C4 Images and Safaris have booked a private Safari for 10 clients to experience this stunning wilderness. With private vehicles to ensure maximum photographic opportunities and 6 full days in the reserve, you are guaranteed an experience of a lifetime on this photographic safari.
Nestled deep within the rift valley of Zambia lies a reserve that combines some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa with a setting as unique as it is 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. It has all the romanticism of adventure and exploration from day's gone bye; but today it is the wildlife that is 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 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.
Professional wildlife photographers and guides Shem Compion and Greg du Toit will guide this tour, unless otherwise indicated. You can see more about Shem and Greg here.
Price: USD $2 450.00 per person sharing (Current Rand Equivalent - R 24 500.00pps) All currencies will fluctuate according to the USD equivalent. Single Supplement: USD $450 per person All-inclusivesafari: includes international flights from South Africa, internal flight transfers, all accommodation, meals, entrance fees and 2 game drives/day.
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.
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
Itinerary:
Day 1 Depart from Oliver Tambo International Airport to Lusaka. From here, there is a scheduled flight transfer to Mfuwe, the closest airstrip to the camp. Transfer is 20 minutes from Mfuwe to camp. The tour starts on a Friday due to the fact that flights do not connect through from Lusaka - Mfuwe on the weekend days.
Day 1 - 7 Your accommodation will be at the famous Flatdogs camp (www.flatdogscamp.com). Situated intimately on the banks of the Luangwa River and only 5 minutes (closest camp to the gate) from the main entrance gate, Flatdogs is perfectly positioned for optimal entrance times into the park. Wildlife around camp is common, with elephants moving through the camp on a regular basis. A lost hippo has more than once tried to take up residence in the camp swimming pool... Your accommodation will be in luxury en-Suite safari tents that reside in the shade of huge mahogany trees. The tents have mains electricity, hot showers, flush toilets and electric fans as well as full beds and all bedding. They are positioned with the best view of the Luangwa River, offering beautiful views when relaxing in the evening.
We will have exclusive use of two open game viewers and along with our guides accompanying you on the vehicles, you will be guided and tutored in wildlife photography. Our professional photographic guides will also be available for feedback on images, post processing of images and all manner of technical discussions during the course of the week.
All meals are eaten at the main lounge area of Flatdog's. Coffee and teas are served in the morning before game drives with a wholesome brunch ready on return from the drive. Dinner is served after the evening game drive.
Day 7 After a morning breakfast, we head transfer to the airstrip where the morning schedule flight transfers to Lusaka. From here it is the international return flight back to Johannesburg and unfortunately the end of another photographic safari.
What our Safari includes:
The above costs include: - International and local flights and transport for the entire Safari. - Entrance and accommodation (2 persons per tent) to all reserves. - All meals, based on the itinerary above. Cost of alcoholic beverages is not included. - Emergency medical evacuation. Private medical insurance is still mandatory. - Two Game drives per day. - The services of our guides.
Costs not included: - Gratuities to staff and guides. - Alcoholic beverages. - Extra activities not included. - Personal expenses - Travel insurance - Travel visas
What to bring along: - A range of warm and light clothes. The days are warm, but the mornings and evenings can be relatively cool. - Hats and caps. The weather may be cool, but the sun is still very harsh. - Sunscreen. African Sun is always a threat to the skin. - Cameras and lenses. - Binoculars. - Lots of Film.
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 needs be completed and returned. A 40% deposit of the total amount must be paid to secure a booking. Final payment is due four weeks before the Safari
