PHOTOGRAPHIC TOUR OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

Join professional Photographer Chris du Plessis on a private photographic tour of Southern Africa especially designed for the amateur or professional photographer. Chris will show you the ways on how best to capture Africa on film. His expert knowledge of the region and keen photography skills will ensure that you not only take amazing memories with you in your camera, but you also experience the magic of Africa!

This trip is the ultimate African Photographic Safari, from the lush Savannah of The Kruger National Park, to the romantic landscapes of Cape Town and over the stark and desolate splendor of the Namib Desert, and all of this you will experience whilst traveling in ultimate luxury and style

Our goal is to give you the opportunity to photograph and explore our beautiful region – creating memories that will last a lifetime!

NOTES:

Charter flight costs are subject to change until date of travel
All photographs taken on this tour will be yours to keep.
This tour will serve as Chris du Plessis’ master class in Southern African Photography

The flight duration from Serra Cafema is 3hours 15min – please allow at least 2 hours for check in time at Windhoek International. If your flight is an early flight out, an alternative is to overnight them Windhoek for 1 night before flying out the next day. 18H00 is the earliest time guests can connect onto an international flight out of Windhoek.

DAY 1 /
21 OCTOBER 2008 / 9

Upon arrival at Johannesburg International Airport, specialist professional photographer, Chris du Plessis, who will accompany you for the duration of your journey, will meet you.  A Russian-speaking guide will also join you. Your guide and photographer will offer not only expert advice in photography but also advise you how to apply this knowledge and make the most of the amazing photographic opportunities available throughout your trip.

The guide will meet you at the international arrivals lounge in Johannesburg O.R.Tambo International Airport and assist you with your luggage to the vehicle for a short transfer to Lanseria Airport. You will be assisted to your waiting light aircraft transfer to northern Kruger National Park and stay at Pafuri Camp on a fully inclusive basis.

Arrive at the camp where welcome drinks will await you. After checking in and freshening up you will experience an evening wildlife drive, where you can capture the sunsets and the nocturnal animals of the bush. Return to the camp for a healthy dinner and overnight.

Pafuri Camp is situated between the Limpopo and the Luvuvhu Rivers in the northern sector of the Kruger National Park, in a 24 000-hectare area called the Pafuri or the Makuleke. This area is the ancestral home of the Makuleke people and is one of the most diverse and scenically attractive areas in the Kruger National Park.

This area is certainly the wildest and most remote part of the Park and offers varied vegetation, great game viewing, the best birding in all of the Kruger, and is filled with folklore of the early explorers and ancient civilisations. It is well known for its fever tree forests, beautiful gorges and Crook's Corner, where the Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers and three countries, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique, meet. The region is considered one of Kruger's biodiversity hotspots, with some of the largest herds of elephant and buffalo, leopard and lion and incredibly prolific birdlife. Pafuri Camp caters for the traditional Kruger Park visitor and is the only camp accessible to self-drivers in the extreme northern sector of the Park. Being so different from the rest of the Park, it complements the scenery and experience offered at the lodges in the southern Kruger and the Sabi Sands. Travellers visiting the lodges or camps in the south can experience the Kruger in its entirety by including the Pafuri / Makuleke region in their itineraries.
Accommodation consists of 20 tented rooms (including six family rooms for up to four people), each with en-suite bathroom facilities. The tented rooms all look out over the Luvuvhu River; guests can sit on their decks and watch for elephant, nyala, waterbuck or bushbuck coming down to drink - to name but a few! Activities in the Makuleke / Pafuri area are extremely varied and interesting. Game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, night drives, walks, hides (including some that will cater for sleep-outs) are all part of the range of activities that are on offer. One of the most important aspects of this area is its palaeo-anthropological history, with its plethora of evidence of early human ancestors stretching back some 2 million years ago, through the Stone Age and into the Iron Age about 400 years ago when the Thulamela dynasty ruled in this area. This dynasty built incredible structures that are not dissimilar to that found in the Great Zimbabwe. Throughout the concession, there is evidence of its human inhabitants, in the form of rock paintings and artefacts - under many a baobab are Stone Age hand tools, such as hand axes, to be found.

Services Included /

Charter services: Scheduled light aircraft transfer Johannesburg (Lanseria) to Pafuri Camp

Entrance fees included: National Parks Conservation fee

Meals Included: Dinner

Overnight accommodation / Pafuri Camp / Standard room / Fully inclusive basis

DAY 2 /
22 OCTOBER 2008 / 9

You will wake up early morning for a sunrise wildlife experience and then return to the lodge for a scrumptious breakfast. This morning enjoy a specialist safari on the history and archaeology of the area.

All meals will be enjoyed at the camp.

Your day is spent enjoying all this area has to offer and take advantage of the many photographic opportunities available.

At dusk you will find other areas in the bush for another opportunity to take photos of the gorgeous sunset in the bush.

Return to the camp for a boma dinner served at campfire. The evening is spent with the group discussing the day’s events.
 

Services Included /

Coach & guide services: None

Entrance fees included: National Parks Conservation fee

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight accommodation / Pafuri Camp / Standard room / Fully inclusive basis

Photographic highlights: Baobab trees in sunset and with stars trails / Landscape / Elephants / River with trees / Njala
Buffalos  / Painting with light / Flash Photography  

DAY 3 /
23 OCTOBER 2008 / 9

An early morning game drive is enjoyed before returning to camp for a lovely breakfast. At a time advised by the lodge staff you will be transferred to the airstrip in time for your light aircraft transfer to Sabi Sands reserve.

