Nestled deep within the rift valley of Zambia lies a reserve that combines some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa in a setting as unique as its wildlife is diverse. South Luangwa, with the Murchison escarpment on its eastern border and the Luangwa River to the west is a reserve that conjures up scenes of classic Africa.
In an exclusive agreement, C4 Images and Safaris have teamed up with Sanctuary Retreats and are able to provide a special, exclusive rate to South African residents in South Luangwa National Park.
Here you will spend 5 nights in the luxurious Puku Ridge camp inside the actual reserve. Many lodges are based outside, to the west of the River. Puku Ridge is inside the park overlooking one of the floodplains that make this area so special. South Luangwa has all the romanticism of adventure and exploration from day's gone bye; but today it is the wildlife that's the main attraction- the wildlife and Luangwa River. During the rainy season, the reserve is a veritable marshland of mud and elephant damaged roads- almost impassable. However, during the dry and emerald season, the languidly meandering Luangwa river dries up, forming pools of water, ox-bow lakes and dead-end tributaries- and it is these pools of water in the high woodland which produce such stunning wildlife viewing.
South Luangwa hosts large populations of elephants, buffalo, hippopotamus and (Thornycrofts) giraffe. Leopard and Lion are exceptionally well represented- indeed; South Luangwa is touted as having one of the highest densities of leopard in Africa. Birds are also a major attraction in Luangwa- with over 420 species recorded. The highlight of the birding experience here is seeing the various storks and herons flocking to feed on the fish in drying pools- which you can expect to see at this time of year.
We have pre-booked 6 rooms and will have 2 Professional Photographers on hand to help you get the best images whilst on this workshop. This means there will be three photographers and 1 guide per vehicle. Each tent booked allows you one whole seat on the vehicle. Isak Pretorius will be your guide over the weekend, you can read more about him here.
This Photography tour is timed at the end of the dry season. All the migrant birds will be back and the rains are building. It is a time of excitement, expectation and energy for the coming rains. November is spring in South Luangwa and what a flush of life it has! Carmine bee eaters are everywhere flocking over insect blooms and breeding in the river banks and the African skimmers bob and weave up and down the river with their whip-whip calls. It has to be one of the most exciting months in the Reserve. Large rain clouds are building and expectation hangs over the whole area- the herds of animals coming to drink are at their largest of the season, waiting for the rain to come…
Itinerary: 18 November Depart JHB-LUSAKA and direct transfer to Mfuwe airstrip. 18-23 November Based at Puku Ridge camp, South Luangwa 23 November Transfer Mfuwe airstrip to Lusaka. International flight LUSAKA-JHB
Cost: USD 2 550.00 per person sharing - or rand based equivalent at time of payment No Single supplement All-inclusive safari: Includes international flight: JHB-LUSAKA return. Return flights from Lusaka-Mfuwe, all accommodation, game drives, meals,drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and the service of our guides. For international clients wanting to attend, we will deduct the international flight cost
Photographic highlights are: - Classic scenes of the Luangwa river meandering through the wide river banks - Hundreds of Hippopotamus in the pools and main river - Large elephant herds in the woodlands, drinking at the rivers edge and in camp - One of the only places to see Thornycrofts Giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis thornicrofti - Excellent lion population - Very high density of leopard, with very relaxed individuals - Flocks of storks, herons and egrets feeding in the drying pools for fish - Excellent sightings of large water birds in the Luangwa River - Buffalo herds drinking at the rivers edge numbering into the hundreds
Availability: 12 people. 6 photographers. If more than 6 photographers, bookings will close.
Feedback: Have images taken during the weekend critiqued by professional photographers. We will also be presenting talks on wildlife photography, technique, post processing and digital workflow.
Experience: All levels- groups sizes are small enough to for individual attention
Equipment: Digital SLR's. Have at least a 300mm lens. Laptop if you have one. Don't have all the equipment you want, read more about rentals here! Includes: Notes and CD with notes, images and presentations, data projector for viewing on screen. Full board and lodging
Location: Puku ridge camp, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia (Passports Required)
Accommodation: Puku Ridge camp
Breakdown of Itinerary.
18 November We will meet at JHB international Airport (ORTI). From here we will fly straight to Lusaka where we will transfer to Mfuwe. Flights are arranged to link with the scheduled Mfuwe flight. At Mfuwe we will be met by a sanctuary ranger. It is a 45 min transfer to the reserve form the airstrip.
18 - 23 November Based at the luxurious Puku ridge camp for the next 5 nights, we will use the time to explore the area and take spectacular images of the wildlife in and around the national park.
We will be going out on morning and afternoon drives in search of scenes and subjects to photograph. During the mid day hours the guides will present formal talks on various aspects of wildlife photography, have feedback sessions on images taken whilst on the workshop and discuss post processing techniques as well as the very popular workflow talks. These are always popular talks with lots of interaction and discussion amongst everyone present.
23 November After a morning drive and a hearty brunch, you will be transferred to the airstrip where you catch your flight back to Lusaka and then the onward transfer to JHB. This will unfortunately be the end of the workshop.
What our Safari includes:
The above costs include: - Pickup and transport for the entire tour. - Entrance to concession and accommodation in camp. - All meals, based on three meals a day. - Activities. - The services of our guides.
Costs not included: - Gratuities to staff and guides. - Extra activities not included. - Personal expenses - Travel insurance - Travel visas.
Upon deciding to book a Safari with us, please contact us via telephone, facsimile or e-mail. We will forward you a booking form, which need to be completed and returned. A 20% deposit of the total amount must be paid to secure a booking. Final payment is due four weeks before the Safari.
