ON SAFARI IN AFRICA with Ken Duncan (www.kenduncan.com) - April & September 2011

EAST AFRICA - APRIL 2011

Join Ken Duncan on a unique journey to visit some of Africa 's most sought-after safari destinations. As part of a private group you will visit some of Africa's top wildlife reserves in the company of one of Australia 's most renowned landscape photographers, Ken Duncan. With un paralleled wildlife viewing and t he opportunity to photograph Africa 's big game including elephant, buffalo, rhino, giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, hippo, zebra (and much more) this promises to be the safari adventure of a lifetime .

Brief Itinerary (12 nights) :

• 3 x nights Tortilis Camp, Amboseli National Park in Kenya
• 2 x nights Maramboi Camp, Lake Manyara in Tanzania
• 1 x night Ngorongoro Farm House, Karatu
• 2 x nights Ngorongoro Serena, Ngorongoro Crater
• 4 x nights Lake Masek Tented Camp, southern Serengeti

Dates:
10th to 22 April 2011.

PRICE: A$10,365 per person sharing.
Includes : all accommodation, meals as specified, activities (including use of private vehicles and driver/guides), drinks and laundry at Tortilis Camp only, Park fees, emergency evacuation. Excludes : international airfares, visas, travel insurance and items of a personal nature.

Tour Highlights:

• Panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro from our camp in Amboseli , Kenya .
• Cultural interaction and photographic opportunities with the colourful Maasai people in both Kenya and Tanzania .
• Africa 's big game - elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, giraffe, zebra and much more..
• Visiting both Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks .
• The unique Ngorongoro crater.
• The famed wildebeest migration in full swing.
• The open grasslands and endless plains of the Serengeti.
• Luxury safari accommodation in the best locations.
• Private vehicles and local guides.
• Time spent with Ken Duncan.
• Specialist Africa tour leader - Patrick Brakspear from African Encounter.

Mountain Gorilla tour extension:
An optional tour extension to see the endangered Mountain Gorillas is also available. This can be done either prior to the main tour or after. Please ask for details:

Single Travelers:
Single travelers are most welcome. We would like to encourage single travelers to share where ever possible. Should you not wish to share then a single supplement would apply.

Why April?
Whilst April & May are often described as the 'long rains' in East Africa , the truth is that it can rain at any time from January through to June! But April is beautifully green and lush (compared to June through October when it is dry, parched and very dusty). In April the temperatures are comfortable, the air is clear and the sunsets dazzling. An added bonus is that visitor numbers are traditionally far fewer in April, and this makes for a better quality safari experience (in our opinion).

In Rwanda, for those considering the Mountain Gorillas tour extension (see below for details), April is certainly one of the wetter months (it can, and does, rain at any time in the tropical forests of the Parc National des Volcans) but it is also the one time of the year where the skies are clear (often hazy through the drier months) and views of the six volcanoes in the area are at their best.

Who is this safari for?
This tour is specifically designed for photographic enthusiasts, with all activities geared towards getting you the best possible photographic opportunities. This will mean that you should be prepared to get up very early each morning to take advantage of the best available light, spend long hours in the safari vehicle, and be prepared to be patient. Whilst we are planning to take great wildlife images you do not need to be a professional photographer – far from it. Nor will you need the very latest in camera lenses and digital equipment – bring what you have and we will help you get the best images possible.

You will have the benefit of both a tour leader and local guides throughout, and of course Ken Duncan himself for photographic advice and insights.

Find out more...

 

OKAVANGO DELTA & THE KALAHARI - SEPT 2011

Join Ken Duncan on a unique journey to explore the Kalahari, including one of Africa 's most sought-after safari destinations - the Okavango Delta. As part of a private group you will visit some of Botswana 's top wildlife reserves in the company of one of Australia 's most renowned landscape photographers, Ken Duncan. With un paralleled wildlife viewing and t he opportunity to photograph Africa 's big game including elephant, buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, hippo, zebra (and much more) this promises to be the safari adventure of a lifetime .