On arrival you will be met by the lodge staff and transferred by Landrover to Londolozi Camp on a fully inclusive basis. 

The evening is spent exploring the bush and more special spots with photography value. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Londolozi Private Game Reserve is a 14 000-hectare concession situated in the heart of the famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve on the western border of the Kruger National Park. Londolozi’s private camps and intimate Safari Lodge offer world-class sophistication and style in the African bush.
Londolozi Pioneer Camp - This colonial-style safari camp offers 3 exclusive suites and 3 river-view chalets. Amenities in the room include air-conditioning, luxurious en-suite bathrooms, fireplace, mini bar, private veranda and sala (outdoor covered deck) and an outdoor shower. The thatched chalets boast riverside views and private verandas. Facilities in the lodge include a lounge area, dining area and a lap pool. An interactive kitchen is open to the indoor and deck dining areas.
Founders Camp - Situated in a riverine forest overlooking the Sand River, this safari camp offers accommodation in 5 safari chalets and 1 suite, all with river views, air-conditioning and en-suite glass-walled bathrooms. Facilities at the lodge include a thatched viewing deck, a riverside pool, a boma (outdoor dining area), and a dining deck overlooking the river.


Services Included /

Charter services: Private air charter Pafuri Camp to Londolozi Private Game Reserve

Entrance fees included: National Parks Conservation fee

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight accommodation / Londolozi Private Game Reserve / Standard room / Fully inclusive basis

DAY 4 /
24 OCTOBER 2008 / 9

You will wake up early morning for a sunrise wildlife experience and then return to the lodge for a scrumptious breakfast.

All meals will be enjoyed at the camp.

Your day is spent enjoying all this area has to offer and take advantage of the many photographic opportunities available.

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is undoubtedly the most exclusive private game reserve in South Africa. The 65,000-hectare Sabi Sands Game Reserve is located on the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park. There are no restricting fences between the Kruger Park and Sabi Sands and the wildlife roams freely between the two game reserves. Your Wildlife Safari cannot be complete without exposure to every facet of life in the bush. Leopards are a main attraction of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and are so accustomed to cars that they do not take much notice of them. Even when hunting, a leopard in the Sabi Sands will not mind a vehicle following it, even if this means following it off-road though the bush.

At dusk you will find other areas in the bush for another opportunity to take photos of the gorgeous sunset in the bush.

Return to the camp for a boma dinner served at campfire. The evening is spent with the group discussing the day’s events

Services Included /

Coach & guide services: None

Entrance fees included: National Parks Conservation fee

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight accommodation / Londolozi Private Game Reserve / Standard room / Fully inclusive basis

Photographic highlights: Leopards / Fire Place  (boma) / Lions / Elephants / Dry river bed / Micro Photography / Long lenses

DAY 5 /
25 OCTOBER 2008 / 9

This morning you will go for your last game drive to find the first wildlife sightings of the day. Return to camp for breakfast. At a time advised by the camp staff you will be transferred to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport for your scheduled flight to Cape Town (own arrangement).

Arrive at Cape Town International Airport.

With majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A harmonious blend of architectural styles reflects the tastes and dictates of the past , and todays more functional requirements. Gourmets and lovers of fine wine have a treat in store. Magnificent views stretch across the peninsula and beyond. In the early days, the settlement was known around the world as "Tavern of the Seas".

Transfer to your hotel just outside of Camps Bay. Once you have settled in and absorbed some of the breathtaking views you will be transferred to Table Mountain. Weather permitting, you will be able to ascend to the top in a cable car and bear witness to one of the reasons why Cape Town is unarguably the most beautiful city on the world!  

Return to Table Bay Hotel where you will stay on a bed and breakfast basis. 

Situated on Quay Six of Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront, the Table Bay Hotel can offer rooms with a view either of Table Mountain or the sea as far out as Robin Island. All 329 rooms offer en-suite bathrooms with separate shower, walk in cupboards, butler station, honour bar, safe, satellite TV, radio, vanity units with hair dryers, direct private line for telephone, fax and modem and air-conditioning. The salt-water pool is heated and is surrounded by a mahogany pool deck with chaises lounges. Guests can also relax in the Jacuzzi or have a professional poolside massage. Drinks and light meals may be served from the pool bar. Floor to ceiling glass encloses the boutique gym. The Health Spa has a spectacular view of Robben Island and is equipped with steam and therapy rooms and offers a range of fragrant aromatherapy massages and holistic treatments. Enjoy mealtimes at a selection of fine restaurants: The Atlantic Restaurant, The Conservatory, The Lounge, The Union Bar and the Pool Bar.

This evening you will enjoy a scrumptious dinner at Azure Restaurant where head chef, Roberto de Carvalho is on hand to create a variety of exquisite dishes including meat, seafood and vegetarian options. From the spicy entree of our Cape Malay pickled fish or the delicate fresh oysters followed by a butternut, baby marrow and morogo lasagna or the grilled kingklip served with sautéed brown rice and chives with a roasted fennel sauce, your taste buds will be infused by the finest of organic ingredients. Azure is the first to introduce Fynbos cooking - utilising this natural wild vegetation from our gardens rounded off with a delightfully sweet dessert of fynbos honey bavarois or Bea's baked cheesecake taken on our stunning terrace overlooking the ocean and magnificent sunset you will truly experience the magic of Azure!

