Zimbabwe's Zambezi River and Mana Pools 2021 - A private guided photographic workshop to the Vundu private concession on the banks of the Zambezi ...
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Zimbabwe’s
Zambezi River
and Mana Pools 2021
A private guided photographic workshop
to the Vundu private concession on the
banks of the Zambezi in the heart of the
famous Mana Pools.
Bob Brind-Surch and Safari Consultants
Introduction.
Only a few years ago a photo safari to Africa was a
unique experience but there now are very many
different companies offering safaris and especially
photographic safaris. This doesn’t change the magic
of the continent or the amazing opportunities for the
wildlife photographer but does mean we have to look
a little harder for something different.
As a professional photographer and zoologist with 45
years’ experience photographing in Africa I am always
on the lookout for new experiences and exciting
locations. I particularly look for areas where
everything is different to the ordinary, where the wildlife is unique and special, where the guides are simply brilliant and
where the camps are small and private. We all know that these create the very best photo opportunities but sadly they
are seldom on offer in the many safaris available.
Mana pools in Zimbabwe is just one of the areas where the wildlife is unique, and the conservancy model adopted
keeps the visitor numbers manageable. To get the best from this, as in any area in Africa you also need the very best
guides. Comfort, catering and standards of camps are important as are prices, facilities such as showers, electricity and
in some cases even Wi-Fi. However even with the best wildlife, without an excellent guide you won’t provide the best
photo opportunities. As a professional photographer I can help and support you as much as possible but teaming up
with an excellent guide takes the safari experience to a completely different level. I have worked throughout Africa with
many different guides and camps. I always choose great guides but those in Zimbabwe are legendary, they are without
doubt amongst the best in Africa. In their training they must work through an intensive certification process which is a
minimum of four years and is one of the most difficult guide license procedures anywhere in Africa.
• Firstly, they have to pass the “Learner’s theory examination” where their knowledge of the environment, the
ecology, vegetation, geography, birds and wildlife, first aid, firearms and ballistics, as well as environmental and
tourism laws are tested.
• After that, the learner safari guide has to spend minimum of two years working under the tutorship of a safari
guide with a Full Professional Safari Guiding License. This ensures that learner guides will gain extensive
experience of working in the bush and guiding clients through the National Parks (including walking safaris,
game drives and photographic and other safaris).
• Finally, the learner guide has to pass an extensive and reputedly very tough week-long practical examination to
ensure their guiding, knowledge and firearm skills in order to earn their Professional Safari Guide License.
Through such intensive training, Zimbabwe’s safari guides learn to lead guests safely through the bush, even
approaching wildlife more closely than most other guides would. They have a greater in depth knowledge of the animals
and their behaviour than many of the local people who have lived in the area with the wildlife life all their life. On top of
all this they have an excitement and keenness to share all this with guests.
I have had the great good fortune over the years to work
with and call friends some of the very best Zimbabwe guides.
These include famous individuals like Spike Williamson, Dave
Carson, Paul Hubbard and Nick Murray and others working
through the same process in other countries such as Lorenzo
Rossi in Southern Tanzania. These are the crème de la crème
of safari guides and working with them always leads to an
excellent safari experience.
For this safari I am working with Mick Murray’s team of
professional guides. Nick owns and runs Vundu Camp in the
heart of the Mana pools National Park. Quite apart from
being one of the limited number of Zimbabwe
professional guides Nick has a passion for wild dogs or
painted wolves. He has years of experience working with
the PDC (Painted Dog Conservation) and has been
following and tracking the painted dogs of Mana Pools
for over a decade. It was his long-term knowledge of
theses amazing animals which lead to him advising and
working with the BBC Earth crew for the 2018 BBC
Dynasties episode on the painted wolf. This episode
alone required 850 days of filming over 4 years and is
well worth watching (whilst it is still available on iPlayer)!
Vundu Camp and Bushlife Safaris.
Bushlife Safaris is owned and run by Nick Murray and his wife, Des. Together they have created an award-winning
portfolio of safari experiences based around the Mana Pools area. Vundu is one of their three camps in the area and the
one I have chosen for this safari. It was the home of the BBC team for the Dynasties Painted Wolf episode which was
hosted and guided by Nick and Des Murray.
