- The Tour
- Expectations
- Travel
- Itinerary
- Lodging
- Cost
- FAQ
- Checklist
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Elephant calf, protected by the massive umbrella of the mother elephant, Kruger National Park |
Masai Mara Photo Safari
Custom private tours available
The leopard saw us coming, as we edged toward the acacia tree where he had draped himself across the branches, keeping a close eye on on us as we approached in our all-terrain safari rig. He made a nervous split-second decision to leap back to his feet and put on a show for the photographers below.
Yes - we believe we can make this happen in front of your eyes, as it often does in the savahna of Kenya in east Africa. Even better - the value photo tour price of $5,895 includes all lodging and meal expenses during the adventure. That's a significant discount from the average safari tour of the area and it is specifically designed for a small group of photographers.
Longtime wildlife tour leader Daryl Hunter has crafted an affordable photo safari in a traditionally expensive part of the Masai Mara Game National Park which as actually an extension of the more famous Serrengeti. Jeniffer Hall will bring her wildlife expertice along also, Jen has been to Kenya several times before.
Our safari will be based out of a permanent safari camp (with showers and air conditioning). Daryl is a resident photo safari guide in Yellowstone/Grand Teton and he has been leading wildlife photography tours for years. And one thing both Daryl is known for is his ability to make a photo shoot fun. We will be accompanied by local African guides who track wildlife daily and know where to find them in the best lighting situations.
Photographers have a different approach to viewing wildlife and you will benefit by traveling with only photographers and a like-minded group of locals who will cater to photographers’ needs. Traditional safaris are geared for the sightseeing tourist - which are more interested in seeing the animals than concerned about the light and getting a world class photo. Africa's eco-tourism safari guides sometimes need reminders from the photo safri hosts what is expected by photographers.
Our group of 12 photographers
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Masai Mara Lion family |
Masai Mara National Park is a legendary locale - known throughout the world for its diversity of species and dramatic landscapes. The diversity of habitats in the park, from open savannas to lush riverine forests, allows photographers the benefit of selecting preferred landscapes for their photographs. The animals in the park have adapted to the presence of vehicles which gives photographers many opportunities to get that special shot.
It has been said that even an hour in paradise is a rewarding experience and this can also be said to be true of Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuary. Yes, an hour is rewarding, but six-plus days is a life-changing experience. For an authentic safari experience, this heart of Kenya safari will give us an unbelievable overview of this iconic destination.
Game viewing from open safari vehicles in the Kruger Park has to be one of the ultimate safari experiences in Africa. These are the animals most people would like to see on safari as they are dangerous and/or exciting to watch. The "big five" was a phrase coined by big game hunters and it refers to the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot. The Big Five consists of the following animals: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Cape Buffalo and Rhinoceros. Africa's "super-seven", is the big-five animals plus wild dogs and cheetahs.
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Mating pair of lions |
October is an excellent time for east Africa's Savahanas - with lower daytime high temperatures that make the animals more active.
Among the more prominent raptors are the Bateleur Eagle, Brown Snake Eagle, African Fish Eagle and Tawny Eagle. Colorful species include Lilac Breasted Rollers, Bee-Eaters, Kingfishers, Weavers and Starlings. Water birds abound along river banks and waterholes, while the grey louries and hornbills are a common sight in the bush.
We are arranging the best photo experience possible - with a true adventure atmosphere with fellow photographers. Your two hosts are known for their professionalism, organization and hospitality - and for making things fun. Couple that with a value price that includes all lodging and meals while in camp and at a significant discount versus other photo safaris in the area - and we feel we've got a winning combination for photographers of all ages and all skill levels.
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Impala and Rhino at the waterhole |
What to Expect
Our main focus will be the amazing wildlife of South Africa. We will always be on the look-out for interesting images during our photo adventure and for this reason, our itineraries are always subject to change. Weather plays a major role in capturing the best images possible. Changing light and weather conditions will always be assessed and changes in the schedule will be made accordingly. Flexibility, patience, and a sense of adventure are key to having a great time and capturing stellar photographs - and we intend to give you a great photography experience.
