FOLLOW ME NORTH
SOUTH AFRICA PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR
A Small-Group Tour
2 SAFARIS, 1 UNFORGETTABLE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Get Wild with Us on this incredible South Africa Wildlife Photography Tour!
We’re proud to partner with the extraordinary photography duo, Jess & Susan from Follow Me North, to offer an EXCLUSIVE wildlife and landscape photography workshop in South Africa.
Locations on this tour have been cherry-picked by renowned local tour operators and professional wildlife trackers to ensure we are maximizing opportunities for unique encounters during our twice-daily game drives.
Soak in breathtaking scenery; enjoy 5-Star, multi-course meals, luxury accommodations, and witness countless species of wildlife.
We are so excited to explore with you!
Contact us for more info – info@finisterra.ca
Day 1 – ARRIVAL IN PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA
Upon arrival at the Port Elizabeth Airport, you’ll be picked up and transported to Hillsnek Safari Lodge
Meals: -/-/D
Day 2 – HILLSNEK SAFARI CAMP, AMAKHALA GAME RESERVE
Our first 6 nights will be nestled in the heart of the Amakhala Private Game Reserve in the unspoiled, malaria-free Eastern Cape Province. Offering 18,000 acres of pristine private wilderness, the Bushman’s River meanders throughout this scenic landscape. Amakhala is a conservation success story, renowned for its excellence in community engagement and wildlife preservation.
The majestic lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, giraffe, endangered cheetah and white rhino make up some of the high profile species available in this area. Amakhala is also home to substantial herds of zebra, black wildebeest, red hartebeest, oryx, eland as well as over 250 species of birds.
HillsNek Safari Camp is located within the Amakhala Private Game Reserve, and consists of four classic canvas safari tents, set on expansive wrap-around decks with panoramic views. All tents are linked to the main lodge by raised wooden walkways and are complete with en-suite bathroom and romantic outdoor shower.
- Meals: B/L/D
Day 3 – ROCKFIG SAFARI LODGE – TIMBAVATI PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE
On April 20th, we’ll take to the air, flying from Port Elizabeth to the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, in the heart of the Lowveld region of South Africa, which sports over 53,000 hectares of unspoiled, natural wilderness. Since its humble beginnings, the reserve is now a highly professional organization, protecting sustainable populations of endangered species, such as the black and white rhinoceros, pangolins, saddle-billed storks, southern ground hornbills, and many others.
The lack of fences between Timbavati and its neighbouring reserves (Kruger National Park, Klaserie, Balule, Umbabat, Thornybush) offers a great abundance of wildlife and exceptional photographic opportunities. Herds of African elephant; buffalo, kudu, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala, waterbuck and warthog, along with their attendant predators – lion, leopard, cheetah, and hyena – can be found here. The critically endangered African wild dog may also be seen. The reserve is a birdwatchers’ paradise, with more than 360 bird species recorded. Birder’s will want to pay special attention to the regions ‘Big Six’ feather friends: Lappet-faced Vulture, Martial Eagle; Saddle-billed Stork, Kori Bustard, Ground Hornbill and Pel’s Fishing Owl.
Located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The architect and interior designer of RockFig Safari Lodge were inspired by the Timbavati setting of this luxury South African safari lodge to create a relaxed ambiance with indoor and outdoor guest spaces that segue into each other, and enable both communal and private moments suffused with an authentic bush feel.
Meals: B/L/D
Day 11 – DEPARTURE DAY OR EXTEND YOUR STAY
After breakfast at the hotel, pack your bags and get ready to travel to the Hoedspruit International Airport where you will board a flight back home.
If you are interested in extending your stay in Southern Africa, please let us know and we’d be happy to help you book your continuing adventure – info@finisterra.ca
Tour Exclusions
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out in our Booking Terms & Conditions prior to booking a trip with Finisterra Travel LTD. We strongly recommend that you also read the Country Information relating to your trip prior to booking, and ensure that you understand the itinerary and the active style of the trip you are undertaking.
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Mother Nature, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
AIR TRAVEL: Flights are not included in the tour price. DO NOT purchase any airline tickets until the trip is confirmed to take place. Pre and post-tours can be arranged through available at an additional charge.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS: (responsibility of the traveller)
PROGRAM COSTS: Program costs are based on a minimum number of participants and are subject to change without notice. Single supplement will apply to single travelers (unless a participant opts in for room share and a roommate is found. this cannot be guaranteed).
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
FOLLOW ME NORTH PHOTOGRAPHERS’ VALUES
Jesse and Susan Villemaire (better known as “Follow Me North”) are Canadian-born nature photographers and educators living a united life in Muskoka, Ontario. Their work encapsulates the true essence of the protected wildlife of Algonquin Provincial Park, and is the direct result of thousands of kilometres paddled, portaged and driven. Through photography, they hope to inspire others to conserve the natural world we all share. Today, they specialize in Wildlife and Landscape Photography Workshops, exploring a variety of remote, global destinations.
ROOTS
Susan began her career as a journalist, but has pivoted to the role of Producer and Educator over the last 10 years. In her previous life, she rooted herself in developing branded content for Fortune 500 brands under industry umbrellas 500px, Stocksy United and Shutterstock. Weaving her love of the written word and knowledge of creative production together, Susan aims to provide hands-on, practical training to build upon each photographer’s confidence and help them design a body of work that tells a story.
For nearly 20 years, Jesse owned and operated a high-end tattoo studio in Cambridge, Ontario. His former life allowed him to travel across Canada and the US, educating artists on the importance of health and safety practices in the Body Art industry. On his travels, he picked up a hobby that would later become the driving force – photography. After studying photography further in college, Jesse molded his love of educating into multi-day guided workshops in some of Canada’s most scenic locations. Jesse often finds himself all over the map in hot pursuit of the next unique encounter – hiking and paddling in places he would have otherwise bypassed if it were not for his love of adventure. Nothing brings him greater joy than spending time in nature with other photographers, collaborating and exchanging tricks of the trade.
HILLSNEK SAFARI CAMP
Premier big five safari destination on Amakhala Game Reserve
NESTLED IN THE HEART OF SOUTH AFRICA’S UNSPOILT MALARIA-FREE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE LIES AMAKHALA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, A WORLD-CLASS
BIG FIVE SAFARI DESTINATION.
Offering 18,000 acres of pristine private wilderness, the Bushman’s River meanders throughout this scenic landscape.
Amakhala is a conservation success story, renowned for its excellence in conservation initiatives and community engagement.
HillsNek Safari Camp is positioned within a secluded corner of Amakhala Game Reserve and is fondly known as the ‘small’ camp with the ‘biggest’ heart. With only four rooms in total, this family-owned lodge is the epitome of personal service, attention to detail, and warm hospitality.
ROCKFIG SAFARI LODGE
Timbavati private nature reserve’s newest luxury safari offering
Set in the heart of Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, adjacent to the famous Kruger National Park, RockFig Safari Lodge is well situated for forays into the African wilds. Game drives let you cover some ground in the comfort of a vehicle, while walking safaris put you right on the ground, exploring the area under your own steam. Whatever you prefer (and we suggest you try both), these exciting activities – and their inevitable wildlife sightings – are sure to get your blood pumping. They’ll also work up an appetite, which you can satiate with the feasts you’ll find at the bush breakfasts and dinners, as well as safari-style meals back at this luxury South African safari lodge.
Are you all ready for your next adventure?
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or World Nomads Insurance. Please feel free to ask us about Covid-19 Insurance Coverage, Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
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