Join Photo-Africa and Moya Wa Tenga Safaris as we set out to capture one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena – Great White Sharks Breaching off Seal Island in Cape Town - on camera!

From 8 to 11 July 2011, we will be taking over the Boulders Beach Lodge in Simonstown as we set up base and prepare to capture the natural predation and breaching of these magnificent beasts. We have linked up with the best operator to provide you with the greatest opportunity of photographing the predatory behavior of these amazing creatures. Chris & Monique Fallows, of Apex Predators, have been involved in the filming of a number of documentaries over the years and their expertise and experience will provide us with the best chance of capturing these majestic predators on camera.

This photographic workshop will be led by Gerry van der Walt and Andrew Beck. Gerry is a wildlife photographer, owner of Photo-Africa, and field guide who combines a passion for nature photography with an in depth knowledge of African wildlife. Andrew, the owner of Moya Wa Tenga Safaris, is a qualified conservation biologist and field guide who is passionate about photography and wildlife conservation in South Africa

Please note that this inaugural white shark workshop will be limited to 10 photographers.

Photographic Goals

The main goal of this photographic weekend workshop is to gain a greater understanding of how to use your digital camera to capture fast moving wildlife subjects, in this case, the breaching behavior of the great white sharks around Seal Island.

Other than that we will also be photographing:

• Penguins on and around Boulders Beach.
• The 64,000 strong Cape Fur Seal colony.
• Birdlife around Boulders Beach and Seal Island.
• Landscapes and seascapes during the weekend.

The first part of the photography workshop will be conducted on Saturday morning during which we will focus on the technical and creative aspects of wildlife photography. This will be followed by an afternoon shooting the penguins at boulders beach and prepping equipment for the following days main activity – the breaching of the great whites.

On Sunday afternoon, each photographer will have the opportunity to show a few of their best images during an informal crit session and debriefing, providing an excellent opportunity to review the mornings shoot and any problems that photographers might have had. Our goal is to do our utmost to help photographers attain their own personal photographic goals during the trip.

The Itinerary

Friday 8 July 2011

You will be met at Cape Town International by one of the tour leaders before heading off on your scheduled transfer to Boulders Beach Lodge in Simonstown. The rest of the evening will be spent getting to know the group and finalizing the arrangements for the rest of the weekend.

Saturday 9 July 2011

After breakfast we will commence with the morning workshop. After breaking for lunch we will head down to Boulders beach to spend some time photographing the penguins as they go about their daily activities. African penguins at the Boulders Beach colony in Simons Town notably less nervous than other African penguins, and are unusually tame and accustomed to people. This provides excellent photographic opportunities.

Sunday 10 July 2011

After an early breakfast we will make our way to the nearby Simons Town Harbour. The day will then run more or less as follows:

• 06h50: Meet crew at Simon’s Town Pier. Guests are welcomed aboard and a full safety and weather briefing is given before departure.
• 07h00: Depart for Seal Island, False Bay. (25 to 35 minute boat ride)
• 07h35 to 12h30: Arrive at Seal Island, False Bay shortly before sunrise. This is the optimum time to have a chance of observing the natural predation behavior that makes Seal Island so unique. The great whites of Seal Island are now world famous for their highly athletic breaches in pursuit of Cape Fur seals which they hunt in the area. We will observe natural predatory behavior for as long as possible; however it is usually the first hour and a half that is the most intense.

After this period the crew will try a short decoy tow using a fake cut out carpet seal where they try to get the sharks to breach. It is a very unique way to elicit predatory behavior and has been very useful to help us identify different strategies adopted by the different sharks. After the decoy tow, we will do an inspection lap around Seal Island looking for any signs of bitten or injured seals. These observations are recorded for research & conservation purposes.

This is a great opportunity to get close to the 64 000 strong Cape Fur seal colony that has made Seal Island their home. Thereafter we choose the best spot to anchor up based on weather conditions and attract sharks to our vessel. Once a shark approaches, a small piece of bait is put in the water to keep the sharks interested around the boat for identification and viewing purposes. At no point are the sharks purposefully fed or handled. We do not use shark livers or any other attractants that have a negative impact on the environment and all efforts are made to avoid the sharks coming into contact with our vessel.

