2017 zambia wildlife photo safari - constant...
TRANSCRIPT
By popular demand SECOND departure added
2017 ZAMBIA WILDLIFE
PHOTO SAFARI With professional photographers
Sue Flood & Cindy Miller Hopkins
Join Sue Flood and Cindy Miller Hopkins
for a once in a lifetime safari to Zambia. Both full-time professional photographers,
Sue (Canon shooter) and Cindy (Nikon shooter) will be on hand to help improve
your photographic skills and ensure you get the best from your fabulous safari.
We are offering two special 2017 departures from Lusaka, Zambia.
Limited to only SIX clients per departure
Trip #1 – June 10, 2017 – June 19, 2017
Trip #2 – June 20, 2017 – June 29, 2017
$8,500.00 per person
SOLD
OUT
TRIP SUMMARY
For the keen wildlife photographer, South Luangwa National Park is a paradise!
Herds of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, lions and leopard are abundant in the
park. The Mopane woodlands are home to over 400 species of birds. The Luangwa
River is patrolled by a large assortment of predators, thanks to South Luangwa’s
rich pickings. The wildlife viewing is spectacular without the distraction of lots of
other vehicles. Being remote doesn‘t mean you‘ll be missing out on creature
comforts! The award-winning Bushcamp Company has a reputation for providing
unparalleled comfort, hearty well-prepared meals and exceptional service. This
trip is perfect for wildlife photographers and wilderness lovers who, with some
time and patience, will be rewarded with
spectacular wildlife. Sue and Cindy, your
expert photography leaders, will be there to
help improve your photographic skills in a
noncompetitive environment to ensure that
you get the very best from this fabulous trip.
All levels of ability are welcome, as are non-
photographers who will enjoy the abundant
wildlife viewing opportunities.
Daily Itinerary
DAY 1 - We arrive in Lusaka and overnight at a conveniently located hotel – We meet our
fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner and orientation, included in the cost of your safari.
DAY 2 – Together as a group we catch a 75-minute morning domestic flight from Lusaka to
Mfuwe, South Luangwa. Our guide will meet us at the airport for a 45-minute drive to the lodge.
We arrive in time for lunch and then head off on our first afternoon game drive before spending
our first two nights at the award-winning Mfuwe Lodge inside the national park. The lodge is a
fabulous base that’s surrounded by wildlife!
Mfuwe Lodge’s thatched buildings are arranged around the banks of two lagoons where an
endless stream of wildlife is sure to get your attention as you relax on the deck, on your private
balcony or take a dip in the swimming pool. The lodge enjoyed a thorough refurbishment in 2010
and its airy interior is a stunning complement to its natural surroundings. This region of the
national park is renowned for its prolific game, including giraffe, buffalo, elephants, antelope
and crocodile that are frequent visitors to Mfuwe Lodge’s lagoon.
South Luangwa is one of the best locations in Africa for wildlife with over 60 species of mammal,
including hippos, giraffes, lions, leopard, wildebeest, zebra, antelope, buffalo and the
endangered wild dog. There are also over 400 species of birds recorded in the valley so the photo
opportunities are going to be outstanding!
DAY 3 - After breakfast, we will have an early morning game
drive with our expert guides. Unlike most safaris, we have TWO
dedicated vehicles to allow plenty of space for camera gear. Our
vehicles have useful built-in camera pods to rest long lenses, so
there’s no need to bring a tripod. Sue and Cindy will each be
positioned in one of the vehicles to help you get the best photo
opportunities throughout the day. We’ll concentrate on the best
light, very early morning and late afternoon, when the wildlife is
most active. On our afternoon game drives we’ll stop for evening
sundowners. Before returning to camp we enjoy an exciting night
drive using our spotter guides to locate nocturnal animals, such
as porcupine and honey badger.
DAY 4 and 5 - After breakfast
we have an early morning game
drive as we transfer to Kapamba
Bushcamp. This stunning camp is
situated on the banks of the
Kapamba River in a remote corner
of the national park, about 3 ½
hour drive from the main lodge. It
has a central bar and dining room
located under the sausage trees,
and a deck overlooking the river.
Each chalet is open-fronted (with
iron shutters to keep you safe at
night) and each has a refreshing plunge pool/shower.
During our stay we have the unique opportunity to explore Zambia on foot. Lions, leopards and
elephants can often be sighted in this area and the birdlife is fabulous!
