Bill_H

<b>did you get a firm quote on the MkIII, because I've been reading all kinds of numbers starting at $4k and up from there?</b>

I *thought* it was going to be $4K, which was the announced price, but when I went to check on the site it's &quot;TBD&quot; ... I did see someone claim a store in LA is asking $5,000 so now I'm worried ... the Mark II was originally $3,999, even with a 4 month backlog, so I'm hoping there isn't any price gouging for the early buyers. I need it for a trip to Alaska this summer, where it will likely rain most days.

<b>I was waiting for the dust management features of the XTi to be incorporated into Canon's higher end dSLR's </b>

My wife got an XTi for a light backup and I checked it for dust ... it had 25 particles on the sensor fresh out of the box new so I ran the sensor shake cleaning feature 12 times and checked again and it still had 25 particles

When I got a second one to test it had 17 dust specks and again none, zero, nada, zip were removed with multiple sensor shake cycles ... so don't toss the Pec pads just yet (all of these cleaned off with Eclipse and Pec pads). The dust is winning 42-0 vs the sensor shake cleaning cycle on the two I checked though.

Hopefully they improved this on the pro model.

On the positive side the software Dust Data Delete feature removed every one of these specks, but it forces you to use the Canon conversion software.

Bill

Bill_H

<b>Bill, what &quot;stable platform&quot; do you use?</b>

A T-mount marketed by Todd Gustafson. He designed it to work on those British Land Rovers with three pop-off hatches. It will also work with the Toyota Land Cruisers IF the company pulls the pop-up top supports off, but won't work with most other vehicles.

Then we put a Wimberly pivot head on it and it's very stable.

You can see it here being field-tested by a cheetah, who bumped it twice pretty hard while scrambling to keep his footing ... http://members.aol.com/bhilton665/ta...06/cheetah.htm ...

It only makes sense for the really heavy lenses (600 or 500 f/4, 400 f/2.8) and it weighs about 17-18 lbs as set up, so a pain to move from side to side, but it gives you stability to shoot with a 2x on the 500 (or sometimes with stacked 2x and 1.4x like in the cheetah shot I recently posted).

A lot of people we've photographed with use bean bags but with this T-mount you can leave the lens on top of the jeep while moving around and can pan more smoothly.

Bill

WayuU

Jim, PLEASE don't hijack a thread, at least not mine right now. Start a new thread dealing with equipment questions interresting to you. I got no use for this and it's taking up space making some others not scrolling way up to see my latest post that I really need help on.

I understand Bill's need to answer them, being the helpful guy he is , and again I want to thank you Bill for all the good help you have given me, and for your great site with resources not only to Canon users, me being Nikon user.

To Patty and atravelynn, thx to your input, it means a lot to me. I will give you answers to what you have requested from me, I promise.

I feel I have to post my latest questions again so that others joining in now can see that this thread has not turned into a Canon equipment thread.

WayuU

Here is my post again.
______________________

Back again for more recommendations and feedback from you all.

All the itineraries presented here are exclusively for me and my brother only and with private vehicle and guide/driver. We are not yet sure on the charging capabilities on the itineraries in Kenya, but C4 in BW has full equipment.

First some questions on Kenya vs BW. We have heard so much great things about Botswana being more of a wildlife experience (yes, I brought up BW long time ago but still have some thoughts about it). But is it much harder to get good pictures of wildlife in BW? Please give me your pros and cons of a safari in BW vs Kenya.

I guess most of you remember that this is our first African safari trip.
We have a great itinerary with C4 Images in BW (at least it seems great to us) for a safari in the Okavango Delta.

This is the itinerary, in short, that we have received from C4 (has to be shared with 2 others. Recall it being 4x4 landrover):
Day 1: Pick up at JHB International Airport. Transfer to Welgevonden game farm, Nylstroom, South Africa.
Day 2: Transfer via Groblers Bridge Border post to Lekhubu Island Botswana.
Day 3-6: Transfer to Central Kalahari game reserve for three nights.
Day 6: Transfer to Deception Valley Lodge
Day 7: Drive North to Maun and then Camp at Santawani campsite in the Santawani game concession.
Day 8-9: Transfer to Xakanaka Campsite for two nights in the Moremi game reserve
Day 10: Transfer to Kwara lodge camp on the eastern fringes of the Moremi game reserve.
Day 11: Drive to Savuti campsite in the Chobe game reserve.
Day 12: Drive north to the Chobe River and stay at the Chobe game reserve.
Day 13: Drive south and stay at Khama rhino sanctuary.
Day 14: Cross the border at Groblers Bridge and return to Johannesburg.

Your thoughts on this itinerary please? Should I post the full itinerary?

*********************

Next, we have two itineraries we are going to pick from if Kenya is decided as the definite spot. One of them seems very interesting, but I want to post both of them here and see what you all think about them. Please do comment on what YOU would change, choose, or require more info on. Both are exclusively for me and my brother only.