The camp has eight large tented chalets, which are clean, spacious and comfortable, if rather simple in design and
layout. Outside the front of each is a private seating area with canvas chairs; inside, large wooden beams support a high
thatched roof with canvas walls and shade-mesh windows. All have very secure mosquito nets covering each twin or
double bed, polished concrete floors scattered with rugs, and free-standing fans. Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom
with spacious indoor and open-air hot showers, a flush toilet, and decorative pottery washbasins made by Nick's wife,
Desiree, who is also a fully qualified guide of note. At the centre of the camp, with excellent views of the Zambezi, is a
raised communal area whose bar, dining and lounge areas are furnished with comfortable cushioned chairs, a tea and
coffee station, and a small library. To the front of this wooden building is a sandy area overlooking the river, shaded by
an old ebony tree. A fire is lit here every night, providing a focus for drinks before and after dinner. Behind the camp is a
shallow grassy depression with a waterhole in the centre. This attracts game during the day and is a great spot to sit
beneath the thatch-covered platform and photograph animals and
birds that come here to drink.
The camp isn’t the most luxurious but is on a par with most I use in
Africa, but it is the guiding and the photo opportunities for which
this camp excels. Quite apart from the wild dogs this area boasts
elephant that have learnt to stand on their back legs to reach
succulent parts of the area’s trees. In 4WD vehicles and on foot
with the expert local guides we can approach these and other
wildlife to achieve amazing photographs.
We will have our own 4WD vehicles and guides and
will spend some of our time in these true off-road
vehicles. The game drives and walks can range
throughout the national park, although for most we
will remain in in the camp's own private concession.
This way we are guaranteed limited numbers of
other vehicles and private access to the wildlife. This
private conservancy is a prime area in the heart of
the park, covering an area within about 3–4km of the
camp. The area has plenty of the classic Mana Pools
scenery – with plenty of forested areas, and some of
the pools for which the park is noted. With our
skilled guides I will probably combine walks and
drives with everyone hopping out of the vehicle
when an interesting track or animal has been
discovered. There are very few guides in Africa who I would trust with this level of access but this way we can carry all
our camera gear with relative ease. Nothing can be guaranteed but we should be lucky enough to approach both wild
dog and lion on foot to within a few tens of metres – a truly unique and amazing experience only made possible by the
experience and skill of Vundu’s guiding team.
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 each
specialised open sided 4WD safari vehicle. This way I can ensure you each have a prime seat with plenty of additional
room for equipment. As your tour leader I am a lifelong naturalist, zoologist and experienced professional wildlife
photographer and have never lost my wonder for the natural world nor my early interest in wildlife and wildlife
behaviour. I have nearly 50 years’ experience travelling and photographing in Africa. I studied for a Zoology PhD in
Kenya in the late 70’s and have led safaris there for nearly 30 years. I have a life time of experience and an enduring
fascination with Africa and its wildlife and take it as a real privilege to run these trips and share my enthusiasm for
Africa, photography and its wildlife with guests.
I am also a fully qualified teacher and patient tutor who has worked with camera manufacturers at the highest level and
am therefore able to support everyone from photographic novices 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.
Mana Pools Explored with Bob Brind-Surch
Natures Photos 2021
a photographic workshop to
Zimbabwe
Duration: 9 Nights
Designed for travel in September 2021
Brind-Surch Natures Photos
12 Stanion Road, Brigstock, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN14 3HW
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
Itinerary in brief
Designed for travel in September 2020
Day Region Accommodation No. of Board basis
nights
Date
21 Sep In Flight British Airways - London 1 Meals Included
Heathrow to Johannesburg,
connecting to Harare
22 Sep Mana Pools National Park Vundu Camp, Mana Pools 7 Full Board
National Park
29 Sep In Flight British Airways - Harare to 1 Meals Included
Johannesburg, connecting to
London Heathrow
30 Sep London British Airways - early arrival into
London Heathrow
Costing in brief
Land Price Per person US$ 8,500.00 based on sharing
Land Price in total US$ 8,500.00
accomomdation
International flights available from £ 1,250.00 per person
Please see full itinerary for full costing details/inclusions and exclusions
A Proposed Outline Itinerary
Tuesday 21 September British Airways - London Heathrow to Johannesburg, connecting
One night to Harare
World Traveller Depart London Heathrow Terminal 5 on the overnight British Airways flight, to
Johannesburg, South Africa.
