a relentless quest to expose the
cheapest flights
in, to and from South Africa
a relentless quest to expose the
cheapest flights
in, to and from South Africa
Kruger Park photographic safari |
The Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers 18,989 square kilometres (7,332 sq mi) and extends 360 kilometres (220 mi) from north to south and 65 kilometres (40 mi) from east to west. To the west and south of the Kruger National Park are the two South African provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. In the north is Zimbabwe, and to the east is Mozambique. It is now part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a peace park that links Kruger National Park with the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, and with the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique.
With this itinerary you will visiting one of Africa’s best known National Parks. The Kruger National Park, rich with amazing wildlife, diverse habitats and a whole host of bird life a wide diversity of photographic subjects.
Arguably the most ideal environment in which the novice can get to terms with wildlife photography and the expert can hone their photographic skills all under the guidance of a photographic guide. There is so much that you can be covered within 9 days and especially within the Kruger, guests will have a numerous subject matter. The attraction of this photographic safari will allow excellent photo opportunities of both animals and the environment in which they live.
The range of photographic topics will vary from landscape, macro, action and wildlife photography. The photographic skills that will be covered include: depth of field, composition, backlighting flash photography, panning and motion blur to mention but a few.
Arrival/Start – 14th February 2011
Departure/End – 23rd February 2011
Basic Itinerary:
Tour starts at 08:00 from Linga Longa Guest House in Kempton Park Johannesburg.
Day 1 & 2 Johannesburg – Mac Mac Retreat
Day 3 & 4 Mac Mac Retreat to Setara
Day 5 & 6 Setara – Lower Sabi
Day 7 & 8 Lower Sabi via Skukuza to Pretoriuskop
Day 9 Pretoriuskop - Johannesburg
Day 10 Departure
The cost of this safari is ZAR 19,800 per person sharing. Email cheapflights@southafrica.to to make a booking.
Prices include:
Your fully customised Land Rover/Game Viewer vehicles and all necessary camping equipment where required
Support vehicle and photographic guide costs
Route planning, itineraries, bookings and travel guidance
Field guides, maps and documents required for cross-border travel
Complete introduction to the vehicle, equipment & basic 4x4 driver training where necessary
Vehicle exchange when serious mechanical breakdown occurs
Comprehensive vehicle insurance cover (full details available upon request)
Free airport transfers to and from Johannesburg offices
Our individual service
All fuel & toll road fees
An emergency medical kit, and all guides are first aid trained
Two full meals per day plus snacks
Drinking water and cordial
Prices exclude:
International/regional and domestic airfares to and from collection/departure points
Visas and personal travel insurance
Alcoholic beverages, mixers and soft drinks
All beverages and food out of camp
Laundry services
Clothing, toiletries and all other personal items e.g. sun block, anti malaria prevention etc
Fees for non-scheduled excursions, activities, entrance fees etc
Gratuities
Costs for any upgraded accommodation to that listed above and below.
Camera’s and camera equipment
You will be travelling in South Africa:
South Africa – Visas are generally required at the port of entry. You will be given a three-month visa, which is free of charge.
This information is correct as of today’s date, please double check with the relevant embassy in your home country before you travel. Chimhavira cannot be held responsible to any changes to these requirements that are beyond our control.
Total driving Distance: Approx 1,940 km (1,205 UK miles)
Diesel consumption based on one vehicle: 554 litres (146 UK gallons)
African kids love asking tourists for sweets and pens. If you have space in your suitcase bring a couple bags of both with you. The kids will smile and be happy; you will enjoy it for little cost. Old clothes are good for bargaining with adults for curios or local fruits etc.
Meal Key: B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner
Day 1 & 2: Arrival into Johannesburg – Mac Mac Retreat
Situated in the heart of Mpumalanga and on the Kruger Panorama route lies our resort and Adventure zone. Mac Mac is halfway between Graskop and Sabie and is walking distance from the Mac Mac falls.
On day two we will visit the Blyde River Canyon returning back to Mac Mac Retreat for dinner.
Approximate distance: 620 km
Accommodation: Mac Mac Retreat
Meals: L, D
Day 3 & 4: Mac Mac Retreat – Setara
Now it's time for some serious safari and photographic opportunities. We will awaken you early today so that you will be able to go on your own private game drive on your way to Kruger's Phalaborwa gate. You'll be driving over unpaved roads to your next accommodation which lies in lion territory. Provided we have not taken too long enjoying the sights along route we will arrive at Letaba in time for lunch and have a chance to visit the elephant museum which houses the tusks of the “Kruger’s Magnificent Seven”.
