Southern Tanzania 2017

Transcription

1 Southern Tanzania 2017 A guided photographic workshop in two of Africa s finest wildlife areas. Bob Brind-Surch and Safari Consultants Bob Brind-Surch

2 Introduction. Bob Brind-Surch The Northern Tanzanian Safari route with its big name locations such as the Ngoro Ngoro crater and the Serengeti is often seen as offering the classic safari experience with ample associated photographic opportunities. It certainly is a superb area to visit but its sheer popularity is becoming a problem for photographers wishing to observe wildlife in a more natural setting without the disturbance posed by other vehicles or photographers. In the Ngoro Ngoro crater it is actually becoming very difficult to photograph animals such as lions and rhino without other vehicles appearing in your shot. By comparison Southern Tanzania is far less frequented by the western tourist but yet has some largest and best preserved parks in East Africa. Southern Tanzania offers the real bush wilderness experience in an area with some of the purest remaining tracts of unspoilt game parks in Africa. It is home to a select group of national parks and reserves covering truly huge areas and offering superb and remote gameviewing opportunities. The safaris I organise in Southern Tanzania are based at small, select and extremely well equipped tented camps where local safari guides drive you around in completely open 4WDs which provide truly excellent photographic opportunities and allow you to enjoy a real feeling of wilderness. At our first camp we also have the opportunity for boat safaris on the mighty Rufiji river or one of the three huge local lakes. Such an approach with the expert boat men I use allow us to get very close to hippos, crocodiles and water birds all on their own level. In keeping with the unspoilt nature of the environment, the properties in these parks are of the lowimpact variety mainly taking the form of small permanent tented camps rather than the large lodges found elsewhere in Africa. The hosts of these camps don t attempt to compete with the majesty of the wilderness to be found around the camps yet they still manage to maintain the luxuries we have become accustomed too. Each tent has low wattage lighting and is comfortably furnished with an ensuite bathroom with shower, wash basin and flushing toilet. I have designed this trip for the enthusiastic photographer interested in producing memorable images of African wildlife. It will explore two of Africa s finest wildlife areas - the vast Selous Game Reserve and wild Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania. We ll spent four nights in the Selous exploring the Rufiji River (East Africa s greatest waterway) and surrounding woodlands by boat and by vehicle, before heading off to Ruaha for a further four nights of spectacular wildlife viewing particularly for elephant and giraffe. We ll be staying in two small camps, both of which offer high standards of wildlife guiding and accommodation. In both camps we ll have our own open safari vehicle for all game drives. I deliberately limit the number of guests on the trip to 8 with no more than 4 per vehicle thus ensuring each of you a prime seat in specialised open sided 4WD vehicles with plenty of additional room available for equipment. As your tour leader I am a lifelong naturalist and photographer who has never lost my wonder for the natural world nor my early interest in wildlife and wildlife behaviour. This started in the late 50 s when I was fortunate to Bob Brind-Surch

3 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. As your photographic guide my aim is to help you to take superb photographs to capture for ever this unique location and especially its wildlife. As a capable and experienced professional photographer and naturalist I am also a qualified teacher and Bob Brind-Surch patient tutor. I am thus able to support everyone from the novice photographer to those who are considerably more experienced. I will help you to master the field techniques required by a competent wildlife photographer. 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 try to help you improve and refine your photographic skills understanding better digital photography techniques and how 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 their vehicles, how to best position them for the available light and are prepared to wait in any location for as long as you require even if that is an hour or more. They are also more than prepared to experiment with different positions if required so long as this doesn t stress the animals you are photographing. The animal s welfare comes first and stressed animals never make good subjects. Unlike many African safaris the aim on this one is not so 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. The lodges and route have been especially selected by the UK based company 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 specialist company having specialised in safaris to East and Southern Africa since They are a company which wants to take the time to understand guests requirements and desires and has the ability to create the perfect itinerary to match. The essence of this safari as organised by Safari Consultants is that you can enjoy luxury combined with a real wilderness experience in privacy and comfort. With a tiny population of people, the animals and birds have the lion s share of the country to themselves. This trip will allow you to share in this. The trip will be limited to no more than 8 guests The price includes all international flights on Kenya Airways (economy); ground and air transfers as specified; twin/double accommodation, meals as listed, game-viewing activities, park/conservation fees at both camps, laundry at both camps, UK and Tanzania airport departure taxes. For more details please refer to the costing details section below. Bob Brind-Surch

