Want to photograph fishing brown bears?
Join us at our adventure camp for an experience you will never forget
Brown Bears & Red Salmon
Are you prepared to experience countless bears, some mere meters away and splashing straight towards your lens? Embark on a 7-day / 6-night all-inclusive journey deep into the heart of one of Katmai National Park & Preserve's most densely populated brown bear havens. This isn't your typical camping experience—prepare for an unparalleled, mind blowing experience.
Picture exhilarating chases after brilliantly colored red salmon, mother bears with their playful cubs, or fights for dominance over premier fishing holes. This trip offers it all.
Forget freeze-dried meals; our remote camp promises gourmet delights with freshly cooked, hot meals courtesy of our dedicated camp host. Recharge in spacious guide model tents, tall enough for you to stand comfortably, adorned with cots, to ensure maximum comfort and minimal distraction.
We prioritize an intimate experience, limiting each week's guest count to eight in total, accompanied by two seasoned guides. This small group setting allows each guide to lead their four guests, ensuring a personalized approach to uncovering truly unique bear photography opportunities. Brace yourself for the commonplace sight of 40+ bears a day.
This is the adventure you have been waiting for. No roads, no crowds—just you, your camera, and the bears. Reached only by bush plane, this off-the-grid location offers true wilderness immersion without sacrificing expert support. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a passionate enthusiast, our guides—wildlife photographers themselves—are there to help you make the most of every encounter. Sign up today to secure your spot on this exhilarating photography trip!
Trip Overview
2025 Dates:
Week 1: 03 Aug - 09 Aug 2025 (FULL)
Week 2: 09 Aug - 15 Aug 2025 (FULL)
2026 Dates:
Week 1: 02 Aug - 08 Aug 2026 (FULL)
Week 2: 08 Aug - 14 Aug 2026 (2 spots left!)
Price: $7195/pp (double occupancy required)
Tour Start/End Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Accomodations: Base Camp
Fitness Level: High - Hiking required
Your experience is important to us. Contact us to discuss if this trip is right for you
What’s Included:
Backcountry flights to/from camp
All food and beverages
All camp gear (except sleeping bag & pillow)
Solar power
Camp host & photography guide
Not Included:
Travel to/from Anchorage
Lodging in Anchorage before/after the trip
Anchorage flights to/from outfitter location (flight reserved, guest to pay for seat, market price, ~$550)
Sleeping bag & pillow
What Sets This Trip Apart
Exclusive Access: Dive into a bear photography experience that blends stellar images with freedom and tranquility. Without the hustle of crowds, boardwalks, or time constraints, our unique approach lets you explore on foot, capturing breathtaking bear photographs at your own pace.
Time: We all know, the longer you are in the field, the more opportunities you have for those special, unique moments. Because of that, our trips are longer and provide you more time to capture something truly spectacular. Don’t lose a large chunk of your trip because of one lousy weather day, join us for 6 nights.
Expert Guidance: Trust your bear encounters to our seasoned guides, each boasting over a decade of experience photographing and observing bears up close. Their profound understanding of bear behavior and movements ensures you're strategically positioned to capture the most compelling images.
Our Camp: While our camp is remote, we strive to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Indulge in hot, freshly prepared meals ranging from ribeye to seafood throughout your stay. Unwind in spacious six-person tents that allow you to stand comfortably—no sleeping on the ground with our cots.
Example Itinerary:
Day 0: Arrive in Anchorage and stay at your local accommodation. Arriving a day early ensures you will not miss your early morning flights to the adventure bear camp.
Day 1: Depart early morning from Merrill Field Airstrip to the outfitter location. From there, we will take a float plane to our adventure camp, in time to grab lunch and have the afternoon and evening to photograph bears!
Days 2-6: Bears, bears, and more bears! Each day brings a new adventure. We will wake early to eat breakfast and catch sunrise with the bears. From there, we will photograph at our own pace, typically breaking for a hearty afternoon lunch at camp, then returning to the river for our evening bear adventure. Once we are finished for the day, we will return to camp for another freshly cooked meal, prepared by our camp host.
Day 7: After one last morning with the bears (time permitting), we’ll fly back to Anchorage in the afternoon. Choose to spend a final night in town relaxing, or connect with your evening flight home—your memory cards will be full either way.
FAQ
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Contact us to talk through any additional questions you may have. Your spot will be secured once you have completed the registration form and the deposit has been collected.
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Absoluely! We have many people join our trips who want to come and enjoy this incredible experience. Guests are welcome to join us on our excursions each day or kick back at camp.
All guests are responsible for full tour tuition regardless of whether or not they are a photographer.
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No—our camp is entirely off-grid and out of cell range, which is part of what makes this experience so special. It's a chance to fully unplug and immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Alaskan backcountry, without digital distractions.
That said, our guides carry satellite communicators for safety, and you’re welcome to bring your own satellite device if you’d like to stay in touch with loved ones.
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Physical difficulty of this workshop is HIGH.
Guests need to be physical fit, sure footed, and able to hike.
We will be wearing waders for all our bear excursions as we will be crossing streams and walking through waters.
We will hike to the bears from our base camp each day and the mileage varies. Be prepared to spend long days in the field.
Your experience is important to us! Interested in the trip, please contact us to discuss if you are a good candidate.
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Guests are provided large 6-person tents with large cots. The tents are large enough to stand up in and also provides enough space for all of your gear. You do not need to crawl into these tents. There will be two guests to a tent.
There is a community tent where we can sit, relax, eat meals, and share stores. There is also a cook tent, where the camp chef will prepare delicous meals. There will be NO freeze dried meals for us!
A solar charging station to top off the essential electronics is also provided.
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A private restroom tent is located at camp with a portable lieu and wag bag system to pack out all waste.
Why KAR Safaris?
At KAR Safaris, we’re different — and proud of it. We’re deeply passionate about what we do, and we bring a warm, welcoming spirit to every tour. Our trips are filled with laughter, camaraderie, and profound wildlife experiences that leave lasting impressions. We work hard to make sure you know exactly what to expect before you join us — no surprises, except the good kind! Genuine and honest to a fault, we believe in under-promising and over-delivering at every turn.
When you travel with us, you’re treated like a good friend, not just another client. We understand that every guest is different. Whether you just want to enjoy the wildlife or are a serious photographer, and we cater to your individual needs — offering personalized instruction if you want it, or simply giving you the space to enjoy the experience if you don’t. Our commitment is simple: create unforgettable experiences, built on trust, kindness, and a shared love of the natural world.
Have a small group or want a more exclusive experience? Ask about setting up a custom tour. From day trips to week long adventures, we can make your dream photography adventure a reality.
We highly recommend trip insurance for all of our tours and trips.