Services Included /
                                                                                                                           
Coach & guide services: Full day

Scheduled flight: Kruger Mpumalanga Airport to Cape Town International Airport

Entrance fees included: Table Mountain

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight accommodation / Table Bay Hotel / Standard room / Bed & Breakfast basis

DAY 6 /
26 OCTOBER 2008 / 9

After breakfast depart the hotel and commence a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula including Cape Point, Seal Island, the penguins and delicious seafood lunch at the Two Oceans Restaurant.

The principal road through the reserve ends near the summit of Cape Point in a parking area, whence visitors may walk up the steep slope to the highest point. From this position the panorama is breathtaking, encompassing the whole of False Bay and the Hottentots Holland Mountains beyond. By far the most dramatic view, however, is downward, for the vantage point is 209m above the rocks on to which the Atlantic Ocean crashes. The southernmost spot of the Peninsula is not, as many believe, Cape Point but the Cape of Good Hope, 2.3km to the west and about 200m further south, to which there is an access road 27km from the parking area.

Return to the Table Bay Hotel to freshen up before your dinner transfer to Ginja Restaurant, one of Cape Town’s top ten restaurants located in a charming historic building in the “Mother City”.  Dinner is enjoyed at your leisure.

Services Included /
                                                                                                                           
Coach & guide services: Full day

Entrance fees included: Cape Point National Park, Funicular cruise, Boulders Beach, Hout Bay Seal Cruise,

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight accommodation / Table Bay Hotel / Standard room / Bed & Breakfast basis

DAY 7 /
27 OCTOBER 2008 / 9

Your day is spent at leisure. There are a variety of sights to see and activities to do or you can simply enjoy the amazing views and relax at the hotel.

Later this evening your guide will transfer you to the V&A Waterfront to the Bascule Bar at the Cape Grace where you will enjoy a private whisky tasting with the whisky sommelier, Soma Dennis.

Located in the refined colonial chic of the amazing Cape Grace Hotel it boasts the largest whisky selection in South Africa - a classy touch more than matched by the extraordinary marina views from the lounge. Upmarket tourists and moneyed Stellenbosch wine farmers sip Jameson and Boschendal on the plush leather sofas and decide whether to stay all night or hit the town. Either way, they do it with Grace.

Afterward enjoy a delicious dinner at One.Waterfront before returning to the Table Bay Hotel.

Services Included /
                                                                                                                           
Coach & guide services: Half day (dinner transfer)

Entrance fees included: Whiskey Tasting

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight accommodation / Table Bay Hotel / Standard room / Bed & Breakfast basis

Photographic highlights: Buildings / Table Mountain / Painting with Light / Slow Sonic Flash / Wide Angle shots / Tripod a must! / Late and long days!! Sunset at 8 / Long distance walks / People to photograph / Need hat, sunglasses and backpack!! / Filters

DAY 8 /
28 OCTOBER 2008 / 9

After breakfast and completion of check out formalities, depart Cape Town for a scenic drive to the Winelands area.

Stop in Somerset West at Morgenster Wine Estate for an olive and wine tasting. Continue onto Stellenbosch a charming little town along the wine lands meander.

Lunch is enjoyed at 96 Winery Road just outside of Stellenbosch. After lunch drive to the multiple award winning Waterford Wine Estate for a chocolate & wine tasting. After driving through such amazing scenery with unlimited photo opportunities – continue onto Franschoek and stay at Mont Rochelle on a bed and breakfast basis. 

Mont Rochelle Hotel & Restaurant, situated on a working wine farm in Franschhoek, is a small luxury hotel. This hotel in renowned for its superb cuisine and its stunning vistas over the Cape wine lands landscape. La Couronne has 18 sumptuous, individually decorated rooms. Amenities in all rooms include en-suite bathrooms, ceiling fans and air-conditioning, hair dryer, tea/coffee station, bathrobes, slippers and underfloor heating. Facilities at the hotel include a masseuse, a terrace overlooking the valley, a boardroom and function room, a helicopter pad, lounge and a swimming pool.

You will be transferred to Reuben’s Restaurant for dinner tonight. The award winning chef, Reuben Riffel and his partners have a recipe for success in what is possibly the best place to eat in Franschoek!

Services Included /
                                                                                                                           
Coach & guide services: Full day

Entrance fees included: Wine & Olive tasting, Chocolate & Wine tasting & Stellenbosch Museum

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight accommodation / Mont Rochelle / Merlot room / Bed & Breakfast basis

Photographic highlights: Tripod / Filters / Late days at about 8 / Flash / Wide angle lenses / Photograph mountains and landscapes

DAY 9 /
29 OCTOBER 2008 / 9

Early this morning you will be met and transferred to the Cape Town Airport in time for your scheduled flight to Windhoek International Airport in Namibia.

On arrival you will be met and assisted to your light aircraft transfer to the northern reaches of Namibia and on a journey through the Skeleton Coast of Namibia.

The Skeleton Coast conjures up mysterious visions of mist-enshrouded beaches strewn with bleached whalebones and rusted shipwrecks. Stretching from the south of Namibia up into Angola, the Skeleton Coast and its hinterland is a landscape of haunting beauty, a vast area of rolling sand dunes, expanses of uninhabited desert plains, fossil beds, unique geological formations, desert-adapted animals and strange vegetation.

Commence an awe inspiring three night / four-day Skeleton Coast safari leaving Windhoek in the morning, following the Skeleton Coast from Conception Bay to the Huab Valley during the first day. The second day continues up the coast as far as the Hoarusib Valley and the third day as far as the Kunene River, being the northern border of Namibia.

