Chobe and Kalizo
Join me for a special journey to the Chobe and Kalizo. We will be visiting to capture all things photographic that the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers region has to offer.
As we know wildlife photography is never predictable so we need to adapt to each sighting when it presents itself. With this said, I will share with you techniques and ideas to improve your photography portfolio.
2019 – 22 October – 28th October
2020 – 20 October – 26th October
Chobe and Kalizo Opportunities
- The power of composition
- Low and wide-angle photography
- The importance of depth of field
- Slow shutter speed and panning
- The basics of birds in flight
- Low light and ISO control
- Camera and lens techniques
- Image management and development (as required)
We will be spending three nights at a private photography lodge in Chobe. This followed by three nights at the incredible Mubala Lodge on the banks of the Zambezi river. I have chosen the dates to coincide with the height of Carmine Bee-Eater feeding activities.
This is a snippet of what we got up to in November 2017
Chobe Photographic Lodge Kasane – 3 Night / 4 Day
The lodge is situated on a hill overlooking the Chobe River and its floodplains. The bedrooms are all ensuite and are all air-conditioned. Great space to store camera gear and luggage along with a safe. Here we will enjoy land and water-based activities.
The Chobe River :
Arguably the best wildlife destinations in Southern Africa where we spend the 4 days on the Chobe river. For this leg of the tour, we use a professionally dedicated photo boat. It is fitted with custom designed swivel chairs, support arms and gimbal heads, This is to offer you the best possible platform to photograph both animals and birds.
The Chobe area is home to the highest concentration of elephants in the world. Seeing these majestic animals from a low level on the private photo boat platform is unique. This as they come down to the water to drink, bath and play.
Species that could be photographed include those of Buffalo, Lechwe, Sable, Crocodile, Hippo, Puku and more. Predators include sightings of lion and leopard but the timing to find these majestic cats is everything.
The birdlife is amazing with regular sightings of African Fish Eagles, African Skimmers, Kingfishers, Bee-Eaters, Herons, Storks just to mention a few. I will pass on much information and techniques to you that I have built up over the many visits to these areas.
Zambezi Mubala Lodge – 3 Night / 4 Day stay
Along the edge of the mighty Zambezi River, lies the secluded Zambezi Mubala Lodge at Kalizo. A bird and nature photographers dream. The biggest feature of this lodge is that it is situated only a 5-minute boat cruise to the home of one of the largest colonies of Carmine Bee-eaters.
Each room overlooks the majestic Zambezi River. These spacious rooms, each has twin or double beds and en-suite bathrooms (showers). Rooms are equipped with mosquito nets and tea and coffee facilities. A small bar fridge allows you to keep any medicines and bottled water cool at all times
The Carmine Bee-Eaters Breeding Colonies:
From late August every year, the banks of the Zambezi River on Namibia’s Caprivi strip is transformed into a hive of activity. This with vivid, vibrant crimson, scarlet, and blue colours flashing through the sky. This creates some of the most beautiful visual imaginable in nature thanks to the Carmine Bee-eaters.
The cause of this breathtaking colour explosion is the arrival of the beautiful Carmine Bee-Eaters from central Africa. They make this long journey south through Africa to the breeding grounds at Kalizo. This spectacle is truly incredible when more than 8 000 birds inhabit a single colony. The best time to view this amazing spectacle is during the early morning and late afternoon.
Your photographic opportunities are endless and will include birds in flight, landing, feeding, territorial displays to name a few. Also, various raptors such as Yellow-Billed Kites feed on the Carmines in high angled attacks. Much of the bee-eater photography is done from the land.
However, we will have access to a boat at Mubala Lodge and adds a new dimension to our birding and photo opportunities with some outings on the Zambezi River. A wide variety of bird species and we could encounter and photograph African skimmers, fish eagles, kingfishers, storks and Ibis to name a few.
Between the morning and afternoon activities at Chobe and Kalizo, we will be able to evaluate your work, process images and even enjoy some creative thinking about your photographic passion.
Cost From $3995.00 US per person sharing:
Single person supplement – $395.00
Day 1- 4 Photographic Lodge – Kasane
Day 4 – 8 Kalizo – Mubala Lodge – Zambezi River ( Namibia)
What doe this Chobe and Zambezi Carmines package includes
- 3 nights Chobe Photography Lodge (2 activities per day)
- The lodge includes all local beers, wine and spirits
- 4 activities on the private photographic boats on Chobe river
- Park Fees and bed levies
- Transfer by road to Zambezi Mubala Lodge (2 1/2 hours approx.)
- 3 nights Zambezi Mabula lodge – Dinner, bed and breakfast and cash bar
- 1 land activities per day and one by boat
- Personal expert guidance from Andrew Aveley
- Refreshments during the activities
- Transfer by road back to Kasane
What this package does not include
- Gratuities
- laundry
- Items of a personal nature
- All lunches and drinks at Zambezi Mubala Lodge
- Flights to and from Kasane
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