Group Size
Group size is ten participants plus your two photography hosts, Jennifer Hall and Daryl Hunter. We will have the whole camp to ourselfes. Small group dynamics enables more individualized instruction for those who would like to have in the field guidance. Often workshops offered by others have a far larger student to instructor ratio, or huge groups whith mulitiple instructors that over crowd a location. Our adventure offers you a chance to combine a spectacular vacation, a wonderful creative learning experience with managable group dynamics.
Instruction
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We will offer as much - or as little - instruction as you would prefer
Impala and Rhino at the waterhole - We'll be in the vehicle with you and can help with everything from basics to advanced settings
- During down time we can discuss our approach to Lightroom/Aperture/Photoshop
- We'll be happy to work with you on any area that you'd like help with - composition, lighting, bracketing, etc.
- With a small group, there will be lots of opportunity to "talk" all aspects of photography - including stock sales, plug ins, etc.
- Opportunities for personal Lightroom and Photoshop post processing help as time allows
- If requested, periodic image reviews through the duration of the adventure in order to assess any specific areas that you would like reviewed
Weather
October averages 85 degrees during the day
What we expect from you
- Show up prepared with your favorite camera bodies and lenses
- Enjoy the moment in a upbeat, positive camp environment with fellow photographers who will become good friends and share lifetime memories
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You are responsible for your arrival Nairobi Kenya in time for our departure to the Masai Mara where your flight will be met by a safari operator representative.
- We will travel be car to and from Johannesburg to safari camp, about a five hour drive.
- On game drives we will travel in open 4X4 vehicles
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport(NBO) in Nairobi, Africa’s premier hub and ideal gateway into and out of East and Central Africa is where you fly into.
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African Wild Dog, very endangered species |
Dates to be determined
Day 1: You depart from USA for Johannesburg South Africa Tambo Airport from one of many USA gateway cities - including NYC, Atlanta, Washington, D. C., Dallas and Chicago
Day 2: Arrive: Johannesburg South Africa check into Emperors Palace Hotel to rest up from your flight (note, some like an extra day) . Notify Jim or Daryl when you arrive at the hotel. A “Welcome to Africa” group dinner is on Daryl and Jim at 7:30pm.
Day 3: The hotel provides an amazing breakfast after which we will have a departure for camp at 8am for the famous Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve at Greater Kruger Park. We leave the vibrant city of Johannesburg behind. The drive to the park is an intersting study of land use.
Upon arrival and check-in we do a quick freshening up before we head into the Sabi Sand Game Reserve much anticipated initiation to the South African bushveld where we are likely to see elephants, rhino's, hippos and hopefully a leopard. We arrive back at camp after dark to be welcomed by a campfire in the outdoor boma area. Our 4x4 game drives follow the best routes for wildlife sightings, improving your chances of sighting the “Big Five” animals of Africa and the abundant wildlife of Kruger National Park. The Sabi Sands Private Reserve is famous for offering outstanding leopard encounters and sightings of other wild animals at close range.
Beer wine or soft drinks are served around the campfire before dinner to discuss our first day’s safari. The evening meal is served in the boma beneath starry skies, or in the thatched dining area. After dinner you are free to laze beside the glowing campfire or escape to your tent to review your first day safari photos.
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Baboon river crossing across the Sabi River |
Day 4: We get up bright and early for morning coffee or tea enjoyed in the dining area before we venture out for a morning game drive in Kruger National Park or Sabi Sands. Our group will have two safari vehicles, they go seperatly to either one park or the other. It’s off into the untamed bush in the golden morning light soon to be lighting up local wildlife in our viewfinder. We are sure to enjoy a variety of interesting sightings on our game drive, as Kruger Park and Sabi Sands is home to a staggering array of flora and fauna. Species include over 500 species of birds, 147 mammals and 114 reptiles. This South African game park even hosts 34 species of amphibians and 49 fish species!