Services Included /

Coach & guide services: Transfer only

Charter services: Windhoek International Airport to Skeleton Coast Camp

Scheduled flight: Cape Town International Airport to Windhoek International Airport

Entrance fees included: None

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight accommodation / Skeleton Coast Camp / Standard room / Fully inclusive basis

DAY 10 & 11 /
30 & 31 OCTOBER 2008 / 9

Enjoy a lovely breakfast at the camps restaurant and then depart off to explore the area.

The landscape is hauntingly beautiful, a vast area of rolling sand dunes, expanses of uninhabited desert plains, fossil beds, unique geological formations, desert-adapted animals and strange vegetation – a photographer’s paradise! 

The Skeleton Coast Park in Namibia stretches from the Kunene River in the north for approximately 500km to the Ugab River in the south. The landscape includes sand dunes, canyons and mountain ranges all of which are synonymous with Namibia. The climatic conditions are not necessarily what you would expect in a desert country like Namibia, due to dense fog and cold sea breezes, this is caused by the cold Benguela Current which flows offshore meeting with the extreme heat of the Namib Desert. The Skeleton Coast is normally associated with its famous shipwrecks and stories abound of sailors walking for hundreds of kilometers through this barren Namibian landscape in search of food and water.

All meals are enjoyed at the camp.

Dinner will be a campfire affair.
 
Overnight Skeleton Coast Camp on a fully inclusive basis.

Services Included /
                                                                                                                           
Coach & guide services: None

Entrance fees included: None

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight accommodation / Skeleton Coast Camp / Standard room / Fully inclusive basis

DAY 12 /
1 NOVEMBER 2008 / 9

At a time advised by the camp staff, you will be transferred to the airstrip in time for your light aircraft transfer to the most remote camp in Namibia on the banks of the Kunene River.

On arrival at the airstrip you will be met and transferred to Serra Cafema where you will stay on a fully inclusive basis – a perfect way to end your photographic journey through Southern Africa.

Serra Cafema Camp, one of the remotest destinations in all of Africa, offers one of the most memorable experiences. Perched on the banks of the Kunene River, we share this region with the wonderful and colourful Himba people, some of the last true nomadic people of Africa. The camp has 9 canvas and thatched chalets on decks, each with its own en-suite bathroom. One falls asleep to the gurgling water sounds from the cataract downstream from camp.

The variety of activities to explore the breathtaking landscape dotted all about with Springbok, Ostrich and Oryx, include traversing the sand dunes on carefully guided quad-bike excursions that tread lightly on the dunes and boating on the Kunene River. Walking in the remote mountain and river valleys are also a highlight.

Services Included /
                                                                                                                           
Charter services: Skeleton Coast Camp to Serra Cafema

Entrance fees included: None
 
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight accommodation / Serra Cafema Camp / Standard room / Fully inclusive basis

Photographic highlights: Cover your camera for sandy situations / Tripod / Filters / Landscapes / Sunsets

DAY 13 /
2 NOVEMBER 2008 / 9

The last day of your journey is spent enjoying the peace and serenity of this region.

Serra Cafema is often visited by the native Ovahimba families who live in the nearby vicinity which give the guests the chance to learn all about their lifestyles and traditions. A popular activity is a quad bike route through the sand dunes. Guests will travel out in formation with a guide and head for the dunes. The excursions will be carefully controlled to ensure that there is no environmental damage – and will get guests into some wonderful areas while having a lot of fun. The Kunene River has a large population of Nile Crocodiles. Burchell's courser and Benguella Long-billed lark, are among the characteristic bird species to be found in this area. There are also a number of endemic reptiles and the fairy circle phenomenon is best viewed in the Hartmann's Valley.

All meals are enjoyed at the camp.

Dinner will be a campfire affair and discussions on the days’ photographic splendours.

Services Included /
                                                                                                                           
Coach & guide services: None

Entrance fees included: None

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight accommodation / Serra Cafema Camp / Standard room / Fully inclusive basis

Photographic highlights: Cover your camera for sandy situations, Tripod, Filters, Landscapes, Sunsets, Walks, Campfire, Painting with Light 

 DAY 14 /
3 NOVEMBER 2008 / 9

After a lovely breakfast served at the lodge you will gather your luggage and finalise check out formalities.
At a time advised by the camp staff, you will be transferred to the airstrip in time for your scheduled flight back to Johannesburg.

Services Included /
                                                                                                                           
Charter services: Serra Cafema Camp to Windhoek International Airport

Scheduled flight: Windhoek International Airport to Johannesburg O.R.Tambo International Airport

Entrance fees included: None

Meals Included: Breakfast 

Photographic course by Chris du Plessis

This tour, whilst also being a fantastic photographic opportunity will also serve as a photographic master class by the world famous South African photographer Chris du Plessis.


Includes notes on different subjects on photography.
Every night the photographer will tell you what you’re going to photograph and what you have to take with the following day

Biography on Chris Du Plessis

What you will cover in the tour

WORKING WITH LIGHT: (indoors)

Composition & Light, these are the two things is what you need to create an award winning image.

In this intense, hands on course, we show you amazing ways of using light and how to create an image out of nothing indoors.
This course consist of 4 modules

Assignment (projects) / (composition)

WORKING WITH LIGHT: (outdoors)

You will not believe what you can do with light outdoors.
This course consist of a week end outing and students are expected to complete a number of assignments in their own time

MACRO Photography 

This workshop is presented in the form of a outing where we show you how close you can really get with basic equipment.
We show what equipment to use and lighting for in-and outdoors, even how to make you own diffuser for close-up photography.