From Wildtrek Safaris (Transportation in a chauffeur driven minivan with pop-up roof for easy game viewing &amp; photography):
OPTION 1.

DAY 01. Met on arrival and transferred to Hotel Intercontinental for overnight.
02. Drive to Amboseli arriving in time for lunch. Overnight Oltukai Lodge / Amboseli Serena / Amboseli Sopa
03. Amboseli Serena / Oltukai Lodge / Amboseli Sopa
04. Drive from Amboseli to Aberdare National Park, Lunch in Nairobi. Overnight Treetops.
05. Drive further north to Samburu Game Reserve. Overnight Samburu Intrepids.
06+07. Samburu Intrepids
08. Drive to Sweetwaters Tented Camp
09. Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. Overnight Sarova Lion Hill / Lake Nakuru Lodge / Flamingo Tented Camp
10. Drive to Lake Naivasha. Overnight Lake Naivasha Sopa / Simba.
11. Drive to Masai Mara. Overnight Fig Tree Camp.
12+13. Fig Tree Camp.
14. Drive Back to Nairobi and transferred back to the Airport for your outbound flight.



From Safariline Africa (4x4 landrover/landcruiser):
Day 1- Day 6: Upon arrival at the Nairobi Airport, who will be met by a Safariline Africa driver guide and depart to Samburu National Reserve, notice the change in landscape as we drive into the hot dry heat of the arid Samburu Reserve in the Northern Frontier District. This harsh, incredibly photogenic region is home to rare and endemic species: Grevy's Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Olive Baboon, Kirk Dik-Dik and Reticulated Giraffe. We will spend the next six days exploring this 'photographer's heaven': fantastic scenery, abundant wildlife and strong cultural experience. Samburu Serena captures the robust rhythms of riverside and three overnights will be spent in this rustic but yet sophisticated Lodge with the next three nights at Sarova Shaba. There will be opportunity to visit the three national parks; Shaba, Buffalo Springs and Samburu National reserve.

Day 7 – Day 8: Lake Nakuru National Park
Today's drive is through some of the most exciting scenery giving you an unrivalled view of the majestic Great Rift Valley. The main attraction of Lake Nakuru is the thousands of pink Flamingos and Pelican, a perfect place to experience one of the world's greatest ornithological spectacles; search for the endangered Black and White Rhino who have found a safe haven here and enjoy the game. Leave with picnic for full day game drives. Accommodation will be in a mobile camp with camp bed. Gourmet meals will be served by a skilled cook who will be traveling with you on the safari.

Day 9 – Day 11
We would particularly recommend you camp for at least three nights in the Mara so that you can have the flexibility of moving from one area to the other. The plains from Mara river to Soit Ololol Escarpment (Esoit Oloololo or Siria), at the west part, is a favourite haunt for Masai Mara's famous black-maned lions, which usually walk these grasslands searching for prey and doze beneath the scattered acacia trees during the day. This area holds beautiful scenic, the flat topped trees vanishing in the haze before the backdrop of the far-off bluish mountains. Another place to find lions is Musiara Swamps, which actually remain dry for a great part of the year. Lions are probably the major attraction in Masai Mara since their population here is the largest in Kenya. Other big five, plain games and birds are in abundance. Accommodation will be in a mobile camp where breakfast and dinner will be served.

Day 12 – Day 14
Leave for the Mara Triangle where you spend three overnights. Settle into your luxury en suite accommodation in Mara Serena Lodge set on the saddle of a hill overlooking the 1,800sq-km of the Masai Mara Triangle. It is on this very terrain stretching endlessly before the lodge where the annual migration takes place. The lodge has been designed to mirror a traditional Masai village with the guest rooms located in individually domed huts grouped in a circular manner. Each room has a private balcony with views that stretch over the vast Africa landscape. Full day game drives reveal the large herds of buffalo, elephant, cheetah, impala, hyena ... This is definitely better then watching Discovery Channel as you are part of the spectacle!

Day 15: Enjoy an early morning game drive followed by breakfast back at the lodge. Depart by road back to Nairobi to arrive in the late afternoon. Later transfer will be provided to the airport for your outbound flight.

*********************

Eagerly awaiting your thoughts on these itineraries. I just can’t wait to go on the safari


Thanks again. This resource is priceless.
Mats C.

MarkVB

Mats,

Saw your post at naturescapes and decided to wander over here, see what's up, and now post a reply. I think the first thing that you and your brother need to decide is whether this is primarily a photographic trip, or a trip to see as much as you can and also do some photography. I say this because in looking at your proposed itineraries there is lots of driving between many camps or lodges (although less so for your second Kenya itinerary), and depending on the distances and road conditions all of that driving time means less time with the animals you want to see and photograph. That's fine if your primary purpose is to see lots of different places (and you don't mind constantly packing and unpacking stuff for the trips between camps. But, if your primary purpose is photography, then staying longer at fewer places will optimize your photographic opportunities. This problem was particularly noticeable, at least from my perspective, on your proposed Botswana itinerary, where you have a number of one or two night stays, and lots of driving to new locations.

