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There are still places
left in East Africa that few tourists visit. Preserved by their
remoteness and difficult access, the land is pristine and resident game
still follows life cycles laid down by the countless generations that
have come before them. The remote regions visited on this safari
represent some of the last great-untouched wilderness left on the
continent. If you are seeking a photographic immersion into Africa at
its wildest and most remote, this trip is not one to be missed.
This trip takes
us far from the more crowded tourist circuits, where the landscape is
uninhabited by people. Packs of wild dogs and elephants by the tens of
thousands roam the river beads, hills and plains, while lion and cheetah
pursue the hoofed game that flourishes here. In the mountains next to
Lake Tanganyika, chimpanzee troops search the trees and ground for food.
This unconventional expedition covers a diverse range of terrain, from
tropical mountain forests to dried up rivers and rolling hills. This
incredible adventure takes us into two completely different biospheres
in western Tanzania - the plains and waterholes of Ruaha National
Park and the
jungles of Mahale Mountain National Park. The most rewarding way to experience the wildlife is to
immerse yourself in their environment. This 11 day trip has been
developed to maximize your time in the field away from tour groups and
sightseers.
Mark Lissick/Wildlight Photography
is thrilled to offer a special photography
expedition designed
to provide the very best game photo opportunities in remote and seldom
traveled areas.
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RUAHA National Park
Taking its name
from the great Ruaha River which flows through the park, Ruaha is one of
the least visited areas of Tanzania and a truly remarkable wildlife
photo safari gem. Ruaha is considered to be one of the best kept secrets
of all of Africa's national parks due to its lack of visitors, which
helps provide a sense of solitude. The biggest attraction to the
adventure wildlife photographer is the huge variety of wildlife.
The park has over
10,000 elephants, which is the biggest population of any national park
in Tanzania. There are also large herds of buffalo, numbering over
30,000 and many giraffe and zebra. The number and variety of animals is
impressive, particularly predators. Lions are numerous with some 20
different prides laying claim to various portions of the park. In
addition to lion, there are leopards, cheetah, African wild dogs, jackel
and spotted hyenas all looking to take their share of the parks abundant
herbavours.
The Great Ruaha
River is home to large numbers of hippopotamus, crocodiles and water
birds. Over 450 species of birds have been identified in the park.
Geographically, the park has a varied terrain, ranging from wooded hills
to open plains with many large baobob trees. For the ideal photo safari
experience Ruaha National Park is without exception. Our trip is times
to take place during the dry season when the concentration of game
nearest the remaining water is at its peak giving you the best
opportunity to photograph a large number of animals and birds in a
magnificent wilderness setting, away from the crowds.
Lodging:
Mwagusi Camp (subject to change)
Nestled
into a bank of the Mwagusi Sand River, this small exclusive tented camp
overlooks a watering hole in the riverbed . The sight of over 2,000
buffalo flooding the riverbed below the tents and dining banda is not
uncommon. This smart and very
comfortable camp is one of the oldest in the park and is privately
operated and noted for its high quality guides.
The writer John Hemmingway once
wrote that the camp is designed as a "boys fantasy of independence"
along the lines of a traditional old-style African safari experience.
The tents are designed within
thatched bandas each with high density mattresses, dressing table,
wardrobe, luggage racks and safari chairs all built in the traditional
style of the camp. Solar powered lights as well as a number of
traditional hurricane lamps provide lighting. At the front of each banda
is a large covered veranda with a table and armchairs made from local
materials. Each banda has a 'en suite' bathroom with flush toilet and
hot shower. The best of game viewing can be experienced from the
seclusion of your veranda.
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MAHALE MOUNTAIN National Park
From our luxury tent camp locations in the Serengeti we will then fly on
to Mahale National Park where we will have four days and three nights to
conduct walking trips into the neighboring jungles to view and
photograph the various chimpanzee families that are currently being
studies by various research teams.
Mahale Mountains is
one of the most remote and most beautiful national parks in the whole of
Africa. Here the verdant forested slopes plunge from the peaks to the
shoreline, where perfect white-sand beaches line intimate palm-lined
coves on the famous gin-clear lake.
