Our Pelicans of Lake Kerkini Photo Expedition is a specialist wildlife photography holiday in Greece, designed around exceptional photographic encounters with Dalmatian Pelicans and Great White Pelicans. Travelling in the heart of winter, when these magnificent birds develop their striking breeding plumage, we focus on making the most of the soft winter light, atmospheric conditions and unique opportunities to photograph pelicans at close range.
Over a relaxing five days, including four nights at Lake Kerkini, we will enjoy three full days of dedicated photographic sessions, combining boat-based encounters with opportunities around the lake’s shoreline and wetlands. With two photographer guides, Kyle Moore and Roger Brendhagen, the expedition is designed to put photography first, allowing us to work with the light, anticipate behaviour and make the most of the conditions as they develop. From intimate portraits and striking reflections to wing displays, interaction and birds in flight, our aim is to create a varied portfolio of images in one of Europe’s most rewarding bird photography destinations.
“Get closer, find the light, and capture the extraordinary beauty of Lake Kerkini’s magnificent pelicans.”
Lake Kerkini is renowned for its remarkable birdlife, with its shallow waters, flooded woodland and surrounding wetlands attracting an impressive variety of species throughout the winter. Alongside its famous pelicans, we may encounter Great Cormorants, herons, egrets, ducks and other wetland birds, while White-tailed Eagles provide the potential for additional raptor photography. The changing winter atmosphere can bring another dimension to the experience, with mist rising above the water, beautifully diffused light and tranquil conditions creating opportunities for distinctive, atmospheric images.
With a small group of just five participants, plus two photography tour guides, this Lake Kerkini bird photography tour offers a more personal and photography-focused experience. The schedule will remain flexible wherever possible, with sessions planned around the prevailing weather, light and photographic opportunities. Whether you are hoping to capture frame-filling portraits of Dalmatian Pelicans, dramatic behavioural images or creative compositions that convey the atmosphere of the Greek wetlands, this expedition is designed to help you make the most of every opportunity behind the camera.
Day 1 – Arrival in Greece & Transfer to Lake Kerkini
Arrival in Thessaloniki | Transfer to Lake Kerkini
Our expedition begins with your arrival at Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), where we’ll meet and transfer to Lake Kerkini, a spectacular wetland landscape in northern Greece.
After settling into our accommodation, we’ll introduce the photography opportunities available around the lake and discuss the approach for the coming days, including techniques for photographing pelicans from boats and from the shoreline.
For those arriving early enough, we may head out for a short introductory photography session, offering an opportunity to get familiar with the birds, assess the conditions and begin photographing in the available light.
The remainder of the day will be spent preparing for our first full day in the field.
Photography focus: An introduction to Lake Kerkini, pelican behaviour, equipment preparation and, time permitting, an initial shoreline photography session.
Day 2 – Sunrise Boat Photography & Afternoon Shoreline Session
Morning: Sunrise on the Water
We’ll start early with a light breakfast of coffee, biscuits and juice before heading straight out for our first boat-based photography session.
Taking advantage of the soft morning light, we’ll photograph Dalmatian pelicans at close range from the water. These sessions provide opportunities to capture portraits, environmental images and natural behaviour, with the changing light and conditions helping shape our photographic approach.
Boat sessions will typically last around two to three hours, depending on the conditions and photographic opportunities.
After returning to our accommodation, we’ll enjoy a more substantial breakfast and brunch, followed by time to rest and review our images.
Afternoon: Shoreline Feeding Session
In the afternoon, we’ll head to the shoreline for a dedicated feeding session. These encounters can provide excellent opportunities to photograph pelicans interacting, displaying, feeding and moving through the water.
We’ll work with the available light to explore different compositions, backgrounds and perspectives, making the most of the opportunities presented by the birds.
Photography focus: Sunrise portraits, environmental compositions, feeding behaviour and interactions between pelicans.
