UNIQUE PREDATORS SAFARI
/1 – 12 OCTOBER 2020
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.
“Having spent several weeks in the South African bush with Ed on his tour last year, I can say he is extremely knowledgeable about the country and the wildlife. After finding out he grew up in South Africa, it is easy to understand why he knows the landscape and customs of the diverse areas of the country so well. He was an excellent guide and was able to work with me to get the best images during the amazing trip. ”
PRICE
$12,499 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 12 day (10 nights) tour will see us fly to the Timbavati area (of White Lions fame) for a five night stay followed by an overland trip alongside the reserv to the Sabi Sands Reserve Complex for another five nights. We fly 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
Eleven nights 4 star accommodation and all meals at the lodges
20 game drives dedicated to photographing wildlife
Services of two professional photographer guides
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
1 October 2020
Guests fly into OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) and spend the first night at the Peermont Mondior Hotel. Here we will meet up as a group for the first time, have drinks followed by dinner and discuss the logistical details of the photo tour and for our short flight early the following morning.
2 October 2020
This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we take a shuttle bus to the OR Tambo Airport for a flight direct to Eastgate Airport near Hoedspruit. The transfer to Ngala Safari Lodge takes about forty-five 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 and sharing of the day’s sightings followed by dinner at 19:30.
3 October 2020 - 6 October 2020
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 the Lodge for sit down breakfast, followed by rest or image processing activity on your computer. Lunch is served from about 12:00. At 15:30 we enjoy afternoon tea before heading out for the afternoon drive for more photographs with a refreshment drink in the bush. We return to the Lodge 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.
7 October 2020
After our early morning drive, we return to the Lodge for breakfast at about 09:00. We check-out and take a road trip to Kirkman’s Kamp which takes about 2 - 2 1/2 hours. We expect to arrive at Kirkman’s by about 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.
8 October 2020 - 11 October 2020
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 the lodge for breakfast - thereafter some will relax at the pool whilst others may be interested in some image processing activity or to shoot the breeze about photography pr the wildlife environment. 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.
12 October 2020
After our early morning drive, we return to the lodge one last time for a breakfast at about 09:00. This is followed by a transfer to Skukuza International Airport (a 10 - 15 minute drive) and a direct flight to Johannesburg International Airport. Each guest then returns home or embarks on other travels in the country as privately arranged.
NEXT STEP
Now that you are all fired up with that tingling feeling in your toes and butterflies in your stomach, click the button below to make a booking and request more info to plan your journey.
FEES AND TERMS OF PAYMENT
COST & TERMS OF PAYMENT
The 12 day (11 nights) all-inclusive photographic safari tour costs $12,499 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 an open-air vehicle from which images are made. Walking from the accommodation rooms to the main dining area and to the safari vehicle is the only necessary effort required. Game walks in the bush, weather permitting, are 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 Eastgate Airport (Hoedspruit) on a scheduled flight. The transfer between the lodges involves travel by road – about a 3 hour drive – in an air conditioned vehicle used exclusively by 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 Johannesburg, South Africa. Your travel arrangements must ensure that you arrive at OR Tambo International Airport (airport code JNB) no later than 18:00 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 16:00 on the last day – please arrange departures from OR Tambo International Airport no earlier than after 17:00 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. Please consider allowing us to plan any side trips in Africa for you - we are experts on Africa travel.
PRIME CO-ORDINATOR
This safari is being run in conjunction with Mark Buckler Photography, Mark is originally from Massachusetts but is now resident in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Mark is an accomplished photographer specializing in nature, wildlife and landscape photography.