Starting first with your Botswana trip, I have only been there once, for a week, staying in two camps, one in Savuti, the other in the Delta (Kwetsani, run by Wilderness Safari, which by the way has some great but pricy lodges). The Delta, while interesting, was not that great for wildlife photography. Savuti offered lots of opportunities. I did not make it to Chobe, but have heard many good things about it. You should ask the outfitter who provided this itinerary how far apart the camps are that you are going to, and more important how long it will take to get from one to another. If I were in your place, I would pick 2 or 3 places I wanted to see and spend more time at each. In late 2005 I spent 10 days in the Masai Mara, and every day was different. That will be true no matter where you are. Spending more time gives you a chance to get to know a place better.

Regarding Kenya, I would forget the first itinerary (which includes Amboselli and Tree Tops). While I like Amboselli, it is in a very different direction out of Nairobi (towards the Tanzanian border) than most of the other places. I think that Aberdare NP is not a good use of limited time for wildlife photography and can easily be skipped. Also, there are some long drives involved here, particularly getting from Amboseli in the south to Samburu to the north (which is probably why they have you stopping at Aberdare on the way). I was at Sweetwaters many years ago (circa 1995), and while nice it too is skippable as not the best place for wildlife photography (but it does have rhino). Also, if you are going in October, when the migration will be in the Mara, you would want to maximize your time there, more so than this itinerary does.

Your second Kenya Itinerary is a bit better, limited to three general locations. However, as I noted before, if you are going in October you should maximize your time in the Mara. Additionally, if you want to get rhino photos, then Lake Nakuru is likely your best bet for that (particularly the &quot;back&quot; part of the park, not around the lake). I would therefore suggest reducing your time in Samburu (if you go) and expanding your stay at Lake Nakuru (by at least one day) and your time in the Mara. Samburu Serena is nice and in a good location for visiting that reserve. I have also stayed at the Sarova Shaba, which is a nice lodge but the park there is not as good photographically as Samburu (at least not when I was there). Samburu is distinct enough that it is worth seeing, if you don't mind the additional driving time to get there and then to get to Lake Nakuru.

At Lake Nakuru, there is a second lodge at the end of the lake where I stayed when I was last there in 2005. I thought it was nicer than Lion Hill Sarova, and is in a better location if you want to go to the &quot;back&quot; of the park. Prior to 2005, all my visits to Nakuru were as a 1-2 night stop on the way to the Mara from Samburu. As such, the game drives concentrated around the lake. However, there is another part of the park (I have called the &quot;back&quot where we saw rhino every day, as well as other wildlife. If Rhino are important to you, Lake Nakuru will be your best chance for that, so don't limit yourself to the typical 1-2 night stay.

Mara Serena is a nice lodge, and fairly well situated for the migration (although of course there are no guarantees where the migration will be at any given time). It is not too far from Mara Intrepids, but not on the same side of the river, and crossing the river can be quite a drive. However, Serena is a larger lodge and thus not as expensive as Intrepids. If you end up spending more time in the Mara, you may also want to split your time between two camps to see different parts of the Mara. But, if you don't want to do that, Serena and Mara Intrepids are located more in the center of the park, which presumably gives you a bit more flexibility in going in different directions on different days. Also, you don't indicate whether you would be driving back to Nairobi from the Mara or flying. It is a very long drive; you would be better off flying.

If photography is your primary goal, and you want to maximize your photographic opportunities and the diversity of widlife you see, then Kenya is most likely your best bet. The down side, as some others have mentioned, is that Kenya has more tourism and so you are likely to see more tourists there, and around significant animal sightings (such as lions) than in Botswana. But, because of the number of lodges in Kenya, it also should be a less expensive trip (although if you are camping in Botswana, as opposed to staying in lodges, that could alter that conclusion).

Finally, if you want to check out another operator in Kenya, try contacting Steve Turner at Origins Safari in Nairobi. I used them in 2005 (Preston was our driver/guide - very good). Many photographers in the US (and elsewhere no doubt) use Origins (including, for example, Joe McDonald for his &quot;workshops&quot. Origins uses extended Land Rovers with three rows of seats. They are great for two photographers, OK for three, but not good for more than three if you want to do photography. Many other operators in Kenya use the minibuses (usually Nissan or Toyota) which are fine, and usable for up to four photographers (but not more), but would be even better with less than four photographers.