We head back to camp after our morning drive to satisfy our appetites with a robust breakfast/brunch. Then there is free time for you to put your feet up or enjoy some of the facilities and optional activities at camp. You can swim in the pool, explore the campgrounds or relax on the viewing deck amongst indigenous trees during the heat of the day. This will also allow the opportunity for us to review our harvest of photos of the morning.
Between 12:30pm and 2:00pm a light lunch is served in the dining area at camp and at around 2:30pm we set off on the evening game drive.
Game viewing in open 4x4 vehicles allows you to experience the bush first-hand and get up close to the incredible wildlife of Africa. The camp’s experienced and knowledgeable guides are happy to answer questions on the game drives, ensuring that you gain as much insight into Kruger and Sabi Sand as possible. Guides network with each other and notify each other of wildlife sightings by 2-way radio.
Returning to the safari camp, pre-dinner drinks will be served around the campfire, followed by a well-prepared dinner. Kick back and relax under the canopy of stars, recounting the adventures of your day in the African bush, or head to your comfortable tented room for a good night's rest and photo downloads to your laptop.
Days 5, 6, 7, and 8: These days are variations of above itinerary. Since we have the whole camp we can customize as we go, revisit what we like best or brainstorm other Kruger landscapes and wildlife opportunities to explore.
Day 9:We return to Johannesburg along Mpumalanga's Panorama Route, travelling via the scenic highlights of Gods Window, Lisbon Falls and Graskop, in the Blyde River Canyon area which could provide some great landscape opportunities. We arrive in Johannesburg about 5:30 Just in time for check in for the evening flights back to the states.
Day 10. Arrival in USA and off to post processing hell
That is our safari, you may wish to come early or stay longer and see the sights around Johannesburg, or take a side trip to Cape Town or Victoria Falls since you are on the other side of the world.
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Lodging and Hotel Accommodation
We begin at Johnannesburg in South Africa at a clean, safe, modern Las Vegas style hotel including casino for the first night then head to Safari Camp = 6 nights 7 days.
We will be staying in a modern tented Safari Camp. Intimate and comfortable traditional lodging is combined with excellent service. The camp creates a traditional African Safari feel to your journey, and you can be forgiven for thinking you were transported back in time to a different era in unexplored Africa.
This will be Daryl's second trip to this camp and on first trip was delighted to find virtually no misquitos in (October), and clean drinkable tap well water in the tents. Unlimited water for showers although hot water ran out quickly, but it is Africa and nobody cared.
The camp sharing its borders with the world renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve which forms part of the Greater Kruger Region the safari camp offers guests a unique opportunity of staying in permanent semi luxury tented rooms. We will debark every day from here to experience wildlife game drives in the Sabi Sand as well as the Kruger National Park.
Chic African styled tented rooms perched on raised platforms create the perfect ambiance for your safari stay.
The six tented rooms combine privacy and comfort complete with en suite bathrooms with a shower and air-conditioning, while upholding the traditions of an African safari camp. We will have the complete camp to ourselves.
The tented rooms feature twin beds with linen and African design bedspreads, side table with lampshade, comfortable chairs, mosquito nets, a mirror stand with hairdryer, luggage stands, plug points as well as tea and coffee making facilities. There is no wifi internet service in the bush - however there is cell service that you can access.
Breakfast
Providing you the necessary nutrients for the day, breakfasts will be served in the dining area with a choice of either a traditional fried breakfast, or indulge in a fresh fruit salad and yoghurt, while cereals and fruit juices are there to complete your balanced meal.
Lunch
Lunch times are in the heat of the day, and with that in mind they prepare refreshing and light meals which are sure to satisfy the taste buds. A variety of fresh sandwiches, fresh salads, fruits and fruit salads will be served along with an iced cold beverage or fruit juice.
Dinner
The crackling camp fire with flickering lanterns under the African skies sets the mood for dinner, while in the distance some evenings, the sounds of nocturnal animals calling in the distance can be heard. Sure to delight your senses, either steaks, boerewors (sausage) or chicken will be prepared to perfection before your eyes and served with salads, bread rolls and corn, while an ice cold beverage or bottle of South African wine compliments the evening meal.