Wednesday 22 Vundu Camp, Mana Pools National Park
September
Early morning arrival into Johannesburg's OR Tambo Airport. Proceed through transit,
Seven nights before connecting with the onward British Airways/Comair (codeshare) flight to
Twin Tented Chalet Harare, Zimbabwe.
Full Board Late morning arrival into Harare International Airport, where you complete entry
formalities and collect your luggage, before connecting with a shared light air transfer
north to Mana Pools National Park.
On arrival into the Mana West bush airstrip, you will be met by your guide from
Vundu Camp and transferred for a seven night stay in twin rooms. Game viewing
activities, hosted by the resident guide and Bob Brind-Surch are undertaken daily -
including game drives, walking safaris and cruises along the Zambezi River.
Vundu Camp is a tented bush camp situated within a private concession in the
western part of Mana Pools National Park. The camp overlooks the mighty Zambezi
River and is owned and run by Nick Murray. Accommodation is for up to 18 guests in
eight thatched canvas chalets (one is a family chalet and suitable for four, with two en
suite tents linked by an open hallway under one large roof). Each chalet is rustically
furnished with beds, mosquito net, luggage rack and a couple of comfy chairs. There is
an indoor bathroom which includes a plumbed shower, toilet and basin as well as an
open air canvas-walled enclosure to the rear with plumbed shower, flush toilet and
double vanity.
Nick Murray is a Zimbabwe professional guide, and he and his team ensure a high
standard of guiding on their activities which include morning and afternoon game
drives, walks, boat cruises and fishing (from camp along a short stretch of water) and
canoeing excursions**. Daily activities are flexible according to game movements and
local conditions. The immediate area close to camp has been designated as a
'concession area' for Vundu and Nick has chosen to keep it as a mainly walking area.
Vundu is not a luxury camp, but it will suit those who are looking for a down to earth
bush experience hosted by knowledgeable guides. Just a few kilometres from camp is
Little Vundu which comprises of only five tents and offers exactly the same activities.
The tented accommodation is much simpler and has outdoor bathrooms making it
more suited to guests wanting a more adventurous stay.
**Please note that we do not recommend canoeing along the Mana Pools shoreline
due to safety concerns, as hippo and crocs have been known to be aggressive towards
canoes**.
Mana Pools National Park - Introduction
Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage Site, is a beautiful wilderness area, in
northern Zimbabwe where the floodplains of the mighty Zambezi, wooded with
acacia and mahogany trees, stretch out on either side of the river.
During the dry season, the floodplains teem with a wide variety of wildlife and
birdlife. Herds of elephant, buffalo, kudu, eland, and waterbuck graze the sweet
grasses or browse on the tasty albida pods. Lion and sable rest in the shade of the
giant figs. Fringing the floodplains, the thick 'Jesse' bush shelters the shy creatures
such as leopard, honey badger, nyala and bushbuck. Wild dog roam through the area,
and crocodiles bask in the shallows, awaiting their chance of a meal when the animals
report to quench their thirst. Hippo are everywhere. During the late season (late
August onwards), both white fronted and carmine bee-eaters nest in the banks of the
rivers providing a colourful spectacle complete the impressive list of birds to be seen.
Wednesday 29 British Airways - Harare to Johannesburg, connecting to London
September Heathrow
One night Early morning at leisure, before you are transferred back to the local bush airstrip to
World Traveller connect with a shared light air transfer to Harare. On arrival into Harare, check in and
connect with the British Airways/Comair flight to Johannesburg. Early afternoon
arrival into OR Tambo Airport, where you have a few hours at leisure before
connecting with the early evening British Airways flight to London Heathrow.
Overnight in flight.
Wednesday 30 British Airways - early arrival into London Heathrow
September
Early morning arrival into London Heathrow Terminal 5.
