Photographic SafarisOur photographic safaris and workshops are designed with the requirements of a keen photographer in mind, with itineraries created to meet the needs of such a special interest group. This includes an experienced and knowledgeable guide able to help you achieve a higher level of proficiency with your wildlife, landscape and people photography. Each of our tours is a unique combination of not just the fabulous wildlife and stunning landscapes, but also the opportunity to meet the people and take part in some unique and exciting activities - ballooning over the Serengeti, canoeing down the mighty Zambezi river or perhaps star-gazing the vast skies of the Namib Desert. We trust you will find a photo tour that excites and appeals to your sense of adventure. |
Top Locations
Start planning your photographic safari today |
Photographic Workshops: Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana & Mala Mala, South Africa
Hosted by Shem Compion and André Cloete (both award winning photographers)
Various dates starting in December 2009 through to December 2010
Overview
These trips are aimed at the photography enthusiast. If you enjoy photography and would like to learn about outdoor and wildlife photography, then this is the course for you!
Workshops have been planned to bring like-minded people together to enjoy and learn more about nature photography. With award winning host photographers as your guides (a maximum of 4 guests per photo guide), you will be taken out to witness the spectacular wildlife viewing of Mashatu Game Reserve - an extended trip includes world renowned MalaMala Game Reserve too.
Days comprise morning and evening drives, talks, short lectures and review sessions to discuss and analyze photographs - resulting in excellent on site learning and ultimately, better images.
The course is designed for you to learn and refine photographic skills in spectacular surroundings - ultimately becoming a better photographer in the process.
The group ratio is kept low enough to maximise your individual attention meaning all levels of photographers are catered for.
Please note: This course is aimed at the beginner, intermediate and advanced photography enthusiast who would like to improve their nature and wildlife photographic skills. For the best results, we recommend a minimum of a D-SLR camera.
About the course..
It is our belief that many people would like to take their photography a step further, but they don't have the time, aren't in the correct environment or don't have the skill. Addressing this audience, we present this three or seven day adventure of learning and discovery. Your photographic hosts will lead you through a discovery of technical knowledge, nature experiences and practical application. With short instructional lectures designed to stimulate as well as educate, you will be reminded of the photography basics of light, composition and creative effects with the camera.
Landscape, wildlife, bird, macro and action photography each requires its own technique - each addressed over the duration of the workshop. Shem Compion and André Cloete, both award-winning photographers, will be your hosts. They will share their knowledge of wildlife photography on drives and during talks within the camp. They will also discuss the various techniques of nature photography relating to long lens technique, support systems, iso dilemmas and improvisation methods.
Private vehicles are arranged for photographers - usually four photographers and 1 guide per vehicle. Non-photographers are allowed to join on the photographic vehicle if numbers allow - if not, non-participants will be on their own vehicle with a ranger.
About the venues..
Mashatu Game Reserve is an unheralded gem in a 35000ha wilderness area, situated in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve at the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo Rivers. Being an open semi-arid area, game viewing is relatively unrestricted by shrubs and trees - and what game viewing it is! Exceptional sightings of leopard, lion and cheetah herald the large cats, but it is the elephants that the Tuli area is famous for. Once known for their “bad” manners, these elephant are now so docile they walk within a few meters of the safari vehicles.
And if these sightings aren't enough, then let the giraffe, eland, baboons, kudu, impala, zebra, wildebeest, red hartebeest and birds (a species list of over 350) entice you a bit closer to this wonderland. With a landscape broken by deep lying riverbeds cutting through its rocky surface, Mashatu offers landscapes and scenery that tells of a time gone past and where giants once used to roam.
MalaMala Game Reserve holds a host of ecosystems that will cater to any nature lover's needs - be it grassy plains, fig tree-lined rivers, boulder strewn hills or large, languidly, meandering rivers. Over the three days, you will be guided on drives to look for animals, birds and other creatures that inhabit this unique reserve. Based in luxurious accommodations, you will enjoy morning and evening game drives in open 4 wheel drive landrovers in the company of an experienced MalaMala ranger and your photographic guide.
MalaMala Game Reserve is acknowledged as being the prime game viewing destination in Southern Africa, and is undoubtedly one of the best destinations in Africa to view predators such as lion and leopard . Both species are territorial, and their regular appearances in the area allow rangers to plot their movements, and to observe their behaviour. Large herds of buffalo, numbering in excess of 300, often find their way to the Sand River which runs north to south through the MalaMala Game Reserve for 13 km (8 miles). Elephants are also seen in large numbers, drawn to the Sand River during the warm days. Over 98% of guests will experience “ The Big 5” – very often in one day and sometimes in one drive.
Course format..
We will employ the technique of early morning and late evening game drives to go out in search of photographic subjects. After a morning breakfast / brunch, a lecture will be delivered. This will concentrate on photographic techniques dedicated towards those being used during the weekend.