Brief Itinerary (12 nights) :

• 3 x nights Haina Kalahari Lodge, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
• 2 x nights Eagle Island Camp, Okavango Delta
• 4 x night Khwai River Lodge, Moremi Game Reserve
• 2 x nights Savute Elephant Camp, Chobe National Park
• 1 x night Safari Club, Johannesburg

Dates: 21st September to 3rd October 2011.

PRICE: A$12,495 per person sharing.
Includes : all accommodation, meals as specified, activities, drinks, laundry, and Park fees. Excludes : international airfares, visas, travel insurance and items of a personal nature.

Tour Highlights:

• The wide open expanse of the Kalahari together with its desert-adapted wildlife including springbok, gemsbok, ground squirrels and possibly even a family of meerkats.
• Cultural interaction with the San Bushmen of the Kalahari.
• A water-based camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta from where we can explore the channels by mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) and motorised boat.
• A 45 minute helicopter flight over the Delta...not to be missed.
• Day and night game drives .
• Visiting the Central Kalahari Game Reserve , Chobe National Park , Moremi Game Reserve , and a unique region north of the Okavango known as the Savute .
• Africa 's big game - elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and much more.
• Luxury safari accommodation in choice locations.
• Private vehicles and local guides .
• Time spent with Ken Duncan .
• Specialist Africa tour leader - Patrick Brakspear from African Encounter.

Victoria Falls tour extension:
An optional tour extension to see the famous Victoria Falls is also available. This can be done either prior to the main tour or after. Please ask for details.

Single Travelers:
Single travelers are most welcome. We would like to encourage single travelers to share where ever possible. Should you not wish to share then a single supplement would apply.

Why September?
September lies at the end of the long dry winter, temperatures are starting to rise and the wildlife is drawn inextricably to the remaining water sources around the delta and its river tributaries. Large herds of buffalo and elephant are common sights along with the full plethora of animal species to be found in this region. Much of the grass has been eaten or trodden and the leaves have mostly fallen off the trees, thus making game spotting that much easier and so allowing for better general viewing.

Who is this safari for?
This tour is specifically designed for photographic enthusiasts, with all activities geared towards getting you the best possible photographic opportunities. This will mean that you should be prepared to get up very early each morning to take advantage of the best available light, spend long hours in the safari vehicle, and be prepared to be patient. Whilst we are planning to take great wildlife images you do not need to be a professional photographer – far from it. Nor will you need the very latest in camera lenses and digital equipment – bring what you have and we will help you get the best images possible.

ou will have the benefit of both a tour leader and local guides throughout, and of course Ken Duncan himself for photographic advice and insights.

Find out more...

Luangwa Photographic Workshops with David Rogers - 16 October 2010
(6 days/5 nights ex Lusaka)
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Often described as 'the real Africa', Zambia has its own special charm and offers an incredible diversity of attractions - including huge protected wilderness areas, vast inland swamps, cascading waterfalls, the source of both the Zaire and Zambezi rivers and numerous large lakes - encompassed in a land area of over 750,000 sq. kms.

A safari in Zambia is still run on 'old' style principles - comfortable but not luxurious - 'real,' not set apart. The camps and lodges are more rustic than in other parts of Africa - and this is part of their charm. They have been done like this on purpose and have not been developed with the 'mass market' in mind. These small, personalized safari outposts are home to some of the most knowledgeable wildlife experts in Africa. Night drives are also a feature within the National Parks (often not available in other countries). This is the land of the legendary African walking safari, one the world's biggest waterfalls, the wild Zambezi river, breath-taking lakes and wetlands, a profusion of birds, abundant wildlife, and raw, pulsating wilderness .......all in one friendly country!

Tour Description

David Rogers is one of southern Africa 's top travel writers and photographers, with more than 100 feature articles to his name. He has a background in Environmental Science and publishing and has long been a regular contributor to Africa Geographic , and for more than 10 years he has also provided award-winning work for many other leading publications locally and abroad, including Geo and the Sunday Telegraph . In addition, he has authored and photographed for several books, most recently Safari in Style South Africa & Zambia, Zambia Landscapes and Drakensberg and his images have appeared in many others. David photographs a wide range of subjects including interiors, animals, plants, landscapes, insects and birds.

