The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is known for its predators. From the slender mongoose to the dark maned Kalahari lion, the Kgalagadi offers predator viewing that is unparalled anywhere else. Cape cobras slide into rodent holes and raptors line the river beds waiting for some small prey to reveal itself. The predator viewing may be great, but the season is what really makes this one of the best times for a photo workshop: and November is one of the best seasons in this reserve. The huge storms brew in the afternoons, splashing their isolated storm in dramatic scenes. And with the pockets of rain comes new life-of course,behind the new life come the predators. Photographic opportunities abound: the birthing of the springbuck is a wonderful time, both witnessing and photographing new life, but also for attracting predators searching for easy meals. Water in the Kalahari is seldom seen and if rain falls, it creates s splendour of life from flowers that bloom overnight through to animals playing and jousting in the joys of the first rain in 8 months. This is what you can expect in this season of excitement.
Join Shem and André with three other Photographers (and partners) for 4 nights of photography action on this workshop in the heart Kalahari. We provide two photographers to give you maximum exposure to professional techniques. Based at Urikaruus wilderness camp in the middle of the Auob river bed, we will take morning and afternoon drives out in search of photographic subjects.During the day we will discuss and learn about camera techniques, post processing and presentation of images.
This workshop is designed to get photographers into the best areas to 'get the shots'. Here is where you take your wildlife photography from 'good' to 'great'. By learning the tips, techniques and methods of taking great wildlife images with professional photographers, you will gain great insight and knowledge while improving your wildlife photography.
Cost: R 16000.00 per chalet VAT inclusive 1 chalet accommodates two clients All prices include VAT
Availability: Three couples sharing, 6 People.
Feedback: Have images taken during the photo workshop critiqued by professional photographers
Experience: All levels- group sizes are small enough to for individual attention
Equipment: Digital SLR's. Have at least a 300mm lens. Laptop if you have one.
Includes: Notes and CD with notes, images and presentations.
Location: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Reserve
Accommodation: Urikaruus wilderness camp
Not included: Transport and catering. Transport can be arranged- enquire via e-mail.
Aimed at intermediate to advanced photographers, this workshop brings like-minded people together to enjoy nature and learn more about improving their photography. Shem Compion , André Cloete or Greg du Toit will be your hosts over the weekend. All are award-winning photographers who will share their knowledge of wildlife photography on drives and during talks at camp. This is a self-drive, self-catering workshop. There is shop with basic facilities at Twee rivieren and Mata Mata, but you should be equipped to be self sufficient for 4 nights. The accommodation has equipped cooking and Braaing facilities. Crockery and cutlery are also provided.
Photographic possibilities are:
- Large Raptors perched on trees alongside the road overlooking the dry riverbeds - Seed eating birds congregating at the waterholes en-masse during the mornings - General game congregations in the riverbeds and around waterholes - Birds-of-prey attacking smaller birds at waterholes. (We have witnessed 6 attacks in 90 min) - Excellent sightings of Predators such as lion and cheetah. - Smaller predators: black backed jackal, cape fox and bat eared fox. Bat eared fox and cape fox are denning at this time of year. - Dust kicked up by animals makes for dramatic scenes, especially in the evenings, when back lighting highlights the dust. - Predators ambushing animals at the waterholes. - Dramatic sunsets. During November, cloud build up starts and makes for some very scenic and wonderful sunsets. - Rain in the riverbeds makes for beautifully different images and uncommon images of the Kgalagadi. - Flowering plants. After rain the swartstorm, devils thorn, devils claw and many other species bloom overnight, splashing their colour over the Kalahari.
Accommodation:
Guests have to provide their own drinking water and firewood. Situated 72 km (two hours) drive away from Twee Rivieren in the Auob riverbed between the veil of old camel thorn trees, lies the stunningly beautiful camp of Urikaruus. The closest shop and fuel supply is at Twee Rivieren, where guests also check in. The camp is unfenced, and there is a tourism assistant on duty. The camp has 4 x Riverside Cabins built on stilts and connected by a plank way. Urikaruus is accessible by passenger vehicles.
Each unit has 2 single beds, a bathroom with w/c and shower, an equipped kitchen with gas fridge / freezer, solar power for lights, gas for hot water and braai facilities on a deck
