Birding and Wildlife Photo Safari

BIRDING AND WILDLIFE PHOTO SAFARI – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

9 DAYS /8 NIGHTS

With 3 nights accommodation in a prestigious tented camp in the northern Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier birding mecca.. 3 nights accommodation in a 4-star lodge in the Karongwe Game Reserve, 2 nights accommodation at two rest camps of the world-famous Kruger National Park,

WHAT TO EXPECT

On this birding photo safari we cater specifically for photographers of all abilities, however non-photographers or videographers, spouses/travel companions are welcome. This birding safari will be conducive to learning from one another and we include the instruction that will suit everyone’s photographic needs, as we focus on photographing mainly birds in the field.  We spend most of our time and effort on photographic activities and capturing images.

Our primary goal is to place you, the photographer in the best possible locations for you to be able to capture those once in a lifetime shots one normally only dreams of taking.

THE LODGES

Accommodation in a prestigious tented camp in a private concession of the northern Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier birding mecca. Accommodation in a 4-star lodge on the Karongwe Game Reserve, with stunning eye-level bird and wildlife hides and accommodation in two rest camps of the world-famous Kruger National Park,

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – AFTERNOON/EVENING ITINERARY

Arrive at Phalaborwa Airport early afternoon and enter the magnificent Kruger National Park. Overnight at Mopani Rest Camp. A short briefing on the next 9 days.

DAY 2 – MORNING/AFTERNOON ITINERARY

Depart early from Mopani Rest Camp and head north through the Kruger National Park,  (breakfast stop along the way) birding and photographing as we make our way to our private Pafuri Camp.

DAYS 3 /4 – MORNING/AFTERNOON ITINERARY

Early morning birding and a late afternoon/sunset game drive in an open safari vehicle. Between breakfast and lunch, there will be time to review your mornings photographs and understand your photography strengths and what we can improve upon ready for the afternoon.

DAY 5 – MORNING/AFTERNOON ITINERARY

Depart from Pafuri Camp mid-morning after some early morning birding and head south through the Kruger National Park, (breakfast stop along the way) birding and photographing as we make our way to our to Letaba Camp.

DAY 6 – MORNING/AFTERNOON ITINERARY

An early departure from Letaba Rest Camp and travel through the Kruger National Park,  (breakfast stop along the way) birding and photographing as we make our way and transfer to our private lodge in the Karongwe Game Reserve late afternoon.

DAYS 7 /8 – MORNING/AFTERNOON ITINERARY

Early morning and late afternoon photographic sessions in the hide. There will be time during the day to review your photographs and discuss the mornings photography and/or relax in the tranquillity of the African bush.

DAY 9 – MORNING ITINERARY

Last day of the tour. After an early morning hide session and breakfast, it will be time to transfer to Phalaborwa airport for your midday flight.

End of our safari.

COSTS & INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS FOR THE BIRDING AND WILDLIFE PHOTO SAFARI IN THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

(ZAR prices are an estimation linked to the exchange rate and the exact price will be confirmed via invoice at the time of booking)

This photo safari will run throughout the year with a minimum of 4 guests and a maximum of 6 guests.  

Safari Cost :  From ZAR P.O.A. pp sharing

We can accept payment via International SWIFT transfer, Credit Card or Paypal.

Please be advised:  Please contact us  for any single supplement requirements, together with your preferred travel arrangements, so we can advise you on the availability of your dates and open spaces on this safari.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• 8-nights accommodation as stipulated
• At the Pafuri Camp, 3 meals per day are provided and tea and coffee. Two game/bird drives per day in open vehicles.
• At Karongwe Game Reserve all meals are included, soft drinks, house wine and beer, tea and coffee. Gate entrance fees and levies. Two game activities per day i.e either a game drive or a hide session which is subject to availability and must be booked in advance.
• Photographic tuition

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Any flights
• Gratuities
• Meals in the Kruger National Park and not mentioned above
• Purchases from the curio shops and of a personal nature
• Beverages and alcoholic drinks as not stipulated above.
• Telephone calls
• The following fees and levies will be added to your invoice as they are not included in the above price (prices are subject to change)
  

  – Kruger National Park entrance fees

  – Kruger National Park conservation levies

  – Makuleke concessionary levy

PLEASE NOTE

– We regret that we are unable to accommodate children under the age of 16 on this photographic package

– Bush walks at Pafuri Camp, need to be booked at the time of booking the safari

– There is no mobile phone signal available at the Pafuri Camp. Although a WiFi connection is limited at the main reception area.

– Photographic hide session at Karongewe Game Reserve need to be booked at the time of booking this birding photographic safari.

SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is officially listed as one of the most biologically diverse countries on earth.  With South Africa being made up of an astonishing kaleidoscope of landscapes as well as a plethora of eco-systems.

