Africa Trip Question

[huntersdad]

I know several of you guys have been. Was wondering what a trip like this costs less airfare? Do you go on a "photography expedition" or is it something different? One of my dream places, right behind Yellowstone, but that one gets done next year.

[pssc]

I have been to Africa a few times. Just got back from Namibia. I know the cost of photo safaris can be expensive. A suggestion is to go with a hunter as an observor. It will cost between 150 to 250 per day, which includes food, gas ,transportation, room etc. I have had friends go with me and we make special trips for photo only, such as spending time in blinds over water holes. This past trip, we took a day and went to Estosha national park. The only critters I didn't get pics of were the cats. I always do a 10 day hunt, so there is plenty of extra time.

Good Luck, PSSC

[matman1975]

I have been to Africa a few times. Just got back from Namibia. I know the cost of photo safaris can be expensive. A suggestion is to go with a hunter as an observor. It will cost between 150 to 250 per day, which includes food, gas ,transportation, room etc. I have had friends go with me and we make special trips for photo only, such as spending time in blinds over water holes. This past trip, we took a day and went to Estosha national park. The only critters I didn't get pics of were the cats. I always do a 10 day hunt, so there is plenty of extra time.

Good Luck, PSSC

HUNT???????:mad::mad:
I thought that this forum was about photos...neither bullets nor blood:(.
The cost for a photographic safari in East Africa could roughly be estimated to 250$-300$ per day for a private safari.
I'm a wildlife photographer, I have travelled several times to Africa and know about people and places. Feel free to ask whatever you like.

Regards from Greece

Teo

[jgrussell]

I know several of you guys have been. Was wondering what a trip like this costs less airfare? Do you go on a "photography expedition" or is it something different? One of my dream places, right behind Yellowstone, but that one gets done next year.I would definitely go with a tour company that works regularly with photographers (even if not a "photographers' safari" by itself). And $250-300 a day is about right. (I went to South Africa and Botswana in 2008 and would go back in a heartbeat.)

[pssc]

Mattman,
You have provided good info in other threads. However, your comments about bullets, blood etc are misplaced. You refer to yourself as a "wildlife photographer," but your comments show this is not true. Wildlife photographers are witness to many gory, bloody killing scenes. I see pictures in these forums and other photo forums of cats (lions, leopard and cheetah) killing prey and then eating, resulting in bloody pictures. This is wildlife and nature. I have been to Africa 4 times in the past 6 years, so I know a bit about what takes place. It isn't always pretty, but it is raw wildlife and it can be brutal.

Hence, you are someone who enjoys taking pictures of animals, and there is nothing wrong with that. I suppose this does beg the question. What does everyone go to Africa to get photos of? Animals walking about, or trying to catch some of the life and death struggles these critters deal with daily? Lastly, take a look at the OP's name. It could mean his sons name is hunter or his son or daughter is a hunter.

Regards, PSSC

[huntersdad]

I had thought about the tag along with a hunting group. I hunt so there is background here. Problem is that they are intersted in one thing - the hunt. Anything that "stalls" the hunt wouldn't be welcome. They paid to hunt, not to have the tag along photographer making them stop at every spot of an animal.

I don't think this would work for me.

[matman1975]

Mattman,
You have provided good info in other threads. However, your comments about bullets, blood etc are misplaced. You refer to yourself as a "wildlife photographer," but your comments show this is not true. Wildlife photographers are witness to many gory, bloody killing scenes. I see pictures in these forums and other photo forums of cats (lions, leopard and cheetah) killing prey and then eating, resulting in bloody pictures. This is wildlife and nature. I have been to Africa 4 times in the past 6 years, so I know a bit about what takes place. It isn't always pretty, but it is raw wildlife and it can be brutal.

Hence, you are someone who enjoys taking pictures of animals, and there is nothing wrong with that. I suppose this does beg the question. What does everyone go to Africa to get photos of? Animals walking about, or trying to catch some of the life and death struggles these critters deal with daily? Lastly, take a look at the OP's name. It could mean his sons name is hunter or his son or daughter is a hunter.

Regards, PSSC

I have never...ever read a post more hilarious than this:rolleyes:.
So let me get it straight here...you do compare and equalize the sick human habit of killing wild animals with a rifle (for sport not for food) with the natural act of predation of a lion or a leopard.... and claim that since there is too much "blood" in nature anyway there is nothing for me to be disturbed about and that this proves that I'm not a true wildlife photogrpaher???????
Of course I have witnessed bloody scenes in the bush....but THIS IS NATURE, and that is what wildlife photography meant to be... RECORDING NATURE.
So, please "allow" me, as a professional wildlife photographer who loves and cares about the welfare of his photo "subjects", not to feel comfortable when I read posts regarding hunters, bullets and rifles in a strickly "PHOTOGRAPHY FORUM"

Regards from Greece
Theodore Mattas

[hollis_f]

the sick human habit of killing wild animals with a rifle (for sport
I always thought they did it to compensate for a lack in other areas. You don't see too many women doing it!

[matman1975]

I always thought they did it to compensate for a lack in other areas. You don't see too many women doing it!

bw!

[huntersdad]

Actually, the number of women participating in hunting activities, measured through license purchases, continues to increase each year.

[OregonRebel]

I just signed up for a photo safari trip to Pilanesberg while I was in Pretoria anyhow on a business trip, so it cost almost nothing (maybe $50 for the day trip). Incidentally, I met my wife (also on a business trip there) on that same photo safari....

[markol]

Check out this guy's site: www.andybiggs.com Looks like the trip of a lifetime.

[condyk]

Asking about costs for a safari is a real 'how long is a piece of string' type question. It can be very cheap, very expensive and all places in between. You'd be better outlining what kind of accommodation, location, self-drive or commercial, safari only or other experiences, etc. If you want a ball-park the last three safari's I have organised have cost around £1800 plus flights per person for 21 days. These were Namibia/Botswana, South Africa/Namibia and South Africa only. While costs were similar each trip the types of accommodation, catering, miles covered, etc all very different.

[witchy]

I have never...ever read a post more hilarious than this:rolleyes:.
So let me get it straight here...you do compare and equalize the sick human habit of killing wild animals with a rifle (for sport not for food) with the natural act of predation of a lion or a leopard.... and claim that since there is too much "blood" in nature anyway there is nothing for me to be disturbed about and that this proves that I'm not a true wildlife photogrpaher???????
Of course I have witnessed bloody scenes in the bush....but THIS IS NATURE, and that is what wildlife photography meant to be... RECORDING NATURE.
So, please "allow" me, as a professional wildlife photographer who loves and cares about the welfare of his photo "subjects", not to feel comfortable when I read posts regarding hunters, bullets and rifles in a strickly "PHOTOGRAPHY FORUM"

Regards from Greece
Theodore Mattas

I have just been looking at your wildlife photographs and had to say they are amazing!

[David Ransley]

I just signed up for a photo safari trip to Pilanesberg while I was in Pretoria anyhow on a business trip, so it cost almost nothing (maybe $50 for the day trip). Incidentally, I met my wife (also on a business trip there) on that same photo safari....

I stay in Johannesburg and a trip to the Pilansberg can even be done as a weekend trip for me. Costing all depends on where you go and what you want to see. There are expensive places out here and less expensive. Anything from $50 a day is possible. Excluding the flights, it will be possible to find something for $100 a day that is worth it.

Just met a vet the other day who has a side line business taking people on photo safaries fro wildlife and birds. He has a 1DIII and 1DIV. I can always ask him for pricing if it will help.

Greetings

[David Ransley]

Did some checking on Pilansberg. This resort provides access to the Game Reserve. At R7.65 a Dollar, two people will get breakfast and dinner included for $191 - for two - (about $96 each). The additional things to look at is travel and possibly a guided toure or two.

http://www.johannesburg-direct.com/pilanesberg/bakgatla-resort

The reserve: http://pilanesberggamereserve.com/index.html, Bakgatla is on the northern side. I think the co.za site will work better: http://www.pilanesberg-game-reserve.co.za

The more comprehensive tours that include guided tours, accomodation and travel to and from the airport seems to average out on $250 to $300 a day per persone.

It all depends on the amount of executive treatment you require :-)