A private guided photographic workshop exploring two of Botswana finest waterways

for hippo, crocodile, elephant, birdlife, big cats and other game.

Bob Brind-Surch and Safari Consultants

Botswana Wildlife Waterways

and Wilderness September 2019

Introduction.

As the subject of countless wildlife documentaries Africa needs little introduction and is on many photographers wish list as a place to visit. It’s mystic, it’s wild, it’s a photographer’s paradise. It’s a land of the diverse wildlife, big game, big cats, huge landscapes and great people; a land of adventure and wide open spaces. It’s the cradle of mankind, part of the old world but at the same time a shiny new one just waiting to be explored. It is all these things but it’s never dull.

All this history, exposure and increased accessibility brings with it problems of pressure on the wildlife

and its habitat. As a wildlife photographer with a passion for Africa I am always seeking those true wilderness areas where you can still enjoy a traditional bush experience and photograph the wildlife undisturbed. The challenge is to find a location near enough to international airports to enable you to take your heavy camera gear but sufficiently isolated to ensure unspoilt game viewing in unspoilt areas. To achieve this I work closely with Safari Consultants, the UK’s leading specialists in tailor-made safari holidays with an unrivalled knowledge, passion and understanding of Africa. With their help I have created a unique photo safari exploring two very different areas of southern central Africa both based around water and both well known for their elephant populations and birdlife but with all the other game one would expect in equal abundance.

For this safari we are concentrating on the waterways of Botswana a country with some of the most expansive untamed areas left in Africa with thousands of square miles of pristine, unspoilt African wilderness. As a destination it is ideally suited to photograph wildlife, from the smallest insects and most colourful birds to the largest herbivores and most elusive predators. It is also well known as a superb destination for elephants. We are starting on the banks of the Chobe in the north east of the country where the national park covers an area of 11,000 sq. kilometres with habitats ranging from the floodplain and backwaters of the Chobe river systems to sand ridges, dry lake beds, riverine thickets/bush and mopane forest. Most visitors to the area stay in the large lodges neighbouring Kasane on the Eastern side of the park and set out each day from there. This does mean however that they can’t travel very far and simply don’t experience the magic of the area without being amongst crowds of other vehicles. I solve this by using a private mobile camp erected just for us and run by Dave Carson. Dave is a highly qualified Zimbabwe professional safari guide I have used for a number of years. With most travellers concentrating on the river areas within easy reach of Kasane this approach, whilst still allowing us to explore the river, will also give us access to other more remote areas of bush further into the reserve. The birdlife, especially along the river, is spectacular but the Chobe is perhaps more famous for its large herds, especially of elephant and buffalo which frequent the river courses. Elephants swimming in the river are a great attraction and something we will definitely seek to target and photograph. In addition to elephant the area has large populations of all the herbivores and the predators who feed on them. Amongst the 16 antelope species found in the area, greater kudu are common, and the near endemic puku and Chobe bushbuck can also be seen.

For the second part of the trip we will transfer to Kasane staying for 2 nights in the luxury of Pangolin Chobe lodge run by specialist photo safari company Pangolin Safaris. From here we will embark on two 1/2 day boating safaris, in specially adapted private chartered photo boats. This is always the highlight of this trip. The unique boat has been specifically designed for photographers. It has an flat bottom, to navigate extremely shallow waters and half a ton of lead in the bow for stability. It has just one row of fully revolving seats, each equipped with an adjustable Wimberley-type head making it possible to photograph with a mounted camera and long lens. The boat’s captain is extremely experienced he will get us into the great positions making the best use of all lighting conditions. This will provide us with unique opportunities for some stunning pictures. There is a short YouTube™ video showing this boat on my website page referring to this safari. If reading this electronically please click here to be taken straight to it.

After 6 days (5 nights) in the Chobe National Park we will transfer by light aircraft for the third part of our trip to the private Khwai concession in the world famous Okavango Delta. With unfenced neighbours such as the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, the 180,000-hectare this is considered one of the prime safari destinations on the fertile north-eastern fringes of the Okavango Delta. The Khwai River that flows through the concession mirrors the surrounding marshlands. and the riverbanks and dry savannahs are abundantly populated with roan and sable antelope, buffalo, zebra, and giraffe among others. The concession’s elephant herds are widespread, as are the different predator groups such as lion, leopard, spotted hyena, the endangered African wild dog, and cheetah.

The concession also boasts a superb array of bird species including Verreaux’s eagle owl, the bateleur, and a number of different types of eagle. Off-roading and night-drives are permitted and particularly convenient when trailing predators on the hunt.