After the lecture we will have discussion sessions regarding the principals discussed in the lecture. Practical demonstrations will also demonstrate such principals.
There will be about an hour break before afternoon tea where-after we head out for our evening game drive.
Open vehicles will have a maximum of four photographers (1 host and 4 photographers per vehicle).
Workshop dates:
Mashatu Game Reserve - Mashatu Tent Camp - 4 nights.
18 – 22 March 2010
01 – 05 April 2010
23 – 27 April 2010
16 – 20 June 2010
05 – 09 August 2010
23 – 27 September 2010
18 – 22 November 2010
01 – 05 December 2010
MalaMala Game Reserve (MalaMala Main Camp) and Mashatu Game Reserve (Mashatu Main Camp) – 8 nights.
05 – 12 December 2009 (Maximum 12 guests only)
23 – 30 January 2009 (Maximum 12 guests only)
10 – 17 April 2010 (Maximum 12 guests only)
COST
Mashatu Tent Camp :
Per person Sharing : US$ 1 200.00
Per Person Single : US$ 1 700.00
** Based on a minimum of 4 guests.
Mashatu Main Camp :
Per person Sharing : US$ 1 700.00
Per Person Single : US$ 2450.00
** Based on a minimum of 4 guests.
MalaMala Main Camp & Mashatu Main Camp Combination:
Per person Sharing : US$ 4 640.00
Per Person Single : US$ 6 540.00
** Based on a minimum of 4 guests
Includes
- Maximum of 4 guest per photo host
- All course material (CD with all notes and presentations and hard copy notes in a folder), photo training and tutoring over the workshop.
- Beanbags and various support brackets and clamps for photographers.
- En-suite accommodation
- All meals and snacks
- Game drives in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles conducted by experienced rangers and trackers
- Nature walks
- Transfers to and from the Limpopo Valley Airfield and the Pont Drift Border Post at scheduled times
Excludes
- Bar purchases
- Telecommunication costs
- Laundry
- Airport transfers to and from the Limpopo Valley Airfield and the Pont Drift Border Post outside of specified times
- Any applicable airport taxes, entrance fees, adventure activities
- Cable car transfers across the Limpopo River if river flowing strongly
- Travel insurance
- Travel visas
Photographic Workshops with Roger & Pat de la Harpe in the Lower Zambezi Valley (and South Luangwa)
Dates 2010
• 12 - 17 August 2010
• 19 - 24 August 2010
The early morning sunlight catches the dust from a passing herd of buffalo. A pair of African Skimmers fly low over the Zambezi River as the sun sets. You caught your very first Tiger fish and the smile on your face is just priceless.
Who doesn't bring a camera on holiday to capture just such moments? In the African winter, when both the light and the chances of seeing the more illusive of the wild animals are at its best, Baines' River Camp offers you the unique experience of a photographic workshop.
Award winning wildlife photographers Roger and Pat de la Harpe will guide you through the versatile world of photography in the relaxing and ever changing scenery of the Lower Zambezi Valley in a 5-night / 4-day workshop at Baines' River Camp.
In 2010 Baines' River Camp will further team up with Shenton Safaris' Kaingo Camp, nestled in South Luangwa National Park. This 6-night / 5-day workshop offers the combination of visiting two of Zambia 's best wildlife areas, Kaingo's
photographic hides and the versatility of the Lower Zambezi Valley .
Roger and Pat de la Harpe
You may have come across some of their work in magazines such as BBC Wildlife, National Geographic or Getaway. The wildlife publications of these passionate photographers and writers include Big Cats of Mala Mala, Africa's Big Five and Tuli, Land of Giants . Their latest, In search of Africa's Wild Dogs , will hit the shelves in the second half of 2009.
PRICES 2010
5 night photographic workshop at Baines' River Camp
• 4 full days photographic workshop, incl course material USD 3,195 - pp sharing
• A partner who does not participate in the workshop USD 2,575 - pp sharing
• Single supplement USD 350 - pp
6 night photographic workshop at Baines' River Camp & Kaingo Camp
• 5 full days photographic workshop, incl course material USD 5,575 - pp sharing
• A partner who does not participate in the workshop USD 3,795 - pp sharing
• Single supplement USD 950 - pp
This 6-night package includes :
• 3 nights accommodation at Kaingo Camp
• 3 nights accommodation at Baines' River Camp
• air transfer between South Luangwa National Park (Mfuwe airport) and the Lower Zambezi Valley (Royal Airstrip)
Dates 2010
• 04 - 10 August 2010
Accommodation at Baines' River Camp and Kaingo Camp are inclusive of :
• All meals and beverages
• All activities
• Entry fees for Lower Zambezi National Park and South Luangwa National Park
• Levies
• Daily Laundry service
• Airport / Airstrip transfers on days of arrival and departure.