4 South Tanzania - wildlife of the Selous and Ruaha a Bob Brind-Surch Natures Photos workshop to Tanzania Duration: 10 Nights Designed for travel in September 2017 Brind-Surch Natures Photos 23 Calvert Road, Greens Norton, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8DD This itinerary has been prepared for you by Safari Consultants Ltd. specialists in travel to East & Southern Africa since 1983 Telephone: web: safari-consultants.com

5 Date Region Itinerary in brief Designed for travel in September 2017 Day Accommodation No. of nights Board basis 12 Sep In Flight Kenya Airways - London Heathrow to Nairobi, connecting to Dar es Salaam 1 Meals Included 13 Sep Selous Game Reserve Selous Impala Camp, Selous Game Reserve 4 Full Board 17 Sep Ruaha National Park Mwagusi Safari Camp, Ruaha National Park 4 Full Board 21 Sep In Flight KLM - Dar es Salaam to Amsterdam 1 Meals Included 22 Sep In Flight KLM - Amsterdam to London Heathrow Costing in brief Land Price Per person US$7, (see costing section for flights) Price in total US$7, Please note that due to the current volatility in the US Dollar and UK Pound exchange rates we have taken the decision to price the holiday in US Dollars and to the airfare separately in UK pounds. Monies you pay as a deposit will be converted on the day of transfer at that day's exchange rate. If you require this rate can then be "pegged" as the rate to be used when the balance is paid thus ensuring you know the total price of your holiday in sterling in advance. Please see full itinerary for full costing details/inclusions and exclusions

6 Proposed Outline Itinerary Day 1 12 September One night Economy Class Kenya Airways - London Heathrow to Nairobi, connecting to Dar es Salaam Depart London Heathrow (Terminal 4) on the early evening Kenya Airways flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Overnight in flight. Day 2 13 September Four nights Twin tent Full Board Selous Impala Camp, Selous Game Reserve Early morning arrival into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi where you connect with the onward Kenya Airways flight to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. On arrival into Dar es Salaam, complete entry requirements before being met by Coastal representative and assisted across to the Domestic Terminal where you connect with the mid-morning Coastal Air air transfer service to the Selous Game Reserve. On arrival into the Mtemere airstrip, you will be met by Bob Brind-Surch and your guides from Selous Impala and transferred back to the lodge where four nights are spent in twin/double/single tents. Days are spent game-viewing in the reserve, hosted by Bob and the Impala guides. Selous Impala is a tented lodge overlooking the mighty Rufiji River in the heart of the Selous Game Reserve. Accommodation consists of six standard tents and two family units, each individually raised on a wooden platform with a furnished verandah and views towards the river or over a channel off the main river. All tents are en suite with the bathroom divided into a flush loo section, plumbed shower section and vanity basin with small dressing area. The tents are comfortably furnished with a bureau, chair and ceiling fan. The bedhead doubles as the bedside table. The family units consist of two en suite tents side by side on the platform; one tent is slightly smaller than the other with a different bathroom configuration (one of these smaller tents has an open air bathroom with only the tarpaulin extension covering it). The camp is completely solar powered and works off an invertor system. Within the tents are 'USB' charging points suitable for phones, batteries etc. (hairdryers cannot be used). Charging of non-usb accessible devices (camera batteries etc.) off normal sockets is available in the office. The spacious central areas including the bar, dining area (some meals are taken alfresco when weather permits) and sitting room are raised high on extensive wooden decking under makuti thatch. There is a small decked area around the swimming pool. The camp is not fenced and it is common for wildlife to move through. There are security Masai to accompany you around during the day and at night. Game viewing activities include flexible game drives (normally no more than 4 guests per vehicle), walking and boat excursions on the river (boats cater for between 4 and 6 guests). Specialist birdwatching safaris are operated at no extra charge (suitable for those who wish to do a day or two of good birding). If you're keen on fishing, you can also buy a river licence (US$20.00 per rod/day) and try your luck for catfish and perhaps even the fighting 'tiger'. Overnight fly-camping expeditions (undertaken either on foot or by vehicle from June to October) are also available at a supplement and should be booked in advance. Selous Game Reserve - Introduction The Selous is Africa's largest wildlife sanctuary, covering over 54,600 sq. kms. (almost the size of Ireland). The region is dominated by the Great Ruaha River and Kilombero

