ICONIC OKAVANGO DELTA PHOTO SAFARI

You are invited to join a small group of Australian photographers to photograph one of the top destinations in Africa.

For photographers worldwide, gaining access to exclusive locations in the Okavango Delta, is among their top five "dream" photo safaris. 

Iconic Images has organized another dream photo safari for 2011 and similar to the safari in Kenya in Sept 2010, this one again promises 'top drawer' photography for both professional and amateur photographers.

First timers to Africa will be surprised when they see just how much wildlife there is to photograph in Okavango. The sheer number and variety of subjects we will encounter on this photo safari offer some of the richest photography opportunities in Africa.

Iconic Images has again teamed up with the South African-based company, C4 Images & Safaris. C4's local knowledge, extensive African experience, and in particular the company’s focus on running specialized tours for photographers was central to our decision to again collaborate with them. The award winning photography of the two principals of C4 is an added bonus. The founder of C4, Shem Compion will co-lead this safari. Information on the other safari leaders is detailed below.
 

Highlights of this “Iconic Okavango Delta Safari”

• Photograph the best and most stunning wildlife the Okavango Delta has to offer under the guidance of three competent wildlife photographers
  
  
• Capture the big predator cats in several locations we have selected
  
  
• Stay in exclusive lodges/camps; we have booked each Okavango Delta camp exclusively for our group
  
  
• Photograph Africa’s wild dogs, (now  an endangered species) in the best place in Africa
  
  
• There is an additional post safari option to photograph the majestic Victoria Falls, and enjoy a memorable cruise on the Zambezi River
  
  
• This is not a rushed 'game-viewing' tour as it lasts 20 days, from 26 Nov to 15 Dec 2011
  
  
• Our drivers/guides have been selected because they have experience in working with photographers; they are accustomed to waiting, in order to capture that 'decisive moment'
  
   
• There will be a maximum of four photographers per vehicle
  
   
• You will fly between destinations in the Okavango Delta allowing more time for photography.
  

Why Choose this Photo Safari?

This exclusive safari has been designed to capture, in one trip, most of the best  photography opportunities of the Okavango Delta, with one important advantage: you will be in the company of three professional photographers to ensure you return with images which you will be proud to own and display.

Those with limited wildlife photography skills will be encouraged to try out different techniques and learn not only from the safari leaders, but from other experienced photographers in the group. All we ask of “first timers” to Africa and those with limited know-how in photographing wildlife is your patience. This is a photography safari that is unashamedly dedicated to capturing iconic images of the Okavanga Delta's extraordinary wildlife and landscapes. Wildlife photography requires patience, patience and more patience in the field which is not a priority when on a “game-viewing” tour.

Experienced drivers/guides will take you to photograph in exceptional reserves surrounding the four camps in the Okavango Delta: 

•  Savuti Camp in the Chobe Game Reserve
•  Kwara Camp Concession
•  Lebala Camp in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve 
•  Lagoon Camp along the Kwando River 

We will spend each night in these comfortable safari lodges/tents. This will allow us to relax and take delight in the pristine wildness of our surroundings, as well as having sufficient time to clean equipment and recharge batteries (and bodies!) for the next day’s shooting. There will be informal guidance given by the three safari leaders during the safari. The “instructions/briefings for next day” will be relaxed and informal (generally at cocktail time!) taking into account everyone's particular interests and the unpredictability of Africa’s wildlife.

There is a maximum of twelve places on this unique photo safari and six places have already been reserved. 

Dates, Costs & Travel Insurance

The photo safari starts in Johannesburg on 27th November and finishes in Johannesburg on 15 December 2011.

The cost is:

AUD$14,250.00 per person, twin share. A single supplement of AUD$ 2250.00 applies, if specifically requested.

Terms of Payment are as follows:

1. A non-refundable 25% deposit together with a signed Registration Form, no later than 31 December 2010.

2. A second non-refundable payment of 25% no later than 30 April 2011.

3. A final payment of the remaining 50%, no later than 31st July 2011.

Details regarding compulsory travel insurance, cancellation policy and the terms and provisions of registration for this photo safari are outlined in the document "Detailed Itinerary & Other Important Information", which is available by clicking on "I WISH TO KNOW MORE" at the bottom of this page.

"What Is" and "What Is Not" Included in this Safari?

What is Included

1. Transport for the entire photo safari including airport pick-up at Johannesburg International Airport

2. Two persons per chalet/tent/room (twin share)

3. All park entrance fees

4. All meals, snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages in Botswana (premium brands excluded).

5. All game driving activities/walks

6. Qualified drivers/guides who have previously worked with photographers

7. Tips for drivers/guides/rangers/trackers
 

What is Not Included

1. Alcoholic beverages of premium brands

2. Alcoholic drinks on first night in Pretoria

2.Optional activites (e.g accommodation at and flights to/from Victoria Falls)

3. Personal travel and other insurance costs 

4. Travel visas and associated costs

5. Airport taxes (if applicable)

6. Other expenses of a personal nature.

7. Airfares from Australia to Johannesburg return

8. Credit card surcharges (if applicable) 
 

Safari Leaders

Shem Compion : Shem Compion is the founder and owner of C4 Images and Safaris. He uses his intricate knowledge of travel in Africa, its wildlife and the best photographic locations to give you the best photographic safari experience you will ever have. Shem grew up roaming the wilds and this interest in nature led to him studying a National Diploma in Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management. With over 20 years of bush experience it was quite logical he was going to end up working in the natural world.
A self-taught wildlife photographer, Shem quickly established himself as one of the best wildlife photographers in South Africa. His work is regularly published worldwide in magazines, calendars and books. In 2010, he supplied all 72 images to the extremely popular Africa Geographic calendar. It sold out within 4 month- the first time ever.
He published his first book “A Landscape of Insects” in 2009 and is currently working on a photo guide-book series for three more books. He is a regular speaker at photo events and has presented photo workshops for organisations such as National Geographic. He too has been invited as a keynote speaker to international photographic conventions.