The Luangwa valley ranks as one of Africa 's premier wildlife experiences. The lazy Luangwa River, the beautiful oxbow lakes and the high concentration of game make this a special place indeed. With a leopard density said to be double that of South Africa 's Kruger National Park and wall-to-wall hippos, you can be assured of great game-viewing.

Tour Highlights

• Expert photographic guide
• Photographic workshops
• Small group tour (max 6)
• Day and night game drives in open 4x4 vehicles
• Fabulous wildlife sightings + much more..
• All inclusive price

Brief Itinerary

• Fly from Lusaka to Mfuwe and on to Nkwali Camp in South Luangwa
• 2 days and nights to experience one of Africa's premier National Parks
• Enjoy game drives, guided walks and night drives
• 3 more days at nights at Nsefu Camp as above
• TOUR EXTENSION - Fly on to Livingstone, staying 2 nights at Islands of Siankaba at Victoria Falls
• View the mighty Victoria Falls and visit a local village
• Experience a microlight flight over the falls, white water rafting, the gorge swing or bungy jump - or just relax and enjoy the views.

Price per person - from USD4,330

All tours are quoted on a twin share basis and in United States dollars (USD). Prices are also available in Euro, Pounds Sterling or Australian dollars - please indicate your preference on your Booking / Quote request.

IMPORTANT
1. No single supplement.
2. Overnight stays in Lusaka or Johannesburg pre or post safari can be arranged at an additional cost.
3. Visas, travel insurance, gratuities and purchases of a personal nature as well as some airport taxes are not included.
4. Prices are subject to confirmation on booking.

Find out more...

Photographic Safaris with Hannes Lochner to the Kgalagadi in South Africa or the Kunene region in Namibia

Hannes Lochner specialises in Southern African wildlife safaris, adventure travel and tours to the Kalahari, Namibia, and Botswana.

Taking a maximum of 6 photographers per safari , you can join Hannes in one of the world's greatest wildlife destinations, where the "big five" roam free.

• Only 6 photographers per safari.
• Practical workshops for all skill levels.
• Top game viewing and wildlife photography opportunities.
• Open 4x4 vehicles with professional guide (if not own vehicle).

More about Hannes Lochner

Hannes Lochner was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. From an early age he has visited almost every game reserve in South Africa, along with his parents. A passion was born, which was to become his life's labour.

His family, mom and dad (both professors), two sisters and a brother, are all involved in medical sciences. Hannes had a different calling and after serving in the armed forces, he signed up for something more creative and spent the next couple of years engulfed in the art of graphic design at the University of Stellenbosch.

Hannes decided to return to his roots as a naturist and became a full time river guide in Namibia, following successful completion of his studies. He decided to travel the globe after a couple of years and kayaked her rivers extensively, meanwhile meeting her people while travelling her continents.

He started a rafting company on his return to South Africa and acted as river and field guide on the Orange and Kunene Rivers.

Cape Town called and he returned once more as freelance photographer, graphic designer and river guide.

His love for the animals and birds of Africa triumphed in the end and in 2007 he became a full time wildlife photographer and the idea of Colours of Southern Africa was born, no doubt next to the enchanting flames of a bushveld fire, a "rum and tab, with a dash of lemon" in hand and the enthusiastic ear of a best friend.

Kalahari Photo Safaris

If you look at successful wildlife or nature photographers that have visited Southern Africa, you will find that a lot of them have been to the Kalahari, and produced award-winning photographs there. The Kalahari is an arid semi-desert region that covers the far north of South Africa, big parts of southern and central Botswana and parts of Namibia.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park consists of the old Kalahari Gemsbok National Park of South Africa and the old Gemsbok National Park of Botswana. It is a Peace Park, and there is no physical boundary between the two countries inside the park.