Drinks are not included
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Safari camp swimming pool |
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$5,895.00
Double ocupancy only in camp
Plus 3% for using PayPal. Save 3% and send a check
$300.00 discount if deposit is received by 4/1/2017
What's included in the price?
- Accommodations while on tour
- All local transportation during the safari adventure with experienced wildlife trackers and guides
- All meals at our safari camp ( except beverages)
- Park entrance fees and permits
- Water and energy bars during in-field transportation
- Photography instruction by two professional photographers
What's not included in the price?
- Airfare from USA
- African safari guide/tracker gratuities = Average tip per participant per guide/tracker per day is $10 to $20 USD
- Meals in transit to the safari
- Baggage fees
- Personal expenses such as room service, alcohol, or additional beverages, laundry, phone service
- Activities or meals not listed on the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Emergency evacuation insurance (required )>>>( example)
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Deposit, payment schedule and refund policy Read carefully
- All fees noted are in USD dollar currency
- We must have deposits paid by ALL ten participants by 10/1/2017 in order to hold the reservaton dates. Thus, we will cancel the tour ourselves if we don't fill the ten participant spots by 2/1/2017. If we cancel the trip, ALL deposits will be refunded except for any PayPal fees paid as noted below.
- We have a three installment non-refundable payment schedule that covers the particpant fee for the tour. $1,890.00 USD deposit is due at time of signup. $2,000.00 USD due 2/1/2018. The final installment, $2,000 due on 6/1/18.
- If the tour is cancelled - all deposits paid will be refunded except for PayPal processing fees. We will accept personal checks - but if you prefer to use PayPal, a 3% upcharge will be needed to cover the fees PayPal charges us.
- Due to camp and lodging required for a trip of this magnitude, the refund policy is firm.
- Once you put a deposit down, that seat won't be available for anyone else.
Therefore we can't offer a refund unless we resell your spot. We will make every effort to do so. This policy is necessary to assure us that those who sign up are serious about the adventure and will not back out at the last minute. This policy is also important to insure the trip won't have to be cancelled for the remaining participants because one person drops out. The safari is for a small group of photographers on a custom itinerary and needs every participant to be viable. Because things can change for anyone at anytime - we strongly recommend you book travel insurance with a well known insurance carrier. - Seats are transferable (you can transfer a place on this trip that you've paid us for to another traveler up to four months prior to departure)
Do you recommend trip insurance?
Yes, there are few things more disconcerting that paying for an adventure that you can't join because of unforeseen difficulties. It is recommended that you purchase travel insurance to cover any non-refundable registration fees, travel, lodging, equipment rental or any other related expenses. Things happen. The cost for travel insurance is typically 4-7% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other factors. Knowing you have 100% trip cancellation coverage can make a big difference should you have to cancel for some unforeseen reason. Travel Insurance is highly recommended
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What type of camera equipment do I need?
- To get the most of your images, a good quality DSLR or top-of-the-line mirrorless camera is strongly suggested. Single point-and-shoot cameras often result in disappointment and frustration. We'll be capturing amazing landscapes, and wildlife as well. Therefore, a focal range of 18-105 is ideal for landscapes, while a longer lens of roughly 200-400mm is needed for wildlife (longer is okay, if you have it). Prime or fixed lenses are great for panorama shots and will give you the best quality all around. Wide- angle lenses can also be utilized for some of landscape locations and night shooting if applicable, a 16-35mm is the ideal lens, but somewhere in that range works as well. If you don't have any lenses in this focal range we recommend companies, such as borrowlenses.com. Circular polarizing filters will help tremendously and neutral density filters can be utilized as well. A sturdy, but lighter weight tripod or monopod is a necessity, especially if you have a large lens. At times we may be photographing wildlife in one location for more than an hour, so holding a big heavy lens can make you tired. Also, a tripod is essential for the longer exposures needed at sunrise and sunset.
