8 – 17 SEPTEMBER 2018

12 DAY / 11 NIGHT wILDLIFE pHOTO sAFARI

Escape the maddening summer heat in the United States and join me in South Africa to photograph Leopards, Lions and Cheetahs. You will also find Elephants, Zebras, Giraffe, Warthogs, the now endangered Rhinoceros side by side with scores of antelope and other wildlife gems. This tour is for photographers of all skill levels. The techniques you learn can be put into practice and immediately experienced in the field. In addition to the technical knowledge, you will gain a greater appreciation for, and understanding of, the majestic animals you encounter.

Call Ed on +1-919-527-4440 now to discuss or reserve this trip over the phone.

PRICE

$7,250 (€ 6,050) per person based on double occupancy. Single supplements may be available.

ABOUT THE SAFARI TOUR

Join me as your tour guide and photography tutor on a Wildlife Safari Tour to South Africa's renown Kruger Area. The 10 day (9 nights) tour will see us fly to the Sabi Sands Reserve Complex for four days. An overland trip alongside the reserve takes us to Timbavati area (of White Lions fame) for another four days before flying back to Johannesburg to review the images gathered on this safari, share the experience with family and friends and start thinking about your next photographic tour.

This tour is for photographers of all skill levels. The techniques and explanations, adapted to the situation at hand, provided from time to time can be put into practice and immediately experienced in the field. In addition to the technical knowledge, you will gain a greater appreciation for, and understanding of, the magnificent animals we’ll encounter.

The experienced game rangers who accompany us on game drives will explain the behavior and lifestyle of the animals as we encounter them, enabling you to take meaningful images depicting the nature of your fascinating subjects.  Each vehicle carries a dedicated tracker constantly on the lookout for clues pointing to animal activity in the vicinity.

SERVICES AND FACILITIES

The tour accommodates a maximum of 6 photographers. The same ground transport company will accompany the photography group for the duration of the outing. We will have 2 vehicles with stadium style seating. The staggered seat position allows photography in all directions without a fellow guest getting in the way. Each of the three rows is reserved for a photographer and his/her equipment.

Photographers accompanied by their non-photographer partners (maximum 1 per vehicle) will share their row. From your arrival at the starting location until your departure all regular expenses are covered. This includes

• Nine nights 4 star accommodation and all meals at the lodges
• 16 game drives dedicated to photographing wildlife
• Services of a professional photographer guide
• Radio linked vehicles to report animal sightings as they happen
• All airport transfers and relevant park fees
• Ground transportation of luggage
• Hire of private vehicles and guides for game drives and park fees
• Local alcoholic beverages at camp (includes water) and on game drives
• Laundry at the lodges
• Fees, tourism taxes and levies

EXCLUDED

• International flights to and from OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Medical inoculations, vaccinations, travel medicines and prophylactics
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Tips and gratuities for camp staff, guides, rangers and trackers
• Visas and insurances
• Optional personal purchases, tours and extra activities

Itinerary

8 September 2018

Guests fly into Johannesburg International Airport and spend the first night at the Mondior Airport hotel.

9 September 2018

This morning we take a bus to the Federal Air terminal for a flight direct to the Skukuza Airport. After the transfer to Kirkman's Kamp, taking fifteen minutes, we check-in and prepare for the afternoon game drive. The drive leaves at about 15:00 and is preceded by a light snack. We return to the Lodge at about 19:00 for a relaxing drink followed by dinner at 19:30.

10 September - 12 September 2018

The morning drive starts at 5:30 and lasts for 3 hours, depending on animal activity. This includes a half hour break for a light breakfast snack and refreshment. We return to camp for breakfast, followed by rest or image processing activity on your computer. Then at 15:30 we enjoy a light lunch before heading out for the afternoon drive for more photographs with a refreshment drink in the bush. We return to the Kamp at sunset, around 19:00, for a relaxing drink followed by dinner at 19:30. Times given are indicative – interesting animal sightings may alter the schedule.

