SPRING IN SOUTH AFRICA:
A Photographic Adventure August 25-September 8, 2012

Saturday, August 25 DEPARTURES/ INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT TO JOHANNESBURG Depart the USA on an overnight flight to Johannesburg, South Africa.

Sunday, August 26 CAPE TOWN/ THREE BOUTIQUE HOTEL Arrive in Johannesburg where you clear customs and connect to a TBD domestic flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to the Three Boutique Hotel, located in central Cape Town near the base of Table Mountain.

Located in the heart of the city, the Three Boutique Hotel’s central location provides easy access to all of Cape Town’s attractions, while there are numerous restaurants and shops within walking distance from the hotel. The hotel is housed in a 275-year old national monument, and new renovations have brought a modern touch to the historical building. Each modern and comfortable room boasts either king size beds or two separate extended twin beds, en-suite bathroom facilities with showers, air conditioning and heating, flat screen TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee facilities, writing desk and bathrobes. The hotel’s lovely rooftop sundeck offers unsurpassed, panoramic views of Table Mountain and the city, while the swimming pool and surrounding patio provide a great location to soak in the sun.

Monday, August 27 CAPE TOWN/ THREE BOUTIQUE HOTEL Cape Town is a city where old and new harmoniously converge in history, architecture, cultural pursuits and the essence of its people. Immense natural beauty and the fast pace and bright lights of a great urban center meld effortlessly here.

This morning you are met by your local guide for your full day tour. Begin with a tour of the city itself, including visits to District 6 and the Bo Kaap Neighborhood.

This afternoon visit Kirstenbosch Gardens, South Africa’s world famous botanical garden. Kirstenbosch is acclaimed as one of the greatest botanic gardens in the world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of its setting, against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Kirstenbosch was established in 1913 to promote, conserve and display the extraordinarily rich and diverse flora of southern Africa, and it was the first botanic garden in the world to be devoted to a country’s indigenous flora. On display in the gardens is a wide variety of the unique Cape Floristic Region plant life, as well as plants from all the diverse regions of southern Africa; there are over 7,000 species in cultivation at Kirstenbosch, including many that are rare and threatened. In 2004, the Cape Floristic Region, including Kirstenbosch, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch is on your own account today. A welcome dinner for the group is included at a local restaurant this evening.

Tuesday, August 28 CAPE TOWN/ THREE BOUTIQUE HOTEL This morning you are met at the hotel for your full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula. Depart toward Cape Point via the coastal route passing through Camps Bay (South Africa’s world famous beach resort), past the Twelve Apostle Range, through Hout Bay and along Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular coastal roads to be found in Africa. A stop in Hout Bay allows you to explore the Mariners Wharf and provides an opportunity for a boat ride to view the local seal colony (optional and at additional expense); the ride to Seal Island provides great views of the bay.

At the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve you find Cape Point, where the cold Benguela current from the west meets the warm Agulhas current from the east. Cape Point is one of the world’s most beautiful places – a stretch of rocky mountain jutting southward into the sea. Here you find a myriad of pristine beaches, sheltered bays and coves, as well as a rich array of indigenous flora. The fynbos reserve is home to a variety of wildlife and bird species. Whales (dependant on season), penguins and seals may be spotted from this point.

Through the photographers’ eyes: The entire drive is one of the most spectacular in the world, rivalling the Icefields’ Parkway and the Amalfi Coast for sheer jaw dropping beauty. From the vast scenics to the wildflowers and finally the game animals at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Preserve it is sensationally dramatic at every turn. Head back north along the western coast of False Bay and stop off at Boulders Beach to view the resident African penguin colony. Nestled in a sheltered cove between Simon’s Town and Cape Point, Boulders has become world famous for its thriving colony of African penguins and magnificent wind-sheltered beaches. Boulders is one of the few sites where this vulnerable bird (Spheniscus demersus) can be observed at close range, wandering freely in a protected environment. From there, head to Simon’s Town where you have a chance to explore this historic town. A picnic lunch is included today, taken at a scenic point along the way. Dinner is on your own account.

Wednesday, August 29 WEST COAST PENINSULA/ KERSEFONTEIN GUEST FARM This morning you depart for the West Coast flower areas. A morning coffee shop in Darling introduces you to this quaint village. Darling is the heartbeat of the West Coast region. The little village lies tucked away between hills of vineyards and golden wheat fields.

Your time here is spent exploring the local area, including the West Coast National Park, and particularly the privately owned reserve area of Posberg, which is a coastal, flower, and wildlife delight. Posberg is only accessible during the flower season of August and September. Langebaan Lagoon is also home to many species of water birds, both indigenous and migratory, including the pink flamingo.

