Join Photo-Africa as we set out to photograph one of the most endangered animals in Africa.

The Madikwe Game Reserve is, apart from being one of the premiere Big 5 reserves in South Africa, one of the best places to see and photograph the charismatic African Wild Dog in the wild.

From 5 to 9 May 2011, Tuningi Safari Lodge will play host to our photographic safari with the main goal of photographing Madikwe’s Wild Dogs

For many years the reserve, situated in the North West Province, has been known for it’s great sightings of the ‘painted wolf’ and offers wildlife photographers a great chance in photographing these amazing mammals.

With nature being unpredictable at the best of times, should it happen that we not find the Wild Dog, Madikwe offers amazing sightings of Africa’s Big 5, general game and more than 300 bird species so we will definitely not have a problem finding quality photo opportunities.

This photographic workshop will be led by Gerry van der Walt.  Gerry is a wildlife photographer, owner of Photo-Africa, and field guide who combines a passion for nature photography with an in depth knowledge of African wildlife.

We will have access to our own vehicle and, guided by fantastic field guides who are also keen photographers, will have the freedom to take our time in finding and working various photographic opportunities.

Please note that this safari is limited to 6 photographers.

Photographic Goals

Our main goal during this safari is to find and photograph Madikwe’s African Wild Dogs but we will also focus on:

• Big 5, including truly amazing lion and elephant sihtings.
• Huge amounts of general game.
• Various landscapes including open plains, mountains and dams.
• Bird photography.
• African sunrises and sunsets.

Apart from the above you will also have ample time to enjoy the luxury of the Tuningi Safari Lodge and in between drives and in between the photography and relaxation there will find the opportunity to discuss photographic techniques, the technical aspects of wildlife photography and do informal photo crit sessions with the photo leaders on the safari.

Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Madikwe. We start off with lunch during which we will provide more details on the trip. You will have the opportunity to ask specific photography related questions to prepare you for your photo safari as we discuss our photographic goals for the week. After lunch we have an hour or so for final equipment check before we head out in search of the ‘painted wolf’. After returning from the drive we recap the afternoon’s shoot before we share dinner and then off to bed.

Day 2 – 4: Each day we start off with an early cup of coffee before heading out on safari. Depending on sightings and photographic opportunities we will return to the lodge for breakfast after which you will have the day during which to either relax or photograph the mammals and birds around the lodge. There will be lots of time during the day for us to look through images and discuss photographic techniques. After lunch we will head out again to continue our quest of photographing the Wild Dogs.

Day 5: On our last morning we head out on our last morning of photography. This will afford us our last chance of photographing the Wild Dog or you can focus on getting those last few grabs shots to complete you picture of Madikwe.

Competition and Prizes

As an exciting add on to this photographic safari we will be running a competition for the best image taken during our four days in Madikwe.  Each photographer will have the option of entering two competition images that they took during their stay at Tuningi.

Hannes Lochner, a truly inspirational South African wildlife photographer, will be the guest judge of the competition and will choose the overall winning image.

The winning photographer will receive:

• Two nights for two people at one of the Madikwe Collection Lodges.
• A copy of each of Hannes Lochner’s two coffee table books,’Colours of Southern Africa’ and  ‘Colours of the Kalahari’.

I am very proud to have both the Madikwe Collection and Hannes Lochner on board for this exciting competition!

Cost

• Safari Cost for Inanda Members:  R15,000 per person.
• A 25% deposit is payable to confirm your booking.
• Balance is due 30 days before safari.
• Rates are based on double occupancy so please contact us for details on single supplements

Included

• Luxury accommodation at the Tuningi Safari Lodge.
• Three meals per day and game drive snacks.
• All game drives and wildlife activities.
• All park and government fees.
• Professional field guides &Photographic guides

Not Included

• Transfers to and from Madikwe (Photo-Africa can book transfers either by road or chartered flights).
• Drinks (Alcoholic and soft drinks).
• Items of a personal nature.
• Gratuities. (At your discretion).
• Travel insurance.
• Visas (If applicable).
• Equipment rental (Preferential rates available from Photo-Africa Rentals)

To book for this exciting photographic safari simply fill in the form below and I will get back to you within 48 hours!

I look forward to hosting you in Madikwe!

Gerry van der Walt

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