The unique reference for this itinerary is 0014528
COSTING DETAILS:
Land Price Per person US$ 8,500.00 based on sharing
Land Price in total US$ 8,500.00
accomomdation
International flights available from £ 1,250.00 per person
Included
ground and air transfers as specified
twin accommodation on board basis mentioned
game-viewing activities and park/conservation fees at Vundu Camp
house drinks (soft drinks, local beers, house wines and non-imported spirits) and laundry at Vundu Camp
photographic services of Bob Brind-Surch
UK, South African and Zimbabwean airport departure taxes
Not Included
international flights with British Airways (World Traveller) - available from £ 1,250.00 per person
visa fees for (Zimbabwe US$55.00 per person)
travel insurance
personal items and gratuities
optional tours and excursions
drinks and laundry unless included
Zimbabwe domestic airport fees of US$15.00 per person payable in cash out of Harare, Hwange Main, Kariba and
Victoria Falls
Deposit required to confirm arrangements: US$ 1,500.00 OR £ 1,150.00
Please note that this itinerary makes use of light aircraft air transfers which have strict baggage restrictions and a
maximum weight of 20 kgs per person including hand luggage. All bags should be of the soft 'hold-all' variety suitable
for storing in small aircraft.
IMPORTANT: most companies operating light aircraft air transfers have a maximum passenger weight of 100kgs per
passenger (Safari Logistics is 120kgs per person). If you weigh more than this, you will need to purchase an additional
seat on any air transfer you take. Please confirm this to us at the earliest convenience. There is a risk that you will be
weighed prior to departure.
All our holidays are fully bonded for your financial protection under the CAA ATOL scheme or through our
membership of ABTOT. We would strongly advise against booking through non-bonded organisations where you
money is not protected. Our ATOL membership number is 3783 and our ABTOT membership number is 5246.
At Safari Consultants we know how important safari tourism is for the future of African wildlife. Without it, the wildlife
of Africa will diminish rapidly. However, we are also acutely aware that air travel is a major contributor to global
climate change, and we believe that we should all travel as responsibly as possible. To this end, we have partnered
with climate and development experts ClimateCare to offset carbon emissions from your travels. ClimateCare ensure
the projects selected not only cut carbon but alleviate poverty and improve lives. Find out more at
www.climatecare.org. Your holiday price includes a contribution towards our carbon-offsetting program (£15.00 per
person in economy/premium economy class or if you are arranging your own flights, and £35.00 per person in
business/first class). More information about our Carbon Offsetting and all our efforts towards conservation and
responsible travel can be found on the Responsible Tourism page of our website.
Please note that airport authorities have recently introduced strict restrictions on luggage that is permitted when
flying to/from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport. Luggage is allowed to be ‘soft’ but must now have at least one ‘flat’
side and long straps are not permitted.
Please click here to see our current terms
Statement of Rights (Package Travel Regulations) - please read
Why Safari Consultants?
We are the oldest specialist Africa-only tour operator in the UK, having been in business since 1983. Over that time,
our reputation for providing top quality safari holidays is unsurpassed, and we continue to 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.
In addition, we provide 100% financial guarantees through our ATOL licence (No. 3783) and our membership of ABTOT
(No. 5246).
Your Specialist Consultant
Joe Corder, Sales Consultant
Joe grew up in Stamford, Lincolnshire and first experienced Africa at the age
of four when visiting family and friends in Kenya. More trips cemented his
passion for Africa and he has since travelled to 12 different countries across
southern and eastern Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi,
Botswana, South Africa, Madagascar, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Before embarking on his Geography degree at university in Newcastle, he
travelled independently through eight African countries – from Cape Town
to Nairobi. He has bungee jumped off Victoria Falls bridge and tracked wild
dogs in Kwa-Zulu Natal and is passionate about all things African.
Away from work he plays cricket and golf, loves skiing and follows Newcastle
United.
Additional Information/Useful Links
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Terms and Conditions
Testimonials
AITOBob Brind-Surch Natures Photos 12 Stanion Road Brigstock Nr Kettering Northamptonshire NN14 3HW Telephone: +44 (0) 1536 373977 Emergency: +44 (0) 7983 427202 Email: bob@naturesphotos.co.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
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