Day 3 – Shoreline Photography & Afternoon Boat Session
Morning: Pelicans from the Shore
Our second full day begins with another early start, heading out for a morning shoreline session.
With the first light illuminating the lake, we’ll look for opportunities to capture pelicans against atmospheric backgrounds, photograph their behaviour and make creative use of reflections and the surrounding landscape.
Shore-based photography also allows us to explore different angles and compositions, with our guides helping participants make the most of the available light.
Following the morning session, we’ll return for breakfast and brunch, with time to relax before heading out again.
Afternoon: Back on the Water
Later in the day, we’ll take to the boat for another photography session, working with the afternoon light to capture the pelicans from a different perspective.
The flexibility of our approach allows us to adapt to the conditions, whether that means concentrating on close-up portraits, wider environmental images or moments of natural behaviour.
Photography focus: Atmospheric shoreline images, reflections, creative compositions and close-range photography from the boat.
Day 4 – Two Boat Sessions & A Final Day in the Field
Morning: Sunrise Boat Photography
Our final full day offers another opportunity to photograph Lake Kerkini from the water, beginning with an early-morning boat trip.
By now, we’ll have had several sessions to observe the birds and refine our approach. We’ll use this experience to make the most of the morning light, looking for opportunities to capture images we may have missed earlier in the expedition.
Following our return, we’ll enjoy breakfast and brunch before a short break.
Afternoon: Final Boat Photography Session
We’ll return to the water for our final scheduled photography session, making the most of our last opportunity to photograph the pelicans in the field.
Our approach will remain flexible, adapting to the light, weather and behaviour of the birds. This final session provides time to revisit preferred photographic techniques, experiment with different compositions and build on the opportunities encountered throughout the trip.
For those who would like to continue exploring between sessions, there may also be opportunities for informal photography around the lake, depending on conditions and energy levels. The surrounding landscape supports a variety of other subjects, including water buffalo and additional wetland birdlife.
We’ll finish the day with dinner and time to reflect on our experiences photographing one of Greece’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles.
Photography focus: Sunrise and afternoon boat photography, behavioural sequences, portraits and final opportunities to refine your portfolio.
Day 5 – Departure
After breakfast, we’ll depart Lake Kerkini and transfer back to Thessaloniki Airport for our onward journeys.
We’ll leave with three full days of dedicated pelican photography behind us, along with a collection of photographic memories from this distinctive corner of northern Greece.
Throughout our Pelicans of Lake Kerkini Photo Expedition, we stay at a comfortable, carefully selected hotel near Lake Kerkini, providing a convenient base for our dedicated photography sessions and time exploring one of Greece’s most remarkable wetland wildlife destinations.
The welcoming, traditionally styled guesthouse close to the lake, offering a comfortable and characterful base for our winter wildlife photography adventure. Surrounded by the natural beauty of northern Greece, the accommodation combines authentic local hospitality with the practical comforts needed after early starts and rewarding days photographing pelicans.
The guesthouse features individually styled rooms, with selected accommodation offering fireplaces, balconies and views towards the surrounding mountains or gardens. Air conditioning, heating and complimentary Wi-Fi provide additional comfort throughout your stay, while the relaxed, homely atmosphere makes it an ideal place to unwind between photographic sessions.
With Lake Kerkini and its remarkable wetlands close by, we are ideally positioned to explore this exceptional wildlife destination. The surrounding countryside, traditional villages and nearby buffalo pastures offer a glimpse of rural Greek life, adding another dimension to the experience beyond our time behind the camera.
With accommodation and all meals included in the expedition, you can enjoy a straightforward, well-organised stay without worrying about the practical details. Settle in, recharge and prepare for another day photographing the magnificent Dalmatian Pelicans and Great White Pelicans of Lake Kerkini.
