Iceland's only wild reindeer herd roams the highlands above the Eastfjords, alongside the elusive Arctic fox. A private 4×4 safari with a wildlife tracker gives you a genuine chance at close encounters in their true habitat.
What to expect
Your tracker picks you up at the Djúpivogur tender pier in a high-clearance 4×4 and heads into the highland interior on F-roads closed to standard vehicles. The East Iceland reindeer population — descended from Norwegian introductions in the 18th century — moves between highland summer pastures and coastal valleys, and your guide reads their patterns with expertise refined over years. Arctic fox sightings are never guaranteed but always thrillingly possible. The fjordscape backdrop, whether in summer midnight-sun gold or moody overcast, makes every shot gallery-worthy.
Good to know
Best June–September when reindeer are in highland summer pasture; Arctic fox cubs are most visible July–August. Wear layered, muted-colour clothing (no bright patterns). Binoculars and a telephoto lens are strongly recommended. The safari is fully flexible on duration — agree your must-be-back time at the outset.