With the dry season starting to take effect, the colours of Mashatu have changed to red and yellow, interspersed with soft greens. Along the rivers however, it remains very green and it is not uncommon to find leopard reclining in one of the large Mashatu trees. Predator viewing at is at its best now. The soft rays of the winter sun make lion,leopard and cheetah really glow. As usual, the cheetah are found on the open areas, allowing for easy, close up viewing. Water is starting to become a premium and it is not uncommon to find elephants digging in the river-beds for water, which lies just below the surface. At the waterholes, doves and guinea fowl come down each day to drink. This attracts birds of prey and gabar goshawk (also melanistic) and tawny eagles are commonly seen. With the birth of giraffe in May, there are always a few deaths- this always attracts black backed jackal, spotted hyaena, white backed vulture, lappet-faced vulture and even cape vultures. The water bath in camp is a hive of birding activity and offers probably the most comfortable bird photography ever from the lounge, 3m away!
This workshop is designed to get photographers into the best areas to 'get the shots'; this is where you take your wildlife photography from 'good' to 'great'. By learning the tips, techniques and methods of taking great wildlife images, you will gain great insight and knowledge while improving your wildlife photography.
Cost: R5 655 per person sharing Single supplement - R675 per person per night All Prices are VAT inclusive.
Availability: 12 people. 6 photographers. If more than 6 photographers, bookings will close. Feedback: Have images taken during the weekend critiqued by professional photographers Experience: All levels- groups sizes are small enough to for individual attention Equipment: Digital SLR's. Have at least a 200mm lens. Laptop if you have one. Includes: Notes and CD with notes, images and presentations, data projector for viewing on screen. Full board and lodging Location: Mashatu Game reserve, Botswana (Passports Required) Accommodation: Mashatu tented camp Not included: Transport to Pontdrift border post. Other: Park vehicles at secure area at border. A Ranger will meet you there and transfer you to camp. Arrival time 13h00. Depart 10h00 on last day. Bookings: CLICK HERE TO BOOK or DOWNLOAD BOOKING FORM Aimed at beginner/intermediate as well as 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.
There will be 2 x private vehicles for photographers:usually three photographers and 1 guide per vehicle. Non Photographers are allowed to join on the photographic vehicle if numbers allow- If not, Non-photographing partners will be on their own vehicle with a ranger.
Photographic possibilities are:
* Close quarter photography of Predators such as lion, cheetah and leopard. * Excellent, open sightings and photography of very relaxed elephants * Dry riverbeds breaking up the landscape. Elephants and other animals are often found drinking in these riverbeds. * General game is relaxed and easy to photograph * Beautiful plains areas interspersed with rocky kopjes. * A marsh area, when wet attracts all manner of waterfowl. * Beautiful sandstone rock formations on the Limpopo River- excellent for landscapes * Archaeological ruins in the Limpopo valley- part of the Mapungubwe society * Rhodes' baobab perched precariously on the edge of a rocky hill. * Viewing is generally open and clear- allowing for easier photography. * Large Baobabs and Mashatu trees dominate the skyline- providing excellent photographic subjects.
Accommodation:
Without stealing away any luxuries, accommodation is in a tented camp situated in the northern reaches of the reserve. Twin luxury safari tents offer you a luxurious rest in bush surrounds. Each tent has two large single beds, an en-suite bathroom with flushing W.C and its own private veranda to relax on. Breakfast and lunch are served in a main dining area whilst dinner is served in an out door boma overlooking an adjacent waterhole. There is a central lounge area to relax in, a plunge pool and a bar. A hide overlooks the waterhole next to the camp.