Khwai Tented Camp is a purpose built new camp run by the same company who hosted our photographic boat trips and provided our accommodation in Kasane. The exclusive location, on the banks of a lagoon flowing into the Khwai River, is the ideal spot to take in the extensive views over the Khwai river, where you can observe hippos, baboons and countless birds - always keep your binoculars on hand! The groups are intentionally kept small during safari activities, and the guides really know their craft - seeking out the best viewing locations for you and keenly aware of every situations around them. As a company specialising in photo safaris our guides are well versed in the requirements of photographers and will work closely with me to position you in just the right spot for the light and conditions to take some superb photos.

The camp is well equipped simple and romantic, this is an authentic African experience and the camp blends seamlessly into the stunning setting, with minimal impact on the environment. The camp has seven spacious tented rooms raised on wooden platforms. The tents are equipped with fully plumbed en suite facilities, double or twin beds, 24 hour electricity and a wooden verandah with views across the reserve. The communal areas are made up of dining area, lounge and a photo editing suite with plenty of charging points. There is also a fire pit around which drinks are served in the evenings.

We will have our own vehicles and guides and will spend most of our time in true off-road vehicles (no need to stick to tracks), exploring the great stands mopane woodlands as well as open grasslands and banks of the Khwai River. There are also optional evening and night drives along with optional guided safari walks. So besides the daytime drives featuring Africa’s big attractions – lion, cheetah, leopard, wild dog, elephant, buffalo, hippo and giraffe – you will have the opportunity to explore the area including the river banks at night as well as on foot.

As with all my African safaris I have designed this trip for the enthusiastic

photographer interested in producing memorable images of African wildlife. I deliberately limit the number of guests

to 8 with no more than 4 per specialised open sided 4WD safari vehicle (8 in the specially adapted photo boat) thus ensuring each gets a prime seat with plenty of additional room for equipment. As your tour leader I am a lifelong naturalist and capable and experienced professional photographer who has never lost my wonder for the natural world nor my early interest in wildlife and wildlife behaviour. This started as a child in the late 50’s when I was fortunate to spend a number of years living in Kenya and I have held a fascination with Africa and its wildlife ever since. I take it as a real privilege to run these trips and am passionate about sharing my enthusiasm for Africa and its wildlife with guests.

I am also a fully qualified teacher and patient tutor able to support everyone from the novice to those who are considerably more experienced. I will be with you throughout the trip making sure you have a rewarding time and helping you translate your experiences into great and memorable photographs. Working with you in the field and back at the camps, I will seek to help you improve and refine your photographic skills understanding better numerous digital photography techniques and how to use them to achieve creative images.

I carefully choose the drivers and local guides for this trip and ensure that they are well versed in the requirements of photographers. They know when and where to stop and how to best position us for the available light. They are prepared to wait in any location for as long as you require. Unlike many African safaris the aim on this one is not a challenge to see as many species as possible but rather to spend time observing animals and birds behaving naturally and as a direct consequence get the very best photos. This will not be an attempt to see the legendary “big five” but will certainly provide you with the opportunity to take stunning and natural photos of the wide range of animals and birds you do see.

The trip will be limited to no more than 8 guests and the full details including pricing is in the following details itinerary.

In putting this trip together I have worked closely with the UK based and experts in the region, Safari Consultants. Choosing the right company to arrange your African safari is vitally important and the complexity and remoteness of Africa means you need a company who have detailed knowledge and first-hand experience of Africa. Safari Consultants are just such a company having specialised in safaris to East and Southern Africa since 1983. Their holidays are fully bonded for your financial protection under the CAA ATOL scheme or through the AITO Trust.

Brind-Surch Natures Photos

12 Stanion Road, Brigstock, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN14 3HW

This itinerary has been prepared for you by Safari Consultants Ltd.

specialists in travel to East & Southern Africa since 1983

Telephone: 01787 888590 web: safari-consultants.com

a photographic workshop to

Duration: 10 Nights Designed for travel in September/ October 2019

Designed for travel in September/ October 2019

Day Date

Region Accommodation No. of nights

Board basis

23 Sep In Flight British Airways - London Heathrow to Johannesburg

1 Meals Included

24 Sep Chobe National Park Kazuma Trails Private Mobile Tented Safari, northern Botswana

3 Full Board

27 Sep Chobe National Park Pangolin Chobe Lodge, bordering Chobe National Park

2 Full Board

29 Sep Khwai Private Reserve Pangolin Khwai Camp, Khwai Private Reserve

3 Full Board

02 Oct In Flight British Airways - Johannesburg to London Heathrow

1 Meals Included

03 Oct London British Airways - early arrival into London Heathrow

Land Price Per person US$ 7,122.00 based on sharing accommodation Land Price in total US$ 7,122.00

International flights available from £ 1,100.00 per person

Please see full itinerary for full costing details/inclusions and exclusions

Day 1 - 23 September

One Night

World Traveller

British Airways - London Heathrow to Johannesburg

Depart London Heathrow (Terminal 5) on the overnight British Airways flight to Johannesburg, South Africa.

