Africa Imagery - Photographic Safaris in Madikwe Game Reserve

Africa Imagery - Photographs of Africa, it's People and its Wildlife

Photographic Safari at Jaci's Lodges with Roger and Pat de la Harpe.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Co-ordinates S 24°46'40.50" E 26°25'52.04

Jaci's Safari Lodge bedroom at Madikwe Game Reserve

Elephant fighting at Madikwe Game Reserve

Wild Dogs Playing at Madikwe Game Reserve.

We base ourselves at Jaci's Lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve, about four hours to the northwest of Johannesburg. The reserve spans some 75 000 hectares of land that was previously used for cattle farming, but which was of such poor quality that it offered very little economic benefit to anybody. Now a premier game reserve, officially proclaimed in 1991, it represents a unique partnership between the North West Parks and Tourism Board, local communities and the private sector. Central to this three-way alliance is the concept of "people-based wildlife conservation", where local communities gain financial benefits from conservation and eco-tourism. This approach, which has ensured support for the reserve and its activities from its immediate neighbours, is strongly recommended by the North West Parks Board as the blueprint for long-term conservation in developing countries across southern Africa.

The reserve is located in a transition zone of lowveld, mixed bushveld and Kalahari thornveld and the resultant diversity of habitats is part of its attraction. It is scenically beautiful with rocky outcrops, wooded thickets and sweeping plains that slope gently towards its main water course, the Marico River. The imposing Dwarsberg Mountains dominate the southern region,rising some 200 metres above the surrounding terrain, while a series of hills known as the Rant van Tweedepoort roughly divides the reserve into two equal parts. Those areas that were previously farmed and cleared of trees have remained ‘open’ and offer excellent game viewing.

This is where we did much of the photography and research for our latest book, In Search of the African Wild Dog. We know Madikwe well, and it can be very productive from a photographic point of view. Good sightings of wild dogs are not uncommon as is the case with elephant, lion and general game. Additionally, the reserve is beautiful, enhanced by the gorgeous "Kalahari light".

Have a look here to see our blog entry for our last safari there.

What people have to say:
"I must also add that both Rhoda and I had an absolutely stunning time on the course and at Madikwe - I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it and how much you both taught me. I'm already planning the next one"! - Chris Gibbons

"Just wanted to thank you for the awesome weekend I learnt so much from you both". Gaenor Cripps

"Yvonne and I would like to thank you both for the incredible time and tuition which you kindly managed to drum into my head. It just took some time to get my humble brain around some of the stuff, but it just clicked and I really appreciate all the effort which you guys made. Thank you." Tim Driman

Giraffe at sunset in Madikwe Game Reserve.

Programme
The programme is fairly general and could change on the day. Nature does not operate by the clock and we'll need to be able to respond to whatever is happening out there. If the idea is to photograph scenery and we hear about a leopard nearby then we'll change our plans quickly.

Monday
Arrive at Jaci's Lodges between 12:00 and 14:00 for check in. At about 15:00 we'll meet for registration followed by an introductory talk, show and for setting up laptops and programs and then it's off on our first game drive.

Tuesday to Thursday
Meet on the deck at 05:00 for coffee and a light snack and leave on a game drive by about 05:30. As the light starts to change we will stop for an extended coffee break at a suitable spot where we will work through various photographic issues. About 2 hours after sunrise we'll head back to camp to download images onto our computers. Participants then select 3 images to include in the evaluation session and at about 09:30 we head into the dining room for a scrumptious breakfast.

The day continues with discussions, Photoshop tutorials and image analysis. This part of the workshop is critical – we work with your images, looking at composition, impact and technical details. We hold these sessions in an open and constructive environment and group participation is encouraged – it's where we can make a significant difference to your images very quickly. A delicious lunch is served between 13:00 and 13:30 after which we'll break for a spot of free time.

High tea will be served at about 15:00 and then we head out on a game drive. We will work different areas to the morning's drive, staying in radio contact with other vehicles so that we have more “eyes” out there and if we spot anything we can quickly meet up. We'll do sundowners before returning to camp just after dark for dinner.

Friday
We follow the normal morning routine and depart after the mornings evaluation session.

Equipment required is as follows: (Please feel free to Contact Us to discuss your Photographic Equipment needs)

A Digital SLR Camera with removable lenses (a fixed lens camera will work but will limit what you can do to a certain degree).
Zoom lenses - the selection is broad but at least 2 zoom lenses are recommended, one wide angle and one medium to long telephoto, which should preferably have some form of image stabilization. At least 300mm or preferably 400mm (Nikon do a really useful 80 to 400mm lens and Canon a 100 to 400mm) would be recommended.
A flashgun.
A tripod.
A laptop computer (and a mouse) with either Photoshop or Photoshop Elements loaded on to it. This is essential. Instruction will be in Photoshop Elements 6 and CS4. It is recommended that you have some form of backup medium - DVD's or a portable hard drive. We will have copies of Photoshop for sale at the workshop and also free versions of various other programs available to load onto your computer.
A memory card reader or computer cables to connect your camera to your laptop.
The charger for your camera/s.
Memory Card/s.
The manual(s) for your camera(s).
A hat to keep off that hot African sun.

Workshop Dates: Our earlier safari in 2010 was a wonderful success. Have a look here to see our blog entry for it. Our May safari was great fun. Have a look here to see some of the pix we got. Our next safari is from 13 to 17 September 2010.

Workshop Cost: R12 920-00 per person sharing (R10 250-00 for non-participating partners sharing) for the 4 nights. It includes accommodation, all meals, 2 game drives a day, course notes. Gate fee (R50-00), drinks and extras are for your own account payable at check-out. The monotoring and management of wild dogs is an expensive but very necessary part of ensuring their survival. If you would like to contribute to them please inform us and we'll make sure that your donation gets to the right place.

Contact us to book your place on this exciting and informative safari.

Africa Imagery - Photographs of Africa, it's People and its Wildlife

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