If the weather conditions are favorable, i.e. good visibility and workable seas, the cage is lowered into the water for cage diving. Safety precautions and operational procedures are then explained to the diver wishing to enter the cage. It is important to know that the sharks come very close to the boat so it is not necessary to dive in order to see them. So for those guests not wishing to dive they will still have excellent views of the Great White Shark.

Lunch which usually consists of rolls with cold meats as well as a vegetarian option, accompanied by soft drinks, fruit juice, bottled water and a variety of snacks are available throughout the course of the day.

12h30: Boat will arrive back in Simon’s Town Harbor depending on the weather conditions and shark activity.

After a short break and a shower to freshen up after the mornings activities, we will convene in the conference room for an informal crit session and debriefing, providing an excellent opportunity to review the mornings shoot and any problems that photographers might have had.

Monday 11 July

Shortly after breakfast you will be transferred back to Cape Town International for your onwards travel arrangements.

Cost

• Workshop Cost: R 5 500.00 per person sharing (Full package – includes accommodation and breakfast at Boulders Beach Lodge)
• Workshop Cost: R 3,750 per person (Exclusive of accommodation option; for photographers from Cape Town area)
• A 25% deposit is payable to confirm your booking.
• Balance is due 30 days before safari.
• Rates are based on double occupancy so please contact us for details on single supplements

Included

• Return transfers from Cape Town International Airport. (Please contact us for preferred flight details)
• Three nights accommodation at the Boulders Beach Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis.
• Photography Workshop & Notes.
• Entrance to Boulders Beach.
• Half day White Shark Boat Trip.
• Dive Gear (Small to XXL are available).
• Light lunch, snacks, fruit and refreshments on board the boat.
• The services of professional field guides & Photographic guides.
• Use of prime lenses for both Canon & Nikon cameras on a first come first served basis.

Not Included

• Flights
• Items of a personal nature.
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Gratuities. (at your discretion)
• Travel insurance.
• Visas (if applicable).

Should you have any questions, or would like to book for this photographic weekend, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@moyawatenga.co.za

We look forward sharing this incredible experience with you!

Gerry van der Walt & Andrew Beck

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Join Photo-Africa, in conjunction with Photograph Kenya, on a photographic safari to one of the world’s premiere wildlife destinations – the Masai Mara. From 28 February to 7 March 2011 Photo-Africa will be traveling to various areas in in Masai Mara, including Lake Nakuru and the Mara River, all the time looking for the best possible wildlife photographic opportunities.

The combination of a gentle climate, scenic splendor and untold numbers of wildlife makes the Masai Mara Kenya’s most popular inland destination park.  The wildlife is truly abundant and the gentle rolling grasslands ensure amazing photographic opportunities as animals are never out of sight.

The safari will be led by Gerry van der Walt and Paul McDougall. Gerry is a wildlife photographer, lodge manager and field guide who combines a passion for photography with an in depth knowledge of African wildlife.  Paul is a photographer who has been running safaris throughout Kenya for the last 6 years.

As we will be using four vehicles for our safari you will never be without a photographic leader on your vehicle as Gerry and Paul will be assisted by two other photographers, making sure you have technical and creative input when necessary.

In order to ensure your personal attention and comfort, this photographic safari will be limited to 16 participants.

Photographic Goals

During the trip we will focus on a number of photographic subjects and scenes which include:

• Predators including lions, leopard and hyena.

• White and black rhino.

• Zebra, giraffe and other general game species.

• Hippo and crocodiles.

• Flamingoes, fish eagles and other bird species.

• Animal behavior and interaction.

• Wide open landscapes of the Masai Mara.

• African sunrises and sunsets.

Apart from the above you will also have the opportunity to photograph a Masai village, and the Masai people, and we will also do our utmost to help photographers attain their own personal photographic goals during the trip.

In between drives and in the evenings we will have ample opportunity to discuss photographic techniques, the technical aspects of wildlife photography and do informal photo crit sessions with the various photo leaders on the safari.

Safari Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival in Nairobi – The Photograph Kenya team collects you from the airport and transfers you to a budget hotel for dinner.  After dinner a briefing will provide more details on the trip and you will also have the opportunity to ask specific photographic elated questions to prepare you for your photo safari as we discuss our photographic goals for the week.  Spend the night at the hotel.

