The Opala River and the bears of Kamchatka
29 July to 09 August 2021
12 days / 10 nights – from £ 2,960 per person
“Pioneering trip” with Emmanuel Juppeaux
Trip in reprogrammation
Discover the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East, a region of the world that has long been closed to foreign visitors. It is a volcanic land located on the famous Pacific Ring of Fire and bordered by the Bering Sea.
Enjoy the northern autumn, when nature is adorned with a thousand flamboyant colours that contrast, strikingly in places, with the deep black volcanic ash.
Come close to the bears of Kamchatka, by discovering the rarely-visited region of the volcano and of the Opala River, for a stay in immersion and total autonomy in the environment where the bears meet at the end of the summer to catch salmon and other fish from the river.
Join professional photographer Emmanuel Juppeaux for this “pioneering trip” that will allow you to live these unique experiences.
Important notice: In order to clarify the objectives and conditions of this trip and its “pioneering” nature, it is important to understand the following elements: this trip has been carefully crafted to achieve its goals of immersion in nature around the Opala River area, and of the observation and photography of bears living freely in their ecosystem; however, local infrastructure, roads, available accommodation, physical and climatic conditions, etc., can lead to changes in the itinerary, thus participants may have to show flexibility and adaptability to ensure a smooth trip.
Day 1: Departure from Europe
Departure from Europe in the morning. Flight to Moscow (Sheremetyevo Airport) and, after transiting, boarding, in the afternoon, a night flight to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
Day 2: Arrival at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and transfer to Elizovo
Arrival at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Airport (Elizovo) in the middle of the morning. Meet and greet and transfer to your hotel where you will arrive for lunch.
Installation in your rooms and free afternoon of rest and relaxation.
Night at Gelios Hotel. Bed and breakfast.
Day 3: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
After breakfast, departure for a day in Pavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the main city of Kamchatka, to discover its organization, architecture and culture with a guide and a privatized mini-bus.
Night at Gelios Hotel. Bed and breakfast.
Day 4 to day 10: Opala River area
These seven days are entirely dedicated to the trip (1 day) to the Opala River region (which is done in a 6×6 vehicle to progress on difficult terrain) and to the exploration of this region in order to observe and photograph its landscapes, its fauna, and, more particularly, the many bears that meet there at this time of the year to feed on the berries and to fish the many salmon in the river.
Nights camping in Dome tents. Full board and activities included.
If the participants wish to do so, one or more days can be dedicated to discovery hikes of one or both of the Mutnovsky and Goreli volcanoes (subject to conditions).
Day 11: From the Opala River area to Elizovo
Return to Elizovo.
Night at Gelios Hotel. Bed and breakfast.
Day 12: Departure from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
After breakfast, departure from the hotel and transfer to the airport for the midday flight to Moscow and, after transiting, a flight to your final destination.
Indicative price:
From £2,960 per person on the basis of 6 participants sharing double or twin rooms in Elizovo and occupying a single tent in the Opala River region:
5 participants: £ 3,160 per person
4 participants: £ 3,650 per person
3 participants: £ 4,390 per person
The departure of this trip is guaranteed for a minimum of 3 participants.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
– The privatised airport transfers
– The privatised transportation by mini-bus from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Elizovo and return and by 6×6 vehicle driven by a specialist driver from Elizovo and the Opala River region and return
– The services of an experienced local guide with a good knowledge of the region of the Opala River and the behaviour of the bears of the area
– The services of Emmauel Juppeaux as tour leader and photographic advisor.
– 3 nights at the Hotel Gelios (basic 1*, or equivalent) in Elizovo, in a twin or double room with shower room and toilets en-suite. Rooms with breakfasts.
– 7 nights in individual dome tents, camping in the region of the Opala River, with the eservices of a cook. Common toilets. Full board.
– The park fees and conservation fees.
– International flights to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (Elizovo) and return
– Travel and other insurances (cancellation, repatriation, luggage, other risks, etc.)
– Meals not mentioned or mentioned as « on own account » in the itinerary (e.g. some dinners)
– Drinks (beer, wine, spirits) other than the ones mentioned
– Any extras of personal nature, tips, laundry and drinks not mentioned in the program, etc.
– Single room in Elizovo: £ 36 per person and per night.
– One day or two day excursion by helicopter to Lake Kiril: please consult us
