Winter Musk Ox

Amongst the many iconic wildlife found in the Arctic, nothing is more majestic than the mighty musk ox. They live in some of the most inhospitable parts of Arctic regions and so are extremely difficult to photograph during the winter months. The best place to see these iconic Arctic warriors is on the Norwegian tundra, high up in the mountains, in Dovrefjell National Park. This is precisely where we will be photographing these magnificent mammals, and we have teamed up with one of the best guides that works with these animals in this location.

This is a trip unlike any of the conventional wildlife photography tours out there. We will not only record their precarious existence against spectacular winter backdrops, but we will also have the privilege of living alongside them for the duration. Camping under the northern sky, in the musk ox domain. Dog sledges will take us and our equipment up to the mountains, a unique adventure in itself.

Working in these wintery conditions for a few continuous days is not easy and it is tough trip. But this will add to the great sense of achievement when you return with images that you have really worked hard to attain.

Day 1: We will be heading to Oslo Airport from our chosen destinations. We will then transfer to our accommodation in Dovrefjell National Park which will take around 4 hours. Dinner and overnight in the Furuhaugli Turishytter Hotel.

Day 2: After an early breakfast we will be driving to a suitable spot for our point of ascent, where the mushers will be waiting as eagerly as the huskies to take us up the mountain. After loading all our equipment onto the dog’s sledges, we will set off to our location for the campsite up in the mountains. This is an exhilarating experience if you have never been on one before. When we arrive, we will work together to set up the tents. After lunch, we will head out to look for the musk oxen. Our experienced guides will have worked out where they are likely to be, days before our arrival to maximize our chances of success. We may come across other wildlife, such as ptarmigan and reindeer, which also inhabits this area. Dinner will be prepared for you and there will be hot drinks to help warm you up before bedding down for the night.

Days 3 – 4: The start time of this morning will largely depend on whether there is going to be a good sunrise. If the weather is cloudy then it is probably not worth getting up before dawn. We will stay out most of the day until last late afternoon/early evening, maximizing on the available winter light.

Day 5: After breakfast, we will head out once more to photograph these incredible bovines for one last time, before heading back to camp for our lunch. Afterwards we will pack up all our belongings and head back down on foot.

Day 6: We will check out after a relaxing breakfast, and drive towards the Oslo airport for our journey home.