A private guided photographic workshop to two of Africa’s finest areas for elephant,

birdlife, big cats and other game.

Bob Brind-Surch and Safari Consultants

Botswana and Zimbabwe 2017

Introduction.

As the subject of countless wildlife documentaries Africa needs little introduction and is on many photographers wish list as a place to visit. It’s mystic, it’s wild, it’s a photographer’s paradise. It’s a land of the diverse wildlife, big game, big cats, huge landscapes and great people; a land of adventure and wide open spaces. It’s the cradle of mankind, part of the old world but at the same time a shiny new one just waiting to be explored. It is all these things but it’s never dull.

All this history, exposure and increased accessibility brings with it problems of pressure on the wildlife and its habitat. As a wildlife photographer with a passion for Africa I am always seeking out those true wilderness areas where you can still enjoy a traditional bush experience and photograph the wildlife undisturbed. The challenge is to find a location near enough to international airports to enable you to take your heavy camera gear but sufficiently isolated to ensure unspoilt game viewing in unspoilt areas. To achieve this I work closely with Safari Consultants, the UK’s leading specialists in tailor-made safari holidays with an unrivalled knowledge, passion and understanding of Africa. With their help I have created a unique photo safari exploring two very different areas of southern central Africa both well known for their elephant populations and birdlife but with all the other game one would expect in equal abundance.

The first of these destinations is in Botswana which has some of the most expansive untamed areas left in Africa with thousands of square miles of pristine, unspoilt African wilderness. As a destination it is ideally suited to photograph wildlife, from the smallest insects and most colourful birds to the largest herbivores and most elusive predators. It is well known as a superb destination for elephants. In the north east of the country lies the Chobe National Park which covers an area of 11,000 sq. kilometres and whose habitats range from the floodplain and backwaters of the Chobe river systems to sand ridges, dry lake beds, riverine thickets/bush and mopane forest. Except for the limited network of roads one lodge along the river, and three in the western Savuti area, there is little development within the park. Most visitors to the area stay in the large lodges neighbouring Kasane on the Eastern side of the park and set out each day from there. This does mean however that they can’t travel very far and simply don’t experience the magic of the area without being amongst crowds of other vehicles. I seek to solve this by using a private mobile camp run by Dave Carson, a highly qualified Zimbabwe professional safari guide, and erected just for us. With most travellers concentrating on the river areas within easy reach of Kasane this approach, whilst still allowing us to explore the river, will also give us access to other more remote areas of bush further into the reserve. The birdlife, especially along the river, is spectacular but the Chobe is perhaps more famous for its large herds, especially of elephant and buffalo which frequent the river courses. Elephants swimming in the river are a great attraction and something we will definitely seek to target and photograph. In addition to elephant the area has large populations of all the herbivores and the predators who feed on them. Amongst the 16 antelope species found in the area, greater kudu are common, and the near endemic puku and Chobe bushbuck can also be seen.

The first part of the Botswana experience will be based around our own private mobile camp in the forest on the banks of the Chobe and will use game drives to ensure the greatest level of photographic opportunities. For the second we will transfer to Kasane staying in the luxury of Kubu lodge. From here we will embark on three 1/2 day boating safaris, in specially adapted private chartered photo boats. This unique boat has been specifically designed for photographers. It has an almost flat bottom, to navigate extremely shallow waters and half a ton of lead in the bow for stability. It has just one row of fully revolving seats, each equipped with an adjustable Wimberley-type head making it possible to photograph with a mounted camera and long lens. The boat’s captain is extremely experienced he will get us into the great positions making the best use of all lighting conditions. This will provide us with truly unique opportunities for some stunning pictures. There is a short YouTube™ video showing this boat on my website page referring to this safari. If reading this electronically

please click here to be taken straight to it.

After 6 days (5 nights) in the Chobe National Park we will transfer to Hwange National Park in neighbouring Zimbabwe spending a night at Ilala Lodge - Victoria Falls en route. This small boutique Hotel is very close to the famous Victoria Falls and we will have ample opportunity to walk (10mins) to photograph and explore the falls, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. David Livingstone is quoted as noting - 'Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by Angels

in their flight' - when he first saw this breath-taking waterfall. A waterfall so magnificent that he named it after his Queen.