Day 2:

We depart Nairobi at 08h00 from where we drive to the Masai Mara.  On route we will stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for a couple of photos.  This is a prime location for great panoramic shots of the beautiful Great Rift Valley when on a clear day Mount Longonott can be seen. From here we continue on to Masai Mara. After lunch we will take our first drive into the reserve. We will approach the first afternoon as a photograph test-drive during which you can test your equipment, ask questions and get used to the environment.  There is a good chance of seeing many different species on this first drive including lions.  Near the campsite there are two large prides that are habituated to the vehicles so close encounters are possible. Travel to our camp for an early dinner and overnight.

Day 3:

After an early morning cup of tea or coffee and biscuits we will head out into the reserve.  Our main focus this morning will be predators and photographing them while using the early morning light to our advantage. Depending on how things go out in the field, we will return to the camp at around 10h00 for breakfast. There will be a few hours to relax at the camp or use the time to photograph the multitude of bird species that are found around the campsite. After lunch at 13h00 we leave for another drive in to the reserve.  After following up on any sightings from the morning we will explore the beautiful landscapes and photograph the many birds and animals that are found in Maasai Mara. At the end of the day we will return to the camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 4:

After breakfast at 06h30 we will leave for a full day in Masai Mara.  Today we will drive to the Mara River, which takes us through several territories of leopard, cheetah, black rhino and lions so chances of sightings on route are pretty good.  Upon reaching the river we will enjoy a packed lunch after which we will walk with the rangers along the river as we aim to photograph crocodiles and hippos on foot. At the end of the day we will return to camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 5:

After a breakfast at 06h30, we have the option of another full day drive or a morning and afternoon drive.  Our decision will be largely based on what we want to focus on for the day. As our goal is creating amazing wildlife photographs, our focus will be to photograph any species we have not seen yet or, or we will focus on particular animals to see if we can capture specific behaviour shots.  Time is no issue and we will have ample time to sit and wait for the shots we want.  After the day, dinner and overnight at the camp.

Day 6:

After breakfast at 07h00, we will take a trip to a Masai Village.  This will offer great opportunities for unrestricted and no hassle people shots.  Apart from being able to visually document and photography the Masai people you will also learn about their way of life. After leaving the Masai village, we will drive to Lake Nakuru.  After lunch, we will set off on an afternoon game drive with our main aim being to find and photograph white and black rhinos.  We will also take a shot at finding leopard and photograph the abundant bird species including flamingo.  Dinner and overnight at a guesthouse at Lake Nakuru.

Day 7:

After a 06h00 game drive, we return to the guesthouse for breakfast. After breakfast we will leave Lake Nakuru and drive to Lake Bogoria for an afternoon / early evening game drive.  The goal here is to photograph the tens of thousands of flamingos on and around the lake.  In the evening we return to Nakuru where we will have dinner and spend the night at a hotel.

Day 8:

After breakfast we will leave Nakuru and drive to Lake Naivasha.  Here we will take a boat trip to view and photograph hippos, fish eagles and a multitude of other bird species.  After lunch we will return to Nairobi where we will be transferred to the airport for flights back home.

What’s Included :

• Accommodation in large tents with en-suite bathroom facilities.

• Three meals per day.

• All airport transfers.

• All transport during safari.

• Accommodation in Nairobi before (and after) safari.

• All park and government fees.

• Drivers & professional guides.

• Photographic guides.

What’s Not Included :

• Drinks (Alcoholic and soft drink).

• Items of a personal nature.

• Gratuities.

• Travel Insurance.

• Visas.

• Equipment hire (if applicable).

• International flights to and from Kenya.

Photo-Africa will be booking flights from Johannesburg, South Africa to Nairobi which are priced at around ZAR 5,000 so please contact us if you would like us to include you in our travel arrangements.

Cost

• Photographic Safari Cost:  US $ 2,500 per person sharing.

• Deposit:  A 25% deposit is payable to confirm your booking.

• Balance is payable 30 days before safari.

• Please contact us for details on single supplements.