Luangwa Photographic Workshops
with David Rogers - 10 March & 19 May 2010
(8 days/7 nights ex Lusaka)
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Often described as 'the real Africa', Zambia has its own special charm and offers an incredible diversity of attractions - including huge protected wilderness areas, vast inland swamps, cascading waterfalls, the source of both the Zaire and Zambezi rivers and numerous large lakes - encompassed in a land area of over 750,000 sq. kms.
A safari in Zambia is still run on 'old' style principles - comfortable but not luxurious - 'real,' not set apart. The camps and lodges are more rustic than in other parts of Africa - and this is part of their charm. They have been done like this on purpose and have not been developed with the 'mass market' in mind. These small, personalized safari outposts are home to some of the most knowledgeable wildlife experts in Africa. Night drives are also a feature within the National Parks (often not available in other countries). This is the land of the legendary African walking safari, one the world's biggest waterfalls, the wild Zambezi river, breath-taking lakes and wetlands, a profusion of birds, abundant wildlife, and raw, pulsating wilderness .......all in one friendly country!
Tour Description
David Rogers is one of southern Africa 's top travel writers and photographers, with more than 100 feature articles to his name. He has a background in Environmental Science and publishing and has long been a regular contributor to Africa Geographic , and for more than 10 years he has also provided award-winning work for many other leading publications locally and abroad, including Geo and the Sunday Telegraph . In addition, he has authored and photographed for several books, most recently Safari in Style South Africa & Zambia, Zambia Landscapes and Drakensberg and his images have appeared in many others. David photographs a wide range of subjects including interiors, animals, plants, landscapes, insects and birds.
The Luangwa valley ranks as one of Africa 's premier wildlife experiences. The lazy Luangwa River, the beautiful oxbow lakes and the high concentration of game make this a special place indeed. With a leopard density said to be double that of South Africa 's Kruger National Park and wall-to-wall hippos, you can be assured of great game-viewing.
These tours are scheduled to start on 18 March & 22 May 2009 (with a maximum of 6 people).
Tour Highlights
- Expert photographic guide
- Photographic workshops
- Small group tour (max 6)
- Day and night game drives in open 4x4 vehicles
- Fabulous wildlife sightings + much more..
- All inclusive price
Brief Itinerary
- Fly from Lusaka to Mfuwe and on to Nkwali Camp in South Luangwa
- 4 days and nights to experience one of Africa's premier National Parks
- Enjoy game drives, guided walks and night drives
- 3 more days at nights at Nsefu Camp as above
- TOUR EXTENSION - Fly on to Livingstone, staying 2 nights at Islands of Siankaba at Victoria Falls
- View the mighty Victoria Falls and visit a local village
- Experience a microlight flight over the falls, white water rafting, the gorge swing or bungy jump - or just relax and enjoy the views.
Price per person - USD4,095
All tours are quoted on a twin share basis and in United States dollars (USD). Prices are also available in Euro, Pounds Sterling or Australian dollars - please indicate your preference on your Booking / Quote request.
IMPORTANT
1. No single supplement.
2. Overnight stays in Lusaka or Johannesburg pre or post safari can be arranged at an additional cost.
3. Visas, travel insurance, gratuities and purchases of a personal nature as well as some airport taxes are not included.
4. Prices are subject to confirmation on booking.
Photographic Safaris
with Hannes Lochner to the Kgalagadi in South Africa or the Kunene region in Namibia
Hannes Lochner specialises in Southern African wildlife safaris, adventure travel and tours to the Kalahari, Namibia, and Botswana.
Taking a maximum of 6 photographers per safari , you can join Hannes in one of the world's greatest wildlife destinations, where the "big five" roam free.
- Only 6 photographers per safari.
- Practical workshops for all skill levels.
- Top game viewing and wildlife photography opportunities.
- Open 4x4 vehicles with professional guide (if not own vehicle).
More about Hannes Lochner
Hannes Lochner was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. From an early age he has visited almost every game reserve in South Africa, along with his parents. A passion was born, which was to become his life's labour.
His family, mom and dad (both professors), two sisters and a brother, are all involved in medical sciences. Hannes had a different calling and after serving in the armed forces, he signed up for something more creative and spent the next couple of years engulfed in the art of graphic design at the University of Stellenbosch.
Hannes decided to return to his roots as a naturist and became a full time river guide in Namibia, following successful completion of his studies. He decided to travel the globe after a couple of years and kayaked her rivers extensively, meanwhile meeting her people while travelling her continents.
He started a rafting company on his return to South Africa and acted as river and field guide on the Orange and Kunene Rivers.
Cape Town called and he returned once more as freelance photographer, graphic designer and river guide.