After Victoria Falls we will spend 5 days (4 nights) at Camp Hwang which is situated in a private concession inside the Hwange National Park. Opened in 2012 this is the newest safari camp to be built in the National Park and consists of 8 very comfortable chalet-tents. It will provide us with the perfect base to explore the area by vehicle or on foot. The camp is owned and run by professional safari guide Dave Carson and the activities are based around a combination of excellent walks, game drives (day and early evening) and use of the hides (one of which is at the camp and overlooks the waterhole).

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest game park with an area of 14,600km². Its immense size means its scenery, vegetation and game vary hugely, ranging from the semi desert scrub on the edge of the Kalahari in the south, to forests, granite hills and valleys of mopane woodlands where we are in the north. We won’t be able to explore all of this of course but using the local knowledge of the guides at Hwange we will target specific species and areas. The national park is home to over 100 mammal species alone, including lion, leopard, wild dog and rhino, and, like Chobe is known for its large population of elephant. We will be visiting during the dry season when the highest numbers of animals can be spotted and photographed as they congregate around the shrunken water holes – including the one our camp overlooks!

As with all my African safaris I have designed this trip for the enthusiastic photographer interested in producing memorable images of African wildlife. I deliberately limit the number of guests to 8 with no more than 4 per specialised open sided 4WD safari vehicle (8 in the specially adapted photo boat) thus ensuring each gets a prime seat with plenty of additional room for equipment. As your tour leader I am a lifelong naturalist and capable and experienced professional photographer who has never lost my wonder for the natural world nor my early interest in wildlife and wildlife behaviour. This started as a child in the late 50’s when I was fortunate to 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.

I am also a fully qualified school teacher and patient tutor able to support everyone from the novice to those who are considerably more experienced. 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 seek to help you improve and refine your photographic skills understanding better numerous digital photography techniques and how to use them 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 and how to best position us for the available light. They are prepared to wait in any location for as long as you require. Unlike many African safaris the aim on this one is not a challenge to 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 of the wide range of animals and birds you do see.

The trip will be limited to no more than 8 guests and the full details including pricing is in the following details itinerary.

In putting this trip together I have worked closely with the UK based 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 company having specialised in safaris to East and Southern Africa since 1983. Their holidays are fully bonded for your financial protection under the CAA ATOL scheme or through the AITO Trust.

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: 01787 888590 web: safari-consultants.com

a Bob Brind-Surch Natures Photos safari to

Duration: 11 Nights

Designed for travel in September / October 2017

Designed for travel in September/ October 2017

Day Date

Region Accommodation No. of

nights

Board basis

24 Sep In Flight British Airways - London

Heathrow to Johannesburg

1 Meals Included

25 Sep Chobe National Park Kazuma Trails Private Mobile

Tented Safari, northern

Botswana

3 Full Board

28 Sep Chobe National Park Kubu Lodge, bordering Chobe

National Park

2 Half Board

30 Sep Victoria Falls Ilala Lodge, Victoria Falls 1 Breakfast

01 Oct Hwange National Park Camp Hwange, Hwange National

Park

4 Full Board

05 Oct In Flight British Airways - Victoria Falls to

Johannesburg, connecting to

London Heathrow

1 Meals Included

06 Oct London British Airways - early arrival

into London Heathrow

Land Content Price Per person US$6,975.00 Price in total US$6,975.00

Please see full itinerary for full costing details/inclusions and exclusions

Day 1 24 September

One night

World Traveller

British Airways - London Heathrow to Johannesburg

Depart London Heathrow (Terminal 5) on the overnight British Airways flight to

Johannesburg, South Africa.

Day 2 25 September

Three nights

Twin tent

Full Board

Kazuma Trails Private Mobile Tented Safari, northern Botswana

Early morning arrival into Johannesburg where you connect with the onward South

African Airlink flight to Kasane, northern Botswana.

On arrival into Kasane, complete entry formalities before being met by Bob Brind-

Surch and your guides from Kazuma Trails. Depart on safari, driving into Chobe

National Park where you spend three nights in a private mobile camp.

Days at leisure for game-viewing by vehicle within the National Park.

Kazuma Trails is owned and run by Dave Carson, a qualified Zimbabwe professional

safari guide. Mobile Safaris operate through Zimbabwe and Botswana offering an in-

depth safari experience of the region.

