Aurora Safari Camp

Having been inspired by the safari camps in East Africa, Jonas Gejke and Naila Sher have created a luxury tented retreat in the wild forests of Swedish Lapland, close to Gunnarsbyn. From here you can explore this beautiful wilderness where moose roam freely in the forest, as well as red fox, reindeer, bears (hibernating in wintertime), roe deer and lots of birdlife. Animal tracks and signs can often be found right outside your doorstep.

The Aurora Safari Camp has been designed to give guests an intense taste of life in the wilderness, isolated from the stress and strain of modern society, whilst offering a warm comfortable bed and local culinary experiences.

At the heart of the camp is a guest lounge, bar and dining area with an extensive decked terrace with views through the trees to Lake Degerselet. During the colder months, a roaring fire warms guests as they enjoy sundowners and over which the evening meal is often cooked. Nothing is rushed here; the overriding feel is one of home and ultimate relaxation.

Never too far away are your hosts - who quickly become friends - and there is nothing they love more than sharing stories of their lives in the Arctic, the wildlife and their forest friends.

An overnight here is an exceptional, unique adventure and an experience that you will carry with you long after your return to the UK. A year-round jewel in Swedish Lapland.

Accommodation:

• There are 5 comfortable rooms including 2 Lapland Cone rooms, 3 heated Tipi Cabins.
• Each Tipi Cabin is kept at a warm, steady temperature with a hybrid system of electrical heating and a pellet burner (a stove that automatically burns wood pellets) that adds warmth and ambiance with a crackling enclosed flame. The cabin has a twin/double bedroom, bathroom (incineration toilet and wash basin - the shower is located a short distance along the walkway in the Forest Sauna, and also at the Sauna on the Lake) and a glass veranda with views of the northern skies. It is possible to accommodate up to four beds in the Tipi Cabin for a family.
• The Lapland Cone Rooms have a double/twin bedroom, bathroom (incineration toilet and wash basin - the shower is located down the walkway in the Forest Sauna, and also at the Sauna on the Lake) and a glass roof and panoramic windows facing north, designed to spot the aurora from the comfort of your own room.

 Amenities/Leisure:

• Full Board included (hot/cold breakfast, lunch and 3-course dinner including house drinks and soft drinks). The food served is a set menu for each day based on seasonal availability. Dietary requirements and special requests are catered for with advance notification.
• A light snack and hot drink are also served for those staying up late waiting for the Aurora Borealis
• In the main cabin there is a lounge where you can have a drink by the fireplace and also where you will be served your daily meals
• Outdoor firepit with seating and a magnificent view over the lake
• Lake Degerselet freezes during the winter months
• Two saunas - one within the forest and one on the lake, which sits frozen into the ice in the winter
• The camp is totally off grid from road networks. The last part of your transfer is on a snowmobile sleigh (c.10-minutes) from the reception where guests are kitted out with their winter gear before heading to the camp
• Winter clothing including thermal overalls, boots, hats and gloves are provided for all guests. But for general use, when not doing activities, and when you are just transferring in between places, it is recommended that you have your own gear as well.

The following winter equipment is included in your holiday package, which allow for the opportunity to explore the frozen lake and surrounding forest:

• Fat bikes
• Snowshoes
• Nordic skis

If you prefer a more structured experience, it is possible to pre-book a range of fully guided trips. Activities and experiences on offer include:

• Dog Sled Tour
• Ice Fishing
• Ice Sculpting
• Northern Lights Photography Workshop
• Snowmobile Tours
• Visit a Sami family and reindeers by car

Note: The Aurora Safari Camp is closed 15th April - 1st June and 1st October - 1st November

Tipi Cabins

Tipi Cabins look a lot like a typical teepee and can be made up as double, twin or family accommodation for up to 4 people. Each Tipi Cabin is kept at a warm, steady temperature with a hybrid system of electrical heating and a pellet burner (a stove that automatically burns wood pellets) that adds warmth and ambiance with a crackling enclosed flame. The cabin has a bedroom, bathroom (incineration toilet and wash basin - the shower is located a short distance along the walkway in the Forest Sauna, and also at the Sauna on the Lake) and a glass veranda with views of the northern skies.

Lapland Cone Room

Lapland Cone rooms are wooden hexagonal structures with large windows, a glass roof and a heater in winter. The beds can be arranged with a double bed or twin beds for two people. Additionally, each room has an en-suite bathroom with an incineration toilet and wash basin - the shower is located down the walkway in the Forest Sauna, and also at the Sauna on the Lake, ensuring that you have all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. The camp is ideally positioned away from light pollution that gives stars and possible northern lights a chance to shine and be appreciated from the comfort of your bed.