7 rivers which join to form the Rufiji, East Africa's greatest waterway. One of the world's last great wilderness areas, the Selous is scarcely known even today. It is an inaccessible region, dissected by water courses which become raging torrents during the rains, forcing the animals onto high ground. In the dry season, the rivers wither away to form 'sand rivers'. Having a poor network of roads, and limited facilities, this wilderness has been virtually ignored in the pilgrimage to see East Africa's wildlife heritage. The reserve is named after the famous hunter and explorer, Frederick Courtney Selous, but it was the Germans who first established a game reserve here in The first warden was an eccentric former ivory hunter called C.P. Ionides (known locally as the 'Snake Man' and it was he who helped develop the reserve into its present size. Under the wardenship of Brian Nicholson, the Selous became an example of intelligent wildlife management; it is divided into controlled areas and human habitation is prohibited. However, groves of mango trees scattered through the bush are grim reminders that the main southern caravan route from Lake Nyasa passed through this region; they grew from the stones dropped by slaves as they were marched towards the slave markets of Zanzibar. Local game animals include elephant, black rhino (although very rare), Cape buffalo, giraffe, eland, sable antelope, greater kudu, wildebeest, hartebeest, impala, waterbuck, bushbuck, tsessebe, common reedbuck, Bohor reedbuck, zebra, red duiker, blue duiker, common duiker, klipspringer, oribi, suni, grysbok, hippo, lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal, serval, crocodile, warthog, bushpig, spotted hyaena, wild dog, jackal, honey badger, aardvark, porcupine, mongoose, flying squirrel, and bushbaby. The birdlife too is superb, with over 350 species having been recorded. The habitat and scenery varies significantly over short distances: purple rolling hills, rock-strewn plains, 'sand rivers' lined with salt bush, cluster lush swamps and marshes, rocky gorges, savannah bush country and miombo woodland. Altitudes range from 110m to 1250m and the climate is quite tropical - humid during the rains and pleasantly warm during the dry season (June to October). Tsetse fly are present in the Selous and can be particularly bad at certain times of the year, especially near the onset of the rains at the end of October. Day 6 17 September Four nights Twin tent Full Board Mwagusi Safari Camp, Ruaha National Park Early morning activity before you are transferred back to the local airstrip where you connect with the scheduled morning Coastal Air air transfer westwards to the remote Ruaha National Park. On arrival at Msembe airstrip, you will be met by your guides from Mwagusi Safari Camp and transferred through the wilderness to the lodge for 4 nights accommodation in twin/double/single tented bandas. Game-viewing drives are conducted each day, hosted by Bob and the Mwagusi guides. Mwagusi is set up on the banks of the Mwagusi sand river in one of the best gameviewing areas of the park. Accommodation, for around 26 guests, is in 13 comfortable units, all slightly different in lay-out but having a tented bedroom section leading to an en suite bathroom (flush toilet, vanity and plumbed shower) contained within a stone paved and enclosed reeded structure. To the fore of each tent is a verandah furnished with easy chairs and overlooking the Mwagusi Sand River. Each unit is covered by a large thatched roof and has its own solar lighting system. The central areas consists of a large thatched 'banda', which serves as the nucleus for meals, with small alcoves providing sitting areas and leading to a camp fire (there is also a small lounge/diner which can be used for small groups/parties travelling together). Most breakfasts and lunches are taken in the banda, whilst dinner is taken alfresco in the river bed when weather permits. Please note that Mwagusi does not have credit card facilities - extras (such as drinks) need to be paid for in cash.