Accommodation is in large walk-in Meru-style insect proof tents furnished with

proper beds, a bedside table, luggage rack and safari chairs. Accessed through the rear

of the tent are the en suite facilities consisting of a traditional safari bucket shower

and short drop/chemical loo. To the fore of the tent is a furnished verandah with two

safari chairs and a wash basin. A full safari crew caters for your every requirement

from mixing hot and cold water for that perfect shower, to preparing meals, waiting

at table, and moving camp. Good wholesome food is prepared fresh in camp by the

experienced safari chef. A lightweight mess tent is taken on all safaris and used for

dining when the weather is inclement.

Activities vary according to the camp location. In the Moremi Game Reserve and

Chobe National Park (including Savuti) the main activity is game drives by day, as

walking and night drives are not permitted. Boat cruises are possible (and very

rewarding) on the Chobe River. In Moremi, a boat cruise on the lagoons and

waterways of the Okavango Delta can be arranged if you are not visiting an Okavango

Camp elsewhere in your trip. In the Khwai concession bordering Moremi, night drives

and walking is permitted.

Day 5 28 September

Two nights

Twin chalet

Half Board

Kubu Lodge, bordering Chobe National Park

Morning at leisure for a final game drive in the park before driving through to the

town of Kasane where you'll arrive at Kubu Lodge for two nights in twin rooms.

In the mid-late afternoon, you will be met and transferred through to the launch for

your first experience on the Chobe River by specially designed Pangolin photoboat.

On your second day, you'll enjoy both morning and afternoon excursions on the river

by the same specially designed photoboat.

Kubu Lodge is a small, privately owned and run lodge on the banks of the Chobe

River in between Kazangula and Kasane close to Botswana's famous Chobe National

Park. Eleven comfortable thatched chalets, each built on stilts with en suite facilities

and ceiling fans, overlook a shaded lawn that spreads beneath giant ebony and wild fig

trees to the river's edge, whilst higher up the river bank overlooking the lawn is the

central reception area, dining room, bar and lounge. There is a swimming pool near

the rivers edge, and a small beauty salon offering a range of treatments. One of the

chalets is a family chalet, with extra bunk beds in the room. Activities (payable locally

if required) include boat cruises and fishing on the Chobe River, and game drives in

the Chobe National Park.

Chobe National Park - Introduction

The Chobe covers an area of 11,000 sq. kms and its habitats range from the floodplain

and backwaters of the river to sand ridges, dry lake beds, riverine thickets/bush and

mopane forest. The Chobe stretches south-westwards from Kasane and the river in

the north, to the Mababe Depression (a dead lake area fed by the Savuti Channel. The

Channel is a seasonal waterway which extends south-eastwards from the

Linyanti/Kwando river systems. In years of good rains, the channel holds water

throughout the year but it is a delicate system easily affected by drought and tectonic

plate movement. It is however, an amazing wildlife area and particularly good for

elephant and all the major predators).

Except for the network of roads and one lodge along the river and three in the Savuti,

there is little development within the park. Most travellers to the Chobe concentrate

either along the river frontage, or in the Savuti area. Travellers using mobile tented

camps may have the option to move away from these busier areas.

The birdlife is prolific - kingfishers, bee-eaters, the majestic fish eagle, martial eagle,

ducks, egrets, plovers, herons, cranes, storks, geese, woodpeckers, shrikes, thrushes,

buntings, chats and owls are just a few of the many species found here. However,

Chobe is famous for its large animal herds, particularly elephant and buffalo which

frequent the river courses, where hippo laze all day, to quench their thirst. Amongst

the 16 antelope species present in Chobe, kudu are common, and the near endemic

puku can also be seen. The Chobe bushbuck is a sub-species of bushbuck found only

here. Giraffe, lion, leopard, waterbuck, mongoose, tsessebe, roan and sable antelope,

lechwe, impala, warthog, wild dog, hyaena, baboon and vervet monkeys are among the

other animals to be seen.

Day 7 30 September

One night

Twin room

Breakfast

Ilala Lodge, Victoria Falls

After breakfast, you will be transferred through to the nearby border post with

Zimbabwe. Complete border formalities (visa purchase is necessary for Zimbabwe -

US$55 for a single entry) and continue through to Victoria Falls where you arrive at

the Ilala Lodge in the late morning. Accommodation in twin rooms.