Through the photographers’ eyes: The fields of flowers were so stunningly beautiful and vast that it strained our credulity. White, yellow, blue, pink, purple and orange: some were of familiar species, though totally unfamiliar genuses, while others were totally new – but all living very close to the ground. The vast velds of wildflowers seem to stretch as far as the eye could see, and in fact, that was often the case. With the sun coming and going throughout the day we spent more than 6 hours in the velds of wildflowers, working in all kinds of light and with all kinds of backgrounds, doing sweeping wide angle shots as well as close-ups. By the time we had finished we were exhilarated and exhausted.

Tonight you are at the comfortable Kersefontein Guest Farm, a renovated Victorian homestead and working farm. The farm was originally purchased by the Melck family in 1770, and has been in the family ever since, run by eight generations of the family to date. Each of the rooms has its own en-suite bathroom, and is decorated with period antiques resurrected from the farm’s attics. Lunch is on your own account today but dinner is included at the guest farm.

Through the photographers’ eyes: Our host at Kersefontein, Julian Melck, is a farmer, but also an aviator (he flies his own Cessna 210), avid pianist (playing Chopin for us after dinner), theatre goer, reader, oenophile, attorney, garrulous host, and raconteur. In other words, your everyday, rural farmer, renaissance man. He enjoys his guests and they all get full run of all 16,000+ acres.

Thursday & Friday, August 30 & 31 CEDERBERG WILDERNESS AREA/ KARUKAREB WILDERNESS RESERVE & LODGE Make your way further north to the Cederberg Wilderness area, a vast and striking region consisting of dramatic mountainous landscape, weathered rock formations, caves with stunning examples of rock art, and a variety of mountain fynbos that flowers beautifully this time of year. You spend two days in the area exploring the photography opportunities at hand.

Through the photographers’ eyes: Among the solitude and isolation we witnessed the ever changing play of light and shadows on the surreal spires and towering mountains. We were captivated by the brilliant hues at sunset and transported by the otherworldly landscapes. Our photography was inspired not only by the breathtaking natural beauty, but by our intimate encounter with nature.

The two nights in the area are spent at the Karukareb Wilderness Reserve and Lodge. This private reserve lies in a secluded valley at the foot of the Cederberg Wilderness Area, with a perennial river running through it that attracts a variety of bird and animal life. The reserve can be explored on foot, mountain bike and horseback, and the springtime flowers are not to be missed as they stretch for as far as the eye can see. Accommodations are in the Karukareb Lodge, which consists of five rooms in the lodge and another five luxury safari-style tents, all of which have private bathrooms. The lodge rooms are decorated in soft, natural tones and offer either a fan or air conditioning, while the tents are built on raised wooden decking and have private decks with views over the river and surrounding area. All rooms are fitted with quality linens and soft duvets. Lunch is on your own account each day, but dinner is included at the lodge.

Saturday & Sunday, September 1 & 2 HERMANUS/ HARBOUR HOUSE This morning you make your way south to Hermanus, a charming little town on the coast of Walker Bay. Around lunchtime, you end up at Grootbos Nature Reserve. Situated in the heart of the Cape’s Unique Floral Kingdom, Grootbos is one of the world’s richest regions of plant life. More than 650 species of plants, 100 birds, 20 mammals and 18 reptiles have been recorded on the reserve. This fauna and flora is intricately interwoven into a fascinating web of life in which each creature has its special place. Lunch is included at Grootbos.

Venture into the Grootbos Reserve on a fynbos tour, which provides you with a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of the fynbos first hand and learn about this unique flora. Your guide explains how the fynbos miraculously depends on fire in order to survive, why the region supports so much life and tell some of the many fascinating stories that make the area such a unique natural laboratory.

Through the photographers’ eyes: Grootbos is one of the most diverse floras in the world! I knew we were in for something special, and then we met our guide Kevin, a botanist who has worked all over South Africa and Botswana. Throughout the afternoon he introduced us to more species of flowering and non-flowering plants, reptiles and birds than we could have imagined. The fynbos is a truly unique and amazing place. Fynbos is the Afrikaans word for “fine leaved” which refers to the many unending number of species found here. In this area we found more than a dozen different species of Protea alone! Had we not run out of light we would still be working.

Another full day in the area provides more opportunity to photograph the beautiful coastal scenery and the indigenous fynbos. Lunch is on your own today.