If you would like to request a booking form or if you have any questions, please contact us at info@photo-africa.com

We believe that this photographic safari to the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru is one of the best value for money options available and we look forward to hosting you in Kenya!

About the Organisers

Photo-Africa

Photo-Africa was born out of a passion for photography and wildlife.

Originally created in 2005 in order to share images with friends and family, Photo-Africa took off and quickly established itself as one of the most regularly updated and most followed African wildlife and photography blogs on the internet.

One thing led to the next and now, 5 years later, Photo-Africa has evolved into a company that offers workshops and photographic safaris aimed at everybody from rank beginners to seasoned pros.  By combining passion, professionalism and knowledge, Photo-Africa aims to be one of the top workshop and photo safari operators in the country.

The Photo-Africa team now consists of the following people who, between them, makes for a very unique combination of photographic expertise, services and experience.

Gerry van der Walt

After completing a degree in Sport Psychology Gerry traveled the world while working on board the Queen Mary 2, managing the onboard Health and Wellness programs and presenting enrichment lectures.  It was during this time that photography changed from a visual way in which to remember places and people into an obsession and ultimately, many years later, a career.

Upon returning from his travels Gerry moved into the lodge and hospitality industry and currently manages a game lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve.  Apart from having completed a number of photography courses Gerry is also a fully qualified Field Guide, registered with FGASA, and combines this with an infectious passion for people and sharing information when lecturing or presenting workshops.

With more than 9 years photographic experience and having lectured to many diverse groups of people from around the word, Gerry has the ability to take advanced photographic terms and principles and make them easy to understand and fun at the same time.

Gerry currently owns and manages Photo-Africa and apart from presenting workshops and photographic safaris also offers various photographic services, which includes one on one tuition, lodge & hospitality photography and lifestyle portrait photography.

Kerry de Bruyn

Kerry started taking pictures when she was about 16 and since then she hasn’t really put the camera down. Friends labeled her as tourist, taking her camera with her wherever she went, but that didn’t distract her and her passion just grew with time. Her career started out as just loving travel, wildlife, and photography but as time went on she knew it was more than just love.

Photography became a passion and mixing wildlife, people and travel into that passion became the next natural step.

Capturing natural moments in a world full of beauty made her leave her job as a journalist to pursue photography full time. She now runs Kerry de Bruyn Photography and only wishes to carry on doing what she loves and that is, borrow the moments from nature to share with the world, and in some way contribute to keeping them here for everyone to see, a long time from now.

Andrew Beck

Andrew Beck has spent much of his life in the bush and is passionate about sharing his experiences and knowledge with others.

Armed formal qualifications from the University of the Witwatersrand (MSc. & BSc. Hons in Environment, Ecology and Conservation), Tshwane University of Technology (N.Dip & B.Tech Game Ranch Management) and The Field Guides Association of South Africa (FGASA), Andrew will provide you with an experience, which is not only memorable, but also educational.

As the owner and manager of Moya Wa Tenga Safaris, Andrew is involved with all Photo-Africa transfers and travel logistics

]]> http://www.moyawatenga.co.za/photographic-safari-masai-mara-lake-nakuru-kenya-2011/feed/ 1 http://www.moyawatenga.co.za/makuleke-educational-walking-safari-june-2010-kruger-national-park/ http://www.moyawatenga.co.za/makuleke-educational-walking-safari-june-2010-kruger-national-park/#comments Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:15:34 +0000 Andrew Beck http://www.moyawatenga.co.za/?p=470 Moya Wa Tenga Safaris in conjunction with Shangani Trails and EcoTraining have secured a six night walking trail in the Makuleke Concession of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. I have been fortunate enough to experience a walking trail in this region in October of last year (click here to read the review) and highly recommend this educational walking safari to all wildlife and conservation enthusiasts!

Dates and Costs

The group (limited to 7 people) will depart JHB on the 23rd of June and will return on the 29th of June 2010. The package includes return transfers from JHB, all meals, accommodation, and safari activities.

R 7 495.00 per person sharing.

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About the Area

The 24,000ha Makuleke concession of Kruger National Park is situated between the Limpopo and the Luvuvhu Rivers in the Pafuri region of the Kruger National Park and is regarded as one of the wildest and most remote parts of the Kruger National Park, is not accessible to the ordinary tourist as it belongs to the Makuleke community. Our journey will focus not only on the intriguing and lesser known aspects of nature, but will also touch on ecological and conservation aspects.