In the afternoon, just as the heat of the day is subsiding we will jump into our land rovers and head off for an afternoon/evening game drive. We should not have any problem spotting animals; this area is known for the large number of animals roaming the land freely since there are no restrictive fences within the park. On return to the camp, we will prepare a delicious dinner and after share the groups photographs around the campfire.
Approximate distance: 360 km
Accommodation: Setara Camping
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5 & 6: Setara – Lower Sabi
Chimhavira guests cannot but feel soothed by the view over the perennial Sabie River and the Lebombo Mountains beyond, which form the natural boundary and act as a highlight of the Kruger National Park. Expansive green lawns are shaded from the remorseless African sun by majestic Sycamore Fig Trees, providing the setting for a breathtaking panorama.
Large numbers of game are attracted to the abundance of water, sweet grass and foliage in the vicinity of Lower Sabie Restcamp, giving rise to a diversity of game, almost unequalled anywhere else in the Park. The area is also rich in Lion, Cheetah, Elephant, Hippopotamus, Rhino, herds of Buffalo up to 800 strong, and is known for its high density of Warthog.
Approximate distance: 310 km
Accommodation: Lower Sabi Camping
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7 & 8: Lower Sabi – Pretoriuskop
Pretoriuskop Camp in Kruger National Park takes its name from the nearby kopje (hill) where Voortrekker Willem Pretorius, a member of Carl Trichardt's 1848 expedition to Delagoa Bay, is buried. The camp is also one of the oldest in the Kruger National Park.
Approximate distance: 250 km
Accommodation: Pretoriouskop Camping
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Pretoriuskop – Johannesburg
This morning we will have time for a relaxing breakfast and pack away our equipment, when we are done we will drive the last leg of the itinerary to Johannesburg arriving early evening.
For your last evening you will book you into a guest house where you will have dinner and be joined by your guide. This will be our last chance to finalise our trip and review the “Best of the Best” images from the last 9 days.
Each guest will be expected to put forward 10 of their best images from the trip which will be viewed and put forward for the “Chimhavira Keeping Memories” book.
Approximate distance: 400 km
Accommodation: Linga Longa Guest House
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Day of Departure
You will be transferred to the airport where you say goodbye to the guides and the group…
Meals: B
– End Of Services –
Arrival:
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation (where required). For convenience of our early start spending the night at Linga Longa Guest house is recommended, please advise us if you require a booking and Chimhavira will arrange this on your behalf.
Accommodation not included in the quote above.
Departure:
If you require an airport transfer this can be arranged for you.
Transport:
Chimhavira Overland Safaris cc use fully equipped 4x4 Land Rover Defender/Discovery vehicles.
Camera Equipment:
Photographic equipment is not included in this itinerary. It is suggested as a minimum that you consider bring the following: Digital SLR camera, lenses (Ranging from telephoto zoom minimum 300mm to a wide angle), tripod, camera cleaning kit, polarising and UV filter.
Accommodation will be in your vehicle roof top tents. Should you want to upgrade please ask your guide to assist you. Where possible your guide will try to upgrade you as to your requirements but this will be dependant on availability. Please note upgrades are not included in your Chimhavira Overland Safari cc invoice and will therefore necessitate you paying for upgrades directly.
Clients are advised to bring enough money to cover the purchase of curios and personal items.
All meals are organized by the guide and are prepared by the cook. Meals are nutritious and filling, drawing on fresh local produce where possible. Groceries are bought along the way, so clients have a say in what type of meals are eaten. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements before tour commencement.
Our guides are trained in basic first aid, Chimhavira Overland Safari cc guides are trained to level III St John’s or equivalent standards, our vehicles are equipped with a comprehensive medical aid kit. Preventative Malaria medication should be taken before the trip and throughout its duration, although it is advisable to consult a doctor prior to departure.
Maximum baggage allowance: 20kg. Chimhavira Overland Safaris cc stipulates this luggage allowance, as an overloaded vehicle is a danger to both the clients and the guide. This does not include photographic equipment and a small daypack. Please bring a backpack or soft barrel bag, not a suitcase. Please adhere to the allowance specified as space for luggage is limited.
Chimhavira Overland Safaris cc will provide sleeping bags and pillows for those guests choosing the camping options, please advise us if this is required at your time of booking. If you prefer to bring your own please feel free to do so.