8 Game drives are conducted in open 4WD vehicles with a shade canopy. Excursions usually take place in the morning and afternoons but full day drives (with a picnic lunch) can also be arranged. Mwagusi also operate a morning 'bird walk' on a daily basis around the camp grounds (the camp runs a guiding school on site and the students will often take part in these bird walks). There is also the option to undertake longer walks in designated areas of the park close to Mwagusi. These walks are escorted by two armed park rangers. However, we do not recommend walking in Ruaha without a professional guide with a firearm as we do not believe the park rangers have the sufficient skills/experience to host walks. Mwagusi is owned by Chris Fox and his team. Chris has lived permanently in Ruaha since the building of his family lodge (Ruaha River Camp) in He is originally from Mafindi, a small town in the highlands about 40 kms south of Ruaha and spent his childhood hunting and exploring the bush of Ruaha. Chris left Ruaha River Camp to his brothers and set up Mwagusi in the early 1990's. Ruaha National Park - Introduction Ruaha National Park was previously part of the huge Rungwa Game Reserve, with which it shares its north-western boundary. In 1964, it was gazetted as the National Park. The terrain within the park is well wooded and undulating. The Great Ruaha River gives the park a permanent supply of water, but there are also numerous sand rivers which become raging torrents during the rains (from December to April). In addition to the Great Ruaha River, there are also numerous waterholes, swamps and seepage areas which provide water throughout the year. Generally speaking, the park is divided into four different habitats consisting not only of Miombo, but also of undulating hills dominated by baobabs, the albida woodland along the main river courses and areas of open 'black cotton' grassland. Mammal viewing is superb particularly in the dry season (June to October) when the animals are forced to congregate around water sources - elephant, buffalo, lion, impala, zebra, giraffe, hippo, waterbuck, roan and sable antelope, eland, greater and lesser kudu, and Grant's gazelle are just some on the many species to be seen. Local birdlife is exceptional as Ruaha lies in the convergence zone of species found both to the north and south of the region. Amongst the 540 or so species recorded in the park, you can expect to see bateleur and fish eagles; ostrich; spurwing and Egyptian geese; crowned cranes; guinea fowl; yellow-billed, saddle-billed, Abdim's and open-billed storks; and numerous species of ibis, plover, kingfisher, bee-eater, parrot, duck, barbet, dove, francolin and roller. The local red-billed hornbill has recently been recognised as its own species. Tsetse fly are present in Ruaha and can be particularly bad at certain times of the year, especially near the onset of the rains at the end of October. They tend to occur in 'pockets' so you can be clear one minute, inundated the next. Although sometimes on offer, we do not countenance extended walks in Ruaha unless you are escorted by a professional guide carrying his own firearm. We do not recommend walking safaris where security is only provided by park rangers, as in our opinion the rangers who take the walks do not have sufficient skills/experience. There is no off-road driving. Day September One night Economy Class KLM - Dar es Salaam to Amsterdam Morning at leisure for game-viewing. After an early lunch, transfer back to Msembe Airstrip where you connect with the scheduled Coastal Air scheduled air transfer service back to Dar es Salaam. On arrival into Dar es Salaam, you will be met and transferred to the Southern Sun hotel where you have the chance to relax and perhaps take an early supper. In the evening, you will be met and transferred back to Dar es Salaam International where you connect with the scheduled late evening KLM flight to Amsterdam. Overnight in flight.

9 Day September Economy Class KLM - Amsterdam to London Heathrow Early morning arrival into Amsterdam, where you connect with the onward KLM flight to London. Arrive Heathrow in the mid-morning. The unique reference for this itinerary is COSTING DETAILS: Land Price Per person US$7, International flights on Kenya Airways/KLM: from per person Price in total US$7, Included ground and air transfers as specified twin/double/single accommodation on board basis mentioned game-viewing activities, park/conservation fees and laundry at Selous Impala and Mwagusi camps photographic services of Bob Brind-Surch UK, Kenya, Tanzania and Dutch international airport departure taxes Not Included international and regional flights on Kenya Airways / KLM (economy) available from per person including taxes visa fees for Tanzania (US$50.00 per person) travel insurance personal items and gratuities optional tours and excursions drinks Deposit required to confirm arrangements: US$850 / per person This itinerary makes use of light aircraft air transfers which have strict baggage restrictions. Maximum weight is 15kgs per person, including hand luggage. All bags should be of the soft 'hold all' variety. Laundry can be done daily and is included at the various camps. 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. Please note that due to the current volatility in the US Dollar and UK Pound exchange rates we have taken the decision to price the holiday in US Dollars and to the airfare separately in UK pounds. Monies you pay as a deposit will be converted on the day of transfer at that day's exchange rate. If you require this rate can then be "pegged" as the rate to be used when the balance is paid thus ensuring you know the total price of your holiday in sterling in advance. Please click here to see our general information and current terms

10 Why Safari Consultants? 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). Your Specialist Consultant Bill Adams, Director Bill founded Safari Consultants in 1983 having moved to London from his native South Africa. Growing up in Johannesburg, schooling in the Eastern Cape, and spending two years doing national service in South West Africa (now Namibia) had allowed him to experience much of what that region has to offer, gaining a natural understanding of the African bush. Bill spent the eighties and early nineties exploring East Africa in depth, whilst continuing to visit new and developing regions of southern Africa. At various stages in the early years he was instrumental in helping to develop the African tourism industry, whether supporting the opening up of remote parks (Ruaha) or promoting individual safari initiatives (bush homestead stays and portered safari walks). His knowledge on all things Africa is deep, and being involved with the continent for so long has allowed him to explore some really remote and interesting regions there are few places in East and Southern Africa where he has not been. Bill has travelled frequently to Africa with his wife and children and has a keen interest in birds. Additional Information/Useful Links About Safari Consultants General Information Terms and Conditions Testimonials AITO

11 Tanzania BRIEF OVERVIEW Tanzania is a diverse and beautiful country blessed with a host of wonderful natural attractions, from the famous Serengeti plains to idyllic Spice-island of Zanzibar. The north of the country is dominated by vast open plains and weathered volcanic mountains, including Kilimanjaro, Africa s highest. Scenic splendours such as the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti appeal to a wide range of travellers and never fail to impress, with prolific game-viewing all year round. In particular, the Serengeti plays host to the famous zebra and wildebeest migration, one of the World s great wildlife attractions. Whilst many of the iconic northern regions tend to be busy (with both tourists and locals), it is still possible to get off the beaten track and enjoy an exclusive experience. You just need to know where to go! The Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park found in the southern part of the country are more in character with the wildlife areas found across southern Africa - vast wilderness areas intersected by mighty rivers. In particular, there are far fewer large safari lodges and access is mostly achieved through a network of light aircraft air transfers. The Selous also offers lovely boat cruises on the Rufiji River system which cannot be repeated anywhere else in East Africa. The west of the country is home to three very remote and amazing parks, Katavi, Gombe Stream and Mahale. The latter two, found on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, are well-known for seeing chimpanzees in the wild. In addition, Zanzibar, the mainland coast, Mafia Island or one of the private island retreats all offer ideal opportunities to relax after a safari or enjoy as a stand-alone beach experience.

12 Bob Brind-Surch Bob Brind-Surch - Natures Photos 23 Calvert Road Greens Norton Towcester Northamptonshire NN128DD Telephone: +44 (0) Emergency: +44 (0) bob@brind-surch.me.uk In association with Safari Consultants Ltd Africa House 2 Cornard Mills Cornard Tye Great Cornard CO10 0GW Telephone: + 44 (0) Emergency: + 44 (0) info@safariconsultantuk.com