What Can You Expect?

The daily routine usually consists of an early morning walk (usually about 4 hours), returning to base camp for breakfast, lectures and discussions on proposed topics, a bit of free time to update the bird lists and catch a power-nap, lunch and a shorter afternoon walk (about 2 and a half hours) which is followed by sun-downers. Walks are sometimes conducted from the base camp or from a point where we would leave the vehicle.

Much of the time spent walking is often used to discuss ecology, spoor and sign identification and just appreciating the beauty of nature. One of the highlights of this area is the massive Fever Tree (Acacia xanthophloea) forests situated between the flood plains and the Limpopo River. The Makuleke region is truly a spectacular area for walking safaris.

Game and Bird Viewing

Our wildlife encounters on foot during the last walk in October of 2009 included Buffalo, Elephant, Nyala, Zebra, Kudu, Waterbuck, Impala, Eland and Baboon. As if that wasn’t enough, our group was able to rack up over 130 bird species including Retz’s Helmet Shrike, Trumpeter Hornbill, Crested Guineafowl, Broad-Billed and Raquet-Tailed Rollers, Mosque Swallow and many more.

Availability is limited so book your place now!

Email: andrew@moyawatenga.co.za

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Location & History

Kapama Private Game Reserve is situated in South Africa’s Limpopo Province and occupies an area of approximately 13 000ha between the northern Drakensberg mountains and the Greater Kruger National Park.

Kapama Game Reserve had its origin in 1986, when the late Johann Roode purchased his first property in Hoedspruit called Moria farm. The name Kapama originated from a small railway station across the road and it is believed that Kapama was the name of a chief of a local tribe that lived in the area of Thulumahashe.

Wildlife and Game Viewing

Kapama boasts the full compliment of Big 5 species as well as a host of general game species including Zebra, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Impala, Bushbuck and Nyala. The game drives during my brief visit (Friday evening to Sunday morning) yielded great sightings of Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, White Rhino, Saddle-Billed Storks, Tawny Eagles, Giraffe, Impala and a host of other general game species.

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All game drives are conducted by a qualified guide and tracker combination. The Shangaan trackers in the Lowveld are some of the best in the country and our tracker, Respect, lived up to the reputation. Trackers add a fantastic element which compliments the game-drive experience with their interpretation of field sign left by animals.

Accommodation

Kapama Game Reserve has a total of four lodges, each unique in their own way, which cater for a broad spectrum of safari travelers. All accommodation is inclusive of two game drives per day, three meals, teas, coffees and high tea.

Kapama Karula

Karula lodge is the latest addition to the Kapama portfolio and is, in my personal opinion, going to become the flagship lodge of the brand. It consists of seven luxury air-conditioned tents and five large exclusive chalets (which were not yet completed at the time of our visit).

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The lounge, dining room, bar, pool and pool deck as well as other guest entertainment areas are elegantly finished with the large open plan layout immersing you ‘in the bush’. Stone clad walkways lead you beneath the canopies of the riverine vegetation to the beautiful luxury tents.

Kapama Buffalo Camp

Kapama Buffalo camp offers a more traditional tented camp which allows guests to get an authentic safari experience without compromising on comfort.

Eight luxury canvas tents, each sleeping two, are set on wooden decks built on stilts over a steep-sided riverbank. Wooden walkways interconnect the rooms, which are all in the upper reaches of tall riverine trees. Each tented room has all the usual comforts of electricity, en-suite bathroom, safe, writing table, wardrobe, suitcase stand and tea/coffee facilities.

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Communal areas include a thatched bar, dining room, pool terrace and boma area. Accommodating up to 16 guests, this camp offers great value for money and is ideally suited to families and couples. Be sure to keep an eye out for the African Wild Cat kittens that hang around the lodge!

Kapama Main Lodge

Main lodge is set below towering  fever trees on a small (4 000ha) portion of the Kapama reserve. The lodge consists of twenty thatched chalets. The two honeymoon suites at the water’s edge offer a few extras, but all bedrooms offer all the creature comforts and are spacious, air-conditioned.