Day 2 - 24 September

Three Nights

Twin Tent Full Board

Kazuma Trails Private Mobile Tented Safari, northern Botswana

Early morning arrival into Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport. Complete entry formalities and collect your luggage before checking in and connecting with the late morning South African Airlink flight to Kasane, Botswana. Early afternoon arrival into Kasane. After completing entry formalities and collecting your luggage you will be met by Bob Brind-Surch and your guides from Kazuma Trails and transferred into Chobe National Park for a three night stay in a mobile tented camp. Accommodation in twin tents.

Days at leisure for game-viewing by vehicle within the National Park, hosted by Bob and your Kazuma Trails guides.

Kazuma Trails is owned and run by Dave Carson, a qualified Zimbabwe professional safari guide. Mobile Safaris operate through Zimbabwe and Botswana offering an in-depth safari experience of the region.

Accommodation is in large walk-in Meru-style insect proof tents furnished with proper beds, a bedside table, luggage rack and safari chairs. Accessed through the rear of the tent are the en suite facilities consisting of a traditional safari bucket shower and short drop/chemical loo. To the fore of the tent is a furnished verandah with two safari chairs and a wash basin. A full safari crew caters for your every requirement from mixing hot and cold water for that perfect shower, to preparing meals, waiting at table, and moving camp. Good wholesome food is prepared fresh in camp by the experienced safari chef. A lightweight mess tent is taken on all safaris and used for dining when the weather is inclement.

Activities vary according to the camp location. In the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park (including Savuti) the main activity is game drives by day, as walking and night drives are not permitted. Boat cruises are possible (and very rewarding) on the Chobe River. In Moremi, a boat cruise on the lagoons and waterways of the Okavango Delta can be arranged if you are not visiting an Okavango Camp elsewhere in your trip. In the Khwai concession bordering Moremi, night drives and walking is permitted.

Day 5 - 27 September

Two Nights

Twin Gallery Room Full Board

Pangolin Chobe Lodge, bordering Chobe National Park

Morning at leisure for a final game drive, before departing the park and driving through to Kasane where you arrive at Pangolin Chobe Lodge for two nights twin rooms.

During your stay, you'll enjoy morning and afternoon river excursions in the specially designed photoboats.

Pangolin Chobe Lodge is owned and run by specialist photographic safari company, Pangolin Safaris. It is located in Kasane on the edge of the Chobe National Park and consists of 14 air conditioned bedrooms (seven upstairs with view and seven downstairs), each with en suite toilet and shower facilities and private balconies overlooking the garden and Chobe floodplain. The central areas of the lodge consist of a photographic gallery, photo editing room, bar, and dining room. There is a swimming pool and campfire around which evening drinks are taken.

Morning and afternoon game-viewing activities are hosted by Pangolin's experience photographer guides and are undertaken either on their specially designed photo-boats, or in their 10-seater specially designed photo Unimog. Cameras and lenses can be supplied if required.

Chobe National Park - Introduction

The Chobe covers an area of 11,000 sq. kms and its habitats range from the floodplain and backwaters of the river to sand ridges, dry lake beds, riverine thickets/bush and mopane forest. The Chobe stretches south-westwards from Kasane and the river in the north, to the Mababe Depression (a dead lake area fed by the Savuti Channel. The Channel is a seasonal waterway which extends south-eastwards from the Linyanti/Kwando river systems. In years of good rains, the channel holds water throughout the year but it is a delicate system easily affected by drought and tectonic plate movement. It is however, an amazing wildlife area and particularly good for elephant and all the major predators).

Except for the network of roads and one lodge along the river and three in the Savuti, there is little development within the park. Most travellers to the Chobe concentrate either along the river frontage, or in the Savuti area. Travellers using mobile tented camps may have the option to move away from these busier areas.

