Exclusive Photo Safari to the Okavango Delta - November 2013
Overview
Please note all places on this photo safari are filled. A waiting list has been created.
Botswana’s Okavango Delta is remarkable because it is a wetland paradise in the middle of the arid Kalahari Desert. Each year floodwater flows into the Okavango from over 1000km away, creating a unique wetland that sustains a mesmerizing variety of wildlife. Without this water, the area would be as featureless as that of the surrounding Kalahari Desert
Instead, it is one of the most sought after places in the world by wildlife and nature photographers.
It is a shimmering, matchless watery jewel in the midst of inhospitable surroundings. It’s flat, wildlife-packed expanses are awash with African colours and vistas. For photographers wishing to experience one of nature’s “untouched” jewels, this part of Africa is unsurpassed.
Three accomplished and dedicated wildlife photographers, Denis Glennon AO, Shem Compion, and Jay Collier have combined their expertise to conceive this exclusive safari. All three will be available to help you capture iconic images and experience memories that you will revisit time and time again.
This is a photo safari, for photographers and spouses/partners having interests in wildlife, nature, and breath-taking landscapes and who wish to experience, in one trip, extraordinary, untamed parts of Africa that are difficult to access for many, in their lifetime.
Each camp/lodge selected is private. Each camp will be available, on an exclusive basis, for the group.
To maximize photography opportunities, light aircraft will be used to fly between locations and explore and photograph the uniqueness of the surrounding environment. There will be no more than four photographers/persons per vehicle. This arrangement caters especially well for photographers using larger telephoto lenses and yet allow ample space for “not-so-keen” photography spouses/partners who just wish to come to know the special spirit of this precious piece of Africa.
THIS SAFARI IS CONFINED TO A MAXIMUM OF TWELVE PEOPLE, EXCLUSIVE OF THE THREE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS.
Highlights
- Photograph the best and most stunning wildlife the Okavango Delta has to offer under the guidance of three competent wildlife photographers
- Capture the big predator cats in several locations, as they roam and play in lush green grass
- Photograph lions at night – a magical experience, every time
- Experience the unbelievable beauty of carmine bee eaters, lilac breasted rollers, and malachite kingfishers
- Stay in exclusive lodges/camps, at Kwara, Lagoon, Lebala & Savuti; we have booked each lodge/camp exclusively for the group
- Photograph Africa’s wild dogs, (an endangered species) in the best place in Africa
- Take an optional helicopter flight over the delta to capture some outstanding aerial shots
- Receive extensive help to bring out the best in your images, using Lightroom & Photoshop
- As this photo safari has been timed to coincide with the arrival of the rains, be prepared for outstanding landscape photography under cloud-filled skies
- There is an additional option to photograph the majestic Victoria Falls, and enjoy some memorable photography from a boat on the Zambezi River. The cost of this option is A$2550.00/person.
- This is not a rushed ‘game-viewing’ tour as it lasts 18 days, from 10 Nov to 27 Nov 2013
- The drivers/guides have experience in working with photographers; they are accustomed to waiting, in order to capture that ‘decisive moment’
- There will be a maximum of four photographers/persons per vehicle
- Transport by plane between destinations in the Okavango Delta to allow more time for photography.
Summary Itinerary
The photo safari commences in Johannesburg, South Africa on 10th November 2013 and finishes in Johannesburg on 27th November 2013.
A summary of the itinerary is:
- 9 Nov or before: Depart Australia, or other home country.
- 10 Nov: Arrive J’burg and stay overnight in Waterkloof Guest House, Pretoria – start of tour.
- 11 – 16 Nov: Kwara Lodge, Okavango Delta – 5 nights
- 16 – 19 Nov: Stanley’s Camp, Okavango Delta – 4 nights
- 19 – 23 Nov: Lagoon Camp, Okavango Delta – 4 nights
- 23 – 27 Nov: Lebala Camp, Okavango Delta – 4 nights
- 27 Nov: Transfer to Johannesburg Airport to connect with international flights; finish of tour.
- 28 Nov: Arrive back in Australia/home country, unless participating in Victoria Falls extension.
You can also download the more comprehensive itinerary by clicking the DOWNLOAD ITINERARY button in the sidebar.
Extensions
There are two optional extensions on this photo safari: (i) The PANHANDLE Extension and (ii) The VICTORIA FALLS Extension.
Panhandle Extension
The Panhandle Extension is scheduled for 8-11 Nov i.e. before the photo safari commences and includes:
1. 8 Nov: Transfer by air to Maun from Johannesburg. This flight departs J’burg Domestic Airport at 10.10am and the cost is included in the main photo safari.
2. Charter flight from Maun to Shakawe airstrip – 45 mins.
3. Transfer to Xaro Lodge via car and boat – 60 mins.
4. 8, 9 & 10 Nov: Three (3) nights’ accommodation at Xaro Lodge on an island in the panhandle
5. All meals, drinks (excluding premium brands).
6. Six (6) sessions photographing birds from boats in the channels
7. 11 Nov: Transfer by air from Xaro Lodge to Kwara Lodge, in the Okavango to meet with rest of group.
Xaro Lodge is situated on a peninsula of the mainland and is accessed by a fifteen minute boat trip from its parent camp Drotsky’s Cabins. It offers a tranquil destination, which is superb for bird photography, our primary reason for going there. Bird photography in The Panhandle amongst the tall, shady, riverine forests is one of the best in Africa.
