Andalusia Wildlife Photography Tour
Autumn 2023
November 12-18th
Discover the thrill of capturing breathtaking images of some of the Europe’s most elusive and spectacular wildlife on a guided photography trip to Andalusia, Spain. Join us for an unforgettable 7-day adventure in one of Europe's most diverse and stunning natural environments.
Our expert guides are passionate wildlife photographers themselves, with years of experience in finding and photographing Andalusia's amazing creatures. They'll lead you to some of the region's most remote and unspoiled areas, where you'll encounter an incredible variety of iconic species, from soaring birds of prey to the nimble and striking ibex
Cranes leaving their roost (by Álvaro Peral)
With their guidance, you'll learn the secrets of capturing stunning images of wildlife in their natural habitat, from mastering the use of light and composition to choosing the right camera settings and lenses. Whether you're an experienced wildlife photographer or just starting out, our guides will provide personalised instruction and tips to help you capture the shots of a lifetime.
Barbary macaques (by Marco Papajewsky)
Tour Itinerary
Here's just a taste of what you'll experience on this 7-day guided wildlife photography trip to Andalusia, Spain:
(Note that the order of the days may change depending on weather conditions to maximise chances of wildlife sightings)
Day 1: Pick up from Malaga Airport (or agreed location nearby) transfer to Ronda. Welcome dinner and introduction to the trip. If there’s time, we’ll head out to photograph Red-billed chough as they return to their night roost.
Day 2: A day at El Torcal de Antequera to photograph Iberian Ibex. Learn the best techniques to photograph these majestic endemic animals. As they navigate rocky cliffs and mountain slopes, you'll have the opportunity to capture the ibex in this incredibly rocky environment and take breathtaking portraits. This will also be the height of the ibex mating season.
Day 3: Visit to the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, where you'll capture stunning images of Griffon Vultures soaring against breathtaking mountain landscapes as they gather before migration.
Day 4: A visit to Andalusian lagoons where you'll photograph a diverse range of species, including Common Cranes in flight as they leave their roosts. You'll also visit mountains for close-up views of Griffon Vultures in flight.
Day 5: A day trip to the Strait of Gibraltar, where we’ll photograph the Barbary macaques, the only wild monkeys of mainland Europe. The afternoon will be spent at a salt pan near the village of Barbate were we can get a low angle view to photograph wading birds.
Day 6: We will start the day at the Majoleto Hide south of Ronda, a combination permanent and pop-up hides, with good chances of photographing black wheatear and rock buntings. We might take in a visit to the Genal Valley for autumnal colours, where you'll learn to capture the stunning beauty of the season through your lens.
Day 7: Visit to local wetlands nature reserve and transfer to Malaga in the afternoon. Final farewells and departure.
Red billed chough (by Álvaro Peral)
Iberian Ibex at El Torcal
Expert guided wildlife photography tour in spectacular Andalusia
Wildlife highlights
Andalusia is a land of wild and untamed beauty, where the natural world unfolds in a breathtaking spectacle of life and colour.
On this 7-day guided tour in November 2023, you'll have the rare privilege of experiencing some of the region's most iconic wildlife:
Iberian Ibex: These agile and majestic creatures are a true highlight of the tour. With their long, curved horns and distinctive coloring, they make for a captivating photography subject. We'll be visiting El Torcal de Antequera, one of the best places in the region to spot and photograph these incredible animals.
Griffon Vultures: With their impressive wingspan and sharp eyesight, these magnificent birds of prey are a thrilling sight to behold. We'll be visiting several locations where these impressive birds are known to gather, including the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park and "El Chorro."
Common Cranes: Each autumn, these elegant birds gather in Andalusia's wetlands and mountains. As they take to the skies in search of food and shelter, we'll have the opportunity to capture breathtaking images of these beautiful creatures in flight.
With expert guidance from our experienced wildlife photography guides, you'll learn the best techniques for capturing stunning images of these incredible creatures, as well as the subtle details that make each species unique. Whether you're an experienced wildlife photographer or a beginner, this tour is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and intimate connection with nature that Andalusia has to offer.
What to expect
Throughout the trip, you'll be based in Ronda in a charming, comfortable and friendly Andalusian-style hotel close to the famous Puente Nuevo bridge. Located in the heart of the town, the Bull Ring and the historic old town are a stone’s throw away, along with plenty of excellent restaurants ensuring there is delicious local cuisine and plenty of opportunities to relax and recharge between shoots.
We'll take care of all transportation during the trip, so you can focus on your photography and enjoy the experience to the fullest.
Join us for this incredible opportunity to capture stunning images of Andalusia's iconic wildlife on this 7-day guided wildlife photography trip to Spain. Get ready to immerse in local culture and discover the thrill of capturing images that will last a lifetime.
Book now to secure your spot on this unforgettable trip!
About your guides
Espen Helland
Espen is a Norwegian wildlife photographer and filmmaker based in the Scottish Highlands. With a passion for ecology and photography, Espen has spent over a decade traveling the globe honing his skills to capture breathtaking images of wildlife. His stunning images reveal a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and his skilful use of light and composition creates images that are both powerful and intimate.
