Oct, Nov, or April: This photography tour is not currently in the schedule, but can be added by request

  12 nights/13 inclusive days  |  Maximum of 10 participants, and a minimum of 6 participants

Photography Tour Overview: Described as Africa’s 'paradise' this young country is home to roving herds of game and the haunt of cunning predators. Africa's top guides will introduce you to a wilderness punctuated by 3,000 year old Baobab trees, tumbling granite outcrops, open grasslands, and thickets of woodland humming to the music of a million birds. Days will be spent deep in the bush tracking wildlife with professional guides and nights will be spent in the company of your spirited hosts at Zimbabwe's premier private lodges. From bustling African markets to the awe inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the world’s seven natural wonders, you will traverse this great land and capture its spirit with not only your camera, but also your soul.
 

Our itinerary . . .
But first things first! We suggest that you set your camera's clock to the local time, as your images will then synchronize with the times in our included photo tour field notes.

Day 1  |  Harare
Upon arrival at Harare International Airport you will be met and transferred to our hotel. The Bronte is a small, quiet hotel located in a suburb only a few minutes walk from the city centre. Nothing is scheduled for this evening except to relax and recover from your flight, or to shoot leisurely around the city centre.
Harare, 1 night

Day 2  |  Mana Pools National Park
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Kariba. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred by road and boat to Ruckomechi, a small and very exclusive lodge situated along the river’s edge. The afternoon will be spent in search of wildlife either on foot, by canoe, or from an open 4x4 vehicle. Fall asleep to the sounds of hippo and hyena.
Mana Pools, 3 nights

Days 3 + 4  |  Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park is an African wildlife enthusiasts paradise. Wild and remote, this World Heritage site abounds with elephant, lion, hyena, buffalo, hippo and numerous species of antelope such as the nyala. If you are lucky you may spot an elusive leopard or a pack of rare painted hunting dogs. The bird life at Mana will leave you gasping. Brilliant scarlet carmine bee eaters nest in colonies on the river bank, fish eagles stand sentinel on treetops, while solitary goliath herons wade through the shallows where over 350 species have been recorded. Sunsets across the Zambezi River spell the end of another magical day.

Day 5  |  Kariba and Matusadona National Park
After breakfast you will enjoy a leisurely transfer back to Kariba. Along the way we'll stop to photograph wildlife as it is encountered. Upon arrival in Kariba you will transfer by light aircraft to Kipling’s. Kipling’s is a small luxury lodge set along Lake Kariba’s shore. A large stone under thatch rooms provide comfort and exclusivity at this beautifully designed lodge. Under the supervision of professional guides you will enjoy the opportunity to photograph Africa’s big 5 wildlife species: elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard.
Kariba, 2 nights

Day 6  |  Kariba and Matusadona National Park
From Kipling’s it is only a short boat ride to the Matusadona National Park where you may enjoy tracking black rhino on foot with your professional guide. The Matusadona [meaning "falling dung" in the local Batonga language] is home to the second highest density of lion in Africa. Other activities at the lodge include canoeing, fishing, game drives, and visits to local fishing villages.

Day 7  |  Hwange National Park
On this day you will transfer to Kariba Airport and board your flight to Hwange National Park. Once the royal hunting grounds of King Lobengula you will follow in Livingstone’s footsteps in exploring this, the largest of all National Parks in Zimbabwe. Wildlife abounds with over 30,000 elephant and more than a hundred other mammal species. You will stay at Makalolo Camp, the premier wildlife and wilderness camp located deep within the park. This is Africa at its best!
Hwange, 3 nights

Days 8 + 9  |  Hwange National Park
Early morning game drives and afternoon bush walks will give you ample opportunity to photograph the endless spectrum of wildlife and terrain. Enormous herds of buffalo and elephant roam the plains along with giraffe, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest, and over 400 species of birds. It is not uncommon to hear lion roaring near camp at night.

Day 10  |  Victoria Falls
After a short flight you will arrive at Victoria Falls, the world’s largest. Known by the local name 'Mosi Oa Tunya' or 'The smoke that thunders', the falls are a photographers dream. The spray from the cascading water sustains a rainforest along the gorge’s edge and late afternoon regularly produces rainbows around the falls. Enjoy an afternoon tour of the Fall’s before sundowner drinks and a relaxing dinner. You will overnight at the luxury Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, situated high on a plateau which forms a natural boundary to the Zambezi National Park. Enjoy uninterrupted views and spectacular African sunsets.
Victoria Falls, 3 nights

Days 11 + 12  |  Victoria Falls
Days are spent at leisure [with camera!] and you may enjoy canoeing the upper Zambezi River, rafting the incredible white water below the Fall's or any of several other activities which include: game drives and walks into the Zambezi National Park; horseback riding; helicopter flights over the Falls; shopping for curios at the local market and even golf with crocodile and warthog roaming the course. The included dinner on the last night of our photography tour will feature an 'It's You!' presentation of clients in action by John.

Day 13  |  Departure day
As there isn't any photography scheduled for the day of departure, your flight home can be arranged for any time today.

Photo Tour Photographer/Leader: John Baker, Travel Images Photography Tours and local guides
The preceding itinerary is a copyrighted work by John Baker Photographer LLC, and Travel Images Photography Tours
 

Enhancing Your Photography Skills
Describing the assistance you'll receive on one of our photography tours takes more than a few words, so for greater detail please go here.

Do you need a Visa for travel to Zimbabwe?
Travelers from all countries can do a quick check of visa requirements here or here
Our international clients may need to contact the embassy of their intended destination in their own country for a visa. Go here or here
 

Photography Tour Cost, the Fine Details and Enrollment

Trip Cost: $7,296 USD per person not including airfare. A 5% discount is applied to all double occupancies. A single room supplement is required for single occupancy

Single Supplement: 14% of the base cost of the trip

The deposit for this photography tour is $500. Make a deposit, or your full trip balance here
 

Included in the Trip Cost: The following items are included in the trip cost . . .

• Photography instruction throughout the trip by John

• All accommodations with private facilities [en-suite]

• All breakfasts

• Lunch on day one of the trip

• Dinner on the last night of the trip

• On-vehicle snacks and bottled water

• All ground transportation

• Airport pick-up on day 1, and drop-off on departure day. Arrival prior to day 1 is not included

• Entrance fees for sites and activities listed below under ‘Admissions Included’

• Following the trip, field notes describing the time, place and subject of each photo stop, and a disc containing images of clients 'in action' on the trip

Not Included in the Trip Cost: The costs for these items are the responsibility of each participant . . .

• Airfare

• Travel costs between your home and the gateway airport and return

• Any transportation or travel costs incurred prior to or after the tour’s inclusive dates

• Pre-tour and/or post-tour accommodation

• Lunches and dinners except for lunch on day one of the trip, and dinner on the last night of the trip

• Alcoholic beverages

• Entrance fees or costs related to optional sites or activities not included in the itinerary

• Baggage fees

• Medical expenses

• Personal items such as the hotel mini-bar, laundry etcetera

• Incidental charges incurred at our accommodations such as movie rentals, internet and phone

• Travel insurance

• Passport or visa expenses

• Airport departure taxes, if applicable

Admissions Included in the Trip Cost:

• Any locations in the schedule that require an entrance fee are included