Husky Safari 5 km Self-Drive in Levi — Your Own Dog Team Along a Frozen River at Lapland Wild Witch Kennel
Why this husky safari stands out
- Lapland Wild Witch — a specialist kennel in Tepasto, 30 km north of Levi, run by professional sport mushers
- 40 dogs only — a small kennel by design, not a large commercial operation
- Dog welfare first: rest days, vet checks, physiotherapy, free-running time, high-quality food
- Small groups only — maximum 8 guests (4 sled teams), maximum 3 sessions per day
- 5 km self-drive mainly along a frozen river — a natural Lappish trail, not a prepared course
- Kennel visit and free-run area included — time with the dogs after the ride
Lapland Wild Witch — small high animal welfare kennel near Levi
The kennel is run by professional sport mushers who work with their dogs year-round. Over 40 dogs: Siberian huskies, Arctic-Alaskan huskies — a breed developed in early 20th-century Alaska for endurance racing — and three reindeer dogs. Animal welfare shapes how the kennel runs: small groups, maximum 3 sessions per day, at least one full rest day per dog per week, regular vet checks and physiotherapy, high-quality food, proper cleaning of the dogs’ habitat, free-running time, and a kennel owner who lives on site — the dogs are not just her business, they are her family.
Self-drive husky safari along a frozen river near Levi
On arrival, the guide gives a full briefing on mushing — how to steer, how to brake, trail etiquette — and walks the group to the starting point where the teams are already harnessed and ready. The guide introduces each dog by name before the ride begins.
The 5 km route runs mainly along a frozen river, with forest sections on either side. Riding time is approximately 20–30 minutes. A midway stop allows driver and passenger to swap places.
At the kennel — free-run area, kota hut and hot drinks
After the ride, guests walk the kennel and spend time in the free-run area where some dogs move freely — enter, pet and photograph them at close range. Back at the kota hut, the fire is going: hot berry juice, cookies, and the host answering whatever questions have come up.
Remove gloves and mittens before touching the dogs — they will play with them. Do not feed the dogs.
Child price applies for ages 2–11. Not recommended for children under 4.
Who this is for
- Families with children from age 4 wanting a first husky driving experience
- First-time mushers of any age — no prior experience needed
- Those who want to combine the drive with kennel time and genuine dog interaction
- Anyone who prefers a natural frozen river trail over an open swamp route
Private option
A private booking at Lapland Wild Witch closes the kennel exclusively for your group — the sled teams prepared for you alone, the programme running entirely at your pace. Contact us to arrange.
What's included
- Transportation from Levi (approximately 30 minutes, 30 km north to Tepasto)
- Guide and musher team throughout
- Safety briefing and driving instruction
- Self-drive 5 km husky safari mainly along a frozen river with forest sections
- Kennel visit and dog interaction, including free-run area
- Hot berry juice and cookies in a traditional Lappish kota hut by the fire
Not included
- Warm winter clothing.
IMPORTANT! Available to rent only at Scandinavian Travel Group / Safarimarket pick-up location (Keskuskuja 2 B 3). Clothing will not be delivered to other pick-up locations. If you add clothing to your order, always choose only the Scandinavian Travel Group / Safarimarket pick-up location. Please note that warm clothing follows the same cancellation terms as the main product.
Important remarks
F.A.Q.
- Can children drive a husky sled on this safari?
Children from age 4 can ride as passengers. The sled is driven by an adult. One sled seats up to 2 adults and 1 small child under 7. Final seating is decided on site by the host based on the group composition.
- How many dogs pull each sled?
Each sled is pulled by a team of dogs. The exact number depends on the team composition on the day. The dogs are introduced by name before the ride begins.
- What is the terrain like on the 5 km route?
The route runs mainly along a frozen river with forest sections on either side. It is a natural Lappish trail — sheltered and scenic, not an open exposed course. Riding time is approximately 20–30 minutes.
- What is the difference between the 5 km and 10 km husky safaris?
Both operate from the same kennel with the same dogs and mushers. The 5 km route follows a frozen river through forest — sheltered and suitable from age 4. The 10 km route starts on a river section then opens onto frozen swamp: flat, wide, exposed, with fell views on the horizon. The 10 km is more physically demanding and recommended from age 7. Ski goggles are essential on the 10 km.
- What happens after the ride?
Guests walk the kennel, spend time in the free-run area with the dogs, and warm up in the kota hut with hot berry juice and cookies. The host talks about life with the dogs and answers questions.
Important remarks:
Price periods: Two price periods: 1 Dec – 28 Feb and 1 Mar – 31 Mar.
Ages: Not recommended for children under 4 due to longer time outdoors.
Sled capacity: Up to 2 adults and 1 small child (under 7). Final seating decided on site by the host.
Group size: Maximum 8 guests per ride (4 sled teams). Larger groups run in turns. Maximum 3 groups per day.
Single supplement: Not available for the 5 km program.
Sled sharing and driver policy: Every sled must have at least one adult driver for the full route. If one adult in your party does not wish to drive, the other must drive the entire way. A small child under 7 can ride as a third passenger alongside two adults. Guests arriving with an odd number of adults should be prepared to share a sled with another unmatched participant — each will drive for half the route. If a non-driving participant cannot be matched with a driver willing to drive the full route, that participant will not be able to join the safari. Contact us before booking if your group has an odd number of adults or if any member does not wish to drive.
Dogs: Remove gloves and mittens before touching the dogs. Do not feed them.
Clothing: Warm winter clothing is not included. You can rent it at our Safarimarket pick-up location only (Keskuskuja 2 B 3) — clothing cannot be sent to other pick-up points. Allow at least 20 minutes before departure to get dressed.
Ski goggles: Recommended for eye protection on the trail and not provided — please bring your own.
Responsibility waiver: Scandinavian Travel Group is not responsible for changes, disruptions or unavailability affecting the husky kennel or any other third-party venue visited during this program, for whatever reason. Where a venue is unavailable, the guide will make reasonable alternative arrangements where possible. No refund is due for circumstances beyond our control.
Recommendation
- Wear warm winter clothing including thermal layers, insulated boots and mittens.
- In cold weather cover exposed skin and bring hand warmers.
- Ski goggles are recommended for eye protection on the trail and not provided — please bring your own.
- Clothing rented from Safarimarket in Levi centre. Allow at least 20 minutes before departure to get dressed if renting.
Cancellation Policy
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before the event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 21 days or less before the event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 10% if booking is cancelled 365 days or less before the event