Saami reindeer migration
| country: | Arctic Circle, Norway |
| departures: | 2008: 5 Apr |
| price: | From £2435 (10 days) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK. |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Here is an exclusive chance to undertake THE winter adventure of a lifetime inside the Arctic Circle, assisting the Saami people of Finnmark on their annual reindeer migration.
This opportunity is a rare privilege granted by a Saami “siida”(a family group of herders), which only fourteen people are invited to experience each year.The Saami have for years shunned interaction with outsiders - many attempts have been made in the past to eradicate them and their 4000 year old culture, based around their reindeer herds and shamanic beliefs. Taking part in the reindeer migration means eating, sleeping and breathing like a Saami person. You will become part of a journey which runs deep into the bloodlines of these enigmatic peoples, dating back thousands of years.
The journey begins in Kirkenes, northern Norway, a small city located in northern Finnmark close to the Russian border. Here you will be fully trained in the working methods of the Saami people and learn how they guide one of their reindeer herds.
You will then escort them from their winter grounds to the summer grazing area. Your direct participation will be required at all times; you will be living close to the reindeer, assisting when necessary in herding them by skidoo, and moving and sleeping as and when they do. This means long hours and little sleep for up to five days.
This adventure is certainly not for the faint-hearted: requiring determination, physical stamina, mental fortitude, resilience to arctic winter conditions and the hardships associated with life in the open. For much of the time you will be at the mercy of the elements, living rough and eating as and when the moment allows. You will have entered the aptly-named “Land of Nothing”, where ice and sky meld together as one, even trees become scarce and white-outs are not uncommon. This is an entirely self-sufficient adventure, all you possess to sustain you will be on your skidoo, and your pulk (sledge). A good sense of humor is a pre-requisite for anyone wishing to take part in this journey.
The sense of achievement you will feel upon completion is unforgettable, it is unquestionably a journey with a significant purpose, a profound Arctic experience akin to the world’s greatest expeditions and adventures.
The two leaders for this 10 day adventure are Nigel Gifford OBE, who made the journey in 2005 with legendary Arctic adventurer Kare Tannvik, and one of Norway's top outdoorsmen.
Price details: Price includes accommodation as per itinerary, all transportation, all activities, including snowmobile hire, all Arctic proof clothing including suits and footwear, breakfast and dinner at the Rica Hotel, all meals whilst on the Migration, escort by Nigel Gifford OBE or one of Norway’s top outdoorsmen, and airport transfers. Excludes international flights and departure taxes, meals on board the ferry, personal spending money, tips and gratuities and travel insurance.
This opportunity is a rare privilege granted by a Saami “siida”(a family group of herders), which only fourteen people are invited to experience each year.The Saami have for years shunned interaction with outsiders - many attempts have been made in the past to eradicate them and their 4000 year old culture, based around their reindeer herds and shamanic beliefs. Taking part in the reindeer migration means eating, sleeping and breathing like a Saami person. You will become part of a journey which runs deep into the bloodlines of these enigmatic peoples, dating back thousands of years.
The journey begins in Kirkenes, northern Norway, a small city located in northern Finnmark close to the Russian border. Here you will be fully trained in the working methods of the Saami people and learn how they guide one of their reindeer herds.
You will then escort them from their winter grounds to the summer grazing area. Your direct participation will be required at all times; you will be living close to the reindeer, assisting when necessary in herding them by skidoo, and moving and sleeping as and when they do. This means long hours and little sleep for up to five days.
This adventure is certainly not for the faint-hearted: requiring determination, physical stamina, mental fortitude, resilience to arctic winter conditions and the hardships associated with life in the open. For much of the time you will be at the mercy of the elements, living rough and eating as and when the moment allows. You will have entered the aptly-named “Land of Nothing”, where ice and sky meld together as one, even trees become scarce and white-outs are not uncommon. This is an entirely self-sufficient adventure, all you possess to sustain you will be on your skidoo, and your pulk (sledge). A good sense of humor is a pre-requisite for anyone wishing to take part in this journey.
The sense of achievement you will feel upon completion is unforgettable, it is unquestionably a journey with a significant purpose, a profound Arctic experience akin to the world’s greatest expeditions and adventures.
The two leaders for this 10 day adventure are Nigel Gifford OBE, who made the journey in 2005 with legendary Arctic adventurer Kare Tannvik, and one of Norway's top outdoorsmen.
Price details: Price includes accommodation as per itinerary, all transportation, all activities, including snowmobile hire, all Arctic proof clothing including suits and footwear, breakfast and dinner at the Rica Hotel, all meals whilst on the Migration, escort by Nigel Gifford OBE or one of Norway’s top outdoorsmen, and airport transfers. Excludes international flights and departure taxes, meals on board the ferry, personal spending money, tips and gratuities and travel insurance.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrive Kirkenes |
| Day 2: | Skidoo, lavu and kit training |
| Day 3: | Dog sledding, visit museum |
| Day 4: | Leave for Tana Bru and meet with family |
| Day 5-7: | Migration |
| Day 8: | Migration. Depart on catamaran |
| Day 9: | Arrive back in Kirkenes |
| Day 10: | Depart for UK |
how this holiday makes a difference
|
The Saami people of Finnmark are keen to give “ Daccu” (outsiders) an insight into their lifestyle and culture, which until the mid 1970s was willfully being irradiated by compulsory educational programmes for their children.
 They are also keen to create an international awareness of their reliance in every way on the reindeer in the light of newly imposed grazing regulations, and EU regulations on reindeer farming procedures. Recently a plan to introduce wind farms on the birthing grounds used for over 2000 years by some of the herds has been announced. Your personal experience will, they believe create a greater international awareness of their problems. You will make a difference too by providing income for members of a “sida” (family working group) whose income has been depleted by rising costs in herd maintenance that has financially ruined some of them. |
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