Saami Reindeer Migration
Trekking Arctic Circle - Norway
Introduction
• An intimate glimpse into the ancient Saami culture • Crossing
the frozen expanse of the Arctic participating in a self supporting
journey • A profound sense of achievement
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. By comparison, in Uganda, twelve people a day
are permitted to visit the Gorillas.
The Saami have for years shunned interaction
with outsiders. They have good reason for this; many attempts have
been made in the past to eradicate them and their 4,000 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 people,
dating back thousands of years.
The journey begins in Kirkenes, northern
Norway, a small city located in 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, before escorting 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 is your
skidoo and your pulk (sledge). A good sense of humour 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.
Flexibility is the key, as only the reindeers
know exactly when they will be ready to begin the migration! The
Saami can judge by the behaviour of the herd to within a couple of
days as to when this is likely to be. During the build-up we
“preposition” ourselves so that we are on hand to move at a
moment's notice. We use the available time to familiarize the team
with putting up the lavvu tents, lighting stoves, maintaining
skidoos and driving in similar terrain as we might encounter on the
migration route as well as eating and resting for the forthcoming
rigors.
Quick links:
trekking arctic circle norway -
itinerary
trekking arctic circle norway –
factfile
trekking arctic circle norway – dates
& prices
trekking arctic circle norway – booking
enquiry
trekking arctic circle norway – before you
go
REF: Saami Reindeer Migration (Arctics) – HW0012
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