Summer in Finland offers almost endless daylight, lush green forests and extraordinary wildlife encounters. July is also the very best time of year to observe wild brown bear cubs exploring their natural environment. Thanks to our many years of experience, we carefully time our summer bear watching holidays to coincide with the peak period for cubs of the year. In fact, we are proud to have maintained a 100% success rate of observing bear cubs on every one of our previous tours to this destination. This remarkable journey takes you to one of the world’s premier bear watching locations, famously featured in the acclaimed BBC Planet Earth series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
With the long days of the Nordic summer and its beautiful golden light, conditions are ideal for both wildlife photography and observation. Beyond brown bears and their cubs, there is also an excellent chance of encountering other iconic species, including wolverines, white-tailed eagles and, with a little luck, even wolves. Whether you’re a wildlife photographer, a passionate nature enthusiast or simply someone seeking an authentic wilderness experience, this tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness some of Europe’s most spectacular wildlife.
In addition to bear cubs, this region supports one of the highest densities of brown bears anywhere in Finland. Guests can therefore expect to photograph a wide variety of individuals, from playful cubs and protective mothers to some of the country’s largest adult males. Each evening, we travel by vehicle to carefully positioned wildlife hides, where you’ll settle in for an exciting overnight experience immersed in the wilderness. Here, you’ll witness intimate moments of bear family life and enjoy exceptional photographic opportunities in complete comfort. It is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Your basecamp for the expedition — a remote Finnish wilderness lodge on the shores of Lake Kuikka.
★★★★★ Rustic & Comfortable
Lodge Comfort
Simple, welcoming accommodation with everything you need for a wildlife adventure in the remote Finnish wilderness.
Photographic Opportunities
Forest, wetland, meadow and lakeside settings with outstanding potential for bears, wolves, wolverines and eagles.
Originally built to house local forestry workers, Basecamp Kuikka occupies a peaceful headland surrounded by Lake Kuikka and seemingly endless boreal forest. Its traditional Finnish log construction and secluded setting give it a warm, authentic character — more like a large family home than a conventional hotel.
The lodge offers nine simple but comfortable guest rooms with shared bathroom facilities, hot showers and a traditional sauna. With a friendly, sociable atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to relax and share stories between wildlife-watching sessions.
From our extensive first-hand experience photographing Finland’s wildlife, Kuikka offers some of the country’s finest opportunities to observe wild brown bears, wolves and wolverines.
Hot showers & shared bathrooms
Lakeside hot tub
Grill house & campfire
Home-cooked meals & fresh desserts
Aurora viewing (conditions permitting)

Kuikka is the most rustic of our Finnish properties — bedrooms and facilities are basic, so don't expect hotel-style luxury. We believe its exceptional location and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife access more than make up for the modest comforts.
The lodge operates more than 20 specialist hides across carefully selected habitats — open wetlands, atmospheric boreal forest and picturesque lakeshores. Each hide has private toilet facilities in a separate covered area at the rear.
Photography Hides
Group Hides
Habitat Types
Whether you’re preparing to join our Ultimate Predator Finale tour or simply want to learn more about Finland’s spectacular autumn wildlife, you’ll find a collection of helpful resources here. Explore wildlife guides, seasonal advice, packing tips, photography guidance and inspiring stories covering Finland’s brown bears, wolves, wolverines, eagles and Northern Lights.

This holiday is one of our hand-picked tailor-made experiences. Speak to one of our Finland specialists today about creating your bespoke travel package.
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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