CREATIVE Photography

We show you how to create and see pictures in a different way.
(Come and see that you should never belief what you see in a photograph)

FLASH Photography 

In this workshop we show you what you really can do with your flash, from the very basic to advance flash photography.

Included in this course:

What to bring:

Camera body / Extra body (film) / Wide angle lens / Long lens / Tri pot / Polarizer filter / Cable switch / Batteries (camera) / Batteries (flash) / Chargers / 2 Point plugs / Cleaning kit (big brush) / Camera bag / Plastic bags (protection) / Torch / Hand towel / Umbrella / Compact flash cards (lots) / Laptop / Binoculars / Beanbag

End of services /

1. When taking close-up shots with a long lens, set the aperture at f8 and focus on the animal's eyes. This ensures most of the face will be in focus.

2. Have your camera set up, so you prepared for those fleeting moments. I have mine set at f8, servo mode with aperture priority.

3. Bracket your shots. For example, when taking photos of an elephant, take one portrait shot, another with the environment in view, then another shot with close-up detail, such as mouth and tusk.

4. Use low contrast film when the sun is bright and high contrast film when it's cloudy or dull.

5. Vary shots in vertical and horizontal modes.

6. When the animal is moving you will need a shutter speed of at least 1/125, unless you are using a panning technique. Birds in flight require speeds of 1/500 or more.

7. If you have time, do not take a photo at the earliest opportunity. Look out for background and foreground distractions, which seem to appear out of nowhere.

8. A lens of 300mm in focal length is the minimum for mammal photography. If your interest is in taking photos of birds then 500mm is a good starting point.

9. Try not to centre all your shots, leave room for the animal to walk into. Otherwise, all your photographs will appear static.

10. If you are on a safari, don't take all your photos from the roof hatch of the van. Better photos can be had when you make use of the windows. Photographs taken at the animal's eye-level will appear more dramatic.

11. If your prime reason for going on safari is to take photos, do not go on a regular safari. You will find yourself sharing your vehicle with up to 6 guests. So do not expect to stay at any sighting long enough to take any behavioural shots. Fellow guests will not be interested in the magic light. In short, expect to be frustrated. There are alternatives.

Most important is colour rendition and secondly it is frames per second and the ensuing buffer speed. I enjoy submitting my images to photographic competitions so it is important to shoot in RAW format. The world’s largest nature photographic competition, the BBC Wildlife / Natural History Museum’s competition, requires that entrants submit the Jpeg as well as the RAW file. With regards to megapixels, I am of the opinion that it is not such an important factor. Even a 6 million pixel digital camera can render acceptable prints of a meter by a meter, even when shot in Jpeg. (Trust me, I do this regularly in my business). Most computer monitors or digital projectors in any case only display images at a maximum of 1024 x 768 pixels per inch, which is not as good as a slide projected with a traditional slide projector.

With film the colour rendition is, well, like film ! I found that digital colour rendition is just as good. The most important factor that I considered before switching was frames per second. When the action really happens, I want to be able to shoot 15 images in 2 seconds.

I recently went on a 10 day trip to Botswana with the idea that my film camera will be the primary camera and that my digital camera will be the backup or guinea pig. At the end of the trip I shot 1300 digital images and 900 slides. One of the advantages of digital is that it does not cost more if you shoot more. This is an important factor when trying to capture that special image. The other major advantage is that I gain at least one stop extra with digital. With digital I shoot at 200 ISO, with film the maximum film speed that I will use is 100 ISO. Another advantage with digital is that you can immediately see the results and adjust your settings accordingly. With my film camera (Eos 3) all my shots were correctly exposed, but that is just because I know the camera so well. Whenever I had to manually adjust the exposure on the film camera - which was not often - it was never more that one f-stop. With the Canon 20D I continuously had to underexpose between 1 and 2 f-stops. This added another 1 to 2 stops of speed though. This extra speed certainly helped to capture more action shots. With these added 1 to 3 stops it enabled me to use a 1.4 converter more successfully as it allowed me to close down the lens, something I believe is essential when shooting with a teleconverter.

Because the CCD is smaller that a 35mm film, the 20D increases the lens focal length with a factor of 1.6. My 500mm F4 lens all became an 800mm F4 lens ! Though this helped most of the time there were a few occasions when it was just too much.

The autofocus on the 20D is very good, comparable with the Eos 3.The viewfinder of the 20D is not very clear though. I had heard that dust could be a problem with digital in the bush, but I did not encounter any such problems, even with changing the lenses between the camera bodies a few times every day. In RAW format the 20D can shoot 5 fps, but that is only for the 1st second, thereafter the buffer speed is insufficient and the camera needs to process the data first before shooting can continue. This takes another second or two. On this trip I never encountered a scene where the 20D’s buffer speed was insufficient.

The end result ? Quite a few good opportunities were not fully exploited when I used the 50 or 100 ASA film as the images were blurred due the shutter speed being too slow. The digital camera has allowed me to capture images that would simply have not been possible with film. I will still use my film camera though …for those special occasions.

It's important to know the behavior of the animals you're trying to photograph.
By understanding their behavior you will have a better chance of finding them and
you will be able to predict their actions.

By reading up on animal behavior you will learn the different kinds of terrain the
various animals prefer. You can combine that knowledge with that of your
qualified guide to plan the best African game drives and bush walks, where you
will have the opportunity to take some amazing photo's.