Walking safaris are usually made in the
morning when it’s cool. It’s exhilarating to
explore the bush on foot. Of course, safety is a
priority and we are always accompanied by an
armed national park scout, provided by the
Zambian Wildlife Authority, who accompanies
us on all walks. We will stop for a tea break at a
scenic spot.
But, if you’d rather explore by vehicle, that’s no
problem. We can accommodate both requests
due to having two sets of vehicles, guides and photo coaches! After our morning walk, or game
drive, there will be time to have a siesta to charge your batteries – whether the camera or human
sort! We will spend two nights at this camp, reserved exclusively for our group.
DAY 6 and 7 - After breakfast we have an early
morning game drive and transfer to Chindeni Bushcamp.
This stunning tented camp is located on the edge of a
permanent lagoon. Chindeni combines the thrill of this
remote location with style and comfort in one of its four
opulent netted
tents. You can
gaze out from
your private veranda onto the lagoon which attracts
birds and animals from miles around. Or settle back
with a gin-and-tonic in the central lounge and dining
area, a glorious expanse of varnished decking
arranged on several levels around the surrounding
ebony trees. Of course, we’ll have the same
spectacular views of the lagoon and its inhabitants. A few years ago Sue saw a leopard walk
right through camp! Daily game drives, sundowners, and night drives are on the agenda.
DAY 8 and 9 - After a hearty breakfast, we drive back to Mfuwe Lodge, stopping along the
way to enjoy and photograph the wildlife. We have another two nights here at this luxurious
Award-Winning lodge.
The hippos in the pool
outside the lodge make for
a particularly photogenic
(if noisy!) subject. The
Lodge’s fabulous viewing
platform is a wonderful
place to sit and enjoy a cup
of tea, or something a bit
stronger, before another
exciting afternoon game drive, sundowners and nighttime wildlife
viewing. The lodge has a lovely bush spa where you can book
massages and other relaxing treatments to help you wind down
after an exhilarating week of photography!
DAY 10 - Transfer back to Mfuwe airport as a group
for your flight to Lusaka, and then continue back home
or on to private post safari arrangements.
Your Photography Experts
Sue Flood – Sue Flood is an award-
winning wildlife, travel and garden
photographer. Sue has been working in
the Polar regions since 1998, although
her work increasingly takes her to
warmer climes to thaw out.
Born in North Wales, she attended The
Queen’s School, Chester. A Durham
University zoology graduate, she went
on to become a wildlife filmmaker,
spending 11 years with the world-
renowned BBC Natural History Unit. Sue was an assistant producer on the award-
winning BBC series The Blue Planet and also worked on Planet Earth and the Disney
nature movie Earth. Sue produced BBC films including Polar Bears on Thin Ice, A Boy Among Polar Bears, Killer Whale and a short on blue whale science for The Life of Mammals.
She regularly lectures on her experiences of wildlife filmmaking and photography to
expedition travel companies, corporate organizations, as well as schools and universities,
with the aim of inspiring people to protect the planet.
Sue also enjoys guiding wildlife and travel photography trips. In 2016 and 2017 she will
be guiding trips to Zambia, Botswana, British Columbia, the Antarctic, South Georgia
and the Galapagos.
Recognition of Sue’s work includes awards in the following competitions: International
Garden Photographer of the Year, Travel Photographer of the Year, International
Photographer of the Year, the Art Wolfe (Best of Festival) Award in the International
Conservation Photography Awards, a Royal Photographic Society Silver Medal and
being chosen for the National Geographic and Canon advertising campaign, “Wildlife as
Canon Sees It.”
Her career highlight was being invited to meet Her Majesty the Queen, at Buckingham
Palace in 2011, as a result of her photography.
Sue lives with her husband, Chris, in North Wales, though she is often to be found in
some far-flung location. She is represented by Getty Images, ALAMY, and Danita
Delimont stock agencies.
www.sueflood.com
Your Photography Experts
Cindy Miller Hopkins – is a full-time travel
and wildlife photographer with thousands of
publications to her credit. Her images can be seen
on the pages of text books, travel brochures,
calendars, U.S. and international magazines and
consumer products worldwide. Some of her clients
include National Geographic Traveler, Blount
Small Ship Adventures, Natural Habitat
Adventures, Princess Cruises, Wells Fargo,
American Express, Microsoft, BING, Collette
Vacations, Smithsonian Journeys, AAA and
Frommer’s travel guides, and TV’s Food Network.
