Russia is an incomparably vast and varied destination, offering unique wildlife experiences for the more adventurous traveller. Covering over ten per cent of the world’s land area and encompassing nine different time zones, Russia stretches from the Caucasus Mountains in the west to the Bering Strait in the east. Most of the population is concentrated in the populous western cities of Moscow and St Petersburg, with the majority of the Russian landscape characterized by extensive, untamed wilderness, rugged mountains and frigid tundra.
Our safaris focus on the Russian Far East, a particularly biodiverse area, with carnivores including the Eurasian lynx, Siberian tiger and Amur leopard prowling the Siberian forests on the hunt for red deer and wild boar, while Asian black bears can occasionally be spotted lounging in the trees above. Spawning salmon thrive in the volcanic ash enriched waterways of the Kamchatka Peninsula, attracting predators such as sea otters, sea eagles and Kamchatka brown bears. Further north lies the remote Wrangel Island, the little known polar bear capital of the world.
Join one of our small group expeditions to Kamchatka, traversing rugged volcanic terrain or exploring the coastlines by expedition ship, or join conservationist Alexander Batalov as he tracks tigers through the Siberian wilderness. Wild and untamed, a safari to Far East Russia is a safari to one of the world’s last remaining unexplored frontiers.
We originally started back in 2005 as World Big Cat Safaris and World Bear Safaris. Our CEO and Founder, Will Bolsover, spent many years in Siberia and Kamchtaka, tracking elusive Siberian tigers and spending time with grizzly bears. across the world tracking and guiding primates. Since then, we have gained years of valuable experience designing itineraries that put you in the right place, at the right time for the ultimate Russian wildlife safaris. We are the only company to have put clients in front of the world’s largest big cat, the Siberian tiger.
Our safaris concentrate on the Russian Far East, and we were among the first to send travellers to this remote and seldom visited region. Working with conservationist Alexander Batalov, track rare Siberian tigers in the forests of Durminskoye Reserve, and contribute to vital research into the protection of the world’s largest big cat. Intrepid travellers can also journey to the Kamchatka Peninsula, a barely accessible ‘land of fire and ice’ renowned for its active volcanoes and freezing winters, and an untouched haven for wildlife such as the Kamchatkan brown bear.
Typically, expect to budget around £13,000 per person for a 17-day safari in Russia. This will generally include airport transfers, food and accommodation on a luxurious cruise ship. For a shorter 12-day experience staying at three camps, expect to budget £9,500 per person. Journeying through Russia’s landscapes, you will enjoy helicopter rides and marine exploration to Russia Bay to spot sea life and birds.
Russia is an incomparably vast and varied destination, offering unique wildlife experiences for the more adventurous traveller. Just journeying to Kamchatka is an adventure in itself due to its location, terrain and limited transport links. Our small group specialist led photography trips are the best way to explore Kamchatka and capture images of the brown bears. Similarly our expedition ships allow for an adventurous exploration of Kamchatka's coastline.
You may wish to include the following in your Russia itinerary:
Russia contains many excellent accommodations, from large modern hotels set in bustling cities to totally remote and rustic lodges that allow you to get into the heart of the Siberian wilderness. Although organised campsites are rare, outdoor camping is allowed, making for an incredible wilderness experience. Read more on where to stay.
Despite Russia’s immense size, most of the country experiences just two distinct seasons – winter and summer – which ensures that timing your trip to Russia is relatively straightforward. To spot the brown bears of Kamchatka, the best time to visit is July when large numbers can be observed on the river catching salmon. For other wildlife safaris in Russia, the summer season, between June and August, is ideal to experience the variety of landscapes within the country. Read more about when to go to Russia.
In the extreme southeast of the country, Russia has established a 650,000-acre national park to protect what is regarded as the world’s rarest cat, the Amur leopard.
Situated as far east as one can travel in the Far East, Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula is a vast area of remote wilderness prime for adventure.
Russia hosts diverse wildlife including brown bears, Siberian tigers, wolves, snow leopards and Arctic marine mammals.
The Kamchatka Peninsula is one of the best places in the world to see large populations of brown bears.
Wildlife includes brown bears, sea eagles, salmon, wolves and marine mammals.
The best wildlife viewing occurs between July and September during the salmon runs.
Yes, though sightings are rare. Siberian tigers live in the Russian Far East forests.
Russia’s remote wilderness offers excellent opportunities for bear and Arctic wildlife photography.
Kamchatka features active volcanoes, wild rivers and untouched ecosystems.
Wildlife expeditions are conducted with experienced guides in remote protected areas.
Key reserves include Kronotsky Nature Reserve and Kamchatka protected areas.
Visitors typically stay in wilderness lodges and expedition camps.