The afternoon will be free to walk down to the famous falls and enjoy and afternoon

experiencing 'scenes so lovely they must have been gazed upon by angels in their

flight'. The entrance to the Falls is about 800m from Ilala and there are numerous

viewing points. Raincoats can be rented at the entrance (US$2) although the spray at

this time of year should not be that bad. Worth taking a plastic bag to cover your

camera just in case the wind direction is wrong/changes.

The evening is free to enjoy a restaurant meal in the town (your account).

Ilala Lodge is a smallish hotel located in the centre of town and within a short walk to

the Falls (less than ten minutes). The main areas of the hotel are built beneath a huge

thatch roof, which covers the reception area, the Palm Restaurant and Totoba Bar

(where meals are also served). Surrounding the main areas are lawns leading into the

bush and a spacious terrace that extends around a small swimming pool. There is also

a small health spa and Wi-Fi is available free of charge throughout the hotel. The hotel

restaurant is one of the best a la carte dining options in Victoria Falls.

The hotel accommodates around 100 guests in standard and deluxe rooms and suites,

each with en suite facilities (toilet, shower and vanity - the standard rooms and

executive suites have baths), air conditioning, television and ceiling fan. Four of the

standard rooms are inter leading. The rooms are either situated below the reception

area, pool deck and pool bar and have direct access onto the lawns or in two

separate three floor wings which extend from the pool area.

Victoria Falls - Introduction

Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as 'Mosi au Tunya' - The Smoke that

thunders, is one of the "Seven Wonders of the World" and one of the largest and

most spectacular waterfalls on earth.

Victoria Falls National Park is a small park that encompasses the falls themselves and

the immediate surrounding countryside, including the town of Victoria Falls.

Spanning a width of some 1700 metres, the waters of the mighty Zambezi actually

plunge down five distinct waterfalls, separated by islands which account for just over

300 metres of the total span. Four of these falls are in Zimbabwe: The Devil's

Cataract, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls and Horseshoe Falls, and one, The Eastern

Cataract, is in the bordering country of Zambia. The average height is just less than

100 metres.

During the peak flood season (April and May), the flow increases to some 33,750,000

cubic metres a minute. At this time, the spray makes viewing of the falls from the

ground almost impossible and it is advisable to take an aerial view on what is

commonly referred to as a ‘flight of angels’. By September, the waters of the Zambezi

have dropped significantly to allow views of the individual falls. This remains until

March when the river starts to rise again.

David Livingstone was the first European to ‘discover’ the falls when he visited them

in November 1855. He later wrote, “no one can imagine the beauty of the view from

anything witnessed in England. Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels

in their flight.” He named them after his Queen, for the first and only time deviating

from his practise of naming places and features after their local native names, in this

instance “Mo ku sa tunya mosi” (nowadays shortened to mosi-au-tunya). The David

Livingstone statue can be found near the spectacular Devil's Cataract viewpoint.

The rainforest area is filled with many species of fig, mahogany and date palm groves,

as well as an impressive list of birds and smaller mammals such as vervet monkeys,

baboons and bushbuck.

From the centre of Victoria Falls town, the Falls are a leisurely 10 minute walk away.

Some of the many optional activities which can be undertaken during your visit to the

Victoria Falls include (prices subject to increase at any time and do not include

transfer fees which may vary according to where you’re staying) -

2016

'Flights of Angels' – by helicopter over the falls which last a duration of either 12 or

25 minutes. The 12 minute excursions concentrate solely on the Falls, doing a number

of turns in both directions. The 25 minute excursions include more of a 'game flight',

travelling upstream in the hope of viewing some of the larger mammal species and

seeing more of the river course. The longer helicopter flights also include a flight

down the spectacular Batoka Gorge below Victoria Falls. Should be pre-booked,

especially if travelling in high season.

12 min flight: US$150 25 min flight: US$285

Guided Tour of the Falls: US$25.00 per person (plus park fee of US$30 payable

locally)

Lunar Rainbow tour of Falls (full moon best): US$100.00 per person

Croc Farm Tour: US$40.00 per person

Canopy tour: US$61.00 per person

Elephant-back safaris - morning or afternoon excursions. Ride elephants for an hour

through the Matetsi and then spend some time interacting with them. No children

under 5.