Security is very important, so make sure that you don't put yourself in danger.
Also never interfere with the natural behavior of the animals in order to take a
better photo!

Some part of all trips will involve meeting people from local tribes and with
cultural backgrounds different from ours. Please be courteous when taking
pictures. It is always a good idea to build rapport with your subjects first and
then ask them if it is OK to take their picture. Tribal folk can be very suspicious
of cameras; vocal and demonstrative with people who shoot first and
make friends after.

The following tips should help you to take memorable photos while on your
African safari:

When taking close-up pictures, focus on the animal's eyes. This guarantees that
most of the animal's face will be in focus. Be prepared and ready with your camera
at all times, as animals may suddenly appear and disappear just as quickly.
Range your subject. For example, when taking photos of an Elephant, take a
portrait shot; include one more with the general habitat in context to the subject,
then another with close-up detail, such as horns and face.

Utilize low contrast film when the sun is intense and high contrast film when it is
overcast or dull. Take different pictures in vertical and horizontal approaches.
Take photographs from different levels when you are on a game viewing
activity. Pictures taken at the animal's eye-level will appear more sensational.
Do not center all your shots; leave room in your subject for the animal to move
into. This will prevent lifeless composition and give an imitate portrayal of your
subject. A good starting point for wildlife photography is a lens with a 300mm in
focal length. Bird photography will require a 500mm lens. When the subject is
in motion, use a shutter speed of at least 1/125, except if you are using a panning
method. Birds in flight necessitate speeds of 1/500 or more.

Film Requirements:
You will find incredible photographic opportunities on your safari. There are
no limitations on the amount of film you can bring to any of the countries of
Southern Africa, so bring plenty! Film is expensive and can be hard to find once in
Africa. If you are interested in A PHOTOFRAPHIC JOURNAL of your
safari, bring at least 1 roll (36 exposures) per day; it doesn't hurt to bring more.
We recommend Kodachrome 64 (slide film) or Fujichrome 100 for most daylight
shots in open territory. With longer lenses, which admit less light, or for low light
situations around dawn and dusk, 400 ASA (or higher) are also recommended. A
flash unit is a useful addition when taking pictures of dark subjects in low light
conditions, or evening camp fire scenes. Stow your film in a lead foil bag to
protect it from heat, moisture and airport X-ray machines. There are two types
available, one rated up to 400 ASA and one to 3200 ASA. The 3200 ASA bag is
virtually impenetrable to X-rays and is worth the extra cost.

Lenses:
A 200 or 300 mm lens (or 80-300 zoom) is good for most wildlife photography
from vehicles or boats. A 400-500 mm lens will work well in many situations,
especially if you are a keen bird photographer.

A standard 50mm or wide-angle lens is good for scenery and people shots.
If you are an avid photographer you may want to bring two SLR cameras
bodies (of the same type) so you will not have to constantly change lenses. With
two cameras you will spend more time looking at the wildlife and composing shots
than fumbling in your camera bag, getting dust in your one camera body, and
missing the action!

Filters & Accessories
Skylight and haze filters are useful for lens protection as well as picture
enhancement. Polarizing filters are useful when taking pictures over water and
with wide-angle shots with sky and clouds. Although tripods are cumbersome and
you will have few opportunities to use them, if they are light-weight you may want
to bring them along. A small beanbag is very handy for resting your camera and
lens on the roof of vehicles.

We suggest that you make the bag at home (approx. 6"x 9") and fill it with beans
purchased at a local market (to save weight).

Bring plenty of spare batteries for motor drives, flash units, etc. and for your
camera (they are very scarce in Africa). It is very handy if all your equipment uses
the same size batteries, so that if you run short, you can borrow batteries from
your other equipment.

If you plan to buy new camera equipment before this trip, make sure you are
completely familiar with it's operation. Try to envisage the type of lighting and
subject conditions you will experience on the trip, and use a few rolls of film to
experiment and perfect your technique. A trip to the zoo may help with
identification and technique.

Time spent in preparation will pay dividends in the field. For those of you who are
real camera buffs, it is a good idea to bring along a small automatic (point and
shoot) camera for convenience, in addition to your bulky SLR cameras. This will
be very useful as a back up camera and in situations where setting up an SLR is
too time consuming and absorbing. Polaroid Cameras are usually an instant hit and
serve as a great ice breaker with local folk. If the locals receive a picture, usually
they are very willing to pose for a shot with your SLR camera.

Protection and Insurance

The transportation used in these trips is quite rugged, vibration from engines and
corrugated roads can play havoc with your camera gear so pack it well. Also, it is
not uncommon to drop cameras in or out of the vehicle. On some trips you will be
on board boats and there is the chance that you and your gear may take a swim.
Insure your equipment. A home owners policy will usually cover camera gear.

Cultural interaction.

Some part of all trips will involve meeting people from local tribes and with cultural
backgrounds different from ours. Please be courteous when taking pictures. It is
always a good idea to build rapport with your subjects first and then ask them if it
is OK to take their picture. Tribal folk can be very vocal and demonstrative with
people who shoot first and make friends after.

Picture-Taking Advice.

Do not let your camera blind you. There is a whole world out there and pictures
only capture the images. The sights and sounds of these undeveloped areas are
all interwoven, and if you spend an inordinate amount of time peeking through the
viewfinder you will miss most of the trip. Be ready with your camera at all times.
Animals do not keep appointments; kills happen in a flurry of fur and snarls; and
leopards leap from trees in a split second.