Day 1
Meeting in Twee Rivieren Campsite, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Day 2
Driving up to Nossob camp. Sleeping in Nossob campsite. Spending memorable hours at the waterhole through the whole evening.

Day 3
Early morning game drive, stopping at all the water holes, sleeping in Polentswa Campsite in Botswana.

Day 4
Early morning game drive, stopping at all the water holes, towards Grootkolk for lunch. Sleeping again at Polentswa Campsite.

Day 5
North to Unions End, sleeping in the tented camps at Grootkolk.

Day 6
Driving south towards Nossob camp, sleeping in Nossob campsite. Spending memorable hours at the waterhole through the whole evening.

Day 7
Driving west towards Mata Mata camp, sleeping in Mata Mata campsite. Spending memorable hours at the waterhole through the whole evening.

Day 8
Driving east towards Twee Rivieren camp, sleeping in Mata Mata Teneted campsite.

Day 9
Driving back to Twee Rivieren campsite.

The trip can be extended to Mabuasehube for 2 extra days.

Dates:

2010:
4-8 February
11-15 February
18-22 February
25 February - 1 March
1-8 June
10-18 July

Ask us about Hannes's special Soccer World Cup Kalahari tours in June and July 2010

SAFARI COST:
US$ 2,985 per person all inclusive. Single supplement $TBA

Find out more...

Kunene River Safaris

The Kunene Region is situated in Namibia's remote north-west, bordering Angola to the north and including the inhospitable Skeleton Coast. The region gets its name from the Kunene River, which forms the border between Namibia and Angola.

The Region will provide you with experiences that you will never forget. The landscapes, with their spectacular desert mountains, gorges, plains, and ephemeral rivers are stunning.

2010:
21 May - 4 June

Day 1
Meeting in Joe's Beer House Restaurant, Windhoek, [19h00]. Your guides will be introduced and the expedition will be explained. Sleeping : Hotel Pension Eros

Day 2
Driving up to Etosha National Park. Sleeping in Okaukuejo campsite. Spending memorable hours at the waterhole through the whole evening.

Day 3
Early morning game drive, stopping at all the water holes, sleeping in Okaukuejo campsite.

Day 4
Early morning game drive, stopping at all the water holes, towards Halali Rest Camp for lunch. Sleeping at Namatoni. Do the Damara Dik-Dik drive.

Day 5
North to Ruacana Falls on the Cunene River. You drive through Ovamboland, Ondangwa, Oshakati. Sleeping between Hippo Pools and Ondoruso Falls.-Camping.

Day 6
First day of paddling. After the safety speech and a healthy breakfast you'll be hitting the rapids. Starting of with the Ondoruso Gorge. "Cork screw, Fizz Pop and Birthday Chute" are among the many rapids. Incredible birdlife and of course the three big ones : Grey Kestrel, Cinderella Waxbill and the Rufous Tailed Palmthrush are among the favourites to look for. Crocodiles will be seen frequently but are normally very cautious of people. Lunch on river . Meet the backup crew at Cunene Lodge where you will be spending the night. Warm showers and a refreshing sundowner overlooking the river.

Days 7,8,9
After breakfast back on river. Meeting members of the Ovahimba tribe, paddling some challenging rapids. The "13 Falls gorge" should get the heart rate pumping, rapids like "S-bend, Defy, Twins and Rofty's are among the bigger rapids! Making your way through "Crocodile alley" and sleeping at three of the most beautiful campsites, namely Enyandi, "Moerse boom, and Steekboom".

Days 10,11
Paddling towards Epupa Falls, winding your way through hundreds of little channels. Spending two incredible nights on the edge of the waterfall. Taking walks to all the various lookout spots.

Day 12
Driving to Damaraland -Twyfelfontein - Sleeping at Camp Xaragu.

Day 13
Looking for desert elephants, see rock paintings - Sleeping at Camp Xaragu.

Day 14
Driving back to Windhoek - Supper at Joe's Beer House Restaurant, Sleeping: Hotel Pension Eros.

SAFARI COST:
US$ 4,725 per person all inclusive. Single supplement $TBA

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