From the arid, near-deserts on its west coast to the montane forests and subalpine zones at the top of the beautiful Drakensberg at nearly 3,500 metres above sea-level.  In the South African cape, you will find pristine beaches and the uniqueness of its Fynbos ecosystems and lest we forget the vast wildlife and birds to encounter on the rich savannahs of its north-east provinces.

Without a doubt, any visitor to South Africa will be captivated by its constantly changing landscapes and the warm friendly people one encounters.  All this goes towards making up, what can only be described as, experiences one will never forget and want to keep coming back for more of the same.

This applies particularly for those who wish to capture and record their experience no matter what photographic genre, as South Africa remains a primary destination for experiencing a Big 5 wildlife safari, with our specialist Kruger Park Safaris and tours.  Phenomenal birding and nature photography where the enthusiast can lay witness to the annual bird migration which takes place annually. Read more about South Africa

GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE BIRDING AND WILDLIFE PHOTO SAFARI IN THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

THE LODGES

Our Pafuri camp provides designer tents with en-suite bathrooms all situated along a river with spectacular views. All the tents have fans, safes for valuables, mosquito nets and outdoor showers. The communal area offers al-fresco dining, a bush bar, a swimming pool and lots of space to relax under the shade of the giant trees that overhang the camp. Our Kruger National Park camps offer comfortable air-conditioned, twin bedded round bungalows  (rondavels)  with en-suite bathroom, veranda and outdoor kitchenette.

At Karongwe Game Reserve luxury suites all with river views. All have en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers. Facilities include aircon, coffee and tea making facilities, bar fridge, wifi and a well-equipped gym. There is a communal pool and gazebo to relax between hide sessions/game drives. Superior suites are available at an extra charge please contact us about these.

OTHER GENERAL SAFARI INFORMATION

As photographers with all levels of experience are welcome on this photo safari, it will be conducive to learning from one another and we include the instruction that will suit everyone’s photographic needs, as we focus on photographing in the field.  We spend most of our time and effort on photographic activities and capturing images.

In the field, should you need or require any instruction or tuition on how best to capture stunning images we are there to guide you with our professional wildlife photographer and qualified guide Tony Sparkes, along with the local guide and tracker on the vehicle; so your photographic and animal sighting success is almost guaranteed.

To make the most of this photo safari you are advised to bring a laptop and card reader as well as enough external storage for the photo sessions as well as the editing software you are most comfortable with. Tony uses Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop CC and during photo tuition sessions Tony will share his workflow and basic processing techniques.

WHAT TO BRING ON SAFARI

• Mornings and evenings in an open safari vehicle are cold to cool (even in the summer), bring a fleece and a windbreaker jacket
• Rain jacket, hat, cap or beanie
• Sunblock
• Binoculars
• Spare batteries for your camera
• Torch
• Your camera’s instruction/user manual
• Camera/video camera & flash (for wildlife photography a 300 – 400mm lens is ideal but there are opportunities for wildlife images for all sizes of lenses

– Due to the diversity of our Karongwe Game Reserve  hides, you’ll require lenses covering the following focal length:

– Wide angle 12mm – telephoto up to 600mm

Our recommended lenses choice:

• Wide angle 12 – 30mm
• Mid-range telephoto 70 – 400mm
• Long telephoto 400 – 600mm

Should you wish to hire binoculars, any camera or lens equipment for your trip then we can assist you.  You can enquire here

OTHER THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Please read our Safari Safety and Etiquette.
• Guests are required to ensure they have an adequate medical cover (This must include emergency Medical Evacuation Cover)
• Discretionary gratuities for ranger and tracker are recommended at USD $5 to $10 per person per day.
• Discretionary gratuities for lodge staff are recommended at USD $10 to $15 per person per day.
• Any discretionary gratuities for guides, rangers, trackers and trip leaders should be paid out in cash.
• Note: That some of the Lodges/Safari camps will only accept cash for private purchases. (Please confirm at the time of booking)
• Although most safari lodges offer complimentary internet access, connections are unreliable and can be extremely slow
• Special dietary requirements can be accommodated if sent through beforehand, please contact us with such requests

Finally to ensure all our guest have a memorable wildlife experience with us we ask you to read and fully understand our Payment Terms and Conditions, Copyright & Disclaimer and Privacy Policy If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact us

PS: Don’t forget to catch up with our ‘Safari Buddies’ blog, read interesting posts about our wildlife tours and photo safaris.  Why not subscribe to our Safari Buddies monthly journal? You can be sure you are first to receive directly to your inbox all our latest tour and safari news, new tour destinations, discounts, photography and travel tips, tricks and news.