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Pricing
3475 euro
Schedule
We arrive in Burgas, our base for the coming days, and transfer to the hotel.
Right next to the city lie the Burgas wetlands, dominated by two large lakes, including Lake Burgas, the largest natural lake in Bulgaria. Here, we get remarkably close to wild birds that are accustomed to the presence of (floating) hides.
We photograph during early morning sessions and afternoons through sunset, when the light is at its best. Midday is for rest, image review, post-processing and relaxation. Depending on conditions, we also visit additional top locations such as the Pomorie salt pans.
For seven full days, I’ll immerse you in the magical world of floating hides. I can confidently say: you’ll go home with world-class images – true portfolio pieces and competition winners.
After a final session, we travel back to Belgium / the Netherlands.
Partnership
INCREDIBLE BIRD LIFE
Summer in Bulgaria is unbeatable for bird photography. Young birds are everywhere, and the wetlands—open water, marshes, reed beds and winding river meanders—offer endless opportunities.
Expect species like greater flamingo, Eurasian spoonbill, little stint, broad-billed sandpiper, Dalmatian pelican, little bittern and black-winged stilt, with much more besides. Beyond the water, meadows and hedgerows teem with life, from corn and black-headed buntings to lesser grey shrike and Syrian woodpecker, plus exciting bonus chances like osprey, little crake and black stork.
FLOATING HIDES – A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
To photograph waterbirds up close and undisturbed, we use floating hides that place you at stunning eye level. Wearing waterproof waders, we quietly move into position among the birds, who barely notice the camouflaged hide drifting on the water.
If you’ve worked with floating hides before, you already know how addictive this is. They offer total creative freedom – you control light, distance, background and angle – and you have your own personal hide. We’ll use them on different wetlands throughout the trip.
New to floating hides? No problem. I’ll guide you step by step, and you’ll be up and running in no time. I was one of the first photographers in the Low Countries to work extensively with floating hides, and I’ll personally share all the tricks of the trade.
MORE HIDES, MORE ACTION
In addition to floating hides, we’ll also work from fixed hides in the reeds at Lake Vaya, overlooking a bay that often hosts 1,000–2,000 Dalmatian pelicans, along with flamingos, mute swans, ducks, spoonbills, waders and countless other waterbirds.
We also use a hide in a small river delta, perfect for action and behavioural photography as birds land, rest and hunt. Depending on conditions, we’ll also flexibly deploy mobile tent hides.
REMOTE, WILD LOCATIONS
This trip takes us to the far side of Europe, where nature is still far wilder and less disturbed than at home. But we go even further—into little-known, remote wetlands where we’ll set up our floating hides in complete peace. No crowds or disturbance. Just us and the birds.
Our base is the unspoiled wetland complex around Burgas, on the Black Sea coast. This highly dynamic ecosystem attracts exceptional birdlife every year. Because water levels are crucial, we’ve prepared multiple Plan B locations, spread across the wider region: abandoned fish ponds, river meanders, marshes and more.
ACCOMMODATION, MEALS AND TRANSPORT
Accommodation is standard to comfortable, in a locally run family hotel. The price is based on single rooms. If you prefer to share a room with a partner or friend, you’ll receive a €100 discount per person. Please mention this in the comments section of the registration form.
All meals are included, and local transport is provided by minibus. Once departure is guaranteed, we assist with flights. Expect flight costs of approximately €350–450 per person. You’re welcome to book flights through us or arrange them yourself.
FITNESS LEVEL & DAILY RHYTHM
We plan as many floating-hide sessions as possible, which means early starts and photographing from dawn until shortly after sunrise. Midday is reserved for rest when it gets warm, followed by another session in the late afternoon through sunset. Expect long, rewarding days—and full memory cards.
Physical difficulty depends on water levels, ranging from easy wading to more demanding, chest-deep conditions. Good fitness helps at times, but with plenty of variation in locations, everyone can work comfortably at their own level.
CLIMATE
It’s summer, so expect warm and pleasant daytime temperatures. We’re active early and spend time in the water, so be sure to pack warm clothing as well. Each participant receives a tailored gear list in advance. Waders can be provided on site if needed, but we recommend bringing your own waders for comfort and fit.