Mahale is quite simply the best location in the world for viewing
chimpanzee in the wild. It is because of this that the park came into
existence as part of the Primate Protection Program. The area is
inhabited by a wide range of animals, but it is chimpanzees for which it
is rightly famous. According to recent census there are now more than
700 chimpanzee in about 15 communities. Some of these groups are
accessible to visitors, others are the subject of research studies, but
most live undisturbed deep inside the forest. Our base at Nkungwe is
located in the heart of "M" Group territory. The group has an estimated
population of around 80 members. Our visit it timed to coincide with the
fruiting of the trees on the lower elevations of mountains. Not only
does this increase our photographic opportunities but it also brings the
chimps closer to camp to minimize walking and climbing. Please not the
we still be photographing in the foothills of the mountains which means
that you should be in reasonable physical condition as we could be
walking a total of 2-3 miles each day in hilly terrain.
The most rewarding way to experience this phenomena is to have the time
to immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of the Serengeti and Mahale. In this
setting we will spend out time, experiencing the
unlimited photo opportunities around us. Morning and late
afternoon/evening trips (Serengeti) are planned to take advantage of both the high
quality light but the heightened animal activity as well. In addition to
photographing the wildlife, we will be working on capturing the stunning
African landscape. The hills, rivers and open terrain make for ideal
subjects to help capture the essence of the Serengeti.
Lodging:
Nkungwe Mahale Luxury Tented Camp
On a long stretch of Lake
Tanganyika’s golden sandy shores, beneath the magnificent Mahale
Mountains, lies the new Nkungwe Tented Camp. The camp overlooks the
crystal clear waters of the lake, the breathtaking sunsets, the
magnificent Mountains of Congo and the beautiful spectacle of a fishing
fire spread across the lake at night. An uninterrupted cacophony of
beetles, crickets and birds and the calls of Chimpanzees in the forest
accompany your stay at Nkungwe. The camp is situated between Kasiha and
Sinsiba streams and is built with comfort and luxury in mind. Whether
relaxing in the lavishly furnished lounge, or on a Lazy (Uvivu) chair
overlooking the lake, Nkungwe Camp is the perfect place to wind down and
reflect on the wonders of your day.
All the tents are
facing Lake Tanganyika, and most of them are raised on wooden platforms
to enhance the view. The décor has been specifically chosen to give you
the African Safari experience. Most of the décors were locally
manufactured. Each tent at Nkungwe Camp contains two single wooden beds
with firm mattresses; these beds can be used as twin or double. Other
furnishings in the tent include a writing desk and chair, bedside table,
lamp and clothes rack. To the rear of each unit are en-suite hot water
shower and flush toilet. The deck has two comfortable safari chairs and
a small table, which enables you to have a perfect view of the lake and
the sunsets. The units are adequately spaced apart to ensure your
privacy.
Meals at the camp are a sumptuous affair:
breakfasts are English style with emphasis on tropical fruits and
juices. Lunches are usually light. Evening meals are three courses. The
food is great, including fresh fish from the
lake, an extensive bar and a large and eclectic selection of books are
all part of the experience. Meals are served either in the main mess,
set on the beach no more than 50 yards from the waters edge, or in the
open air under the stars at night by the waters edge.
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Arrival and Departure Lodging: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge (subject
to change)
Ngare Sero is a Masai term for
"sparkling water". The lodge is
set
in lush gardens amid forest and crystal clear waters on the slopes of
Mount Meru.
The lodge has been adapted from a turn of the century colonial farmhouse
and is surrounded by
gardens that contain a profusion of trees and flowers, and over
two hundred species of birds. Troupes of Sykes and Colobus monkeys also
inhabit the forest and grounds.
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This is an intensive eleven day safari with the majority of it spent in the field. It is intended for those interested in the ultimate
animal photography experience. You will spend the time in the field accompanied by professional photographer Mark
Lissick and a naturalist/guide. Without interference from other
vehicles or tour groups we will be able to explore the land and its
inhabitants to achieve the best opportunities for animal and landscape photography.
As our camp locations are so close to the wildlife there will be times
we will have shooting opportunities right outside our door.
Hone your photographic skills with the guidance of professional nature and
wildlife photographer Mark Lissick
as you spend twelve days with a small group of fellow photographers
shooting in one of the best game locations in the world.
As in all Mark's workshops and trips, emphasis is placed
on improving your image making abilities and providing you with helpful
techniques with regard to wildlife and landscape photography. This is
achieved via hands-on mentoring during the numerous field shoots combined
with informative tech talks, and, for those shooting digitally, reviews of
some of the field work during the evening.