Denis Glennon AO AIPP : For many years Denis’ passions were the wide open spaces of ocean sailing, and the conservation of nature; they remain so. In 2000 he was awarded an Order of Australia (AO), in recognition of his contribution to pollution prevention, and environmental management. Having spent seven years in Africa and thirty plus years in the corporate world, he is a self-taught wildlife and nature photographer. He now combines his affections for travel, wildlife and nature preservation, with conservation photography in far-flung places that include Zambia, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Asia, Patagonia, Antarctica and Australia. His articles and images have been published in Australia & overseas and he has been a finalist in the ANZANG and the BBC/British Museum Wildlife competitions and won the "Wilderness" category in ANZANG 2010. 

Jay Collier: Jay has been photographing African wildlife professionally since 2004. Having travelled to destinations including Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa, Jay has built a strong portfolio of images as well as a deep knowledge of the diverse species and behaviours of Africa’s wildlife. Working in the professional photographic industry for over 11 years, Jay currently works for Canon Australia running Canon Professional Services (CPS) and is responsible for supporting many of Australia’s leading professional photographers. Jay’s technical understanding of photographic theory and the technologies, features and functions of today’s cameras and lenses is second to none, with 10 years experience working with both Canon Australia and Nikon, in the professional photographic divisions for both companies.

Jay is also currently employed by Taronga Zoo in Sydney, and has developed and runs a short course in photography for Taronga Training Institute. Jay’s images and articles have been published in magazines, including Africa Geographic and Better photography, and his images have also appeared in commercial adverting campaigns in Australia. In 2007, several of Jay’s images made it through to the semi final stage of judging with the BBC World Wildlife Photo competition.

All three are passionate, competent and experienced wildlife and nature photographers. Denis & Jay use Canon and Shem uses Nikon equipment. 

Summary of Itinerary

Day 1/26 Nov       Depart Australia from own city      
Day 2/27 Nov       Arrive at Johannesburg International Airport; overnight in Pretoria
Day 3/28 Nov       Fly Johannesburg/Maun/Savuti Lodge; 3 nights at Savuti Lodge 
Day 6/1 Dec         Fly to Kwara Camp; 4 nights at Kwara Camp
Day 10/5 Dec       Fly to Lebala Camp; 5 nights at Lebala Camp
Day 14/10 Dec     Vehicle game drive to Lagoon Camp; 4 nights at Lagoon Camp
Day 18/14 Dec     Fly to Johannesburg International Airport (Victoria Falls option below)
Day 19/15 Dec     Arrive in Australia unless taking Victoria Falls option.

This photo safari is a “land package” event, commencing and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa.

To obtain comprehensive details of the  daily itinerary and a Registration Form just click: "I WISH TO KNOW MORE"

Alternatively, you may telephone Denis Glennon on 0418 923 103.

If you have any general queries, click the "ENQUIRE NOW' button at the bottom of the page.

Additional Option to Visit Victoria Falls

We have arranged an optional extra for those wishing to include a vist to the famous Victoria Falls.

This option includes:

1. Transfer by air from Botswana to Zambia.

2. Two nights' accommodation in the Sussi & Chumba Lodge in one of only 10 luxury tree-houses, built into the living canopy of giant ebony trees lining the bank of the river. Each lodge unit has private Zambezi views from the outdoor deck among the branches.

3. Game drives and park fees, Simonga Villlage visit, photograph and view Vistoria Falls.

4. All meals, drinks (excluding premium brands) and laundry.

5. Sunst cruise on the Zambesi River on the last evening.

5. Return flight to Johannesburg airport to connect with international flight to Australia.

The main lodge building features a spectacular raised bar/lounge deck, open air dining area, swimming pool and lawns sweeping down to the water’s edge.
 
Because Sussi & Chumba Lodge is within the Mosi-oi-Tunya National Park there is an abundance of wildlife that comes into the camp area, and the wildlife viewing from the common areas overlooking the upper Zambezi River are outstanding. The sunsets on the upper Zambezi River could be some of the most stunning you will ever see (even for Australians!)

Whilst at Sussi & Chumba Lodge a trip to photograph the world famous Victoria Falls has been arranged and you begin to wind down. On the last evening you can finish your visit to Africa with a relaxing riverboat cruise on the Zambezi River where, for those still wishing to photograph, there will be lots to frame in birds, hippos and crocs.

At Victoria Falls you may chose to take a flight over the falls by helicopter or micro-light (unfortunately no photographing from it). More information on these will be provided to those wishing to add this to the end of the photo safari.

The seperate cost for this option is AUD$2,150.00.

Please contact Denis Glennon on 0418 923 103 to discuss this option further if you wish.