AM or PM half day safari: US$150.00 per person

River Cruises including Birdwatching and Sunset cruises: US$55.00 per person

Ra-Ikane sunset cruise: US$85.00 per person (the Ra-Ikane is a lovely elegant small

craft catering for just 14 guests maximum)

Other Excursions include wine route (US$80) and full day (US$158) canoeing on the

upper Zambezi; horse-riding (US$90 for 3 hour ride or full 7 hours for US$155 - plus

park fee $15); fishing (US$176 plus park fee half day); bungee jumping (US$160); jet

boating (US$130 - 30 minute extreme); Bridge swings (tandem US$240 – max weight

200kg); or possibly going across to the Zambian side to view the falls (you will need

to purchase day visas unless UNI Visa is purchased on arrival into Zimbabwe).

Mists of Time - for those interested in culture and history, then the exceptional 'Mists

of Time' excursion (half day) is not to be missed (US$180.00 per person).

All excursions can be booked either through ourselves, or direct at the property at

which you are staying (though please note comments about pre-booking certain

activities). All prices are per person, subject to change and do not include local

transfer costs where applicable.

Day 8 01 October

Four nights

Twin chalet

Full Board

Camp Hwange, Hwange National Park

After an early breakfast, you will be met by the Camp Hwange representative

(scheduled departure 08h00) and transferred eastwards by road to Hwange National

Park where you'll enjoy the second part of your elephant experience from the

excellent Camp Hwange. Four nights are spent in twin tents.

Days will be spent exploring Hwange, famous for its large elephant population.

Camp Hwange is situated close to Shumba Pan in the Sinamatella section of Hwange

National Park. The camp accommodates around 16 guests in eight thatched canvas

chalets which stretch out either side of the cosy lounge and dining area. The chalets

are spaced far apart to afford maximum privacy and overlook the waterhole.

Each chalet is set onto a plinth with canvas walls and a thatch roof. They are

comfortably furnished with twin or double beds and have en suite bathrooms

consisting of a shower, vanity, and separate toilet. To the fore is a verandah with

views over a waterhole. Hot water is provided through solar heaters. Solar electricity

is used to provide lighting and operate the overhead fans (hairdryers cannot be used).

Power points for recharging batteries and wi fi are available in each room. There is no

mobile reception.

Camp Hwange is owned by professional safari guide Dave Carson and the activities

are based around a combination of excellent walks, game drives (day and early

evening) and use of the hides (one of which is a log pile hide overlooking the

waterhole in front of camp). Daily routines are flexible and take into account game

movements. Open four-wheel drive vehicles are used. Children over the age of 8 are

welcome, but are not allowed to walk until they are at least 12 (at the discretion of

the guides).

Hwange National Park - Introduction

Hwange is the largest of Zimbabwe's wildlife areas. Situated in the south-western

corner of the country at an average altitude of around 3,000ft, it covers an area of

about 1.5 million hectares, along the border with Botswana.

The Park covers the transition zone between the Kalahari sands and the moist

savannah woodland. The poor soil and harsh climate have not stunted or limited the

variety of habitat: over 230 tree and shrub and 138 grass species make up some of the

more than 1,000 flora species found here. This diversity allows for more than 50

mammal species to co-exist.

Lacking permanent rivers, the Park is managed with numerous man-made waterholes

which are pumped to provide water for most of the animal species and which form

the magnate around which most game-viewing takes place (many of the waterholes

has hides). The park has a very sizeable and healthy elephant population, and other

larger mammals to be seen include giraffe, impala, zebra, wildebeest, tsessebe, kudu,

duiker, roan, waterbuck, eland, gemsbok (along the drier western border), reedbuck,

lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and hippo. Unfortunately, rhino are now seldom seen.

The area is also excellent for bird life, most represented by bush country species:

babblers, starlings, bustards, ostrich, cranes, hornbills, francolins, guinea fowl, shrikes,

etc., although raptors are plentiful and storks, geese and ibis can be seen at the

waterholes.

Day 12 05 October

World Traveller

British Airways - Victoria Falls to Johannesburg, connecting to

London Heathrow

After breakfast, depart Hwange and transfer back to Victoria Falls Airport, arriving in

time to connect with the scheduled early afternoon British Airways flight back to

Johannesburg.