The cost for the Panhandle Extension is US$3275.00 (or equivalent in AU$ at the time of making the final payment) per person, 50% payable on registration and 50% payable on or before Friday 9th August 2013.
A single supplement of US$525.00 (or equivalent in AU$ at the time of making the final payment) applies, if specifically requested.
Victoria Falls Extension
The Victoria Falls Extension is scheduled for 27-29th Nov i.e. after the photo safari finishes and includes:
1. 27 Nov: Transfer by air from Botswana to Zambia.
2. 27 & 28 Nov: Two nights’ accommodation in the Sussi & Chumba Lodge in one of only 10 luxury tree-houses, built into the living canopy of giant ebony trees lining the bank of the river. Each lodge unit has private Zambezi views from the outdoor deck among the branches.
3. Boat trip on the Zambezi River, to photograph wildlife, all park entry fees, Simonga Villlage visit, photograph and view Victoria Falls.
4. All meals, drinks (excluding premium brands) and laundry.
5. Sunset/sun-downer boat trip on the Zambezi River on the last evening, weather being kind.
6. 29 Nov: Return flight to Johannesburg airport to connect with international flight to Australia.
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 Sussi & Chumba Lodge is within the Mosi-oi-Tunya National Park there is an abundance of wildlife that comes into the camp area, and the wildlife viewing from the common areas overlooking the upper Zambezi River are outstanding. The sunsets on the upper Zambezi River can be stunning (even for Australians!)
Whilst at Sussi & Chumba Lodge a trip to photograph the world famous Victoria Falls has been arranged.
The cost for the Victoria Falls Extension is US$2,550.00 (or equivalent in AU$ at the time of making the final payment) per person 50% payable on registration and 50% payable on or before Friday 9th August 2013.
A single supplement of US$525.00 (or equivalent in AU$ at the time of making the final payment) applies, if specifically requested.
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.
Costs, Terms of Payment & How To Register
As noted in Section 9. Responsibility in the downloadable PDF: Okavango Delta 2013 – Important Information, Iconic Images is obligated to pay the costs of the photo safari in US dollars.
The cost is: US$15,750 per person, twin share, (or equivalent in AU$ at the time of making the final payment).
A single supplement of US$2,150.00 (or equivalent in AU$ at the time of making the final payment) applies, if specifically requested to be paid in full at the time of registration.
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 Friday 1st March 2013.
2. A second non-refundable payment of 25% on or before Friday 28th June 2013.
3. A final payment of the remaining 50%, on or before Friday 9th August 2013.
Cost and Terms of Payment for the Panhandle Extension
The cost for the Panhandle Option is US$3,275.00 (or equivalent in AU$ at the time of making the final payment) per person, 50% payable on registration and 50% payable on or before Friday 9th August 2013.
A single supplement of US$525.00 (or equivalent in AU$ at the time of making the final payment) applies, if specifically requested.
Cost and Terms of Payment for the Victoria Falls Extension
The cost for the Victoria Falls option is US$2,550.00 (or equivalent in AU$ at the time of making the final payment), 50% payable on registration and 50% payable on or before Friday 9th August 2013.
A single supplement of US$525.00 (or the equivalent in AU$ at the time of making the final payment) applies, if specifically requested.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of international flights for the photo safari, please contact the booking agent, Flightworld, 200 St. Georges Tce., Perth and request to speak to Mrs Khush Suntoke. Alternatively you can email Khush at khush@flightworld.com.au.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the photo safari, before making a decision to join us, please contact either:
Denis Glennon AO on 0418 923 103 or denis@denisglennon.com, or
Jay Collier on 0410 608 790 or jay.collier@canon.com.au
Ensure you download the comprehensive itinerary containing most of the information you will initially need, by clicking on “DOWNLOAD ITINERARY’ in the box on the right hand side.
If this photo safari is not for you, perhaps you might consider forwarding the information to a friend at Canon Oceania, who may like to know about it.
Pre-departure Information & Checklists
To assist you prepare for this photo safari I have compiled a comprehensive, downloadable and printable PDF. It contains helpful information on:
- Travelling with and looking after photographic equipment in Africa.
- Downloading and backing-up images every day.
- Power supply in Botswana & South Africa for charging batteries, laptop, mobile phone, etc.
- Vehicle etiquette and consideration for fellow passengers and photographers.
- Keeping healthy in Africa.
- Money Matters in Botswana and South Africa.
- Immigration and Customs at Johannesburg International Airport, South Africa.
- 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 and you should not be overwhelmed.
- Summary itinerary.
- Your Tour Leaders/Assistants
- Guide to paying gratuities on this photo safari.
- Denis’ choice of lenses and other camera equipment for this photo safari.
The information in this PDF will help you to remember to pack 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.
To download and print a copy of this PDF, click: Pre-departure Information & Checklists for Okavango Delta 2013
QUERIES & CONTACTS
If you would like to discuss any aspect of international flights for the photo safari, please contact the booking agent, Flightworld, 200 St. Georges Tce., Perth and request to speak to Mrs Khush Suntoke. Alternatively you can email Khush at khush@flightworld.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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Download the PDF containing full details on payment terms and registration, the itinerary, what is/is not included, cancellation policy and fees, compulsory travel insurance, health considerations, responsibility, liability, and packing camera gear for travel.
Download: Okavango Delta November 2013 - Important Information (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.
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