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The communal areas include a pool, tea deck which overlooks the dam (great for birding and a bit of fishing), library, main dining room, bar and boma. Main lodge is ideally suited to larger groups which are still seeking a certain amount of privacy.

Kapama River Lodge

River Lodge is by far the largest of the lodges at Kapama with a generous 64 rooms (128 sleeper).  Despite the hotel type size and feel, the lodge has many communal areas where people can retreat to. These include a spa, running track, kids play area, two dining areas, as well as a bar and pool. Each of the rooms at Kapama River Lodge feature a full en-suite bathroom and terrace with  views out onto the reserve.

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The Spa area and Spa Suites are the most recent additions to River lodge and I would recommend paying that little extra for a spa-suite as these rooms are slightly larger and overall, have a far nicer feel to them than the older standard suites.A spa treatment in the new Spa area is a must. Does it get better than a relaxing massage in the bush whilst watching game at the waterhole?

River lodge is ideal for larger groups and for families who enjoy the social, hotel type vibe that this mammoth lodge offers.

Activities

Apart from the two game drives included in the rates, there are a host of optional extras which you may be interested in whilst staying at Kapama:

• Private sleepout on a platform in the reserve
• Elephant Back Safaris
• The Endangered Species Centre
• Hot air Balloon trips

Rates and Packages

Direct rates for the Kapama Lodges range from R 1 950.00 pps to R 4 500.00 pps depending on the lodge and the season.However, Moya Wa Tenga Safaris has secured preferential rates with all of the Kapama Lodges and will gladly assist you in arranging your accommodation as well providing you with road transfers from Johannesburg and OR Tambo International Airport.

If you are interested in booking accommodation or transfers for any of the Kapama Lodges, or if you would like more information or advice, please completes the following contact form and we will gladly assist you.

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]]> http://www.moyawatenga.co.za/destination-review-kapama-game-lodges-south-africa/feed/ 1 http://www.moyawatenga.co.za/introduction-to-digital-photography-workshop/ http://www.moyawatenga.co.za/introduction-to-digital-photography-workshop/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:43:28 +0000 Andrew Beck http://www.moyawatenga.co.za/?p=292

Join us for an introduction to digital photography. The course consists of a four hour practical session followed by a day trip to Pilanesberg National Park where you can put your new found skills to the test. This package includes a theory manual, return transfers from JHB, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and all park entry fees.

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• Day Trips to Pilanesberg National Park from R 1950.00pp*

• Private Chauffeur services in an air-conditioned vehicle for up to 7 passengers from R 4 950.00/day*

• Day Trips to The Elephant Sanctuary, Canopy Tours and many more from just R 2500.00pp*

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• return transfers from JHB,
• breakfast,
• lunch,
• refreshments,
• all park entry fees,
• and a fully qualified (MSc Ecology & Conservation, FGASA) private guide!

Fully inclusive, private guided overnight safaris with a variety of accommodation options are also available on request!
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• experience throughout several wilderness regions,
• excellent bush skills and understanding of animal behavior,
• a comprehensive background in ecology, zoology and botany or related fields,
• an ability to adapt and guide in any natural environment regardless of experience in the area or not,
• as well as excellent people skills and an ability to host guests, ensuring that they always feel safe, welcome and at home.

In addition to being a well above average safari guide, the true benefit of a private guide is the role which he/she plays as an expedition leader.

Guests in Africa usually stay an average of three nights per lodge or camp that they visit. At each of the camps they are assigned a different guide and there is often an overlap in the information which is given from the guides as well as duplications of sightings. However when it is one guide leading the group he/she is aware of the sightings that have already been experienced by the group and can therefore direct the group accordingly, to ensure that there is less overlap of the same sightings and information and more diversity in the type of sightings and experiences had by the guests.

Essentially a much fuller experience is to be had, when there is a private guide directing the group with intention of an amazing trip in its entirety, instead of just enjoyable but sometimes repetitive activities to be given by a number of different guides with much less insight into the groups experiences during the trip.

Another key factor to a private guide and safari is flexibility. In a randomly assembled group that one might find themselves a part of on safari, the guide is split between up to 8 or 10 people who all want something different. However with a private guide, your needs are catered for along with the group who you chose to go with. One must also remember that to have a host in your guide with you is an important factor to feeling comfortable at all times. Your private guide will ensure that you are his/her top priority above all else, something which will always make you feel comfortable and welcome.

