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WILDLIFE OBSERVATION
& PHOTOGRAPHY HIDES

The first professional hides for wildlife photography in Greece – enabling observation in comfort from close proximity without disturbing the animals.

Proximity · naturalness · respect

WILDLIFE
FROM ARM'S LENGTH

Wildlife Explorers has created and operates the first hides for wildlife observation and photography in Greece.

Experience the magic of wildlife photography at our specialized nature photography hides. Capture extraordinary moments in nature, featuring many of Europe's birds of prey, waterfowl, migratory species, and even mammals. Join us on an unforgettable journey to Greece's most iconic locations for a unique photographic adventure.

We offer:

  • Comfortable, fully equipped hides for extended periods of observation and photography or even overnight stays.
  • Two hides in Greece at carefully selected locations and two currently being prepared, plus portable hides.
  • Rental of top-of-the-line equipment for professional wildlife photography.
  • Professional support from our experienced staff.

Active hides

Different hides, different habitats, different species

At each hide we have spent years learning the rhythms of the place — when the light strikes the perch, when the herons arrive, when the fox passes through.

Hide Kastorias on Lake Kastoria
Kingfisher at Lake Kastoria
Hide Kastorias exterior
Polykarpi, Kastoria · Western Macedonia

HIDE POLYKARPI

A traditional Kastorian boat rebuilt as a floating hide

Polykarpi on the lake of Kastoria is primarily a winter and spring destination, though all year round, many animals can be observed as well. The hide is made from a traditional Kastorian fishing boat, which can slip into the tightest corners of the lake with its narrow hull , bringing you face-to-face with birds and other wildlife. 51 bird species have been photographed from the boat to date (April 2026).

After dark, the boat can be used for night-filming. Otter, wildcat and wolf have been recorded on video — and sometimes even bear.

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Lyra forest, Dadia · Evros

HIDE LYRA

Where three of Europe's four vulture species share the same sky

Lyra lies beside Dadia, which is considered the finest region in Europe for raptors, and among the richest areas worldwide. 43 of the 47 diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey occurring/existing in Greece have been observed here, and three of Europe's four vulture species are present. To date, 88 bird species and 10 mammal species have been photographed or filmed directly from the hide. The small natural pond in front of the hide draws amphibians, reptiles, insects and butterflies.

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Hide Lyras in Dadia forest
Raptor at Hide Lyras
Wildlife at Lyra

A typical session

HOW A DAY IN THE HIDE UNFOLDS

1

Pre-dawn arrival

We meet 60 minutes before first light. Coffee, brief, equipment check, then a silent walk to the hide.

2

The morning window

The first three hours are usually the most productive. Photograph quietly and move calmly. By speaking softly, you can enjoy the sounds of nature and the calls of the birds while staying focused on your observations and photography.

3

Midday rest

During the midday hours, it is usually quiet — it's siesta time. Please continue to speak softly, as birds and mammals may be close to the hide. Some of them have exceptionally keen hearing.

4

Golden hour

Last light is usually the best light. Birds and mammals value their last meal of the day greatly. Do not leave the hide — only after coordinating with us.

5

A night at the hide

Staying in the hide overnight is an experience like no other. The right lighting can give you beautiful, completely different photographs. And sleeping there itself is an experience — literally immersed in Nature.

In preparation

FOUR NEW HIDES · 2026–2027

Two new hides open before the end of 2026 — two more follow in 2027. Pre-bookings for the 2026 hides open this autumn.

Opening 2026

Lake Kerkini

Hide Kerkini

Lake Kerkini is one of Europe's most productive Ramsar wetlands and the stronghold of the Dalmatian pelican. Our floating blind works the pelican colonies, cormorant roosts and the reed beds at water level — within reach of subjects most photographers can only frame from a distance.

Opens · 2026
Mountain hide · Crete

Hide Crete

A high-altitude hide on the flanks of the White Mountains, built for the Cretan griffon vulture — the largest subspecies in Europe — alongside the island's endemic birds and the lammergeier, which is slowly recolonising Crete after decades of absence.

Opens · 2026

Opening 2027

Migration blind · Lesvos island

Hide Lesvos

Lesvos is the most species-rich birdwatching destination in Greece and one of the ten finest spring migration sites in Europe. Our blind will be set in the Kalloni olive groves — the epicentre of the spring movement, where raptors, waders and Levantine specialties converge.

Opens · 2027
Vulture station · Dadia forest

Hide Dadia

A second Dadia hide, positioned directly at the vulture feeding station — the highest-density raptor congregation site in Europe. Built for full-day sessions during which all three resident vulture species may gather simultaneously above the same frame.

Opens · 2027

from the hide

Apostolos Tsiompanoudis
Wildlife Photographer
Continuous photographic explorations across every corner of the Evros region led me to the bird-of-prey photography hide in Lyra. A creation of Christos Vlachos, a man who, through vision and dedication, built a remarkable place where one can photograph the rare birds of prey of the Dadia–Lefkimi–Soufli National Park, as well as the many small birds that surround the hide, all within a stunning agroforestry landscape.

The Lyra experience is truly one of a kind, leaving you with magnificent images etched not only in your soul but also on your camera’s memory cards. Those who have lived it will fully understand what I mean.