Get a taste of what awaits on our Pelicans of Lake Kerkini Photo Expedition with this gallery of wildlife images captured at Lake Kerkini, Greece. From intimate Dalmatian Pelican portraits to elegant reflections and striking behavioural moments, discover the exceptional photographic opportunities that make Lake Kerkini one of Europe’s premier destinations for wildlife photography.
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.
Our Pelicans of Lake Kerkini Photo Expedition is led by photographer guides Kyle Moore and Roger Brendhagen, combining specialist wildlife photography expertise with an in-depth understanding of how to make the most of every photographic opportunity. Discover more about the people behind the expedition and their passion for capturing the natural world.
Kyle 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 2025 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.
Roger has been a professional nature photographer for over twenty years. Based in Norway but spending more than 320 days a year travelling, he quite literally has the world as his workplace. He has been a Nikon ambassador for over eighteen years, making him one of the brand’s longest-serving ambassadors. Roger is also the leader of the Norwegian Nature Photographers / NN.
He has held workshops in more than thirty countries, with a particular focus on predators. He is a renowned speaker and gives nearly one hundred lectures each year. He has extensive experience as a nature photographer, with articles and photographs published in several European newspapers and magazines. He also collaborates with various television channels, including the BBC, for which he supplied photographs and film for the major new series Wild Scandinavia.
He has held several photo exhibitions in recent years, with subjects ranging from Antarctica in the south to Svalbard in the north. In March 2020, he published his first book, accompanied by a large solo exhibition featuring images from Antarctica. In autumn 2024, he published two books together with Ole Mathismoen: The Bear – the Strongest in the Country and The Wolf – the Smartest in the Forest. This year he will release four new books: The Moose – the King of the Forest, in addition to a series of three children’s books focused on the natural world.
Click here to visit Roger’s website: www.rogerbrendhagen.com
Prepare for your Lake Kerkini Photo Expedition with our specialist travel resources, featuring practical travel advice, bird photography guides and insights into Greece’s remarkable wetland wildlife. From understanding the behaviour of Dalmatian Pelicans to choosing the right camera equipment, our expert guides help you prepare for an exceptional wildlife photography experience.
Planning your Lake Kerkini photography adventure? We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about our Pelicans of Lake Kerkini Photo Expedition, covering travel arrangements, accommodation, photographic sessions and the incredible birdlife you can expect to encounter. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, our team is always happy to help. Simply get in touch, and we’ll be delighted to assist you in planning your Lake Kerkini bird photography holiday.
Lake Kerkini is a renowned wetland destination in northern Greece, celebrated for its rich birdlife and exceptional wildlife photography opportunities. Its shallow waters, surrounding wetlands and seasonal concentrations of waterbirds make it particularly rewarding for photographing Dalmatian Pelicans and Great White Pelicans. The combination of accessible wildlife, varied behaviour and beautiful winter light makes Lake Kerkini an outstanding destination for a specialist bird photography holiday.
January and February are particularly rewarding months for pelican photography at Lake Kerkini. During this period, Dalmatian Pelicans develop their striking pre-breeding plumage, offering wonderful opportunities for detailed portraits and images that showcase their distinctive appearance. Winter conditions can also produce atmospheric mist, soft light and beautiful reflections, adding variety to your wildlife photography portfolio.
Our Pelicans of Lake Kerkini Photo Expedition is a five-day, four-night wildlife photography experience featuring three full days of dedicated photographic sessions. Led by photographer guides Kyle Moore and Roger Brendhagen, the itinerary combines boat-based photography with opportunities around the lake and its surrounding wetlands. The schedule is designed to prioritise photographic opportunities, with sessions planned around the prevailing light, weather and wildlife activity.
Enjoy a seamless, all-inclusive photography experience at Lake Kerkini, with all meals, accommodation, ground transport, boat hire, a local guide, two photographer guides and return airport transfers included. Simply arrive in Greece and relax, knowing every detail has been taken care of, leaving you free to focus on what matters most: capturing exceptional images of the magnificent pelicans.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical and emergency repatriation is required for all trips. We recommend adding camera equipment cover.