She has an image on permanent display at the
Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American
Indian in Washington D.C.
Cindy is a long-time member of American Society of
Picture Professionals (ASPP) and serves on the
Board of the North American Nature Photography
Association Foundation (NANPA).
Cindy enjoys teaching photo workshops on small cruise ships, as well as leading private
photo tours and tours in partnership with (NANPA) North America Nature Photography
Association.
Traveling an average of 200 days a year, her independent, assignment and workshop
career has taken her to all seven continents and more than 150 countries. When not
traveling, she lives in Colorado with her husband, Lee. She is represented by ALAMY
and Danita Delimont stock agencies.
http://www.imagebrief.com/p/j9uVSNkX
KEY INFORMATION Departure dates
Trip 1 - Meet in Lusaka, Zambia, on June 10th,
arriving back in Lusaka on June 19th. SOLD OUT
Trip 2 - Meet in Lusaka, Zambia, on June 20th,
arriving back in Lusaka on June 29th.
TOTAL COST
$8,500.00 per person – double occupancy
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT 175%
$2,000 per person deposit due upon booking to confirm your
space. $300.00 is non-refundable.
$6,500.00 per person final payment is due 120 days before
departure.
PRICE INCLUDES – Meet and greet at Lusaka airport,
overnight hotel in Lusaka, welcome dinner, internal RT flights
from Lusaka to Mfuwe, local group transfers, all park fees,
award-winning safari accommodations, all meals on safari,
laundry, filtered water and all bar drinks in the bush camps.
EXCLUDES - International flights to Lusaka, alcohol or bar drinks at Mfuwe Lodge, camp
tips (suggested $5-15 pp/pd), guide tips (suggested $5-15 pp/pd), Mandatory Travel insurance,
visas, items of a personal nature and souvenirs.
Booking Agent Reservations need to be made through Gillian Rosenthal,
Owner, Travel Travel
Cindy has been working with Gillian for over 25 years, entrusting her
with 100% of her travel arrangements around the world. Gillian is
there to help you with all your travel needs, including your flight
arrangements, mandatory travel insurance, and obtaining any
required Visas. She’ll have great information and will be happy to help
you book exciting pre and post safari adventures.
Contact Gillian at 719-593-1591
[email protected] www.TRAVELx2.com
KEY INFORMATION continued
WEATHER - The weather in South
Luangwa at this time of year should be
warm, but comfortable, with low humidity
and no rain. The average temperatures in
June range from 50°F-73°F. We suggest you
pack a fleece jacket to protect against cooler
temperatures in the morning and at night.
June is considered “peak season”, so you can
expect the very best weather Zambia has to
offer!
VISAS - UK nationals require a visa for entry into Zambia, which can be obtained on arrival
for a fee of $50. As of “today” US citizens require a visa for entry into Zambia.
PASSPORTS – Clients need to hold a current passport and should have a minimum of six
months validity from the RETURN date of your safari. Should you be traveling to or through
South Africa, they require that you have at least 2 blank pages side-by-side in your passport to
enter the country.
HEALTH - A reasonable level of fitness will allow you to enjoy the many opportunities you
will encounter, including game walks in South Luangwa. While not considered a “strenuous”
trip, traveling long distances can take a toll on you! We always recommend that you plan on
arriving at least one day before your trip begins to get rested up from your long journey and
protect against any airline delays.
YELLOW FEVER & MALARIA – Please consult your GP or local travel clinic for
advice on immunizations. Please note that Zambia is a malarial area and as such you should
seek advice from your GP about which prophylaxis you should take. Long pants and long-sleeved
shirts in the evening, and the liberal use of insect repellent, are always wise while traveling
throughout Africa.
ATTIRE - Dress at all of the camps is casual.
Lightweight clothes such as, T-shirts, travel
weight pants and shorts are the right choice
throughout the safari. Comfortable, closed
walking shoes/boots are strongly advised at all
times and especially for your walk. Ideal bush
colors for your clothing are typical “safari” colors,
such as khaki, green, brown or gray. PLEASE do
not pack bright colors! Camouflage clothing is
strictly prohibited in Zambia and most of Africa.
