Howling with Wolves

Overview

• Required: Good general health. Participants should be able to walk on rough terrain through forest. Minimum age 12 for scheduled tours.
• Duration: 2 days/1 night, extra nights optional.
• Accommodation: Tipi in the heart of the wolf territory.
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Wolves have always been one of Sweden's most magical and iconic animals - mysterious, charismatic, wild and powerful, they fire our imaginations and awaken our primal spirit.

On this extraordinary forest adventure, you will travel on foot and by vehicle through one of the country's most active wolf territories escorted by a skilled local guide. The experience offers you the chance to hear and howl along with a wolf pack, to see their tracks and feel their presence in the surrounding wilderness. Hearing the howls of a wolf pack in its natural habitat is a unique and spine-tingling sensation.

The tours are run in cooperation with scientists at Sweden's premier predator research centre. The centre focuses on and tracks the movements of some of Sweden's most important predators, including the brown bear and lynx as well as the wolf. The tour begins with a visit to the station and a detailed lecture on wolves by a leading wolf researcher, who will inspire you with tales of first-hand encounters with the wolves in the nearby territory. Then it's time to head out into the woods to create your own wolf experience!

During your tour you will be travelling both on foot and by vehicle. You will be spending the night in the heart of the wolf territory in a Sami "lavvu", or tipi. The tent can comfortably accommodate 8 people. You will prepare dinner together in the forest over open fire and the wolf tour will take place in the surrounding forest.

The lavvu can be set up in the best possible location for hearing the wolves. In conjunction with the local wildlife research station, tracking information is available on the whereabouts of the wolf pack, which enables your guide to choose the camp location accordingly.

The tent will provide comfortable sleeping accommodation, but you should be aware that there will not be much time for sleep during your night out with the wolves! You will be awake until late into the night as part of your experience, and up again with the sunrise (between 3am and 5am).

Itinerary

Day 1

If travelling by public transport, you should arrive in Skinnskatteberg by around 12.00. You will be met on arrival for transfer to the wildlife research centre (transfer time about 30 mins). Your experience begins at 13.00 with visit to the centre and lecture from one of Sweden's leading wolf researchers. Later in the afternoon you will head out into the wolf territory to make camp (location depending on current location of the wolves). Outdoor dinner over open fire before spending the evening and into the night watching and listening for wolves. Accommodation in tipi.

Day 2

Depending on events during the previous night, you will normally rise early to look for wildlife in the surrounding meadows and fields. Later you will pack up camp and transfer to a nearby guesthouse for breakfast/brunch and a shower and a chance to reflect on the night's adventure in the wolf territory.

Dates & Prices

Dates

29.06-30.06.13, 06.07-07.07.13, 13.07-14.07.12, 20.07-21.07.13, 27.07-28.07.13, 03.08-04.08.13, 10.08-11.08.13, 17.08-18.08.13, 24.08-25.08.13, 31.08-01.09.13, 07.09-08.09.13, 14.09-15.09.13, 21.09-22.09.13, 28.09-29.09.13

Groups of min. 4 persons can also book experiences on other dates by arrangement.

The experience begins at lunchtime on Day 1 and ends after breakfast on Day 2.

The Price

Prices are in British Pounds. If you wish, you are also welcome to make your payment by bank transfer in Euros or Swedish Kronor. If this would be of interest, please let us know and we will be happy to provide prices.

£264/person. Group rates are available for groups of 5 or more persons. Please contact us for details.

What The Price Includes

Accommodation

One night's accommodation in 8-person "lavvu" (teepee) in the heart of the wolf territory. Sleeping bag (3 season Nordic climate), cotton liner, pillow and sleeping mat (3 season 50mm inflatable) are provided.

Meals

Dinner Day 1 and breakfast Day 2.

Guide

Experienced and knowledgeable local guides.

Transfer

Transfer to/from Skinskatteberg, minibus transfer during parts of the tour.

Activities

Visit to wildlife research station, wolf lecture, wolf tracking/listening and wildlife watching in the forest. The evening/night activity typically lasts 5-8 hours depending on factors such as weather conditions and the preferences of the group.

What the price does not include

Alcoholic drinks.

Optional Extras

• Additional night in guest house: £107/person/night including full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner, price based on 2 persons sharing), single supplement £21/person/night.
• Additional night (including breakfast and sleeping bag) in charcoaler hut*: £44/person/night.

*Option for extra nights in charcoaler hut: You will stay in basic but comfortable forest huts lit by candles and warmed by a roaring open fire. You will cut your own firewood for the evening's campfire and prepare your food over open fire. Toilet facilities are outside dry wilderness toilets. There are no showers but you can take a dip in the lake or clean yourself in the steam just nearby. You will use oil lamps for lighting and a stove to heat your hut. There is no electricity. Fresh drinking water is available to fetch the forest well. A First Aid kit is available in the storehouse and staff have First Aid training. There is free car parking just 50m from the experience.

Practical Info

Health requirements/experience

Good general health. Participants should be able to walk on rough terrain through forest. Minimum age 12 years for scheduled tours. For private groups, please contact us to discuss the suitability of the tour for younger children.

Depending on the wildlife situation in the area at the time, you may be awake until late at night and/or getting up early in the morning. Walking difficulty is medium, walking time during the tour typically 1-3 hours on surfaced tracks and on uneven terrain, including in darkness at night. Walks include many stops along the way.

Equipment/clothes needed

A detailed recommended equipment list will be sent with your booking confirmation.

NB: We advise you not to buy equipment or clothes for your trip or to incur other non-refundable expenses such as flights until you have received confirmation of your booking from us in writing.

Groups

Maximum 8 participants per guide. For tours with two guides there may be up to 15 participants.

Groups of minimum 4 persons can book this experience on other dates by arrangement. Group rates are available for groups of 5 or more persons. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Wolf Talk

Wolves communicate through sound, smell and body language. Howling has a number of functions - it calls the members of the pack together and plays a large part in socialisation and bonding.

Short, rough barks signify fear or a threat, and serve both to warn other pack members and to scare away intruders. Growling is a sign of aggression while whining is used to make contact.

Wolves have a well-developed system of body language to show their moods and position in the hierarchy. Scent is used primarily to mark territory boundaries. The alpha pair in the pack may also use scratch marks to emphasise the limits of their territories.

Find out how Nature Travels supports wolf conservation in Sweden.

Additional Notes

This provider has received a prestigious Swedish Ecotourism award for its commitment to high standards to cultural and environmental sensitivity.

Location

Detailed information on travel options will be sent with your booking documentation. We are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey.

By Air

Fly to Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) or Stockholm Västerås (VST) airports for travel by train/bus to Skinnskatteberg (2.5-3 hours).

Without Flying

Ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg (Denmark) for onward connections to Skinnskatteberg.

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