- We advise bringing a large number of memory cards to suit your style, since there won't be an opportunity to shop for additional memory. Multiple 32 gig and 64gig cards are a good idea. A portable hard drive to back up your images with your laptop is good image insurance. If you want to view your images, get feedback and photo editing skills, your laptop is a must have.
Is this a tour or workshop?
- A mashup of both. We are there to help if you would like some help and we'll give you no advice unless you request it. We do expect you to be familiar with the basic settings of your camera, because you don't want to be fiddling around with how to set the exposure when the light changes. However, we are available with suggestions about exposure, composition and technique. Your working knowledge of your camera gear will have a direct relation to your productivity.
Are there any baggage limitations during the trip?
- Some airlines put a limit of 50lbs on your checked bag, so we like to stick with those guidelines, for your clothing bag. Please be sure to check with your airline and keep your luggage to just one suitcase per person and one camera bag per person. Camera gear can get heavy so as photographers we completely understand this. We always recommend carrying on your camera gear if at all possible. See airline regulations for size/weight restrictions.
What will the weather be like?
- Weather in October will average around 90 degrees, (can be hotter) but can be humid. Much of our outdoor activity will be early morning and afternoon/evening when it is cooler.
I plan on traveling alone. Do I need to bring someone?
- No, you don't, however, tour price is based on double occupancy, so we will place you with other solo travelers of the same sex. However, if you prefer your own room, we can make arrangements for single accommodations for a supplemental charge.
Can a non-photographer friend or spouse attend the workshop?
- Non-photographer friends and/or spouses are welcome to attend, but will be subject to the full participant fee due to fixed transportation and lodging costs.
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Health Considerations
Most activities are within the capabilities of average people in good health. They require the capability of walking over uneven trails and getting in and out of safari vehicles. If you have concerns about your own capabilities and/or fitness as it relates to a trip, please inquire before reserving a space. By forwarding a signed Registration Form and trip deposit, you certify that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions of disability that would create a risk for you or other trip participants and you agree to inform us in writing if changes in your health occur any time prior to the tour. Once a trip has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. That is what trip insurance is for and why we STRONGLY recommend it for all participants. We assume no responsibility for medical care or for special dietary requirements.
Ebola?
The ebola outbreak in is west Africa over 4,000 males away, it is not a risk in South Africa
Does weather ever alter or cancel events?
- Only if conditions pose a safety risk. Often, poor weather can make for dramatic photographic opportunities, so if rain is forecasted, pack a light jacket or rain poncho and bring something to keep your camera dry.
Do you recommend trip insurance?
- Yes. We STRONGLY recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any non-refundable registration fees, travel, lodging, equipment rental or any other related expenses if you have to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances.
Do I need a passport ?
- Yes. A current passport is required that will be valid for the length of your intended stay. Your passport should have at least TWO blank facing pages in it.
- Sufficient funds.
- A return or onward ticket.
- Yellow fever certificates – if your journey starts or passes through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
- Read more: http://www.southafrica.info/travel/documents/visas.htm#.VJEWGWwaw7g#ixzz3M89kA9kJ
South Africa Electricity
- South Africa electrical circuits are 240v, 50Hz. Most camera battery chargers and laptops are dual voltage and only need a plug adapter. Items rated for 110/120 only will need a power converter/transformer. Correct plug adapter is "Type M" South African SABS1661/ 15 amp "Large" British BS-546 (Beware as there is also a BS-546, Small, Type D, which is made for India)
Have more questions?
- No problem! We are happy to answer them: Email Us! Daryl dh@greater-yellowstone.com
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- Travel Insurance/with evacuation rider
- Camera gear - two bodies if possible since it would be good to have a backup in case of unexpected problems
- Camera Manual
- Foul weather gear
- Passport (Apply for one now if you don't have one - it takes up to six months for a new passport)
- Tripod or monopod
- Laptop & card readers
- Split field neutral density filter (optional)
- Polarizer filter
- Lots of digital storage. (We recommend twice as much as you think you might need since storage cards aren't available there)
- Lens cleaning cloth
- Extra batteries. We recommend at least 2 extra batteries
- Battery chargers
- Bean Bag