Espen's passion for wildlife photography and conservation is evident in all of his work, whether in front of the camera or behind it, Espen is committed to using photography to tell stories of the natural world, and help others experience it too.
Álvaro Peral
Álvaro is a highly experienced birding guide based in Andalusia, Spain. With a passion for birds and wildlife that began in his childhood, Álvaro has spent over 15 years exploring the wild landscapes of Andalusia and sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with others.
Álvaro's expertise extends to a wide variety of bird species, from migratory birds to rare and elusive local species. His knowledge of the region's ecology and geography is unparalleled, and he has a keen eye for spotting even the most well-camouflaged birds.
As a guide, Álvaro is known for his friendly, approachable style and his ability to tailor his tours to the interests and skill levels of his clients. Whether you are a seasoned birder or a beginner, Álvaro's tours offer an opportunity to learn about the birds of Andalusia and experience the region's incredible natural beauty firsthand.
Whether you are a seasoned birder or simply a nature lover, Álvaro's tours are an opportunity to discover the incredible diversity and beauty of Andalusia's birdlife.
Testimonials
"I had the pleasure of attending the Black Grouse Lek workshop (April 22) with Espen. The organisation, communication and the planning of the workshop was brilliant prior to attending. It was relaxed, easy going and very informative pre workshop when we were walking to the site. The use of the hides and location was fantastic. We had a clear morning and the light was fantastic. With over 3hrs of the lek I was more than happy with my results. I cannot recommend enough"
Thank you very much for the Black Grouse Lek experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience of walking in in the dark and then hearing the Grouse arriving and calling just as the sun was rising. The Grouse put on a good show and I thoroughly enjoyed watching and photographing their antics from the hide. I look forward to booking next year.
Best Wishes
K Daly.
What’s included:
Accommodation for 6 nights
All transportation and pick-ups & drop-offs
Breakfasts each morning
Lunches, including one drink, on each guided day
Welcome meal on the evening arrival
Evening meal on on our last day
Taxes and liability and accident insurance
Guidance from wildlife and photography experts Alvaro & Espen Helland
Not included:
Flights / travel to Malaga
Personal items, including camera equipment and clothing
Travel insurance
Sundries, alcoholic drinks or any additional drinks and snacks
Evening meals on days 2 to 5
FAQs
How do I book?
Contact Espen by email on info@espenhelland.com to confirm and he will send you details for a deposit payment.
Where should I book flights to ?
Nearest airport is Malaga, but if you travel by other means or you want to meet up at the hotel we can discuss this ahead of time.
Are transfers included?
We will meet at a meeting point in Malaga or at Malaga airport depending on arrival times, and you will be dropped off at the meeting point or Malaga airport on the last day.
Is any equipment provided?
Hides and chairs are provided on the days we will be using these. Other than that all camera gear and accessories must be brought.
What else do I need to bring?
Suitable clothing, sunscreen, bring a foldable / roll mat for lying down when photographing wading birds, or clothes you don’t mind getting a bit dirty.
Tripod for using in the hides.
Money for dinners, drinks etc. an average dinner is about €20
What kind of clothing should I wear?
Mild temperature in November, but when we go higher in the mountains, bring warm clothes (~5 C).
A cap can be handy for sunny days.
Could get some rain so waterproofs are always a good idea.
What’s the weather like in November?
November in Andalusia is quite mild with occasional rain.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, everyone must get travel insurance ahead of time.
How many people will be on the tour?
A minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 5 people will be joining the tour. Final confirmation if we’ve reached the minimum number of participants and full payment will be expected 8 weeks before the arrival date.
How much time will we spend photographing wildlife?
On the days we’re not traveling we’ll likely spend all daylight hours in the field, with most of the photography based around the hours after sunrise and before sunset. The middle of the day we’ll have a lunch and travel between sites.
What time will we start each day?
We’ll aim for an early start before dawn to experience the best light. Sunrise in Andalusia in November is around 8am.
Depending on the locations we visit on the day we may leave as early as 6am.
Where will I be staying?
3 Star Hotel in the centre of Ronda by the bullring.
What will the food be like?
Typical Andalusian breakfasts (coffee and toasts) will be taken in a bar as hotels generally don’t serve early breakfast.
Lunch will be usually taken at specific “ventas”, establishments for a consistent day-menu. Alternatively, tapas or picnics will be provided.
There will be a welcome and a farewell dinner included in the price. The remaining 4 dinners are your choice as they are free time - though we are very happy to recommend good restaurants nearby the hotel.
Any any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch by email: info@espenhelland.com
Price
£2250 (£500 Deposit)
Based on two people sharing
+£160 (Single Occupancy)
Full payment 8 weeks before the start of the trip
A minimum of 4 people (if we haven’t reached 4 people 8 weeks before the start of the trip your deposit will be returned in full and we will cancel the trip)