The more people you have in your vehicle, usually the lower the cost. But, it also means photography becomes harder, and if other people besides yourself in a vehicle are not interested in photography, you may have some big problems (e.g., you want to &quot;work&quot; a scene, they want to move on and see what's next, or get back to the lodge for breakfast, or at the end of the day for a sundowner). Whatever you do, if you want to do photography, do not have non-photographers in the vehicle with you. If this means you have to spend a bit more money, then do it. It sounds like this may be a once-in-a-lifetime trip for you and your brother, so don't start out with a situation (i.e., non-photograhers) that will end up frustrating you.

Finally, if I had to pick one of the three itineraries you provided, it would be the second Kenya trip, but with less time in Samburu (or none), and more time at Lake Nakuru and the Mara. When I was there in 2005 (November), we did about 3-4 days at Lake Nakuru and 10 days in the Mara (all at Mara Intrepids). I think the cost was in line with your budget, not including getting to and from Nairobi. We booked through Origins and had not a glitch once we got to Nairobi.

Mark Van Bergh

P.S. Note that I don't regularly visit this forum (this is my first time), so if you want to contact me further you may need to do so through the naturescape forum.

WayuU

Patty,

Can you send me your email address or post it here? I will send you the full itinerary with price and all to you.

Regards,
Mats
[email protected]

atravelynn

Noticed MarkVB mentioned Origins. They get lots of serious photographers and I've used them as well for the quality of their guiding.

Good luck WayuU in your decision.

WayuU

An update on Safariline itinerary.

But first, Patty, do you want price for this one too? They've tried reducing costs for us as I've explained how low my income is working with what I do so I'm not sure how it would apply to others.

I also want to say that I asked about Aberdares and Elephant Watch Camp and here are the answers:
Aberdares they say &quot;there are not many animals in this park as compared to the other parks&quot;.
Elephant Watch Camp the following comment: &quot;Elephant Watch Camp used to offer an intimate personal encounter with the largest, brightest and most enigmatic creatures, the Elephant. This was Africa’s first elephant watching safari, where guest would stay in the Elephant Watch Camp and join guides tracking over 750 Elephants and taking part in the research. Unfortunately this service is not offered any longer to the tourist.&quot;


Ok, here is the new itinerary I got from Safariline:

Option 2

Day 1-Day 2: Upon arrival at the Nairobi Airport, you will be met by a Safariline Africa driver guide and depart to Tsavo, the largest national park in Kenya. Northern part of Tsavo West is the most developed and has spectacular scenery with a rolling volcanic landscape carpeted in long grass and dense bush. Although the tall vegetation makes game spotting more difficult than in some of the other parks, the big five are in residence along with plain games. There will be an opportunity to visit Mzima Springs a favourite hangout for hippos and crocodiles and the magnificent Shetani lava flow and caves which are 200 years with plenty of opportunities to take pictures. The main attraction of the park are the two watering holes, where lodges have been built which more or less guarantee that their guests will be treated to fabulous game viewing. Accommodation will be at one of the watering hole, Kilaguni Serena Lodge that commands magnificent views of the Chyulu Hills at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro and a marvelous terrace from which you can witness spectacular African sunsets and animals coming to the waterhole.



Day 3- Day 4

Leave after breakfast to Amboseli National Park, with the snows of Kilimanjaro, white and crystalline, forming a majestic backdrop to one of Kenya's most spectacular displays of wildlife - lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, cheetah, buffalo and hosts of plains' game, creating Kenya's most sought after photographer's paradise. Park rules now however insist that vehicles stick to roads and tracks. The park's best game runs are around swamps and there is a fine lookout on “Observation Hill” which offers views over the whole of the park and beyond. A part of Amboseli National Park is composed of a dried-up lake bed which in the shimmering heat produces mirages. Swamps and springs, fed by underground rivers from Kilimanjaro's melting snows, form permanent watering places for wildlife throughout times of drought. Meals will be served at Amboseli Serena where you will spend the next two nights on fullboard.



Day 5

Scenic drive to the Aberdares National Park. The stunning scenery encompassing forest, moorlands and plains with views across the Great Rift Valley to Mount Kenya. This famous national park is nestled within its own wildlife sanctuary. You will pick a ranger from the park gate to accompany you inside the park for game viewing. The Ark where you will be staying for overnight is tucked away in the heart of the park, overlooking a floodlit waterhole where guest have the pleasure of a close encounter with game life.



Day 6- Day 8

Proceed to Samburu National Reserve; notice the change in landscape as we drive into the hot dry heat of the arid Samburu Reserve in the Northern Frontier District. This harsh, incredibly photogenic region is home to rare and endemic species: Grevy's Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Olive Baboon, Kirk Dik-Dik and Reticulated Giraffe. We will spend the next six days exploring this 'photographer's heaven': fantastic scenery, abundant wildlife and strong cultural experience. Samburu Serena captures the robust rhythms of riverside and two overnights will be spent in this rustic but yet sophisticated Lodge with the next one night at Sarova Shaba. There will be opportunity to visit the three national parks; Shaba, Buffalo Springs and Samburu National reserve.



