COUNTRY: Spain   PHOTO TYPE: Wildlife   TRIP LENGHT: 9 days   DATES: September 19-27, 2026   GROUP SIZE: 6-7 guests 

IBERIAN LYNX WITH CUBS

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER ARNFINN JOHANSEN

I’m excited to lead a small group to photograph the Iberian lynx with cubs in not just one but two locations in Spain. Since the cubs are born during the summer, I’ve chosen to schedule the trip in September to maximize the opportunity to photograph this unique and rare animal with its cubs.

Arnfinn Johansen

Suddenly, something moves among the stone formations in front of us. We zoom in with our lenses, and a few seconds later, we have the opportunity to photograph a lynx with its cub. It’s an unforgettable and thrilling experience.

Join us in Andalusia and photograph the Iberian lynx under the guidance of renowned and award-winning nature photographer Arnfinn Johansen.Our goal for the trip is not only to photograph one of the world’s rarest cats but also to capture them with their young. Since the cubs are born during the summer, we have scheduled our trip in September to increase the chances of photographing them.

We will spend seven days photographing from hides, and as one of the few organizers, we visit two different locations to maximize the chances of getting great shots in various environments. In addition, you will have the opportunity to photograph birds such as the Spanish imperial eagle, golden eagle, and both the cinereous and griffon vultures.

Therefore, take the opportunity to join Arnfinn Johansen and photograph the Iberian lynx and its cubs in beautiful nature.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Focus on photographing Iberian lynx cubs during our September trip when sightings are most likely.
• Exclusive access to the entire reserve and hides.
• Seven days dedicated to hide photography.
• Explore and capture images at two diverse locations in Spain.
• Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Andalusia.
• Learn from renowned photographer Arnfinn Johansen with sessions on image review and editing.

COUNTRY: Spain   PHOTO TYPE: Wildlife   TRIP LENGHT: 9 days   DATES: September 19-27, 2025   GROUP SIZE: 6-7 guests 

Suddenly, something moves among the stone formations in front of us. We zoom in with our lenses, and a few seconds later, we have the opportunity to photograph a lynx with its cub. It’s an unforgettable and thrilling experience.

Join us in Andalusia and photograph the Iberian lynx under the guidance of renowned and award-winning nature photographer Arnfinn Johansen.Our goal for the trip is not only to photograph one of the world’s rarest cats but also to capture them with their young. Since the cubs are born during the summer, we have scheduled our trip in September to increase the chances of photographing them.

We will spend seven days photographing from hides, and as one of the few organizers, we visit two different locations to maximize the chances of getting great shots in various environments. In addition, you will have the opportunity to photograph birds such as the Spanish imperial eagle, golden eagle, and both the cinereous and griffon vultures.

Therefore, take the opportunity to join Arnfinn Johansen and photograph the Iberian lynx and its cubs in beautiful nature.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Focus on photographing Iberian lynx cubs during our September trip when sightings are most likely.
• Exclusive access to the entire reserve and hides.
• Seven days dedicated to hide photography.
• Explore and capture images at two diverse locations in Spain.
• Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Andalusia.
• Learn from renowned photographer Arnfinn Johansen with sessions on image review and editing.

PENALAJO

Peñalajo covers an area of 2,260 hectares near Santa Cruz de Mudela. Known for its high density of partridges and wild rabbits, it has also gained recognition for its cheese and olive oil in recent years. The area boasts one of the highest densities of Iberian lynxes on the Iberian Peninsula, with two breeding cores located within the estate.

SIERRA DE MORENA

Sierra de Morena is one of the last great wilderness areas in Spain. The landscape in Andalusia is breathtaking, fortunately well-preserved and protected. It features a mix of mountains and valleys dotted with stones adorned with colorful moss, olive trees, and cork oaks. The blue skies are graced with the silhouettes of eagles and vultures, while hoopoes and magpies fly abundantly. Rivers meander through the terrain, creating a perfect habitat for otters.

IBERIAN LYNX

The Iberian lynx, also known as Lynx pardinus, is an endangered species endemic to the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. With its distinctive appearance and impressive skills, the Iberian lynx is a fascinating animal. The lynx has a medium-sized body with a compact build, a short tail, and characteristic tufts on its ears. They are mainly found in the forests and scrublands of the Mediterranean region where they hunt rabbits, their main prey. Unfortunately, the Iberian lynx is threatened by habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and declining prey populations. Fortunately, efforts are underway to protect this majestic feline and restore its population. Seeing the Iberian lynx in its natural habitat is a unique experience that nature lovers wouldn’t want to miss.

SEPTEMBER 19-27, 2026

DAY 1, (SEPT. 19) – ARRIVAL AND INSPIRING LECTURE
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome from Arnfinn Johansen at Madrid Airport. From there, we’ll embark on a leisurely two-and-a-half-hour drive to the charming town of Santa Cruz de Mudela. Our cozy retreat for the next few days? The delightful Hotel Toral.  We will have a presentation by Arnfinn, where his stunning lynx photographs will set the scene for our upcoming journey to photograph one of the world’s rarest cats. (D)

DAY 2-4, (SEPT. 20-22) – HIDE PHOTOGRAPHY 
Prepare for unforgettable experiences as we capture the elusive beauty of the Iberian lynx from carefully selected hides. Our main focus? Trying to photograph lynx cubs, Lynxes can be photographed for much of the year, but we’ve chosen September to increase the chances of capturing the cubs born during the summer. Arnfinn will be there to offer personalized guidance and helpful tips to enhance your photography skills. When we’re not behind the lens, we’ll be refining our shots, mastering editing techniques, and receiving constructive feedback to enrich our next hide session. (B, L, D)

DAY 5, (SEPT. 23) – NEW SCENARY & HIDES
After a relaxed morning and a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head towards the Sierra de Lorena Nature Reserve, unlocking fresh photographic opportunities. After checking into a charming hotel in the picturesque town of Andujar,  we’ll get right into our first photo session of the day. (B, L, D)

DAY 6-8, (SEPT. 24-26) – HIDE PHOTOGRAPHY
Dedicate three full days to capturing the essence of the Iberian lynx and its habitat from our carefully selected hides. Whether it’s intimate close-ups or majestic shots of lynxes traversing the terrain, our hides offer a variety of perspectives. And don’t forget the stunning Andalusian landscapes with rolling vistas and majestic cork oak forests that provide the perfect backdrop for our photographic adventures.

Arnfinn will encourage you to explore different angles and perspectives, showcasing that the best shots often come from unexpected compositions

. As our journey concludes, we’ll gather for a memorable farewell dinner, where Arnfinn will select the standout “Image of the Trip,” automatically entered into the prestigious “2025 Image of the Year” competition. (B, L, D)´

Day 9, (SEPT. 27) – TIME TO HEAD HOME
After a leisurely breakfast and fond farewells, we’ll check out and make our way back to Madrid for our onward journey to Scandinavia, cherishing the memories and photographs we’ve captured along the way.(B)

ARNFINN JOHANSEN – Wildlife photograper

LA CARACOLA***+

Photo: Armfinn Johansen and Iñaki