Exclusive Small Group Photographic Safari - July 2019
UPDATE: THIS PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI IS NOW FILLED.
Overview
For this two-country photo safari, we have selected two great lodges in South Africa & Botswana.
And, you can add an optional extension to the majestic Victoria Falls.
Iconic Images is running this safari in conjunction with Cabo Blanco Enterprises, California, USA, who has over 30 years experience in designing customised travel itineraries to Costa Rica, Central & South America for individuals and groups.
Ngala Safari Lodge in Timbavati
Ngala Safari Lodge, is in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa, sanctuary to Africa’s “big five”, traversing over 20,000+ ha of wilderness and undisturbed biodiversity.
Lion at Night
As there are no fences between the Timbavati and Kruger National Park, wildlife roams freely between the two, promising an incredible viewing and photographic experience. The reserve is well known for its numerous lion prides and the celebrated White Lions of the Timbavati. The Timbavati (along with the surrounding Klaserie and Umbabat reserves), is one of the only places on earth where you may see naturally occurring white lions. Here, you could encounter more species of wildlife than in any other African game sanctuary, including water buffalo, elephants, zebra, kudu, giraffe, impala, white rhino, black rhino, hippo, lion, leopard, cheetah, African wild dog, and hyena.
Your “African Home” is the Ngala Safari Lodge, where the magic and mystery of Africa come alive in the colonial ambiance of the elegant accommodation and facilities. You will enjoy this delightful start to your safari.
Mashatu Lodge, Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana
Tucked in the remote south-eastern corner of Botswana the Northern Tuli Game Reserve is home to large herds of elephant, as well as lion, cheetah, eland, impala, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra. This reserve is one of the best kept secrets for game viewing in Africa.
Cheetah Portrait
Mashatu Lodge is an oasis amongst the undulating and seemingly ceaseless plains of the wild. Burning torches at the camp’s entrance welcome you home at the end of your game drive, where you experience the quintessence of sublime hospitality. This camp will meet your every expectation. Fourteen luxury suites lie along the camp’s perimeter and are designed to allow privacy and an uncommon communion with the African bush and its inhabitants. Watch elephants splashing at the waterhole, listen to the lyrical melody of the woodlands kingfisher on a branch overhead, smell the grassy scent of the bushveld, touch the bark of an ancient tree and inhale a breath of air so pure, it’s intoxicating.
Each of the air-conditioned suites at Mashatu Lodge is tastefully decorated and includes impressive black and white prints of Africa’s most beautiful animals. A double bed and an extra-large single bed, together with a seating area that includes a single day bed, will comfortably accommodate you and your spouse, partner and companion. The ample en-suite bathroom with both bath and shower facilities and a separate W.C. will be a complete surprise – an unexpected level of amenity in the bush.
So beautiful, yet so vulnerable in Africa Credit: J Lewit
Two underground hides at Mashatu, offer spectacular photographic opportunities, especially of elephant herds, plating within metres of your lens.
Two underground hides at Mashatu, offer spectacular photographic opportunities, especially of elephant herds, plating within metres of your lens.
Two accomplished wildlife photographers, Denis Glennon AO, and Shem Compion will lead this photo safari. Both will be available to help you capture iconic images and experience memories you will revisit time and time again.
THE PHOTO SAFARI IS CONFINED TO A MAXIMUM OF FOURTEEN PARTICIPANTS, EXCLUSIVE OF THE TWO LEADERS
A MINIMUM OF TEN PARTICIPANTS IS REQUIRED FOR THE PHOTO SAFARI TO PROCEED
Highlights
The highlights are many; here is a selection:
- Photograph the best wildlife Ngala and Mashatu have to offer. We both know these two reserves, extremely well.
Lion on a Mission
- Experience the tracking skills of our guides.
- Photograph the big predator cats in both locations, as they roam and play.
- Photograph lions at night – a magical experience, every time. Depends on weather and location of the lions.
- Bird life is abundant – you will be enthralled by the beauty of bee eaters, lilac breasted rollers, and malachite kingfishers.
- Stay in top-end lodges/camps, at Mashatu Lodge & Ngala Safari Lodge
- Those on the optional Extension during which you may take a helicopter flight (again optional) over the majestic Victoria Falls, to capture some outstanding aerial shots.
- Receive lots of help in the field with your photography.
- This is not a rushed ‘game-viewing’ safari as we have allowed ample time in each lodge/location to get to know the special photographic opportunities in each.
- All our drivers have experience in working with photographers; they have patience and are accustomed to waiting, in order to capture that ‘decisive moment’.
- There will be a maximum of four photographers/persons per vehicle.
- At Mashatu each participant will have two sessions in the underground hides.