Lake Kerkini is particularly famous for its Dalmatian Pelicans and Great White Pelicans. Both species offer excellent photographic opportunities, from close-up portraits and feather detail to interactions, displays and images showing their impressive wingspans. Photographing these two pelican species in the same destination provides an opportunity to create a varied collection of images showcasing their contrasting appearances and behaviour.
Boat-based photography is an important part of our Lake Kerkini Photo Expedition. These sessions offer opportunities to photograph pelicans from a low perspective, helping create intimate, eye-level images with attractive backgrounds and reflections. Depending on conditions and wildlife activity, we may also photograph interactions, displays and birds in flight. The precise opportunities will depend on the conditions during our visit.
Photographing birds from a low angle can transform an image by placing the subject against a cleaner background and creating a more intimate perspective. At Lake Kerkini, boat-based sessions can provide opportunities to photograph pelicans close to water level, capturing reflections and emphasising their impressive size and distinctive features. Working at eye level can also help create more engaging wildlife portraits.
Although pelicans are the main focus of this photography expedition, Lake Kerkini supports a rich variety of wetland birdlife. Depending on seasonal conditions and sightings, other photographic subjects may include Great Cormorants, herons, egrets, ducks and White-tailed Eagles. These additional opportunities provide scope to create a broader portfolio of Greek birdlife alongside your pelican images.
Our Lake Kerkini Photo Expedition is designed for photographers who want to spend dedicated time photographing wildlife in the field. You do not need to be a professional photographer to enjoy the experience, although some familiarity with your camera will help you make the most of the sessions. Our photographer guides can offer advice on technique, composition and making the most of changing light and wildlife behaviour.
The expedition is led by photographer guides Kyle Moore and Roger Brendhagen, bringing specialist photographic knowledge and a shared passion for capturing the natural world. With two photographer guides accompanying a small group, the experience is designed to provide a more personal approach to wildlife photography, helping guests make the most of the opportunities presented throughout the trip.
We are planning this expedition for a maximum of five participants, plus the two photo tour guides. Keeping the group small helps create a more personal photography experience and allows us to focus on the needs of photographers in the field on a 1:1 basis. With two photographer guides, the emphasis is on maximising photographic opportunities rather than rushing between sightseeing stops.
A telephoto lens is essential for photographing pelicans, with a versatile zoom lens offering flexibility for portraits, behaviour and birds in flight. Depending on your camera system, a lens in the 100–400mm or 100–500mm range can be a useful starting point. A wider-angle lens may also be valuable for environmental images, landscapes and birds photographed within their surroundings. We recommend bringing spare batteries, memory cards and suitable protection for your equipment in cold or damp conditions.
Winter at Lake Kerkini can provide a wonderful combination of soft light, atmospheric conditions and active birdlife. Photographic opportunities may include close-up pelican portraits, reflections on calm water, interactions between birds, pre-breeding plumage and flight photography. Morning mist and changing weather can add atmosphere, while the flexibility of our photographic approach allows us to make the most of suitable conditions whenever possible.
A specialist wildlife photography expedition is structured around creating images rather than simply observing as many species as possible. At Lake Kerkini, our priority is to work with the light, choose suitable photographic perspectives and allow time to capture behaviour and different compositions. Boat-based and land-based sessions provide varied opportunities, while the small group and two photographer guides support a more photography-focused experience.
The expedition is planned around a comfortable hotel near Lake Kerkini, providing a convenient base for our photographic sessions. Staying close to the lake helps us make the most of our time in the field and reduces unnecessary travel during the five-day itinerary.
Lake Kerkini is an excellent choice for photographers seeking a dedicated bird photography holiday in Europe. Its internationally recognised wetland habitats, concentrations of pelicans and opportunities for low-level photography make it particularly appealing for those looking to produce distinctive wildlife images. For photographers who want to concentrate on a small number of spectacular subjects rather than travel between numerous destinations, a focused Lake Kerkini photo expedition can be especially rewarding.
