FOLLOW ME NORTH
SOUTH AFRICA PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
A Small-Group Wildlife & Photography Tour
2 SAFARIS, 1 UNFORGETTABLE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
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.
Get Wild with us on this incredible South Africa Wildlife Photography Tour! Returning for a second year in a row, they are more excited this year than the last.
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! Check out Jesse & Susan’s Blog about their South Africa Photography Tour – HERE.
Contact us for more info – info@finisterra.ca
DAY 1 to 3 – CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA
DAY 1: Arrive in the fabulous Mother City – Cape Town where you’ll be picked up upon arrival and taken to your centrally located accommodation at the V&A Waterfront.
Depending upon your flight time and the weather, we recommend taking the Cable Car up and down Table Mountain.
DAY 2: Join us on a spectacular journey into the South Western Peninsular of the Western Cape. You will experience the natural beauty of Cape of Good Hope on foot, visit an endangered African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach up close and personal, and take a journey on one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic drives. This day trip will run from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm.
DAY 3: Today is yours to explore the beautiful city of Cape Town! We recommend strolling through the colourful Bo Kaap area for some fun photos. We don’t recommend walking around the city with your big camera equipment, so either take an Uber to and from, or if you’re walking, leave your big cameras at the hotel.
DAY 4 to 8 – TIMBAVATI PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE
DAY 4 to 8: On April 27th we’ll take to the air, flying from Cape Town 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 it’s 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.
Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8 to 13 – MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
DAY 8 to 12th: On May 1st, we’ll take to the air, flying from the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve to Johannesburg. Once we arrive, we’ll take a 4 hour transfer to the Madikwe Game Reserve.
Madikwe Game Reserve is an 80 000-hectare wildlife reserve which lies in the North-West Province of South Africa. Home to a wide variety of animals, birds, trees and grasses, the reserve is world renowned as a spectacular Big 5 wilderness safari destination.
Madikwe Game Reserve was formally established in 1991 by the government of what was then Bophuthatswana. Previously arid farmland, the 80 000-hectare zone was earmarked for development as a wildlife sanctuary and tourist destination after a feasibility study highlighted the potential of employment, business, and tourism opportunities as well as wildlife conservation in the area.
Madikwe’s rich cultural history began almost one million years ago and is as much a part of the Reserve as the wildlife and other natural wonders in the area. Historical sites containing irreplaceable artifacts are in abundance and in time will be restored and displayed as part of South Africa’s heritage.
After it was formally declared a reserve, more than 8 000 animals were moved to Madikwe Game Reserve as part of the world’s biggest wildlife relocation, Operation Phoenix. The mammoth transfer included, for the first time, the relocation of entire family herds of elephants, as well as the introduction of highly endangered African wild dogs, spotted hyena, buffalo, hippo and lion. Today, the reserve boasts more than 60 mammal species, including the Big 5, and well over 300 resident and migrant bird species.
Madikwe Game Reserve operates as a three-way venture between the North-West Parks and Tourism Board, the private sector and local communities. The Parks Board is responsible for setting up infrastructure and operational management, as well as identifying suitable sites for lease to the private sector for tourism-based developments and activities. The private sector funds the construction of game lodges, which it markets and manages. Lodge employees are drawn from surrounding villages. The success of this approach has made Madikwe Game Reserve a model for similar joint ventures in South Africa and elsewhere.
DAY 13: DEPARTURE DAY After breakfast at the hotel, pack your bags and get ready to travel to the Johannesburg 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.
JACI’S TREE LODGE MADIKWE
Jaci’s Tree Lodge is the realization of Jan’s dream – an elevated lodge that appears to float above the ground… Jaci’s Lodges founder and owner Jan van Heteren, was profoundly inspired by the Okavango Delta’s characteristically intimate, secluded, luxury camps that seem to grow organically from the earth. Each suite is built to sit high on stilts and with a focus on ecological construction, ensuring they blend seamlessly into their environment.
The Main Lodge at Jaci’s Tree Lodge Madikwe, hidden in the riverine forest along the banks of the Marico River, and recently refurbished, provides a cool retreat from the heat of African summer days and a cosy fireside sanctuary during chilly winter months. With both indoor and outdoor dining spaces as well as open-plan lounge and bar areas, the Main Lodge sets the tone for an authentic, inspired safari experience.
he Treehouse Suites luxuriously accommodate guests in custom built stilted treehouse-style structures. Connected by elevated walkways, they each boast magnificent views into the surrounding riverine forest, as well as glimpses across the famous Marico River. The 8 Treehouse Suites blend effortlessly into the overarching canopy of lush foliage, making for fantastic birdwatching in a peaceful, natural environment.
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 John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
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WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable.Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
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