Day 9 – Day 10: Lake Nakuru National Park

Today's drive is through some of the most exciting scenery giving you an unrivalled view of the majestic Great Rift Valley. The main attraction of Lake Nakuru is the thousands of pink Flamingos and Pelican, a perfect place to experience one of the world's greatest ornithological spectacles; search for the endangered Black and White Rhino who have found a safe haven here and enjoy the game. Leave with picnic for full day game drives. Accommodation will be in a mobile camp with camp bed. Gourmet meals will be served by a skilled cook who will be traveling with you on the safari.



Day 11 – Day 12

We would particularly recommend you camp for at least two nights in the Mara so that you can have the flexibility of moving from one area to the other. The plains from Mara river to Soit Ololol Escarpment (Esoit Oloololo or Siria), at the west part, is a favourite haunt for Masai Mara's famous black-maned lions, which usually walk these grasslands searching for prey and doze beneath the scattered acacia trees during the day. This area holds beautiful scenic, the flat topped trees vanishing in the haze before the backdrop of the far-off bluish mountains. Another place to find lions is Musiara Swamps, which actually remain dry for a great part of the year. Lions are probably the major attraction in Masai Mara since their population here is the largest in Kenya. Other big five, plain games and birds are in abundance. Accommodation will be in a mobile camp where breakfast and dinner will be served.



Day 13 – Day 14

Leave for the Mara Triangle where you spend two overnights. Settle into your luxury en suite accommodation in Mara Serena Lodge set on the saddle of a hill overlooking the 1,800sq-km of the Masai Mara Triangle. It is on this very terrain stretching endlessly before the lodge where the annual migration takes place. The lodge has been designed to mirror a traditional Masai village with the guest rooms located in individually domed huts grouped in a circular manner. Each room has a private balcony with views that stretch over the vast Africa landscape. Full day game drives reveal the large herds of buffalo, elephant, cheetah, impala, hyena ... This is definitely better then watching Discovery Channel as you are part of the spectacle!



Day 15: Enjoy an early morning game drive followed by breakfast back at the lodge. Depart by road back to Nairobi to arrive late afternoon. Later transfer will be provided to the airport for your outbound flight.

___________________________________

I'm considering to maybe just skip Aberdares and either keep the 6 days in the Samburu area or take that one extra day in the mara instead. Any comments on that?
Any comments on this new itinerary?

atravelynn

The comments that you passed on about Elephant Watch camp are very helpful to me. I had planned on going there, but will double check and reconsider.

Aberdares does not have the abundance of animals but it does have the photographic prize of the Colobus monkey. But they can be difficult subjects. Not like a lion that just sits there.

I'd skip Aberdares and add another day to the Mara for 5. But logistically, I don't know if you can get from Amboseli to Samburu in a day. Adding places for views of Kili does make sense if photography is your goal.

To save $, several people on Fodors have found Sunny to be a bargain. Off the forum I know someone who did lots of comparison and went with Naked Wilderness as least expensive. To consider any operator, you'd have to be sure they meet your photographic requirements &amp; 8 hours out per day.

Any pricing you care to share, I'd be interested in too! Thank you.

Patty

I'd be interested in the second itinerary pricing too if you'd care to share that one.

As far as the itinerary, first of all I don't believe you can drive from Amboseli to Samburu in one day without stopping somewhere in between. It would take around 10 hours not counting a lunch stop and you need to be in the reserve and off the road before dark.

Secondly, by including more parks, you're spending more time on the road. If your primary interest is wildlife photography, this itinerary may cut into game viewing time too much. Just to give you an idea of drive times, Nairobi to Tsavo West will be about 6 hours, Tsavo West to Amboseli about 3 hours, Amboseli to Aberdares 6-7 hours, Aberdares to Samburu 3-4 hours, Samburu to Nakuru, Nakuru to Mara, and Mara to Nairobi will all be around 6 hours each.

While I disagree that there aren't as many animals in Aberdare NP, the thick forest there does make viewing more difficult. Also since the park is lightly visited, the animals there may not be as habituated to vehicles. My reason for including it would be because of the different species which you may see though nothing is guaranteed (in your original post you mentioned as wide a range of mammals as possible). In addition to some of the species I listed earlier, there are bongo in the park but you'd have to be very lucky to see one of these as there are not many left. If you decide to include Aberdare NP, I'd stay more than 1 night to give yourself better odds of finding these animals. I can understand the point of view of skipping this park. My decision would be based on how high of a priority you place on diversity of species (even if it means a little more difficult viewing).