13 September 2018

After our early morning drive, we return to the Kamp for a breakfast at about 09:00. We check-out and take a road trip to Ngala Lodge which takes about 2 hours. We expect to arrive at Ngala around midday, check-in and prepare for the afternoon game drive at about 15:00. This is preceded by a welcome snack. We return to the Lodge at about 19:00 for a relaxing drink followed by dinner at 19:30.

14 September- 16 September 2018

Each day we head out we do so with the knowledge that anything can happen. The drive starts at first light and depending on what wildlife we encounter can last up to 3 hours. As this is a 'strenuous' activity, we arrange for an half hour break to reinvigorate the body and mind with a light snack and power refreshment. We return to camp for breakfast - thereafter some will relax at the pool whilst others may be interested in some image processing activity on your laptop. Lunch can be had at 12:30 - followed by afternoon team at 15:30 before heading out for the afternoon drive for more photographs  and a sunset cocktail drink in the bush. We return to the Lodge at about 19:00, for a relaxing drink followed by dinner. Times given are indicative – interesting animal sightings may alter the schedule.

17 September 2018

After our early morning drive, we return to Ngala Lodge one last time for a breakfast at about 09:00. This is followed by a transfer to the airstrip and a direct flight to Johannesburg International Airport. Each guest then returns home or embarks on other travels in the country as privately arranged.

FEES AND TERMS OF PAYMENT
 

COST & TERMS OF PAYMENT
 

The 10 day (9 nights) all-inclusive photographic safari tour costs $7,250 (€ 6,050) per person.

Costs are per person sharing.

A deposit of $1,000 per guest is required at the time of booking. Balance is payable, by check or wire transfer only, no later than 90 days before the start of the tour. Cancellations more than 90 days prior to departure will be refunded in full (less the processing fee of $250). Cancellations within 90 days prior to departure will be refunded in full (less the processing fee) provided we can find another guest to take your place.

As a limited number of spaces are available, if a guest is unwilling to share with another guest of the same gender, then a single supplement will be charged. Although we will try to accommodate requests for single occupancy, this cannot be guaranteed.

We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary if conditions warrant such an action. We will attempt to notify participants of changes with as much notice as possible. Changes having an impact on the schedule or on costs will be borne by the participants.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

PHYSICAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

This is a great opportunity for you to take pictures of the environment and observe animals in the wild. Most travelling is undertaken in air-conditioned vehicles but some images are best taken away from the vehicle and involve moderate walking. Climbing the dunes is optional – you should be able to climb into and out of a safari vehicle and walk unaided for short distances. Guests must complete a standard liability waiver before participating in this safari.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This safari tour visits two luxurious and well appointed lodges, one located just south of the Sand River in the lower concession area alongside the world renowned Kruger Park and the other in the central concession area. The safari departs from Johannesburg International airport (OR Tambo) to Skukuza International airport on a commercial flight and returns to OR Tambo from Hoedspruit airport on a chartered flight. The transfer between the lodges involves quite a bit of travel by road – about a 3 hour drive – in an air conditioned vehicle f0r the exclusive use of the tour group. This has been determined as the most convenient and cost-effective manner to visit the region. Please note that minor changes to the itinerary and/or flight schedules may occur due to local conditions and to better accommodate our group. You will be informed, to the extent possible, in advance of any such changes.

MANDATORY MEDICAL EVACUATION INSURANCE

Some of the areas we visit are wild and at a distance from major cities; it is a condition of this booking for guests to carry their own medical evacuation insurance. You will be asked to provide independent documentary evidence of such cover, failing which cover will be provided for you at your cost and added to your account.

Please provide the office with the insurance company’s name, contact number and your individual policy number. Thank you for understanding that this policy exists in the interest of our guests’ safety.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS TO AND FROM THE STARTING LOCATION

This safari starts and ends in Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania. Your travel arrangements must ensure that you arrive in Arusha, Tanzania no later than 6pm on the first day of the tour. That evening the group will meet for a group introduction and welcome cocktails offered by the organizers. This tour ends at 4pm on the last day – please arrange departures from Kilimanjaro International Airport no earlier than after 6 pm on the final day. If you plan to participate in any add-on side trip, the routing will determine the itinerary at the time of reservation.

Check out our galleries from previous trips.