The forests & bears of Slovenia

A Gitzo adventure with Michele Bavassano

Experience the thrill of bear-watching in the pristine Notranjska natural forests of Slovenia following Michele Bavassano’s expertise through the wide windows of a wooden lookout in the woods.  

Bear Population

Despite its might and fearsome reputation, the brown bear is a shy and elusive creature. Spotting one in the wild was the realm of local people and hunters. However, all that has now changed. Many little bear tour companies have popped up over the years.  
In the untamed wilderness, bears maintain a natural aversion to human presence, making it a rare occurrence for them to approach humans willingly. The moment they notice human presence, they retreat into their hides, ensuring they remain unseen. That's precisely why lookouts like photo hides have been created. They make you feel smell-isolated, offering a unique opportunity for you to witness bears up close and personal. Within this carefully crafted space, bears are encouraged to venture into close viewing range, allowing you to observe their majestic presence with awe-inspiring clarity. 

Slovenian forests

As you immerse yourself in this extraordinary experience, it's not just the mighty bears that may grace your presence. The diverse and vibrant ecosystem surrounding the lookout provides a haven for a multitude of wildlife. Foxes dart through the undergrowth, their swift movements captivating your attention. The haunting calls of wolves echo through the air, evoking a sense of both mystery and respect. The elusive lynx, with its piercing eyes, may reveal itself momentarily, leaving you in awe of its graceful presence. Martens scuttle among the trees, while deer move with elegance and poise, and badgers navigate their way through the underbrush. Each sighting, a testament to the rich tapestry of life that thrives in this untouched wilderness. 
The deep knowledge of animals and their habitat will greatly enhance your chances of framing breathtaking moments and creating lasting memories. 

Photo hides

Although, when it comes to bear photography, all roads lead back to slovenianbears.com, with a wide network of locations and photo hides. The hides have been perfectly tailored to the needs of photographers; hence they have been selected carefully regarding location and light availability, they are approximately at eye level with the bears, and they are equipped with bean bags and offer options to fix tripod heads allowing you to frame your extraordinary shots.  

Michele's gear

To bring out the best in your wildlife photography expeditions, choosing the perfect equipment is crucial.   

Ball Head Series 4 & Fluid Gimbal Head

The Gitzo Ball Head Series 4 provides versatility and precision.
Its quick-release system allows for easy mounting and adjustments, ensuring you never miss a frame. On the other hand, the Gitzo Gimbal Fluid Head offers exceptional stability and fluid movements, allowing you to effortlessly track the bear's motions while maintaining a steady frame. Its smooth panning and tilting capabilities make it ideal for capturing unexpected wildlife moments.