunities to capture these magnificent animals in their natural environment. From atmospheric forest settings to close-up portraits, this is a unique opportunity to experience and photograph one of Europe’s most iconic predators.
Summer in Slovenia brings crisp air, lush green forests and abundant birdlife, as the brown bears of the Dinaric Alps emerge from their winter dens. Based in a region renowned for its high density of brown bears, we’ll visit a selection of purpose-built wildlife photography hides, carefully positioned throughout the surrounding forests to offer excellent opportunities to photograph these magnificent animals in their natural environment.
Our afternoons are dedicated to photography, with hide sessions timed to make the most of the beautiful golden light as the sun filters through the forest canopy. Spending around four hours in the hides, we’ll wait patiently for the forest’s elusive inhabitants to appear, with every encounter offering the potential for memorable images. As dusk falls, we’ll return to our comfortable base for a home-cooked evening meal, with views across the surrounding mountainous landscape.
Venture into the heart of Slovenia’s wild forests, where patience is rewarded, the unexpected awaits, and every encounter with a wild brown bear becomes a moment to remember forever.
Mornings are more relaxed, with breakfast overlooking the valley and meadows before time to unwind, review and edit images, or prepare for the next photography session. Guests can also make the most of our access to additional specialist hides, where a variety of woodland and wetland birdlife may be encountered, including woodpeckers, hawfinches, chiffchaffs and kingfishers.
Combining dedicated bear photography, diverse wildlife encounters and the tranquillity of Slovenia’s beautiful forests, this experience offers a rewarding opportunity to discover one of Europe’s most fascinating wildlife destinations.
DAY 1: We will arrive in Ljubljana by late afternoon, where our minibus driver will be waiting to transfer us to the guesthouse – a journey of approximately one hour by road. Upon arrival, we’ll be shown to our rooms, giving us time to unpack and settle in before dinner is served. Over the evening meal, we’ll have the opportunity to discuss the plans for the week ahead.
DAY 2-5:
08:00 – Continental Breakfast
Each morning begins with a continental breakfast served at 08:00, offering a selection of breads, hams, cheeses, cereals, yogurts, and fresh juice.
Morning – Free Time or Local Exploration
After breakfast, the morning is free for you to explore the local area or relax in the forest reflection-pool hides. The nearest village is approximately 15 minutes away and is well worth a visit.
13:00 – Lunch & Preparation for Bear Hides
Lunch will be prepared for us around 13:00. Following lunch, we’ll begin preparations for the afternoon bear hide session. We’ll make sandwiches and fill flasks with hot drinks to take along with us.
Afternoon – Journey to the Bear Hides
We’ll travel roughly 20 minutes out of town, heading toward the mountains and deep into the forest via rugged tracks. Once we arrive at the hide area, we’ll get comfortable and prepare for an afternoon of wildlife observation.
Dusk – Return & Dinner
Around dusk, we’ll return to basecamp by vehicle. Upon arrival, a home-cooked meal and freshly baked dessert will be waiting to welcome us back.
Daily Routine
Each day will follow a similar rhythm—starting with a relaxing breakfast, followed by free time or exploration, lunch, and an afternoon and evening spent in the hides before returning for a comforting evening meal.
DAY 6: Our final day in Slovenia will begin with breakfast at 8:00 AM, as usual. Afterwards, there will be a short period to pack and prepare for our transfer back to Ljubljana Airport. Flights to the UK typically depart in the mid-afternoon, making for a relatively comfortable and relaxed day of travel.
Having brought guests to Slovenia for several years, Mlakar Guesthouse remains a much-loved base for our brown bear photography experiences. We consistently receive warm feedback from guests who appreciate its welcoming atmosphere, traditional Slovenian hospitality and peaceful setting on the edge of the forest.
Located in the heart of the Notranjska region, within the beautiful Dinaric Alps, the guesthouse offers a comfortable and authentic Slovenian stay, perfectly positioned for exploring the surrounding wilderness and accessing some of the region’s excellent wildlife photography hides.
The guesthouse features five comfortably furnished rooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, complimentary Wi-Fi and a balcony overlooking the surrounding landscape. Its restaurant serves hearty traditional Slovenian dishes alongside regional specialities, offering a taste of local cuisine after a day spent exploring the forests.
For us, accommodation is an important part of the overall experience. Mlakar combines a friendly, homely atmosphere with an outstanding location for discovering Slovenia’s remarkable wildlife, making it a trusted choice for our guests.
At Natures Thrill, we believe that an exceptional wildlife experience starts with the right guide. We carefully select guides not simply for their knowledge, but for their first-hand experience, local expertise and genuine connection to the places and wildlife we visit. Many of our guides have spent years, and in some cases decades, working in their regions, building an intimate understanding of wildlife behaviour, seasonal movements and the best opportunities for observation and photography. This depth of experience allows us to offer something far beyond a standard guided holiday — expert-led adventures shaped by people who truly know the wild places they call home.
