Discover Slovenia on a tailor-made journey combining exceptional wildlife encounters with some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes. Spend afternoons in the forested Dinaric Alps, where intimate bear-watching hides offer opportunities to observe and photograph wild brown bears, alongside opportunities to explore limestone caves and the remarkable Lake Cerknica. Then, unwind beside the turquoise waters of Lake Bled, surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery, historic castles and charming lakeside villages.
Designed around your interests and preferred pace, this bespoke holiday combines afternoon sessions in the wildlife-rich forests of the Dinaric Alps with nights beside one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes. From intimate encounters with Slovenia’s iconic brown bears to the tranquillity of its alpine landscapes, it is an experience that brings together exceptional wildlife, natural wonders and moments of genuine relaxation.
Blending wilderness, wildlife and relaxation, this bespoke self-drive adventure offers a unique way to experience Slovenia at your own pace.
The following suggested itinerary is designed to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your individual requirements. Speak to one of our Slovenia specialists to create your perfect wildlife adventure.
On arrival at Ljubljana Airport, collect your hire car and begin your journey south towards Slovenia’s beautiful Dinaric Alps, where your guesthouse awaits in the peaceful village of Retje.
Leaving the capital behind, you’ll soon discover the landscapes that make Slovenia such a special destination. Traditional farmland, rolling meadows and winding rivers give way to vast stretches of forest, with picturesque villages offering glimpses of the country’s rural charm. As you venture deeper into the countryside, the scenery becomes increasingly wild, setting the scene for your Slovenian wildlife adventure.
DAY 2-4: Brown Bear Photography & Exploring the Surrounding Wilderness
Over the next three days, enjoy a relaxed pace of exploration, with mornings free to unwind or discover the surrounding countryside before heading into the forest hides during the afternoon and evening.
Scattered throughout Slovenia’s remarkable Notranjska region, each hide offers a unique setting and the opportunity to photograph brown bears against a variety of natural backdrops. From the atmospheric depths of the Dinaric beech forests and moss-covered woodland floors to pine-fringed clearings, juniper scrub and open grassy glades, every location offers its own character and photographic possibilities.
With each session bringing the potential for different encounters, you’ll have time to immerse yourself in Slovenia’s wild landscapes while capturing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
DAY 5: Discover Lake Bled & the Julian Alps
Today, leave the tranquil forests of the Dinaric Alps behind and journey north-east towards Lake Bled, one of Slovenia’s most iconic landscapes, nestled beneath the dramatic peaks of the Julian Alps.
The drive takes you through the country’s ever-changing scenery before arriving at this picturesque alpine destination. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Take a leisurely stroll along the lake’s shores, admire the island church rising from its emerald waters, or simply relax and soak up the magnificent mountain views that make Lake Bled such a memorable place to visit.
DAY 6-7: Discover Lake Bled & the Julian Alps
Today is yours to experience the beauty of Lake Bled at your own pace. A scenic five-kilometre trail circles the lake, offering ever-changing views of its emerald waters, forested shores and the striking clifftop castle overlooking the landscape. For a memorable lunch, make the climb to Bled Castle, where panoramic views accompany traditional Slovenian cuisine and a slice of the region’s famous Bled cream cake.
Alternatively, enjoy a slower pace beside the water. Take advantage of your hotel’s private swimming deck or borrow a traditional wooden rowing boat to reach Bled Island, home to the historic Church of the Assumption of Mary. Climbing the church tower to ring its bell is a longstanding local tradition said to bring good luck.
For those keen to discover more of Slovenia’s alpine wildlife, Triglav National Park lies approximately 30 kilometres away. Dominated by the imposing peaks of the Julian Alps, this spectacular protected landscape is home to chamois, Alpine ibex and Alpine marmots, offering a wonderful contrast to the forest habitats explored earlier in your journey.
DAY 8: Farewell to Slovenia
After an unforgettable journey through Slovenia’s wild forests and beautiful alpine landscapes, it’s time to make your way back to Ljubljana Airport for your onward journey home. As you travel through the countryside one final time, take a moment to reflect on the remarkable wildlife encounters, photographic opportunities and unforgettable scenery that have made your Slovenian adventure so special.
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.
For your stay at Lake Bled, we offer a carefully considered selection of beautiful hotels and guesthouses to suit a range of preferences and budgets. Whether you’re seeking a charming lakeside retreat, a boutique hotel or a more traditional guesthouse, our travel specialists will be delighted to discuss the available options and help you find the perfect accommodation to complement your Slovenian adventure.
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.
While this itinerary is designed as a private, tailor-made experience, selected elements will be supported by our trusted local partners, whose regional knowledge and expertise enhance your journey. During your brown bear watching sessions, you’ll be in the capable hands of Miha, a knowledgeable Slovenian naturalist who will help you discover the region’s remarkable wildlife.
Our Slovenia Uncovered: Bears, Caves & Lake Bled tours are guided by Miha Mlakar. Discover more about Miha, his remarkable career and his life in the Slovenian wilderness below.
Miha’s passion for wildlife began in childhood, growing up on the edge of the forests of Snežnik, just a stone’s throw from Snežnik Castle, a historic centre of forestry and hunting in Slovenia’s Notranjska region. From an early age, he spent his free time observing wild animals, learning their behaviours and following their tracks through the forest. Encounters with brown bears in the neighbouring Notranjska and Kočevska regions left a lasting impression and helped shape his lifelong connection with the natural world.
His journey into wildlife photography experiences began in 2008, following a meeting with renowned Italian photographers Christian Patrick Ricci and Fabio Liverani. Time spent exploring the wilderness of Notranjska alongside them sparked a lasting interest in wildlife photography hides and the unique opportunities they offer for observing and photographing animals in their natural surroundings. He has since gained further experience in nature tourism in Finland and Slovakia, two destinations celebrated for their exceptional wildlife photography opportunities.
Since 2014, Miha has been involved in organising brown bear photography experiences in Slovenia, working alongside a network of local hide operators. His approach places responsible wildlife observation and respect for nature at the heart of every experience, helping photographers discover Slovenia’s remarkable brown bears and other forest wildlife.
Through his work, Miha has also collaborated with a network of respected European wildlife photographers, sharing his knowledge of Slovenia’s forests and their extraordinary wildlife.
For guests travelling with Natures Thrill, Miha brings an invaluable combination of local knowledge, natural history expertise and a genuine passion for wildlife, offering a deeper insight into one of Europe’s most fascinating bear habitats.
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 guides help photographers of every level, from first-time hide users to professionals. We’ll advise on settings and positioning throughout.
A telephoto lens (300mm+ recommended), spare batteries and plenty of memory cards. Full details are in the downloadable Photography Gear Guide above.
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.
Miha has spent years exploring Slovenia’s forests and developing his expertise in brown bear photography experiences, bringing invaluable local knowledge and a deep passion for wildlife. Alongside Miha, our Natures Thrill travel specialists are here to offer friendly, expert advice and help you plan a tailor-made Slovenian wildlife adventure.
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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