13 Days in Authentic Africa
September 2021
This safari is a rare opportunity to experience real, raw, and wild Africa; reminiscent of the days of Hemmingway. Known as one of the last great true African wilderness areas, Zimbabwe has remained an untamed and unspoiled environment. We will walk in the wild, mix in game drives in a private concession, and stay on the shores of Lake Kariba with the unique backdrop of dead trees and breathtaking sunsets. Beyond all the unique photographic opportunities you will live this ultimate wild experience like non-other offered across the Africa continent. You will leave feeling you have traveled back in time, free of human encroachment, underdeveloped, and the Africa of your dreams.
Each Spectacular Destinations offers something dynamic
Mana Pools
Walk in the Wild! Nestled within the Zambezi Valley, along the river, with a stunning forest that fills with dappling magical orange light, Mana Pools offers the most astonishing wildlife experiences in Africa. The ambiance is incomparable. You will be exiting the safari vehicles! You will have the rare opportunity to have an intimate, on foot encounter, with the wilds of the African bush; Elephants, impala, lions, wild dogs, and all the free roaming wildlife. On foot, a photographer has more freedom in positioning their frame and angle. One of Zimbabwe’s top professional guides will accompany us to ensure our safety. As the secret of this magical place gets out, the photographers will begin to flock to it.
Kavinga
Kavinga is perfectly situated above the banks of the Rukomechi river, in the heart of Mana Pools, close to the famous Chitake Springs. Not only will we enjoy our regular morning and afternoon game drives, but our camp is directly across from the main water whole frequently visited by a lion, wild dog, leopard, and the wildlife in the area. We will have access to the hide with a 180-degree view of the water hole allowing for incredible close-up photographic opportunities. Kavinga is a private concession so we can also arrange night/evening game drives.
Matusadona
One immediately visualizes the ionic images of Elephants along the Kariba shores, with the stunning backdrop of dead trees rising from the lake. A remote rugged wilderness treasure, Matusadona is home to the big five; lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and black rhino. Hippo, crocodile and a wide variety of water birds make use of the lake. Kudu, Warthog, Zebra, Bushbuck, Impala, and numerous antelope species including over 350 documented bird species call this area home.
More than the unique photographic encounters this safari will present is the magical adventure in the traditional African bush.
This ultimate unspoiled safari experience will be limited to ONLY 6 guests!
Two expert photographic leaders in Mana Pools:
To ensure the best possible photographic experience while walking in the wilds of Mana Pools, award-winning photographer Carole Deschumer will be joining us. Two leaders in this area will offer twice the support, instruction, knowledge, assistance, laughter, and genuine concern for your success.
- Piper Mackay – has over 15 years’ experience photographing throughout the African continent and spent several years living in Kenya. She is a seasoned expert in guiding photographic safaris in Africa for the past 9 years. In 2017, she won the prestigious African wildlife category for Natures Best Photography. Her work has been widely published in numerous internationally known magazines and she is an inspirational speaker for Nikon. Her caring approach and sincere care for her clients’ satisfaction and success is palpable!
- Carole Deschuymer –For the last 7 years, Carole has visited Mana Pools every year at least once. She knows the park like the back of her hand the the behaviour of the animals very well, and she knows exactly where to go for the right light to get the best pictures. Her photography style meshes well with Piper’s, making them a dynamic team. She has won several awards and her has been work published in several magazines.Carole is a natural teacher. Zimbabwe is her second home and she loves to help others photograph its beauty.
Itinerary
Day 1 – September 20, 2021
Upon your arrival (at any time), at the international airport in Harare Zimbabwe, you will be met by a member of our ground team and transferred by private vehicle to the Armadale Guest Lodge. This boutique property was once a farmhouse that has been restored with modern amenities and 9 suites with garden views and a pool. One will feel at home, rather than just a tourist passing through. Relax around the garden or with a drink by the pool as you rest and recharge from your travel.
Accommodation – Armadale Lodge
Day 2 – September 21, 2021
Rise early. We will have breakfast and a safari briefing before our private transfer to the airport for our scenic private charter flight to Mana Pools. We will go out on our first came drive in the afternoon.
Our exclusive camp is set on a cliff overlooking the magnificent Ruckomechi riverbed set against the extraordinary backdrop of the Zambezi Escarpment Mountains. Your private veranda overlooks the edge of the cliff, giving a feeling of infinite space, and is the perfect platform for night photography.
The hide at the edge of the water hole is creatively designed to keep you cool and give you an astonishing 180-degree view of the water hole from eye level
Accommodation – Kavinga (B, L, D)
Day 3, September 22 2021
Full day in Kavinga private concession
Accommodation – Kavinga (B, L, D)
Day 4, September 23, 2021
You will have a full morning game drive. After breakfast, you will have a beautiful 90-minute safari drive through the national park to our next location
Our exclusive camp in Mana Pools is nestled amongst Trichilia (Natal Mahogany) trees on the banks of the river and is completely unfenced, merging comfort with the natural environment; a wonderful mix of simplicity and classic family hospitality.
This afternoon we will drive out, jump out of the safari vehicles, and walk in the wild! Beyond the ultimate safari experience is the unique dappling magical orange light that fills the forest – one does not have to look at a caption to instantly recognize images was captured in Mana Pools.
Accommodation – Mwinilunga Camp (B, L, D)
Day 5-9 September 24-28, 2021
You will adventure through this magical pristine African wildlife wilderness for the next 5 days.
Accommodation – Mwinilunga Camp (B,L,D)
Day 10 September 29, 2021
After one last safari and breakfast in this magical location, we will have a scenic and surreal road/boat transfer to our next location.