In general, I think you'll find the easiest sightings and most habituated game in Amboseli, Samburu, Nakuru, and the Mara in Kenya. In Tsavo West, you'll also have some difficulty due to the vegetation though I've heard that lots of animals come to the Kilaguni waterhole in the dry season. Tsavo is one of my favorite parks for the wilderness feeling and rivals Shaba for scenery IMO (how interested are you in landscape?). There's also a rhino sanctuary in Tsavo West but it's only open for a few hours each afternoon and you may or may not see them during that time.

If you decide to keep Amboseli but skip the Aberdares and need a stop before continuing to Samburu, you could consider Solio which is a private rhino breeding sanctuary. Solio has the highest number of black and white rhinos in Kenya and you'll see more rhino here than at Nakuru. There are no accomodations on Solio but you may be able to camp. It's a private reserve, not a national park so I don't know what the regulations are, but there was a trip report last year where the tour operator was able to set up a mobile camp on Solio.

Hope this helps. Lots of decision for you to make. Good luck!

WayuU

I just have to ask for comments on a late itinerary received from C4 for Botswana.
It's for me and my brother only, no others on the trip. Almost all camping, which is nice.
Does this itinerary compete with Safarilines latest one?
Other comments?

Day 1-3:
Landing at Maun Airport, you will be met by your host and guide who will accompany you for the rest of the safari. You will transfer via vehicle to Santewani camp which lies within the Santewani concession. Situated just south of the actual Moremi game reserve and in the heart of the Okovango delta system, you will find all manner of animals here to photograph. The area is well known for lion and hyenas, while large game animals like elephant, giraffe and buffalo are found relatively often. Wild dogs are never in one area, but the santewani concession is one of the areas where they are seen relatively often and have been the basis of a study for the last 15 years.
Accommodation will be in a fully catered campsite.



Day 3-5
You will transfer to the Xakanaka camp inside the Moremi game reserve. This camp is situated near one of the main channels of the delta. This allows for drives along its course as well as boat rides along the various channels. We will have the opportunity of visiting the Godikwe lagoon, a heronry; and in November, which is breeding season, the rookery is a hive of activity. Herons, egrets, ibis, cranes and waterfowl are all nesting and continuously flying across the lagoon. The birds do allow boats to drift close to them, allowing for frame filling images.
Xakanaka is excellent for all types of mammals. Elephants are often seen swimming across the channels, lions and Leopards are common and buffalo love the grass in the watery channels.

Day 5-7
Khwai, or third bridge as it is known, is based on the western rivers of the delta. Along the channel, animals and birds of many a variety come to drink in one of the last remaining water sources for a few hundred kilometres. The Khwai channel is a perennial river that has its own flood patterns (the longest it has flowed, was in one of the driest years in the Okavango). What it does do though, is constantly attract mammals of all kinds to drink. The river is a constant hive of activity as it meanders through the woodland. Waterbirds, crocodiles and hippos are all commonly seen in the water, while almost all land mammal species are seen coming to drink in the area.

Day 7
Transfer to Maun. A 4-hour drive to Maun will be the end of our delta experience after a morning’s excursion. Here you will be accommodated in the Audi camp chalets. Depending on water levels, an afternoon up the Themalakane River will allow for some photography.

Day 8-10
Transfer to Nxai pan game reserve. Nxai pans are a series of pans in a very dry and open landscape. The mammal species change to those in the Delta- the animals more common on drier areas predominate. Springbuck and Gemsbuck are more common and this is also Cheetah country. Wild dog are know to frequent the area. Waterhole action is a popular past time. Animals come right up to the waterholes to rink in the mornings and really allow for some close up imagery. There may always be a predator lurking near the waterholes, and a wait at one of them might prove to be very productive.

Day 10-12
You transfer from Nxai pans and head to Lekhubu Island. Photography on the island is of the landscape type- day and night. This is a wonderful place to do night photography of star trails. The graphic shapes of the baobabs silhouetted against the night sky provide for wonderful and high impact images.
Used for eons as spiritual sites, landmarks, campsites and sources of food and water, Baobabs were an integral part of native peoples lives in times gone by. They have intrigued all men alike with their unusual shape, their ability to survive drought and the many uses that they provide to both man and animal.
Attracting Birds, animals and humans alike, Baobabs are distributed throughout almost all of Africa; yet, it is in the drier areas that they make their presence known.
For here they served their purpose as landmarks, spots for respite from the heat and nourishment in the many forms of food that could be gathered from in and around these trees. Indeed some of the old ‘Adventure routes’ made good use of these trees’: We will visit Greens and Chapman’s Baobabs while staying at Lekhubu Island. These large specimens were used as landmarks for these early travellers and their names on the trunks of the trees bear testimony to the explorers who visited the area.

Day 12-14
Transfer to Tuli block- Nokalodi camp. A self-catered fully equipped camp awaits you in the Tuli Block; a land of giants and dry riverbeds. The Tuli area is well known for its elephants, but it also houses excellent animal sightings of lion and cheetah. Its other main attraction is the sandstone formations that litter the Limpopo River valley. Always providing excellent photographic opportunities, this will be your last camp of the safari.