The birdlife is prolific - kingfishers, bee-eaters, the majestic fish eagle, martial eagle, ducks, egrets, plovers, herons, cranes, storks, geese, woodpeckers, shrikes, thrushes, buntings, chats and owls are just a few of the many species found here. However, Chobe is famous for its large animal herds, particularly elephant and buffalo which frequent the river courses, where hippo laze all day, to quench their thirst. Amongst the 16 antelope species present in Chobe, kudu are common, and the near endemic puku can also be seen. The Chobe bushbuck is a sub-species of bushbuck found only here. Giraffe, lion, leopard, waterbuck, mongoose, tsessebe, roan and sable antelope, lechwe, impala, warthog, wild dog, hyaena, baboon and vervet monkeys are among the other animals to be seen.

Day 7 - 29 September

Three Nights

Twin Tent Full Board

Pangolin Khwai Camp, Khwai Private Reserve

Early morning at leisure for a final river excursion on the Chobe. Later, you are transferred to Kasane Airport where you connect with a private air charter to the Khwai Private Reserve bordering the famous Okavango Delta. On arrival, you will be met by your guides from Pangolin Khwai Camp and transferred back to the lodge for three nights in twin tents.

Days at leisure for game-viewing by vehicle within the National Park, hosted by Bob and your specialist Pangolin photographic guides. Water-based excursions may be possible if water levels allow.

Pangolin Khwai Camp is owned and run by specialist photographic safari company, Pangolin Safaris. Located in the 200 000 hectare Khwai Private Reserve, bordering the northern edge of the Okavango Delta, the lodge accommodates 12 guests in seven spacious tented rooms raised on wooden platforms. The tents are equipped with fully plumbed en suite facilities, double or twin beds, 24 hour electricity and a wooden verandah with views across the reserve. The communal areas are made up of dining area

and lounge and a photo editing suite with plenty of charging points and a large screen for presentations/workshops. There is also a fire pit around which drinks are served in the evenings.

Although the camp is designed with photographers in mind, non-photographers are welcome. Game-viewing activities are conducted twice daily and include game drives in specially designed photo vehicles (4 guests per vehicle), and when water levels permit (usually May to September) by mekoro (local dugouts). All activities are hosted by Pangolin's resident specialist photographic guides. Cameras and lenses are available to use in camp.

Khwai Private Reserve - Introduction

The vast 200000 hectare Khwai Private Reserve occupies the concession known as NG18. The habitats extend from the beautiful riverine woodland, open vleis and flood plains of the Khwai River in the south (reminiscent of the Moremi Game Reserve) to the extensive mopane woodland interspersed with waterholes and glades to the north. The reserve is owned and run by the Khwai Community and is exclusive to just four lodges including Sable Alley, Hyena Pan, Skybeds and the Pangolin Khwai Camp.

The wildlife of the area is impressive with the area around the Khwai River the most diverse. Here you’ll see hippo and crocodiles mixing with red lechwe, waterbuck and zebra along the floodplains whilst giraffe, tsessebe, buffalo, wildebeest, impala and greater kudu are some of the other larger species which occupy the woodland fringe. The mopane woodland is favoured by sable and roan antelope, kudu, steenbok and duiker, large herds of buffalo, giraffe and exceptional elephant numbers (you could see upwards of 250 around some of the larger waterholes). Wild dog, lion, hyaena and leopard roam the entire concession. The birdlife too is exceptional and varied.

Day 10 - 02 October

One Night

World Traveller

British Airways - Johannesburg to London Heathrow

Early morning at leisure for a final game-viewing excursion.

Afterwards, you are transferred back to the local bush airstrip to connect with your private charter flight to Maun where you arrive in time to connect with the early afternoon Air Botswana flight to Johannesburg. Mid-afternoon arrival into OR Tambo International Airport where you remain in transit before connecting with the overnight British Airways flight to London Heathrow.

Day 11 - 03 October

British Airways - early arrival into London Heathrow

Early morning arrival into London Heathrow Terminal 5.