Elephants from Underground Hide Credit: Jay Collier
- A star photography experience at Mashatu, weather permitting and the sky being cloud free.
- The male lions of the Timbavati are some of the largest and best of the species in Africa – you will be surprised how close we will take you.
- With a little luck you might get to sight and photograph the rare white lions during our time at Timbavati.
Summary Itinerary
The photo safari commences in Johannesburg, South Africa on 22 July 2019 and finishes in Johannesburg on 1 August 2019.
Summary Itinerary
| DATE | TRANSFER | ACCOMMODATION |
| 22 July ’19 | Arrive Johannesburg – start of photo safari | Villa Sterne Boutique Hotel – 1 night |
| 23 July ’19 | Transfer to Ngala Safari Lodge – by scheduled flight | Ngala Safari Lodge – 4 nights |
| 28 July ’19 | Transfer to Mashatu Lodge – by road | Mashatu Lodge – 5 nights |
| 1 Aug ’19 | Transfer to Johannesburg Airport – by road | Not Applicable |
Optional Private Extension to Victoria Falls
There is an optional private extension available on 1 – 4 August 2019 i.e. immediately after the main photo safari.
Individual rooms on a shared or unshared basis may be arranged, subject to availability, at the time of enquiry.
Summary Itinerary
| DATE | TRANSFER | ACCOMMODATION |
| 1 Aug ’19 | Johannesburg Airport Precinct – start of extension | Intercontinental Airport Hotel – 1 night |
| 2 Aug ’19 | Transfer to Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma Lodge – by air | Sussi & Chuma Lodge – 2 nights |
| 3 Aug ’19 | Not Applicable | Sussi & Chumba Lodge |
| 4 Aug ’19 | Transfer to Johannesburg Airport – by air | Not Applicable |
Included:
- Scheduled flight Johannesburg/Livingstone on 1 August 2019.
Sussi & Chumba Aerial
- Two nights’ accommodation in the Sussi & Chumba Lodge in one of only 10 luxury tree-houses, built into the living canopy of ebony trees lining the bank of the river. Each lodge unit has private Zambezi views from the outdoor deck among the branches.
- Boat trip on the Zambezi River, to view and photograph wildlife.
- Park entry fees.
- An optional visit to photograph the nearby Simonga Village.
- Photograph and view Victoria Falls.
- All meals and laundry.
- Sunset/sun-downer boat trip on the Zambezi River on the last evening, weather permitting.
Victoria Falls Aerial Credit: Go2Africa
- Return flight to Johannesburg airport to connect with international flights.
Not Included
- The Heritage Fee of US$20.00, for the tour of the Fall as this is not available for purchase in advance.
- Any travel visas or cost of vaccinations.
- Purchase of gifts/articles of personal nature.
- Optional activities, other than those listed above.
- Gratuities.
The Sussi & Chumba main lodge building features a spectacular raised bar/lounge deck, open air dining area, swimming pool and lawns sweeping down to the water’s edge. Because the lodge is within the Mosi-oi-Tunya National Park, wildlife come into the camp area, and viewing them from the common areas overlooking the upper Zambezi River, can be as surprising and memorable as the sunsets on the Zambezi River.
Helicopter & Micro-light Flights Over Victoria Falls
At Victoria Falls there is an additional option to take a flight over the falls by helicopter or micro-light plane (unfortunately no photographing from micro-lights).
More information on these flights, including costs, will be provided in Livingstone. The usual practice is to book and pay directly for these flights in Livingstone.
Optional Pre-tour Accommodation on Arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Villa Sterne Boutique Hotel
In view of the long international flights participants may wish to arrive in Africa a day or so early.
We can arrange accommodation as follows:
Villa Sterne Boutique Hotel – Standard Room, based on availability.
Cost: US$85.00/person/night, shared room. Single Supplement: US$50.00/person/night, unshared room i.e. a total of US$135.00/person/night
Villa Sterne Boutique Hotel – Executive Suite, based on availability.
Cost: US$115.00/person/night, shared room. Single Supplement: US$75.00/person/night, unshared room i.e. a total of US$190.00/person/night.
Costs, Terms of Payment & How To Register
Iconic Images is obligated to pay the costs of the photo safari in US dollars.
The cost is: US$11,495.00 per person, twin share, (or equivalent in AU$ at the time of making the final payment).
A single supplement of US$3,995.00 (or equivalent in AU$ at the time of making the final payment) applies, if specifically requested, 50% to be paid at the time of registration and 50% with the final payment.