KEY INFORMATION continued
We strongly recommend you avoid the colors blue or black, as this attracts tsetse flies, while
bright colors, especially white, can stand out to animals and may be dangerous. A hat/cap,
sunglasses and sunscreen are also strongly recommended. All camps have a complimentary
daily laundry service – so there is no need to bring too much (towels are also provided). I
CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH! I bring two light pair of trousers (and a spare), a few shirts
and one or two non-safari items for the evening. No more than 3-4 outfits.
It’s important to remember to pack items like a sun hat, sunglasses, sunblock and insect
repellent, so you can enjoy your comfortable and relaxing safari. A swimsuit will allow you to
cool down in the pool at Mfuwe Lodge (or if you are feeling adventurous, in the Kapamba River)
during the hottest hours of the day. Make sure you have enough memory cards and the right
charger and cords for your cameras. I would also highly recommend good binoculars!
Luggage – IMPORTANT - Restrictions include a 23kg/50lb luggage allowance restriction
per person on all flights to and from Mfuwe Airport (packed in soft bags). Weight restrictions
can change, so we will check for the exact rules on luggage closer to departure. THIS IS NOT
VERY MUCH, BUT IT’S ENOUGH!
Electricity - All camps have charging facilities for charging computers and cameras, etc.
These are limited and they can be slower than we’re used to because they run from solar power
or generators. In the bushcamps, charging stations are shared in a common area. There are NO
outlets in your rooms. At Mfuwe Lodge, 240 volts electricity is available from the national grid
and plugs are located in each chalet. Throughout Zambia the three-pin square “British” plug
sockets are used, so if you are from the USA, you will need to bring an adapter plug with you.
If your appliance is not DUAL VOLTAGE, you will also need a converter.
Money & Credit Cards - The US dollar tends to be
the foreign currency that is most widely used in Zambia
(although old “small headed” $5-$100 notes are not readily
accepted). It’s advisable to bring a range of US dollar note
denominations ($1 to $100) with you on safari, as often
there is a small charge for departure taxes, taxi journeys,
shopping, etc. Rand, euro and pounds sterling are also
accepted, but not as readily as US dollars. It should not be
necessary to carry with you ANY local currency, the
Zambian Kwacha, while at Mfuwe Lodge or any of our
bushcamps, since all bills can be settled in US$ or GP£.
However, if you require money, it can be changed at the
Lodge or at the bank at the Mfuwe Airport. Visa and
MasterCard are accepted at Mfuwe Lodge, but not at the bushcamps. However, an additional
5.5% is charged to all bills settled by credit cards to cover bank charges. Cash is KING.
KEY INFORMATION continued
Airport Taxes - As of now, airport departure tax for international and domestic departures
is included in your ticket. We will double check the policy as the departure date gets closer, as
they change OFTEN. To be on the safe side, it’s always a good idea to hold out about $50.00 in
small bills, just in case!
THE BUSHCAMP COMPANY - As part of The Bushcamp Company’s commitment to
the wildlife and people of the South Luangwa, they work with the local community to develop
projects that help conserve precious resources and generate a sustainable source of income. Back
in the 1960s, when Norman Carr first started to operate walking safaris in the Luangwa, he
realized that conservation could not work without the local people truly benefiting from the
wildlife around them. Today, this approach to responsible tourism is more pertinent than ever.
In 1999, The Bushcamp Company started providing much-needed help to two local schools;
Chiwawatala Basic School in Mfuwe and Chilongozi School in a remote area close to our
bushcamps. Since our support began, the progress of the schools has been remarkable. With
generous donations, they have been able to sponsor pupils, pay teachers’ salaries, build
classrooms and staff houses, and take the school children into the park on game drives.
The Bushcamp Company also supports other community projects that focus on reducing
deforestation and encourage tree planting. For example, one of their guides has set up a
successful solar-cooker project and is helping run food-security eco-initiative workshops in
Mfuwe. They run programs on HIV and AIDS awareness for our staff and also support a local
theatre group, which performs plays to our guests about human-wildlife conflict.
Current plans that The Bushcamp Company hopes to develop further with funds from the
Luangwa Conservation & Community Fund (LCCF) include fruit-tree planting, vegetable
market- gardens, solar cookers and “rocket” stoves, bio-fuel briquettes and honey production.
The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge is listed as one of National Geographic’s “Unique
Lodges of the World.”
http://bushcampcompany.com/
Additional packing information and detailed pre-travel documents
will be provided after final payment
All images
©Sue Flood - ©Cindy Miller Hopkins - ©The Bushcamp Company