His love for the animals and birds of Africa triumphed in the end and in 2007 he became a full time wildlife photographer and the idea of Colours of Southern Africa was born, no doubt next to the enchanting flames of a bushveld fire, a "rum and tab, with a dash of lemon" in hand and the enthusiastic ear of a best friend.
Kalahari Photo Safaris
If you look at successful wildlife or nature photographers that have visited Southern Africa, you will find that a lot of them have been to the Kalahari, and produced award-winning photographs there. The Kalahari is an arid semi-desert region that covers the far north of South Africa, big parts of southern and central Botswana and parts of Namibia.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park consists of the old Kalahari Gemsbok National Park of South Africa and the old Gemsbok National Park of Botswana. It is a Peace Park, and there is no physical boundary between the two countries inside the park.
Day 1
Meeting in Twee Rivieren Campsite, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Day 2
Driving up to Nossob camp. Sleeping in Nossob campsite. Spending memorable hours at the waterhole through the whole evening.
Day 3
Early morning game drive, stopping at all the water holes, sleeping in Polentswa Campsite in Botswana.
Day 4
Early morning game drive, stopping at all the water holes, towards Grootkolk for lunch. Sleeping again at Polentswa Campsite.
Day 5
North to Unions End, sleeping in the tented camps at Grootkolk.
Day 6
Driving south towards Nossob camp, sleeping in Nossob campsite. Spending memorable hours at the waterhole through the whole evening.
Day 7
Driving west towards Mata Mata camp, sleeping in Mata Mata campsite. Spending memorable hours at the waterhole through the whole evening.
Day 8
Driving east towards Twee Rivieren camp, sleeping in Mata Mata Teneted campsite.
Day 9
Driving back to Twee Rivieren campsite.
The trip can be extended to Mabuasehube for 2 extra days.
Dates:
2010:
4-8 February
11-15 February
18-22 February
25 February - 1 March
1-8 June
10-18 July
Ask us about Hannes's special Soccer World Cup Kalahari tours in June and July 2010
SAFARI COST:
US$ 2,985 per person all inclusive. Single supplement $TBA
Kunene River Safaris
The Kunene Region is situated in Namibia's remote north-west, bordering Angola to the north and including the inhospitable Skeleton Coast. The region gets its name from the Kunene River, which forms the border between Namibia and Angola.
The Region will provide you with experiences that you will never forget. The landscapes, with their spectacular desert mountains, gorges, plains, and ephemeral rivers are stunning.
2010:
21 May - 4 June
Day 1
Meeting in Joe's Beer House Restaurant, Windhoek, [19h00]. Your guides will be introduced and the expedition will be explained. Sleeping : Hotel Pension Eros
Day 2
Driving up to Etosha National Park. Sleeping in Okaukuejo campsite. Spending memorable hours at the waterhole through the whole evening.
Day 3
Early morning game drive, stopping at all the water holes, sleeping in Okaukuejo campsite.
Day 4
Early morning game drive, stopping at all the water holes, towards Halali Rest Camp for lunch. Sleeping at Namatoni. Do the Damara Dik-Dik drive.
Day 5
North to Ruacana Falls on the Cunene River. You drive through Ovamboland, Ondangwa, Oshakati. Sleeping between Hippo Pools and Ondoruso Falls.-Camping.
Day 6
First day of paddling. After the safety speech and a healthy breakfast you'll be hitting the rapids. Starting of with the Ondoruso Gorge. "Cork screw, Fizz Pop and Birthday Chute" are among the many rapids. Incredible birdlife and of course the three big ones : Grey Kestrel, Cinderella Waxbill and the Rufous Tailed Palmthrush are among the favourites to look for. Crocodiles will be seen frequently but are normally very cautious of people. Lunch on river . Meet the backup crew at Cunene Lodge where you will be spending the night. Warm showers and a refreshing sundowner overlooking the river.
Days 7,8,9
After breakfast back on river. Meeting members of the Ovahimba tribe, paddling some challenging rapids. The "13 Falls gorge" should get the heart rate pumping, rapids like "S-bend, Defy, Twins and Rofty's are among the bigger rapids! Making your way through "Crocodile alley" and sleeping at three of the most beautiful campsites, namely Enyandi, "Moerse boom, and Steekboom".
Days 10,11
Paddling towards Epupa Falls, winding your way through hundreds of little channels. Spending two incredible nights on the edge of the waterfall. Taking walks to all the various lookout spots.
Day 12
Driving to Damaraland -Twyfelfontein - Sleeping at Camp Xaragu.
Day 13
Looking for desert elephants, see rock paintings - Sleeping at Camp Xaragu.
Day 14
Driving back to Windhoek - Supper at Joe's Beer House Restaurant, Sleeping: Hotel Pension Eros.
SAFARI COST:
US$ 4,725 per person all inclusive. Single supplement $TBA