Terms of Payment for the Main Photo Safari
Terms of Payment are as follows:
1. A non-refundable 25% deposit together with a completed Registration Form, on or before Sat 1 September 2018.
3. A final payment of the remaining 75%, on or before Friday 12 April 2019.
Cost and Terms of Payment for The Victoria Falls Optional Private Extension
The cost of The Victoria Falls Private Extension is US$3,895.00 per person, twin share, (or equivalent in AU$ at the time of making the final payment), 50% payable on registration and 50% payable on or before Friday 12 April 2019.
A single supplement of US$995.00 (or equivalent in AU$ at the time of making the final payment) applies, if specifically requested, 50% to be paid at the time of registration and 50% with the final payment.
How to Register
To register click on the REGISTRATION FORM button in the sidebar, download, print, complete the form and return it to Our World Travel. Details on how to do this are provided on the form.
Denis – happy to help
To discuss any aspect of international flights for the workshop or the required travel insurance, please contact the Australian booking agent:
Our World Travel, Shop 1/113 Royal Street, East Perth, Western Australia 6004.
Telephone:+61 (0)8 9221 9977; Fax:+61 (0)8 92215577 and request to speak to Mr Nick Missikos.
Alternatively please email Nick at: Nick@owtravel.com.au
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the photo safari or the optional extension, before making a decision to join us, please contact:
Denis Glennon AO on +61 418 923 103 (from outside Australia) or on 0418 923 103 (from inside Australia).
Alternatively email Denis at: denis@denisglennon.com
If this photo safari is not for you, perhaps you might consider forwarding the information to a friend, who may like to know about it.
Ensure you download the more comprehensive itinerary document which contains most of the information you will initially need, by clicking on ‘ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE TOUR’ in the box on the right hand side.
Pre-departure Information & Checklists
To assist you prepare for this photo safari we have compiled a downloadable and printable PDF. It contains helpful information on:
- Travelling with and looking after photographic equipment in Africa.
Mother & Child Reunion
- Downloading and backing-up images every day.
- Power supply in South Africa & Botswana for charging batteries, laptop, mobile phone, etc.
- Vehicle etiquette and consideration for fellow passengers and photographers.
- Keeping healthy in Africa.
- Money Matters in South Africa & Botswana.
- Immigration and Customs at Johannesburg International Airport, South Africa.
Giraffe Water Art
- Arrangements to meet you on arrival at Johannesburg International Airport.
- Travel documents, personal items & clothing checklist
- Personal medical items checklist.
- Camera equipment checklist – this is a comprehensive list but do not be overwhelmed.
- Summary itinerary.
- Tour Leaders
- Guide to paying gratuities on the photo safari.
Timbavati White Lion
- Denis’ choice of lenses and other camera equipment for the photo safari.
The information in this PDF will help with the packing of your selection of camera equipment and other essential items so that you return home with a great collection of iconic images, and many magnificent memories.
A copy of this PDF will be distributed to all registered participants approximately 45 days before the commencement of the photo safari.
QUERIES & CONTACTS
If you would like to discuss any aspect of international flights or required travel insurance for the photo safari, please contact the Australian booking agent, Our World Travel, Shop 1/113 Royal Street, East Perth, Western Australia 6004 and request to speak to Mr Nick Missikos.
Telephone:+61 (0)8 9221 9977
Fax:+61 (0)8 92215577
Alternatively please email: Nick@owtravel.com.au
If you would like to discuss any photographic aspect of the tour, please telephone Denis Glennon on 0418 923 103 or send an email to denis@denisglennon.com
If this photography tour is not for you, perhaps you might consider forwarding this link to a friend who may like to know about it. Thank you sincerely.
CABO BLANCO ENTERPRISES INFORMATION FOR US CITIZENS
Download the PDF containing details on Itinerary, Optional Extension, What Is Included, What Is Not Included, Pre-tour Accommodation Option, Safari Lodge(s) Details, Underground Hides, Payment Information, Compulsory Travel Insurance, Health Considerations, CBE Terms & Conditions, Photographer Guides, Group Leader.
Download: {African Photo Safari July 2019} (Printable PDF)
REGISTRATION FORM
To reserve a place, download, complete and return the form to Our World Travel.
Download: REGISTRATION FORM (PrintablePDF)
AFFILIATIONS
Iconic Images is the exclusive representative/agent for C4 Photo Safaris, South Africa, in Australia & New Zealand.
C4 Photo Safaris provides the on-ground logistics for Iconic Images' photo safaris/tours in Africa and is a SATSA member. The SATSA logo signifies that C4 Photo Safaris offers services that are of the highest quality and the company is deemed to be a credible and reliable provider of services to the tourism industry in South Africa. These services are independently audited on an annual basis. SATSA members are bonded, providing a financial guarantee of deposits held against the involuntary liquidation of a SATSA member.
Comments are closed.