Trip Price: £1,695 GBP
Deposit: £300 GBP
Single Supplemen: Please note that single-room accommodation cannot always be guaranteed. If you require a single supplement, please mention this at the time of booking so we can confirm availability.
Group Tour Only: Due to the limited seasonal availability of this experience, this trip is offered exclusively on a small-group basis and cannot be arranged as a part of our tailor-made private departure collection of tours.
Group Size: 5 People + 2 photo guides
Tour Dates:
2028:
A defining feature of our Pelicans of Lake Kerkini Photo Expedition is our exceptionally small group size, with just five guests accompanied by two dedicated photographer guides. This intimate approach allows us to offer more personalised, one-to-one guidance, helping you refine your photographic techniques, improve your compositions and make the most of every opportunity behind the camera. Whether you’re perfecting your exposure, capturing birds in flight or working with the beautiful winter light, our two guides provide the time and individual attention to help you get more from your photography. With a shared passion for wildlife photography and a focus on quality rather than quantity, we create an experience where your photography takes centre stage
Four nights’ accommodation near Lake Kerkini All meals throughout the tour Return airport transfers between Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) and Lake Kerkini All ground transportation throughout the expedition Boat hire for dedicated pelican photography sessions Services of a knowledgeable local guide Guidance from two specialist photographer guides, Kyle Moore and Roger Three full days of dedicated wildlife photography sessions A small-group experience with just five guests, allowing for personalised, one-to-one photographic guidance
International flights to and from Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) Travel insurance Personal expenses and items not specifically listed as included Gratuities for local guides, should you wish to give them
At Natures Thrill, we specialise in exceptional wildlife experiences in some of the world’s most remarkable natural environments. As our trips often take place in remote locations, conditions and physical requirements can vary, and access to medical facilities may be limited. For this reason, not every trip will be suitable for every traveller. Before booking, we encourage guests to carefully review the physical requirements outlined below to ensure they can comfortably and confidently participate in all aspects of the itinerary.
Level of Difficulty: EASY
The physical demands of our Pelicans of Lake Kerkini Photo Expedition are generally low, with minimal walking required and all ground transfers provided in spacious minibuses. However, participants should be comfortable spending prolonged periods outdoors in potentially cold winter conditions, so suitable warm clothing and layers are essential.
Photographic sessions take place both on land and aboard boats on Lake Kerkini. The waters are generally calm, although some gentle rocking may occur, so those prone to motion sickness should take this into consideration. Please also note that there are no toilet facilities available on the boats during photographic sessions.
Overall, this tour is suitable for most fitness levels, provided you are comfortable sitting or standing for extended periods while photographing wildlife and are adequately prepared for winter temperatures.
Our Pelicans of Lake Kerkini Photo Expedition begins and ends at Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), Greece. Return airport transfers between Thessaloniki and Lake Kerkini are included in the tour price, making your journey to and from our accommodation straightforward and hassle-free.
We recommend arranging your international flights to arrive at Thessaloniki Airport in time for the start of the expedition and to allow sufficient time for your return journey on the final day. Detailed guidance on recommended flight times and meeting arrangements will be provided ahead of departure.
With accommodation, all meals, ground transport, boat hire, a local guide and both photographer guides included, we take care of the essential arrangements throughout your stay. Simply arrive at Thessaloniki Airport and let us handle the logistics, leaving you free to concentrate on capturing exceptional images of Lake Kerkini’s magnificent pelicans.
Please wait for our pre-departure guidance before finalising your flights, ensuring your travel arrangements fit smoothly with the group itinerary.
Meet your photographer guides, Kyle Moore and Roger Brendhagen, who will lead this specialist Lake Kerkini photo expedition, sharing their knowledge, field experience and passion for wildlife photography to help you make the most of every photographic opportunity.
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