COSTING DETAILS:

Land Price Per person US$ 7,122.00 based on sharing accommodation Land Price in total US$ 7,122.00

International flights available from £ 1,100.00 per person

Included

ground and air transfers as specified twin accommodation on board basis mentioned game-viewing activities and park/conservation fees throughout on safari house drinks (soft drinks, local beers, house wines and non-imported spirits) and laundry throughout on safari photographic services of Bob Brind-Surch

Not Included

international flights on British Airways, South African Airlink and Air Botswana (Economy/World Traveller) - quoted in Sterling from £ 1,100.00 per person including airport taxes

travel insurance personal items and gratuities optional tours and excursions drinks and laundry unless included

Deposit required to confirm arrangements: US$ 1,350.00 per person Please note that this itinerary makes use of light aircraft air transfers which have strict baggage restrictions. Maximum weight is 20 kgs including hand luggage. All bags should be of the soft 'hold-all' variety and not exceed 25cm wide x 30cm high and 62cm long. IMPORTANT: most companies operating light aircraft air transfers have a maximum passenger weight of 100kgs per passenger. If you weigh more than this, you will need to purchase an additional seat on any air transfer you take. Please confirm this to us at the earliest convenience. All our holidays are fully bonded for your financial protection under the CAA ATOL scheme or through our membership of ABTOT. Remember, if you decide to book direct with companies in Africa, or through a non-bonded company here in the UK, your money is at risk. Please do not hesitate to ask us for further information.

Having been in business since 1983, we continually strive to offer four key elements for all our customers:

The best advice possible. Really good advice is the cornerstone requirement for any ‘specialist’ safari holiday, and will turn your experience of Africa from a ‘good’ holiday to an ‘exceptional’ holiday. We only specialise in Africa (and the Indian Ocean Islands) and our team of safari specialists are continually travelling to check up on places, visit new destinations and learn about the practicalities of travelling around the African continent.

A friendly, personal and caring service. Planning and booking a specialist safari holiday should be a fun and energising experience. We have always been a small company offering a very personal service. All of our customers are extremely important to us and treated as such, and we meet many of them in person, either when planning their holidays (where practical), at travel shows or at social functions we arrange. We are passionate about Africa and genuinely care about the success of every holiday we arrange.

A totally professional service at all times. We endeavour to provide prompt responses to all enquiries and questions, clear and correct information at all times, flexibility throughout and attention to detail with your preferences and requirements. When you travel with us, you always have our full support and back up, as our management team are on hand 24/7 in case of any difficulties or emergencies.

Good value for money. All our customers require good value for money and fair pricing every time they travel. On a more subtle note, our specialist knowledge is crucial in ensuring you really make the most of your holiday budget.

And finally, we provide 100% financial guarantees through our ATOL licence (No. 3783) and our membership of ABTOT (No. 5246).

Joe Corder, Sales Consultant Joe grew up in Stamford, Lincolnshire and first experienced Africa at the age of four when visiting family and friends in Kenya. More trips cemented his passion for Africa and he has since travelled to 12 different countries across southern and eastern Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, South Africa, Madagascar, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Before embarking on his Geography degree at university in Newcastle, he travelled independently through eight African countries – from Cape Town to Nairobi. He has bungee jumped off Victoria Falls bridge and tracked wild dogs in Kwa-Zulu Natal and is passionate about all things African.

Away from work he plays cricket and golf, loves skiing and follows Newcastle United.

BRIEF OVERVIEW

Botswana is a land-locked country in southern Africa containing some of the most expansive and untamed lands on the continent. The terrain is generally flat, and there are few hills or mountains to speak of but what the country offers in abundance is miles and miles of pristine, unspoilt African wilderness.

Botswana’s premier safari region is the famous Okavango Delta (which includes the Moremi Game Reserve), an incredibly beautiful and game-rich region of waterways, lagoons, floodplains and open woodland created as the Okavango River disappears into the sands of the vast Kalahari Desert. It is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife areas, and a truly magical wilderness to explore, whether by vehicle, horse-back, elephant-back, mokoro (local dugout), motor-boat or on foot.

The Linyanti region and Chobe National Park are also superb game-viewing areas sustained by the impressive Kwando, Linyanti and Chobe rivers. To the south, where these waters rarely reach, the habitat changes into typical Kalahari scrub grassland, a vegetated desert that stretches for eternity, punctuated only by the vast Makgadikgadi salt pans and the occasional village or farming settlement.

If you are looking to immerse yourself in the natural world, there are few places that can compete with this delightful country.

Bob Brind-Surch

Natures Photos 12 Stanion Road Brigstock Nr Kettering Northamptonshire NN14 3HW Telephone: +44 (0) 1536 373977 Emergency: +44 (0) 7983 427202 Email: bob@naturesphotos.co.uk

www.naturesphotos.co.uk

In association with

Safari Consultants Ltd Africa House 2 Cornard Mills Cornard Tye Great Cornard CO10 0GW Telephone: + 44 (0)1787 888 590 Emergency: + 44 (0)7831 556 164 Email: info@safariconsultantuk.com

www.safariconsultantuk.com