This Slovenian Wild Bear Photography Tour is guided by Kyle Moore, one of our most experienced bear specialists. Discover more about Kyle, his remarkable career and his life in the wild below.
Kyle Moore is the founder of BearPhoto and Natures Thrill. He established BearPhoto in 2017, specialising in bear-focused wildlife photography experiences, before expanding the business in 2026 with the launch of Natures Thrill, bringing together a wider portfolio of nature and wildlife adventures from around the world.
Based in the UK, Kyle is a multi-award-winning nature photographer and experienced wildlife guide, with a particular expertise in photographing bears in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments. His work has taken him from the vast wilderness of Alaska and the Arctic landscapes of Canada, where he has photographed polar bears, to the dense boreal forests of Finland in pursuit of the elusive European brown bear.
Alongside his photography, Kyle has developed extensive knowledge of the destinations and wildlife he works with, allowing him to combine specialist field experience with a strong understanding of wildlife behaviour and photography. His imagery and expertise have led to collaborations with tourism boards, leading broadcasters including the BBC, and international brands, including a recent global campaign with Samsung showcasing its latest mobile photography technology.
Kyle’s photographs are represented by leading international photographic stock agencies and have been published across international media. Through BearPhoto and Natures Thrill, he continues to share his knowledge and passion for wildlife by creating carefully curated, photography-led experiences in some of the world’s most extraordinary wilderness destinations.
Click here to visit Kyle’s website: www.kylemoorephoto.com
Whether you’re planning your next Slovenian adventure or simply want to discover more about the region’s remarkable nature, we’re here to help. Explore our collection of helpful resources, from wildlife guides and practical packing tips to inspiring travel stories and expert insights, all designed to help you prepare for your adventure and fuel your excitement for the nature of Slovenia.
Not at all! Our Slovenia wildlife adventure is suitable for photographers of all experience levels, from beginners looking to develop their skills to experienced photographers hoping to capture exceptional images of European wildlife. Whether you’re using a smartphone, a compact camera or professional photography equipment, the focus is on enjoying unforgettable encounters with Slovenia’s remarkable wildlife. Our team will be happy to offer advice and guidance to help you get the most from your experience.
For the best results, we recommend bringing a camera with a telephoto lens, ideally offering a focal length of around 100–400mm, to photograph Slovenia’s brown bears and other wildlife from the hides. As some of the forest environments can be quite dark, particularly during early morning and evening sessions, a camera and lens that perform well in low-light conditions will be especially beneficial. A lens with a wide maximum aperture, such as f/2.8 or f/4, can help you capture sharper images when light levels are limited.
A sturdy camera bag, spare batteries and memory cards are also essential. However, you don’t need professional equipment to enjoy the experience. Whatever your photography level or setup, our team will be happy to offer advice on choosing the right gear for your adventure.
Wildlife is wild, so sightings can never be guaranteed. That said, our locations and hides are chosen for some of the best predator-viewing odds in Europe.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical and emergency repatriation is required for all trips. We recommend adding camera equipment cover.
Full arrival and transfer details, including the nearest airport and pickup arrangements, are in the Trip Information Pack. Our team will confirm timings after booking.
Kyle Moore returns to Slovenia year after year, building a wealth of first-hand experience exploring this hidden gem of Europe and discovering its remarkable wildlife, landscapes and photography opportunities. His personal knowledge of the destination allows us to offer valuable insight and trusted advice, helping you make the most of your Slovenian wildlife adventure. Alongside Kyle, our Natures Thrill travel specialists are on hand to provide friendly, expert guidance and help you plan an experience tailored to your interests.
Experience the iconic Masai Mara with thrilling safari drives, Big Five wildlife encounters, sweeping savanna landscapes, and unforgettable views of the Great Migration in one of Africa’s most spectacular nature reserves.
At first glance, you might wonder why BearPhoto is leading an African safari, after all, bears don’t roam the savannahs of Kenya. But at BearPhoto, our passion has never been limited by geography or species. We are driven by one thing above all else: the pursuit of extraordinary wildlife encounters and unforgettable photographic experiences. This journey to the Masai Mara represents exactly that – and more.
We are thrilled to introduce this exceptional photographic safari to Kenya’s legendary Masai Mara, one of the most celebrated wildlife destinations on Earth. For photographers, the Mara needs little introduction. Vast, open plains stretch to the horizon, alive with staggering numbers of wildlife and an unrivalled concentration of big cats. The scale, drama, and raw beauty of this ecosystem offer some of the most powerful natural spectacles anywhere in the world.
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