On arrival, proceed through the Transit section into the main departures terminal and

connect with the onward overnight British Airways flight to London.

Day 13 06 October British Airways - early arrival into London Heathrow

Early morning arrival into London Heathrow Terminal 5.

COSTING DETAILS:

Land Content Price Per person US$6,975.00 US$6,975.00

International/regional Flights Per person £1340.00 £1340.00

Included

ground transfers as specified

twin accommodation on board basis mentioned

three exclusive photoboat excursions on the Chobe River

game-viewing activities, park/conservation fees, house drinks and laundry on the Kazuma Trails mobile and at

Camp Hwange

entrance fee to Victoria Falls National Park

UK, South Africa and Zimbabwe international airport departure taxes

Not Included

international flights on British Airways (World Traveller), regional flights on South African Airlink and British

Airways (economy) - available from £1340.00 per person

visa fees for Zimbabwe (US$55.00 per person)

travel insurance

personal items and gratuities

optional tours and excursions (such as the Flight of Angels over the Victoria Falls)

meals, drinks and laundry unless included (Kubu Lodge and Ilala Lodge)

Deposit required to confirm arrangements: US$850.00/£750.00 per person

If required, the cost of this holiday will be set in Sterling at the rate of exchange applicable on the date of the deposit.

Please speak to us.

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.

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).

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.

BRIEF OVERVIEW

Botswana is a land-locked country in southern Africa containing some of the most expansive and untamed lands on

the continent. The terrain is generally flat, and there are few hills or mountains to speak of but what the country

offers in abundance is miles and miles of pristine, unspoilt African wilderness.

Botswana’s premier safari region is the famous Okavango Delta (which includes the Moremi Game Reserve), an

incredibly beautiful and game-rich region of waterways, lagoons, floodplains and open woodland created as the

Okavango River disappears into the sands of the vast Kalahari Desert. It is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife areas, and a

truly magical wilderness to explore, whether by vehicle, horse-back, elephant-back, mokoro (local dugout), motor-

boat or on foot.

The Linyanti region and Chobe National Park are also superb game-viewing areas sustained by the impressive

Kwando, Linyanti and Chobe rivers. To the south, where these waters rarely reach, the habitat changes into typical

Kalahari scrub grassland, a vegetated desert that stretches for eternity, punctuated only by the vast Makgadikgadi salt

pans and the occasional village or farming settlement.

If you are looking to immerse yourself in the natural world, there are few places that can compete with this delightful

country.

BRIEF OVERVIEW

For the latter part of the 20th century, Zimbabwe was the ‘place to go’ on safari in Africa. Wonderful and varied

scenery, fantastic hospitality, great game-viewing, varied safari activities and a reputation for having the best safari

guides in Africa, all added up to make Zimbabwe pretty irresistible to the safari connoisseur. After an indifferent start

to this century, the country is once again on the rise.

The spectacular Victoria Falls are an impressive gateway to a number of excellent National Park, especially Hwange

and Mana Pools where large numbers of animals can be seen. These areas are known for offering fantastic walking

safaris, led by some of the continents best professional guides who love nothing better than to take you in search of

big game as well as teaching you about the smaller details of the bush. Lake Kariba, and in particular the Matusadona

National Park on its southern shore, offers a perfect blend of game-viewing and relaxation whilst the Matobo Hills

south of Bulawayo and Great Zimbabwe will entice those with a penchant for history and culture (as well as wildlife

and bird watching). Keen walkers should also consider the Eastern Highlands or the remote Chizarira and

Gonarezhou national parks.

Bob Brind-Surch

Natures Photos 23 Calvert Road Greens Norton Towcester Northamptonshire NN128DD

Telephone: +44 (0) 1327 352505 Emergency: +44 (0) 7983 427202 Email: bob@brind-surch.me.uk

www.naturesphotos.co.uk

In association with

Safari Consultants Ltd Africa House 2 Cornard Mills Cornard Tye Great Cornard CO10 0GW Telephone: + 44 (0)1787 888 590 Emergency: + 44 (0)7831 556 164 Email: info@safariconsultantuk.com

www.safariconsultantuk.com