One of the greatest benefits to a private guide is the fact that you have somebody with you from the moment you arrive in Africa. This means that there is always a clued up individual to help with your travel, border crossings, dealings with locals and in essence giving clarity as to what the further traveling entails, ensuring your safety through out the course of your trip. Your private guide also goes above and beyond a normal lodge guide who stays with you during your activity times only. A private guide is there to ensure that at no time do you find yourself bored or without something to do should you wish it. Private guides will provide slide shows, talks and activities relating to your specific interests, details of which are given during the booking process.

The insight into the countries that you visit will be far superior with a private guide who is there to ensure that you have a wonderful, full experience with all of your needs catered for. This also gives the private guide the chance to focus on finding exciting animals and sightings during the activities and giving cultural, historical and other background to the areas that you are in, between the activities. Essentially giving one much more time to absorb and enjoy the atmosphere of Africa without having too much shoved at you all at once.

Brad Leontsinis has had the fortune of working throughout Southern Africa and Zambia, first as a lodge ranger, guiding guests for an average of three nights during their stay at the lodges where he was working. He then took a position as an explorations guide for Wilderness Safari’s whereby guests could book him as their private guide for the duration of their trip in Africa. This meant that he would accompany them to all the lodges and camps which they visited.

There is no comparison in guest experience to be had between spending just a few days with guests on parts of their trips compared with accompanying them for the entire duration. The guest reviews and feedback from travel agents that Brad and I have received is by far superior with groups which have had a single guide accompany them for the duration of their trip.

For more information on private guided safaris, please contact Brad Leontsinis , Andrew Beck or head on over to our website at http://www.moyawatenga.co.za

The highlights though, were the dragonflies which were constantly flying around and landing on a couple of dead stumps right in front of our lenses. After a number of attempts, playing with aperture values and exposure settings, I captured the image below.

(Canon 40D , Canon 100-400mm @ 400mm, 1/125, F/10, ISO 100 )

I absolutely love the colours on this dragonfly and would be very keen to hear from anyone who could possibly give me an ID. I will be posting some of the images taken by the rest of the group when I review the first “Introduction to Digital Photography” workshop next week.

This weekend saw the first of many collaborative efforts head to the Makuleke Concession of the Kruger National park for a five day walking safari. This 24,000ha region, situated between the Limpopo and Levhuvhu Rivers is regarded as one of the wildest and most remote parts of the Park and is not accessible to the ordinary tourist (see map below).

Our base camp location, just south of the Limpopo River. The white lines are a rough representation of the areas we walked.

The daily routine consisted of an early morning walk (usually about 10km’s), returning to base camp for breakfast, having a bit of free time to update the bird lists and catch a power-nap, lunch and a shorter afternoon walk (about 5km’s) which was followed by sundowners. Walks were either conducted from the base camp or from a point where we would leave the vehicle.

The Makuleke area is truly beautiful and definately is one of the last true wilderness areas in South Africa. Our wildlife encounters on foot included Buffalo, Elephant, Nyala, Zebra, Kudu, Waterbuck, Nyala, Impala, Eland and Baboon. As if that wasn’t enough, the group was able to rack up over 130 bird species including Retz’s Helmet Shrike, Trumpeter Hornbill, Crested Guineafowl, Broad-Billed and Raquet-Tailed Rollers, Mosque Swallow and many more.

Much of the time spent walking was used to discuss ecology, spoor and sign identification and just appreciating the beauty of nature. One of the highlights had to have been walking through the Fever Tree (Acacia xanthophloea) forests situated between the flood plain and the Limpopo River. These massive green-trunked trees grow in low-lying swampy areas and were associated with the presence of Malaria by early pioneers who were certain that the trees were the cause of the deadly fever. This is not the case and the association arises simply from the fact that the trees grow in areas which are the ideal breeding grounds for the Anopheles mosquito.

All in all the walking safari was a huge success and Moya Wa Tenga Safaris, in association with Shangani Trails, will be offering many more of these fantastic opportunities to you in the future.

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