Day 14
Transfer to airport. After a morning’s activity, there is a 6.5-hour drive to the Johannesburg international airport.
End of safari.

atravelynn

These are a few thoughts on that last itinerary.

I never heard of Santewani and I am wondering if there is a reason for that.

Xakanaxa:
Read Lillipet’s brief comment, also pertaining to Khwai
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34866915
Here is her whole report
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34867092

Khwai:
Read Cary999’s Khwai comments.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34959567
I saw where Skimmer (Johan) ranked Khwai as one of his top areas for leopard. You could try to get his attention and ask about the area. He made a Khwai comment here
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34933833

Nxai pan
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34933833

Lekhubu
3 days for landscapes? Maybe you would need that. I’m not familiar with this location.

Nokalodi camp-don’t know about this.

If your goal was different environments of remote affordable Botswana I’d say this fascinating trip was a winner. The most prolific photographic spots in Botswana are fairly well known and unfortunately rather expensive and I don’t think these places are them. This itinerary looks interesting and appealing but I don’t think it puts you where the abundance of relaxed animals are, if those are your intended subjects. If it is more landscapes you are seeking, then I think this trip would deliver. Maybe there are Fodorites who can give you first hand accounts of some of these off-the-beaten path places.

junger

I'm interested in photography as a major reason for my Safari and am still deciding on a specific itinerary in Botswana also.

This is what I have right now:

DAY 1 &amp;2 Okavango Delta
DAY3 &amp; 4 Moremi
DAY 5 &amp; 6 Khwai community campsite
DAY 7 &amp; 8 Savuti
DAY 9 &amp; 10 Ihaha
DAY 11 – 13 Zambezi Waterfront, Kasane
(Day 13 – Victoria Falls trip)

I'm in your price range also, this fits in and it is a custom safari for just the 2 of us.

I've never been to Africa before, so perhaps someone else here can give us both input on this.

atravelynn

<b>Junger</b>, I just saw your other posts too. Responding here may make sense for you and give <b>WayuU</b> some more options to consider.

Never heard of your agent.

Moremi is a plus for your itinerary. Savuti would be also. Ihaha is public camping in Chobe. Chobe is a great area and be sure a sundown wildlife river cruises is included. Chobe would be the most crowded, especially in the public camping areas. Okavango would give a nice variety of environments and good photo ops.

You have more photo ops of Vic Falls.

I prefer 3 night stays over 2 night stays for wildlife viewing and photography. I’d get the drive times between locations to see how much time you are spending on the road. Long drives also make 3 night stays better. Some of that driving could offer some game viewing, though.

You definitely would want to know where you are staying on this itinerary and the ground operator. Also find out what part of the concession you are allowed to traverse. Are you limited geographically or by how many miles a day you can travel?

You'd have a good photographic and wildlife experience in these locations. See how much time you’d be spending in crowded public camp areas—but once you drive away from those, the crowds are behind you. Since this is a private safari for two, you can leave the crowds behind, staying out all day, taking a lunch. Be sure you know if that is possible. I'm looking to do some mobiles along these lines, myself and this itinerary looks intriguing. But as mentioned, for me 3+ nights at a location would be a must.

Depending on the cost, <b>WayUu</b>, maybe you’d like Junger’s trip, which hits parks that are known for game. I can attest I’ve seen good game in those locations.

I copied Junger's specific itinerary below.

Day 1 (01/08)
Airport pick-up from Maun airport
Lunch at The Bridge
4 hour scenic boat ride into the delta
Arrive at camp
Afternoon game walk
Delicious campfire dinner
Overnight in tented accommodation (3mx3m dome tents)

Day 2 (02/08)
Coffee and cereal before departing on an early morning Mokoro and game walk
Return to camp for a Full breakfast
1 – 2 hour Boat ride
Lunch
Late afternoon Mokoro and game walk
Campfire dinner
Overnight in tented accommodation

Day 3 (03/08)
Early morning full breakfast.
4 hour boat ride back to The Bridge for an early lunch
2 hour drive to Moremi Game Reserve
Relax at your private camp
Campfire dinner
Overnight tented accommodation.

Day 4 (04/08)
Coffee and cereal before departing on a long early morning game drive for about 5 hours
Brunch
Relax in camp through the heat of the day before a long afternoon Game drive
Campfire dinner
Overnight tented accommodation

Day 5 (05/08)
Coffee and cereal before a 3 hour early morning game drive
Return to camp for breakfast
Game drive to Khwai community campsite
Lunch and afternoon rest
Campfire dinner before a night game drive
Overnight tented accommodation

Day 6 (06/08)
Coffee and cereal before departing on a long early morning game drive
Brunch and relax in camp.
Afternoon game drive
Campfire dinner before a night game drive
Overnight tented accommodation

Day 7 (07/08)
Breakfast before driving to Savuti with lunch en-route
Arrive private campsite in Savuti
Freshen up before a short game drive
Campfire dinner
Overnight tented accommodation.