If your camera isn't loaded or ready you will miss the award winning shot.

The vehicles we use are very stable, however with 5 to 7 people in them each
person's movement can effect someone's ability to take the perfect picture. It is a
good idea to ask everyone to be still for just a moment, while you
shoot and thank them afterwards. Please remember not to monopolize
the best spot for photos and to be considerate of your fellow trip members'
needs and wishes. Your trip leader will help organise seat rotations within the
A videotape of your wildlife safari is a wonderful memento. With today's
technology the cameras are as small as an SLR and are very versatile. It is
possible to recharge your camera batteries from some vehicles. You will
need to bring approximately 3-4 hours of film, 3 batteries (one in the camera, one
in the recharge, and one spare already charged), a 12 volt charger with a
cigarette lighter attachment, crocodile clips and some gaffer tape.

Try recharging your batteries on your own car first to familiarize yourself with the
recharging set up. Your driver/trip leader will give you specific instructions about
when you can recharge your batteries. To make the most of your videos -
shoot some practice film before your trip.

Frequent mistakes are zooming in and out too quickly, holding the cameras
unsteadily, and swinging the camera around in a fast traverse, all of which
can lead to sea-sickness amongst your living-room audience.
You will find that the slightest noises will be picked up on your video microphone:
motor drives, comments, whispers etc. You might want to bring a clip on
microphone so that your own voice or that of your on the spot commentator
can be heard above the background roars, clicks, zips and conversation.
Binoculars:
Binoculars are strongly recommended for every trip member. They are invaluable
for observing larger animals as well as birds. A 7 or 8 power binocular works well
for most people, but if you are particularly interested in birds a 10 power is best.
We recommend that each trip participant bring his or her own pair, as it is
most frustrating to strain for the sight of a brightly coloured bird high in the tree,
while waiting to borrow a pair of 'Binos', only to have the bird fly away once you
finally get the binos.
Inexpensive binoculars are available at most places for about US$30-50. TASCO
and BUSHNELL are two brands which are adequate for most purposes and are
quite durable.

1. Stay out for breakfast
Most people start their game drives at 6-30am to 7-00am and come back for breakfast at 9-00am. To maximise your wildlife viewing time, take out a packed breakfast and stay out until 11-00am or later.

2. Visit fewer parks
A lot of safaris take in too many different parks/reserves leaving little time for wildlife watching. If you are on a 7 day safari visit a maximum of two parks. Those staying for up to 2 weeks 3 parks should be enough.

3. Avoid minibus safaris
Minibus safaris are cheaper for good reason. They usually pack up to 7 people per van, giving you less space for your gear. 4x4 vehicles usually carry 4 persons. There is also less chance of having conflicting interest.

4. Avoid local school holidays
Some parks like the Kruger can become packed at peak holiday times. It would be wise to check if this could be a problem with your destination.

5. Make the most of the golden light
The best time to photograph the wildlife is the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sun set.

6. Practice your technique
Before you go on safari, visit your local zoo and practice your photography technique.

7. Read up on the animals you intend to photograph
Study the behaviour of the animals you want to photograph. By studying their behaviour you are more likely to get the shots you want. You will also enjoy the whole experience better if you have some background knowledge of the local fauna.

8. Stay longer
Most visitors to African wildlife parks stay at an animal sighting for less than 15 minutes. It is advisable to stay longer to get the behavioural shots you see in magazines. Rushing from sighting to sighting will only get you snap-shots.

9. Get to know your driver/guide
To get the most out of your safari don't forget to ask your guide plenty of questions. They will be only too willing to pass on their vast experience.

10. Drink plenty of water
Dehydration can become a problem if you don't drink enough water during the day, especially after vomiting and diarrhoea. Make sure there is enough water during the game drives.

KENYA
Masai Mara
There are 20 resident Lion prides. If you travel to the Masai Mara and don't see a lion, ask for your money back! If you want to see the great migration, July to September are the best months.

Ambosel
Famous for large herds of elephants. Don't count on seeing many big cats though. Some nice photos to be had with Mount Kilimanjaro as the backdrop. 425 species of birds can be seen at Amboseli.

Samburu & Buffalo Springs
Good numbers of the big cats. Reticulated giraffe and grevy's zebra are also seen here. Good place to see gerenuks and beisa oryxes.

Abedare
If you stay at the Ark or Tree Tops elephants are the main attraction.

Lake Nakuru
White rhino in good numbers. 400 species of bird including, flamingos and pelicans, October to May is the best time for the waders. Good place to see defassa waterbuck and Rothschild giraffe. Nakuru is also a good place to see leopards, usually found in the fever trees opposite the lake. The lions (40 in the park) are relatively easy to see, and if you're lucky it will be the tree climbing variety. Both Nakuru and the Abedares are fully enclosed, therefore the animals don't move from the park.


TANZANIA
Ngorongoro
Lions about 50, hyenas 400, wildebeest 5000, bull elephants 50. Should see the black rhino. No impala or giraffe though.

Serengeti
All the big cats can be seen here. Rhinos and wild dogs in very small numbers, so do not count on it. 250 cheetahs live in the park. February is the best time for wildebeest calving in the south of the park. The Serengeti ecosystem holds about 2,500 lions.

Lake Manyara
480 species of bird can be seen here, including great numbers of flamingo. Tree climbing lions are also a feature.

Selous
This park has about 25% of Africa's hunting dogs and the park population is about 1300.

SOUTH AFRICA
Kruger and the adjoining Private Reserves
Regular viewings of the "Big Five". Chance of seeing wild dogs. Vehicles can wander off-road in these private reserves.


SOUTHERN AFRICA
Etosha : Namibia
All the animals congregate around the numerous water holes. Expect to see many zebra, wildebeest, springboks, gemsboks and elands. Chances of seeing the big cats are better early or late in the day.

Chobe : Botswana
This is a good place for elephants and buffalos

Moremi GR : Botswana
One of the best places to see wild dogs. The big cats are all here. Early July is the best time to see wild dog pups.

Hwange : Zimbabwe
Breeding area for black rhino and wild dog. 30,000 elephant population. Good place for lions.

Mana Pools : Zimbabwe
Good leopard sightings in the Ruckomechi region. South of the park is best for lions.

Matusadona : Zimbabwe
Best place for lions in Zimbabwe. Good place for walking safaris tracking rhino and lion on foot.

South Luangwa : Zambia
Night drives and walking safaris are a speciality of South Luangwa. Very good chance of leopard sightings, especially at night.

Kafue : Zambia
Wild dogs and the big cats are present, again leopards in good numbers. North of the park is best for cats, south for elephants. Cheetah found on the Bussanga Plains.

Zebra 200,000
Wildebeest over 1.2 million
Thomsons gazelle 232,000
Grants gazelle 125,000

300,000 Wildebeest calves are born February/March.
Wildebeest calves must learn to stand within 5 minutes and run after 15 minutes, in order to survive. You may see many lone calves, running around the plains looking for their mothers. Many get lost in stampedes, and no wildebeest will adopt another's calve.

January

The migration is in the south-eastern Serengeti on the short grass plains. January and December are the best months for zebra births.

February

Up until May the migration remains in the southern plains. Evenly scattered on the plains around April. This is the main month for wildebeest calving.

March

Start of the long/heavy rains.

April

Heavy rains this month. Wildebeest scattered on the southern plains

May

The herds begin to move in columns as they begin their journey to the western area.

June

Rains come to an end. The migration now starts to cross the Grumeti River in the western corridor, where many animals perish. In a normal year they will be in the Seronera/Moru Kopjes area.

July

The migration heads north-west, with part of the herds moving through the Lobo Area.

August

In a normal year the vast herds would now be entering the Masai Mara.

September

The migration will now be in the Masai Mara.

October

The Serengeti is very dry this month, therefore the herds stay in the Masai Mara until November.

November
After sensing the rains the migration begins its trek back to the Serengeti.

December

The migration heads towards the southern plains of the Serengeti.

Note: This is an approximate guide. The migration depends on the rains. Should the short rains fail then the migration will begin later. If the rains are plentiful, the migration may not leave the Serengeti.

How to choose your wedding photographer?

Sure, price is a damn a good indication of whom to choose from your shortlist, but hey, let's take price out of the equation just for a minute. Act like budget ain't a problem, OK?

So how do you choose?Rather start by insisting to see a portfolio. If a photographer does not have a portfolio, be wary. Make an appointment and page through his work. After the first few pages, you'll have a pretty good idea of the photographer's style and whether you like it or not. Choose a style that suits your personality.If you like the photographer's style, ask about his price or package, make notes of these details and ask him or her for a pencil booking. Make sure you give the photographer your telephone number in case he gets another call for the same date. And as a courtesy, also give him a time and date by which you will come back with a confirmation or cancellation

Rule number two: make a short-list of all your prospective photographers. Now evaluate them in terms of how they make you feel. Are they excitable or calm? Do they instill confidence, make you feel special, do they listen to what you want? Or are you just another client? Remember that on your big day, you'll spend virtually 80 percent of the time in the company of your photographer. If he irritates you or makes you jumpy, he's going to add to the nerves you'll be experiencing on the day.

Choose wisely - someone that will make you feel calm. A good photographer will make you feel good about yourself, instill confidence and make you feel at ease as a result. It shows in your pictures, believe me. Rule number three: now compare prices - if you can. A photographer will always charge as much as he feels he is worth. His price is therefore not dependent on how big his package is. If he is experienced enough to make you feel at ease, make you look your best and add value to your wedding day, this will influence his price. Not ten enlargements versus 20.

Some package pointers:

1. Ask if you get your negatives. Some photographer keep them, which means that you will be paying him for reprints and enlargements later. Although more expensive, you know that the negs will be kept in safe, fireproof storage to last at least your lifetime. If you want to carry the risk yourself, insist on the negs.

2. You should be getting your pictures neatly presented in an album. They will pass through lots of hands in the first month after your wedding, and will eventually look a bit worse for wear.

3. Don't be confused by different options offered. Your average package should consist of around 140 - 200 photographs. More than that and the photographer is trigger-happy. If you're having a morning wedding, you could get away with less, say around 120 pics, as there is normally no big party, dance and ceremony afterwards to photograph.

4. Try and avoid the "charge by the hour"-photographer. Certain stages of any wedding ceremony involves people eating, sitting, chatting, and generally not doing much.

That goes for the photographer too - he hasn't got much to take shots of. That's expensive time you're paying for, so you'll probably be watching the clock instead of enjoying your wedding. Bad idea.And finally - once you've decided on your lensman, ask his advice about timing the service and picture session afterwards to ensure enough natural light to work in. There is nothing as frustrating for him (and unflattering for you) as to be photographed with straight flash after the sunlight has gone. You'll be wasting his excellent skills in manipulating natural light to make you look your best. You deserve it.