Day 1: Flights, arrival and introduction

This husky safari allows you to experience a real wilderness adventure in a short space of time. You’ll fly into Ivalo in Finland for the taxi transfer to Karasjok Basecamp. You’ll be shown to your log cabin accommodation before dinner in the main building and a meeting with your guide.

Day 2: Preparation and departure

The morning will be spent preparing for two nights in the wilds of Norwegian Lapland. You will be provided with your cold weather gear before meeting the huskies. Your team will consist of up to six dogs depending on the guide’s assessment of your ability to handle and drive the sled and the conditions.

Once the sleds have been carefully packed your safari commences. From the husky farm you will almost immediately encounter a hilly stretch which provides an early opportunity to earn both the respect and confidence of your team. You can help the dogs by pushing off with your feet on the upwards slopes and there is a certain satisfaction as they double their efforts in response to your assistance.

You’ll cross lakes and frozen marshland en route to your accommodation for the next two nights, a remote wilderness cabin. Given the nature of the elements and the terrain this far North, the weather and trail conditions may dictate where you spend the night. The quality of wilderness cabins can vary but once the fire is blazing and everybody is helping to prepare dinner you’ll begin to appreciate just how exciting it is to be so distant from “civilisation”.

Days 3 and 4: Wilderness husky safari

The great thing about spending two nights in the same cabin is that it allows you to travel light during the day. Unhindered by a sled laden with your baggage, the huskies can move both quicker and further which means you get to cover more of this amazing territory. Look out for signs of wildlife and especially reindeer as this region provides an important winter pasture for the Sámi herders. Your lunches will be cooked over an open fire each day.

After two days exploring the winter landscapes you’ll spend a second night in the cabin before the long mush back to Basecamp. Keep your eyes open for wild moose which are very common in this area. Once back at Basecamp a rewarding sauna await. It’s the perfect way to freshen up before a farewell dinner.

Day 5: Departure

After breakfast, your taxi will transfer you in good time for your homeward flights. For experienced mushers we have more outrageously exciting Karasjok husky safaris on our website.

Karasjok Log Cabins and Husky Farm

Nestled in the woodlands just 6km from Karasjok (the Sámi capital) is the base for some of the best dog sledding safaris in the world. To cap it all, we work with the acknowledged “Master” of Scandinavian mushing.

The site combines some unique log cabins and a husky farm that is home to approximately 50 sled dogs. It’s a very special place and, with only eight cabins, one that only a few people are privileged enough to enjoy. Each log cabin has been individually designed to combine comfort with traditional Sámi decor. It’s difficult to describe them as each one is different. The images here and on our website portray them best.

Here’s a measure of the effort that has gone into each. When out mushing, your host sees a piece of wood that would make a coat hanger, a shelf, a lamp stand, anything really. He uses his GPS to pinpoint its location and then picks it up next time he’s passing and fashions it into something both useful and remarkable. Lampshades made from bird feathers, comfy seats and dining tables hanging by ropes from the ceiling, reindeer skin stool covers and much, much more. Everywhere you look there is something that reflects living here in the Arctic.

Each hand built cabin has sleeping facilities for between 2 and 6 people with some having a lounge area, a kitchenette and most, a log fireplace, shower and toilet. Cabins are allocated on a first come, first served basis so book early if you prefer to not share washing facilities. Your meals are taken in the main building and there is a sauna and an outdoor hot tub with a lovely scenic view.

Karasjok Wilderness Cabins

On safari you will stay in wilderness cabins. Some of the cabins can be basic (no electricity or running water) but they are all comfortable and cosy, especially once dinner is cooking and the fire burning. Sleeping arrangements are generally in dormitory style areas. The cabins are usually so remote that there is little or no light pollution creating the best possible chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis.