Great African Photo Safari III 2009
GAPS III 2009 - possibly one space now available.
Will be contacting people who applied over this weekend.
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Over the last couple of years we've had two groups of six POTN members head out to Africa for a unique opportunity to shoot in some of Southern Africa's premier wildlife destinations. Both GAPS I and GAPS II filled very quickly and I am now starting to think about GAPS III.
The trips are unique because costs are shared to maximise value and experiences, locations are carefully hand-picked rather than taking the usual tourist routes, we focus on photography so no need to worry about the very different needs and interests of non-photographers, we drive our own hired 4x4 off-road vehicles from location to location giving freedom, control and security in remote locations, we don't shelter from 'the real Africa' and hide you behind fences in luxury AC chalets, we mix and engage, and we work together, carrying our own baggage being responsible for each other and mucking in with group chores to make the trips work.
I've thought hard about what I loved about both previous GAPS and what I would change. I have built this latest trip around the few, simple answers I came up with to create what I consider to be our best route and opportunity for wildlife photography yet!
First and foremost I love finding and watching animals and birds, and especially those that make me gasp in awe and smile in the joy of just being close to them. I like sitting in hides watching the action at waterholes. I love Elephant. I love Rhino. I love the big cats: Cheetah, Leopard, Lion. I love seeing the big herds. I love meal-times around a fire after a great day of spotting and shooting. I love the wilderness for sure ... but at my age I also love at least some comforts: a good bed, security, a hot shower, a laundry service and ... decent coffee every morning!
So the challenge is how do you get the best blend of wildlife diversity and increase the opportunities of seeing the glamour species, whilst avoiding the crowds ... but without paying the inflated prices of the private safari venues? When you work that out then you need to figure out how to also mix adventure, because that is why we go too, with a few home comforts? Well, I think I've come up with the answer ... and it involves super-careful selection of wildlife locations and an astute blend of accommodation to balance value and comfort over the period.
So, where are we going in 2009?
Well, I kinda surprised myself this year because I'd been working on the assumption that we'd go back to Namibia for the core of the trip. But when I applied my criteria, especially value, diversity and maximising access to the glamour species, it soon became clear that we'd be returning to South Africa.
So this time we're heading over to the opposite side of the country and so covering primarily the North-East and South-East with our start and end point in Johanesberg! Based on how my routing and timings pan out we may also venture into Southern Mozambique or Swaziland.
What are the key locations?
See here for latest routing: click
There is a lot to pack in but I want to take more time to breath the air and smell the flowers this time. The last two trips have involved a lot of travel, both 5000 KM's plus, and I want to spend less time behind the wheel and more time behind the shutter and relaxing! The route will continue to evolve as I complete the necessary research and know the availability at different locations.
Dates and Costs?
At the moment I am looking at End August into September 2009, same as previous years, but this may shift depending on availability, school-holidays in South Africa and chosen participants. Again, I am looking at 21 days in Africa.
Costs will be in the region of £1800 per person, plus flights, same as this year. Any surplus at the end of the trip will be shared equally. Payment will be in three instalments and once the final payment is made all you need think about is your own personal expenditure, like souvenirs, snacks, etc. All accommodation, vehicle hire, entry fees and group activities, group meals, fuel, etc is paid for.
Ok, how do I sign up?
As with previous years I will select a group of people who I feel will make for a compatible team. Previously I have taken five others, making it three per vehicle. This year I may reduce it to four and one vehicle, stick with six, or increase to eight. Four or eight helps a lot with reducing costs, six helps with the photography side. I'll think about it more. People who were interested last year but who didn't get a place should consider applying for next year.
Clearly, heading to Africa with a bunch of strangers is a risk and so personality types and group composition are the most important aspects of the whole trip in my opinion. At this very early stage I am just looking for initial interest. Once things firm up a little more then we will look at criteria for selection, same as last time, because that is when we know what the exact challenges will involve. Remember, any selection criteria are to ensure group compatibility and ease of organisation, nothing else.
Couples and individuals are welcome, but individuals need to be prepared to share rooms for much of the trip. Couples should be 'team-players' rather than just sticking together and doing their own thing!
If they are willing then feel free to chat to any of the previous safari goers about their experiences, or drop me a PM if you you want specific details.
) and free days available, but I definitely want to go back to Africa...
Will likely go with same set up as last two years, i.e. three per vehicle, as only downside is the cost of vehicle hire being shared by less people.
