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South-Africa 2013

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Africa is extremely diverse, yet most people have an image in their mind of what the continent has to offer in terms of nature and wildlife. With this journey we will meet those expectations! On the outskirts of Kruger national park we find Timbavati and Kapame, both are private reserves offering their own unique experiences. Here we can experience and photograph the Big Five; elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and rhinos. In addition there is a good chance of seeing the threatened African wild dog, hippos, antelopes, zebra, giraffe, baboons, a variety of reptiles and colourful birds. This is Africa!

On this safari we’ll have access to a restricted area and we’ll make use of vehicles optimised for photography. We have complete freedom of movement, and will be accompanied by a local professional photographer. The lodges are of a high standard and are just a short distance from the local airport. Comfort and quality will be paramount.
 

Safari vehicle for photographers. Copyright © Roy Mangersnes.

 
The safari sets out from Hoedspruit where we arrive by plane, are collected, and transported to Kapama private wildlife reserve a short half-hour ride away. On the very first night we head out into the bush to search for wildlife. The chances are good for meeting the big 5; lion, rhino, elephant, leopard and buffalo. The rare African wild dog is also found in this area. All the animals are wild, so nothing is guaranteed, but few other places in the world offer better chances of seeing all of these on the same day.

After two nights in Kapama we move on to Kruger and the fantastic Timbavati reserve. The area borders the national park and there is free movement of animals between the two, so almost anything could show up here. Timbavati is a typical bush landscape, with some open areas, beautiful trees, and the opportunity to take a night time photograph of the star-filled sky. On the road at night we’ll be illuminating nocturnal animals such as owls, stealthy cats and honey badgers. There are also watering holes here that local wildlife seeks out in the dry winter season. Timbavati also offers good chances to see and photograph the big 5 as well as classical African animals such as zebra, giraffes and hyena, as well as beautiful birds.
 

Hippos in action. Copyright © Roy Mangersnes.

 
We hope to give all participants the best that Africa has to offer, but some species will require more time to find. Both in Kapama and Timbavati there is a good chance of seeing leopards. On a comparable trip in 2011 we saw three leopards in one day, and the last one was seen inside the camp where we were staying!
 

Leopard near our camp. Copyright © Roy Mangersnes.

 
Joining you on the photographic safari are two professional wildlife photographers (Roy Mangersnes and Albie Venter) who will be on hand to help you with photographic challenges and fine tuning the trip to maximise the photographic opportunities. Roy has visited these areas previously, while Albie is from South Africa and knows the area like the back of his hand. Together, they will show you Africa!
 

Some facts on the camps

Our camps are selected to give you the best possible photographic experience. They are situated in private reserves that mean we have good freedom of movement and few other tourists / photographers to content with. We will also be able to be out after sunset and work with nocturnal animals and the night sky. The camps are open so that wildlife can come right up to us. In Kapama we’ll spend the first two nights in a relatively new camp, beautifully situated and with great facilities. The rooms are open and light and each has its own bathroom. In addition to a lounge and pool (which can be useful as the temperature rises over the course of the day), there is the opportunity to participate in activities during the day, between photo shoots, such as elephant-back safari and spa treatments, for an additional charge.

In Timbavati we’ll be staying right in the middle of the bush in a simpler camp than the one at Kapama, but still of a very high standard. The lodge is by the side of the river and the spacious tents have their own bathrooms and outdoors showers. Here you will really feel that you are out in the wild, with nature coming to visit you at your tent door. The sounds and smells of the bush will be the accompaniment to your stay. During the day you will be able to make use of the view from the sun deck of hippos and crocodiles in the river nearby, while monkeys sit and consider your presence from the centuries old tree in the middle of the camp. For those who are troubled by the heat there is a little pool here that can be used, as long as the hippos don’t get there first.

The camps have running water, but it is not safe for drinking. The food is prepared to a high standard and we’re counting on at least one traditional barbeque (braai) in the evening. All mealtimes are included, but drinks must be paid for separately. You should also allow some money for tips for the camp personal.

May is late autumn South Africa, but in Lowveld the winter is mild and dry. We can expect temperatures of 12 – 15 degrees at night, while during the day the temperature will be between 25 and 30 degrees. There is the chance of the occasional rain shower, but late autumn is in no way known for long periods of rain.
 

Elephants in Timbavati. Copyright © Roy Mangersnes.

 

Safety

Our security is a top priority during the safari and will be maintained by the guides and guards. On game drives, we use open safari vehicles, without windows, but this is not dangerous when it comes to predators. We will, however be cautious around rhinos and buffalos, which can be unpredictable. In the camps there is a maximum of 100 meters to walk from the tents to the dining area or to the vehicles, and guards will follow you when it is dark. In order to have proper security during the safari, it is important that you, as a participant, respect the rules and regulations of the guides, guards and the tour leader. In some cases we will give you the opportunity to step out of the safari vehicle to take pictures at ground level or to shoot landscapes with a tripod. The guides in consultation with the tour leader decide when it is safe to do this, so it is not possible to leave the vehicle whenever you want.

 

Vaccinations

There are few mosquitoes and insects in Kruger, but you should take your malaria tablets (Malarone for example). We also recommend you to contact your local doctor or travel clinic so that you have the necessary vaccinations prior to your travel.

 

Spotted hyena. Copyright © Roy Mangersnes.

 
If you have further questions, please contact us by email: post@wildphoto.com or tel: +47 91134022. Welcome to exciting days in South Africa!


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