Spectacular wildlife photography, stunning landscapes, gourmet cuisine, and
great company is what you can look forward to.
Combined with the opportunity to
improve your photographic skills through profession instruction,
field-mentoring
and tech talks make this a trip not to
be missed.
To maximize the photographic opportunities on this one-of-a-kind expedition
space is extremely limited; reserve
your place early.
Registration:
ON-LINE
REGISTRATION
Trip
Costs Include:
Lodging, meals and beverages, ground and air transportation, Flying
Doctors transportation insurance, drivers/guides and park fees.
Not Include:
Activities not indicated on itinerary;
travel/baggage/accident/cancellation insurance; camp staff and driver gratuities; personal use
items such as phone, laundry, etc.; film; Tanzania departure tax;
immunizations and trip cancellation insurance.
Airfares:
Air fare costs for flights from participants home city to Kilimanjaro
International Airport, Arusha, Tanzania are not included. Participant is
responsible for making their own arrangements to arrive in Arusha in
time for the start of the trip. Flights home should be booked for no
earlier than 8:00 pm on the last
day of the trip.
An initial deposit of $750
per person is
required at the time of registration. An additional deposit of $750.00 is
due no later than thirty (30) days after the registration date. The balance due in full
no later than one
hundred and twenty (120) days prior to the
start of the trip. VISA,
MasterCard and Discover can be used or you can pay by check or money order made payable to
"Mark Lissick/Wildlight Nature Photography". Wildlight Nature
Photography reserves the right to alter quoted prices to reflect changes
in land services or currency exchange rates. In the event that the number
of participants is below the minimum required for the quoted price, a
small group surcharge may be added.
Reservations: Due to the popularity of this trip, making an early reservation is recommended. You can reserve a place by
either
registering on-line or by calling
Wildlight Photography at (612) 804-7377 during the weekday office hours of 9:00 am-4:30 pm CST.
We accept credit cards, or we will hold your
reservation for seven days, while awaiting your personal check or money
order. Make checks payable to "Mark Lissick/Wildlight Nature Photography".
Payments can be mailed to Mark Lissick/Wildlight Nature Photography, 4501 Oak Drive, Edina, Minnesota 55424.
For international residents: Please contact Wildlight
Nature Photography to discuss payment arrangements.
Cancellation Policy:
If you cancel more than 120 days or more prior to the trip start date, a
refund less a cancellation fee of 50% of your initial deposit will be
made. Per person charges for cancellations received 120 days or less
from the trip start date are as follows: 120-101 days - 35% of trip
cost; 100-81 days - 50% of trip cost; 80-61 days - 65% of trip cost; 60
or fewer days prior to departure - 100% of trip cost. We recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance as this policy is strongly adhered to.
Note: In addition of cancellation fees, deposits required to guarantee
hotel rooms or local air transportation may be nonrefundable. The purchase of travel insurance
covering baggage, accident/life and trip cancellation is highly
recommended. Wildlight Nature Photography reserves the right to cancel
any group due to insufficient registration. In the even of such
cancellation, those with reservations shall be notified as soon as
possible and a full refund of trip payment will be given. Wildlight
Nature Photography is not responsible for additional expenses incurred
in preparation for a trip.
Payment of deposit represents an acceptance of the
following terms and conditions: Wildlight Nature Photography, its
affiliates and all cooperating airlines and agencies act only in the
capacity of agents in all matter of transportation and tour operation, and
their liability is limited to the terms of the airline tickets and land
accommodation contracts. They are not responsible for any delays,
inconveniences, accidents, expense or mishap of any kind whatsoever
resulting entirely, or in part, from the negligence of others or from
causes beyond their control. They can accept no responsibility for losses
or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services,
sickness, weather, strike, riot, war, quarantine or other causes. All such
losses or expenses must be born by the participants as program rates
provide for arrangements only for the time stated. The right is reserved
to substitute hotels of similar category for those indicated and to make
any changes in the itinerary where deemed necessary or caused by changes
in air schedules, weather or naturally occurring geological events.
Baggage is at owner's risk entirely. No refund can be made for unused
hotel rooms, meals, sightseeing trips or tours unless arrangements are
made at the time of booking. The right is reserved to decline to accept or
to retain any person as a program member for any reason which affects the
operation of the program or the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of the other
program members, and refund or the recoverable land program services is
the limit of the liability of Wildlight Nature Photography and its
affiliates.
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