Day 8 (08/08)
Coffee and cereal before a long morning game drive
Brunch and relax in camp
Afternoon game drive
Campfire dinner
Overnight tented accommodation

Day 9 (09/08)
Breakfast before driving to Ihaha campsite with lunch en-route
Arrive private campsite at Ihaha
Freshen up before a short game drive
Campfire dinner
Overnight tented accommodation

Day 10 (10/08)
Coffee and cereal before departing on a long morning game drive
Brunch and relax in camp
Afternoon game drive
Campfire dinner
Overnight tented accommodation

Day 11 (11/08)
Coffee and cereal before driving to Kasane
1 hour Chobe River boat cruise
Drop-off in time for road transfer to Taita Falcon Lodge

Day 12 (12/08)
Zambezi Waterfront

Day 13 (13/08)
Zambezi Waterfront
Return road transfer from Zambezi Waterfront to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Day 14 (14/08)
Airport drop-off in time for your flight back to Johannesburg

Good luck to you both!

sundowner

I went on this trip in Oct05 (mobile camping)
2 nights Chobe
2 nights Savute, the last afternoon a leisurely boat cruise on the Chobe River
2 nights Khwai community campsite on the border of the Moremi Game Reserve
2 nights in the Xakanaxa region of the reserve
1 night at a remote island in the Okavango Delta (they called this the fly camp - we only had &quot;bare essentials&quot; which mainly meant smaller tents and no cots)
1 night in Maun at a guesthouse (we stayed in chalets)
1 night in the Makgadigadi pans, fly camp
2 nights on the Boteti river (dry) on the border between the Makgadgadi and the Central Kalahari (Meno A Kwena Lodge)
2 nights in the panhandle area of the Okavango Delta at the Xaro Lodge

Here are the pics I have posted from that trip http://www.pbase.com/cjw/botswana_africa_2005

I sure wish I could tell you where each picture was taken but I couldn't keep up with the itinerary. Mobile camping and spending 2 nights in each camp in the extreme heat of Oct in Bots was too much for me. I think my brain was fried. (My trip report is under the 1st picture in that album.)

Since it's a custom mobile safari just for the two of you, you should be able to customize it even further and pick the camps where you want to go. Quite frankly, if you are into wildlife photography, I would skip the landscape (as atravelynn mentioned/suggested) and add camps with an abundance of wildlife.

I'm doing this itinerary in July (mobile camping in Bots) and it was put together by the lead photographer of the mobile safari above so I expect to have great wildlife viewing.
25 July 2007: Motsentsela Tree Lodge
26 July 2007: Moremi Game Reserve (Mobile Camping in Xakanaxa area)
27 July 2007: Moremi Game Reserve (Mobile Camping in Xakanaxa area)
28 July 2007: Moremi Game Reserve (Mobile Camping in Khwai area)
29 July 2007: Moremi Game Reserve (Mobile Camping in Khwai area)
30 July 2007: Khwai Community area
31 July 2007: Khwai Community area
01 August 2007: Savuti
02 August 2007: Savuti
03 August 2007: Chobe National Park
04 August 2007: Chobe National Park
05 August 2007: Chobe National Park
06 August 2007: Motsentsela Tree Lodge
07 August 2007: Departure

junger

My budget is the same #-$4K and I was this barely fits in at: $3942.00

Botswana is more expensive than Kenya but from everything I've read there are more animals concentrated there and Botswana has done a great job of balancing tourism with maintaining the natural ecology.

Thanks for your advice

atravelynn

sundowner

The mobile camping I did was not in &quot;crowded public camp areas&quot;. Everywhere we camped was private and very far away from other people (miles away). You should check and see what is being offered to you.

junger

Thanks for this advice, I' m definitely checking in to what the camping facilities are.

How many campers are there usually at private facilities?

suzic

I have done (Sept 05) and am doing again in July this year mobile camping in Xakanaxa, and Khwai. Both areas are quite lovely, with a wide variety of wildlife. We did see other folks (1-3 vehicles per day), during drives in/around the parks/commmunity areas. It was not what I would call &quot;crowded&quot;, or what I would expect in Kenya or Tanzania. We were also on walking safaris, where I obtained some great (for me) photos of ele's close up (mock charges- old bulls), and lions. I can only give my returning to do the same exact trip as my best endorsement of both areas. Of course our guide (PH) was what made the trip for us, and that is not to be overlooked as far as sightings, and photography advise and assistance.
Suzi

junger

Where were the walking safaris?

My understanding was that walking was not permitted in most parks in Botswana