Over the next few days, we will have our choice of driving safaris, walking safaris, and boat safaris!
Our luxury camp sits along the shore of lake Kariba in a remote, secluded, and unspoiled part of the Matusadona National Park. Each traditional luxury safari tent has been individually decorated with an East African influence. Your private deck has a comfortable seating area with a hammock under the trees. Keep your camera close by as the wildlife can roam right through the camp. Each tent has an open netted front, allowing you to comfortably fall asleep with a gentle breeze while you listen to the calls of the wild. There is no better way to end such a unique safari!
Accommodation –Changa Safari Camp (B,L,D)
Day 11 & 12 September 30 & October 1, 2021
You will have two days of driving, boating, and walking safaris in this iconic location.
Accommodation –Changa Safari Camp (B,L,D)
Day 13 October 2, 2021
After our last morning safari and breakfast in front of the lake, we will head to be transferred to the airstrip for our charter flight to Harare.
We should arrive at the international airport by 12:00.
We suggest to book your international flight after 4:00PM. If you would prefer to stay the night in Harare, please let us know and we will be happy to make the arrangements for you.
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Is this safari for you?
Photographers of ALL levels, who are passionate about wildlife and nature photography, are welcome. This safari is timed during the dry season, which is the best time for animal viewing. Our focus will be on producing quality images. We will wake before sunrise for the best early morning light. During this safari, we will see a variety of exotic wildlife; however, some special subjects may require watching their behavior and waiting for those special moments. This is when patience pays off, rewarding you with extraordinary photographs. We will spend a good deal of our time and effort in the field. When it becomes quiet and the light is too harsh we will return to our camp/lodge for a midday break.
Some safari workshops emphasize a rigid, instructional structure, but you can miss key opportunities and the enjoyment of the safari experience. Rather, our safari prioritizes photographic moments and memories in the field, rather than lectures back in camp. We will provide timely guidance, support, and instructional tips based on the action happening in front of us. When we are back in camp, only because the light becomes too harsh and it has grown quiet in the warmth of the day, we will review images and discuss image techniques. Our goal is to ensure maximizing every photographic opportunity we can deliver during your safari.
This is an outdoor wildlife safari, so being fit and in good health will allow you to maximize your enjoyment of the safari. While in Mana Pools we will use the safari vehicles for sighting wildlife. We are able to get fairly close, but once sighted we will have the opportunity to exit the safari vehicle and walk closer to the wildlife. To take advantage of this unique photographic opportunity, guest should be in good walking condition and be able to easily carry at least one camera and lens. The terrain is fairly flat, so there is no hiking or trekking, but we could be on foot for a few magical hours. However, guests may also choose to stay and photograph from the safari vehicle.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Piper at any time.
Important Details
The Price
The price of this unique safari experience is based on double occupancy (two people sharing a room) is $12,995.00
The price of this unique Signature safari photographic safari based on single occupancy (One person in a private room) is $14,445.00 for private accommodations **Single accommodations are limited.
Due to the limited number of spaces available, if a solo guest is willing to share and we can match with another guest of the same gender, we will do so. If a solo guest is unwilling to share, then a single supplement will be charged. If we are unable to match a solo guest with another guest of the same gender, then the single supplement of $1,450.00 will be charged.
**The cost of this safari is based on a minimum of 6 participants. If there are less than 6 participants a small supplement fee of $795.00 will apply.
A USD $3,500.00 Non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration to secure your spot. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover your deposit. Many travel insurance companies will allow you to purchase insurance to cover your deposit and then increase the amount as you make payments.
Payment Terms
- USD $3,500.00 non-refundable deposit to confirm your place on this safari
- 2nd payment of USD $4,500.00 + single supplement (if applicable), is due October 30, 2020
- Final payment/Balance is due May 15, 2020
- We highly recommend trip and cancellation insurance
Included
- 12 nights accommodations on shared basis
- All meals from breakfast on September 21 through breakfast on October 2, as noted on on the itinerary –B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
- Local beer, South African wine, soft drinks, tea, coffee, filtered water, and laundry in the safari camps – Kavinga, Mwinilunga, The Hide
- 2 charter in-country flights
- extra weight allowance – 30Kg per guest
- Private transport to and from the international airport on arrival and departure dates
- All transportation as listed on the itinerary Sept 20 –Oct 2, 2020
- Guaranteed row and window seat in private 4X4 safari vehicles
- All National Parks fees, Game Reserces entrance fees, and taxes
- 2 photographic guides and one experienced local guide (if less than 5 people there will be only 1 photographic guide)
- Emergency evacuation to Harare – cost of hospitalization payable direct
Not Included:
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Personal purchases (such as curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls, internet, laundry…)
- Gratuities for the guides, staff at accommodations, and airport transfers ($30 -$40 per day)
- Optional extra activities
- Pre- and post-safari tours
- Meals and accommodations before or after the safari
- Transportation before or after the dates of the safari
- International flights to and from the African continent
REGISTRATION AND DEPOSIT
If you are excited to join this raw and wild safari now is the time to secure your spot. Use the buttons below to fill out your online e-registration form and to make your deposit. We must receive both your completed registration form and your deposit/s to confirm your spot.
Registration form – Please complete all information requested on this form. At the end of the form you will be asked to confirm your email address, which will complete the registration. A copy of your registration will be emailed to you and to Piper Mackay Photo Safaris.
Deposit– Use the button below to chose your camp and make your deposit.
1. Use the drop down menu to select the camp you wish to stay at in Itumba (descriptions above)
2. Click the deposit button to make your deposit. You do not need to have a Paypal account to use this payment service. You may make more than one deposit at a time by changing the quantity on the purchase details that will come up once you click the deposit button.
