Lake Kerkini

Join me on this Lake Kerkini Photographic Tour in 2026. This iconic location becomes a wildlife photographers haven in winter and there’s little need to ask why: Dalmatian Pelicans are incredibly striking, beautiful birds with huge potential for great images. But this wonderful part of the world has so much more to offer. Whilst we will spend plenty of time with the pelicans on this trip, we will also explore other hidden corners of this beautiful country and develop an extensive portfolio of images in the meantime.

Opportunity at every turn

Whilst you may book onto this trip with the pelicans in mind, know that you will walk away with much more! We have the opportunity to see and photograph both Dalmatian and Great white pelicans, Great and Pygmy cormorants, Coypu, White-tailed sea eagles, Marsh harriers, Little owls, Water buffalo, Flamingoes and much more!

Suitable for all photographers

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to photography, this trip is for you. There is a no pressure approach to all photography sessions and we will have multiple opportunities, so if you miss something first time around we can always try again! I can provide in depth support with any camera system and will be on hand always to provide help and support with composition, settings and wildlife knowledge too.

Groups or individuals welcome

This tour has a maximum of 5 participants to ensure you receive plenty of 1-2-1 attention, along with ample space for all participants on all shoots.

Lake Kerkini Dalmatian Pelican Wildlife Photography Workshop Tour

Lake Kerkini Wildlife Photography Workshop Tour Coypu Nutria

Lake Kerkini Great Cormorant Wildlife Photography Workshop Tour

Where

Lake Kerkini, Greece.

When

4th February – 8th February 2027
FULLY BOOKED

Fitness Level

Most of the trip is suitable for very basic levels of fitness. Some uneven ground at times, sitting on the ground and kneeling.

Cost

£1,800 per person (flights not included)

FAQ

What lens / focal length will you need?

There is scope for all focal lengths on this trip. 500mm + advised for portraiture and more elusive species, 100-400mm or equivalent + wide angle lenses.

What’s Included?

• Accommodation at Lake Kerkini
• Breakfast & dinner
• All transportation in Greece
• 2 sunrise boat trips
• 1 shore feed

What’s Not Included?

• Flights
• Drinks
• Lunch (not often required)

What will I need?

• Waterproof, layered, warm clothing. Temperatures range between -5 to +10 °C
• Sturdy walking boots.
• A mat to lie on.
• Comprehensive travel insurance.
• Euros for extras, drinks, snacks etc.

Travel

I will be advising on the best flight options for this tour. Flights are usually around £150-250 with 20kg checked luggage direct from London.

Dietary Requirements

Due to the nature of the area, it can be very difficult to get vegan food on this trip, although vegetarian is usually not a problem!

Itinerary

It’s important to note that this itinerary is subject to change depending on the weather and conditions. We will spend plenty of time out with the cameras either way.

Day 1 – Fly from London to Thessaloniki & travel to the accommodation next to the lake.

Day 2 – We will have a shore feed with the pelicans in the morning before heading back for breakfast. The rest of the day will be spent exploring the area with a sunset shoot focusing on Coypu, flamingoes & other species

Day 3 – We’ll be out for a sunrise boat trip with the pelicans before heading back to breakfast. The rest of the day will be spent exploring other areas with a sunset shoot at a ‘surprise’ location, with the potential for Marsh harriers, Bittern, Great egrets & White-tailed sea eagles. We may be treated to guest appearances of Coypu & kingfisher too.

Day 4 – We’ll have our second sunrise boat trip with the pelicans and head back for breakfast. Similarly to the prior two days, we’ll spend the rest of the day exploring depending on which species people are most eager to see! This may include a return visit to one of the prior sunset sites depending on conditions and how people feel.

Day 5 – We’ll have breakfast before heading back to the airport to fly home.

T&Cs

I have just returned from a trip led by Tesni to Lake Kerkini to photograph the Pelicans. Wow what a trip. Not only did Tesni deliver on the Pelicans her knowledge of the local area and her willingness to share nature with us ment that I came back with pictures of Sea Eagles, Little Owl, Flamingo, Coypu and Water Buffalo to name but a few of the other species I got to see. Knowing where to be to see the varied wildlife and at what time of day to get the best light showed that Tesni has really put in the background work required to deliver a first class tour. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this tour and would like to say a very big thank you to Tesni for her time and dedication in ensuring that we all came back with some fantastic images as well as having had a great time where we were well looked after and cared for at all times. Looking forward to my next trip with you.

How To Plan a Perfect Wildlife Tour

Easy! Sign on with Tesni Ward! We asked Tesni if she would guide us for a bespoke 5-day trip to see the Dalmatian Pelicans, other birds and wildlife in northern Greece. We were based at Lake Kerkini but also visited various other nearby locations and the Axios Delta National Park just outside of Thessaloniki. She created an interesting itinerary that was the perfect balance of wildlife photography and birding/wildlife viewing. Tesni is a professional wildlife photographer, but she understood that for this experience she needed to develop a format that worked for people with different interests (photography and bird watching). She divided the day into segments. Photography was the focus during the best light and wildlife watching was the priority the rest of the day. It was an ideal plan and we felt happy with the results. Anyone who wants to go on a photographic workshop/tour or a mixed genre workshop/tour would be very satisfied with Tesni. She was able to achieve a perfect balance. We came away with great images and saw over 107 birds and mammals in this short time. A major factor in our success was Tesni’s knowledge of birds and mammals behaviour, her exceptional skills in seeing and hearing birds and being able to identify them by their songs. This ability to predict behaviour also leads to compelling photographs. Tesni is a delightful person, she has excellent photography and nature observation skills and she is positive and supportive. She has an clear and patient teaching style that helps her customers understand how to use their cameras and to take advantages of each situation to best of their abilities. Her style is to suggest and encourage while allowing the client to make their own decisions. Her goal is to make sure we were happy and having the best experiences. I think anyone from a beginner to an expert would benefit from working with Tesni. She is very knowledgeable, ethical, has a dynamic personality, and works very hard to give her clients a memorable experience.