Savanna Safari

For many of us an African safari is a bucket list item. Something we all want to do, but somehow life and everyday expenses prevent it from becoming a reality. Fifty or sixty years ago a traditional safari was a privileged trip for the super-rich looking for adventure while maintaining all the luxuries of home. Today the adventure and luxury is still present but the world has become a much smaller cheaper place.

A few years ago I did a family trip to Florida, spending just over a week at Universal Studios and Disneyland, staying onsite for both, with line passes, meals, etc. The total cost for a family of three actually came to more than our budget 11 day safari the year before!

 

 

Like any vacation you have a choice of accommodation, over the last 3 decades I have visited numerous camps and lodges and can honestly say I’ve never had a bad experience. I recommend staying in both tented camps and lodges to add some variety. You will find that the tented camps are as far from your usual camping variety as you can imagine. Most are permanent camps with fully plumbed in services and large comfortable beds. At the end of busy day onsite chefs prepare a wonderful array of meals using the freshest ingredients. To end the evening there is simply nothing better than sitting by the campfire watching the sunset on the timeless savanna landscape.

 

 

I would strongly advise against the large tour groups (10 or more guests), these pack seven people into a vehicle all of whom want to get the best view, you’ll take a big chance with these groups and run the risk of if your images coming back with an ipad or a head blocking your once in a lifetime experience. Typically I travel with three 4×4 vehicles each accommodating a maximum of two guests. The drivers stay in radio contact but go separate ways allowing more territory to be covered. Surprisingly there is also onboard WiFi! so you can update your status and make your friends jealous.

 

My favourite location is Massai Mara. The park is relatively small and has a wide diversity of animals, the images shown here are from one day in the park and included both leopard and cheetah sightings, you would have to spend several days or even weeks in some other parks such as Kruger to come across these kinds of sightings. Of course it’s important to have well experienced guides and drivers who know the area and are familiar with the animal population.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I prefer to travel between October and April. As many of my guests are keen photographers these off peak months are not only cheaper but also avoid the crowds that fill the parks during the summer months. My next trip is in March when I aim to capture the Big Five (elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino) – in a seven day adventure.

Photo Credits

All Photographs Are © Bryan Pereira

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Bryan Pereira Photographer Bio

Bryan Pereira is a published photographer with over 30 years of award winning experience. He conducts photo safaris and workshops to some of the most exciting locations in Europe and Africa. More images and details can be found at: http://exposuretours.com/photosafari.html

Blog / Website: Exposure Tours – the World Through Your Lens

Follow Bryan Pereira on:  Facebook

 

 

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