End each day in the charming town of Hermanus which is built along the shores of Walker Bay. Magnificent mountains watch over the town which is home to the Southern Right Whale. Nature lovers from all over the world visit Hermanus to view these magnificent creatures from the best land-based whale watching destination in the world. Accommodation is at the Harbour House which enjoys a prominent position in the center of this historic town, only a few yards from the water’s edge. The ultra-modern Harbour House offers 18 rooms, each individually furnished to the highest standard with contemporary art paintings.

The hotel has access to all that Hermanus has to offer, from the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains to the quaint markets, boutiques and the shops that lines the streets and the unique cliff path that hugs the coast from one side of the town to the other, offering spectacular views of sea and mountains and is a romantic lookout point to view the whales, dolphins and seals. Dinner is on your own account each evening.

Monday & Tuesday, September 3 & 4 OUDTSHOORN/ MOOIPLAAS GUEST HOUSE From Hermanus, you drive to the area of the Klein (Little) Karoo. Spend the day making the transition between two natural environments by traveling via the wine and fruit producing areas of the Breede River Valley, and following the “Country Route 62″ through small country villages such as Montagu, Barrydale, Ladismith, and Calitzdorp, South Africa’s Port wine producing “capital.” Detour through the two adjacent mission villages of Zoar and Amelienstein, reflecting another facet of the realities of South African life and development.

End the day in the “ostrich capital” of the world, Oudtshoorn. Here you check into the Mooiplas Guest House for two nights, situated on a working ostrich farm. Surrounded by the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges, Oudtshoorn is famous for its ostriches; the area boasts the largest ostrich population in the world, with several specialized breeding farms in the vicinity. Hats adorned with ostrich feathers became high fashion in Europe in the late 1800s, sparking the rise of ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn.

Your full day in the area is devoted to a dramatic circular excursion over the spectacular Swartberg Pass, highest mountain pass in the Western Cape, and the barrier between the Little and Great Karoos, two ecosystems offering different scenery and flora. Return via the equally impressive Meirings Poort. Both of these major natural geological features possess excellent photographic opportunities, complete with indigenous flora and fynbos. A welcome relaxing break and ideal lunch stop is the typical Great Karoo village of Prince Albert.

Through the photographers’ eyes: Today was a real change of pace as we took the day to witness some of the most incredible geology I have seen. Entering Meirirngspoort (Afrikaans for Meiring’s gateway) on the South I immediately felt the narrowness of the canyon. The gentle river, almost really a stream, that runs through this canyon belies its true nature. We head up over Swartberg Pass, climbing 1400 meters with more than 2 dozen switchbacks and upon arriving at the top offers views that are unparalleled. Finally wending our way back down we see once again the green valley and the farms that are the Klein (Little) Karoo.

Lunches are on your own account but dinners are included at the guest house.

Wednesday & Thursday, September 5 & 6 FRANSCHHOEK/ LE FRANSCHHOEK This morning you drive from the Klein Karoo to the Cape Winelands, South Africa’s famous wine-growing region, which forms a scenic patchwork of vineyards in the countryside outside of Cape Town. Founded in 1679, Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa, next to Cape Town. The town is packed with many historic buildings dating back to the early 1700′s, and there is an almost European atmosphere with beautiful Cape Dutch architecture seen everywhere. Of course, wine and gourmet cuisine play a large part in the livelihood of this region, and there are numerous restaurants and vineyards to discover. The well-preserved, historic towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, combined with the divine gastronomy and scenic beauty of the surrounding countryside, make this area a delight to explore.

You also spend time exploring the town of Franschhoek. Franschhoek is where the persecuted French Protestants, among them experienced winemakers, chose to settle when they sought refuge in South Africa in the late 1600s. The place was called ‘Coin Français,’ the French corner; in Dutch, Fransch Hoek. Today, the French influence in Franschhoek Valley is still strong. It can be seen in the picturesque architecture of the small village, and tasted in the area’s wonderful cuisine and wines, the settlers’ greatest legacy. While in Franschhoek we suggest taking a walking tour of the charming town and visit some of the delightful small “cottage industries” in the valley, including chocolate and cheese makers and interesting craft stores.

Through the photographers’ eyes: This place is magic! We arrived in Franschhoek after working through the Paarl Valley and winding our way through the vineyards in the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek valleys. Our hotel overlooked several vineyards at the base of the mountains. After lunch we retired to our room to clean equipment, enjoy the view and marvel at the light. As the afternoon passed peacefully the light moved from warm and enticing to strong, elongated and absolutely amazing. The mottled light let me create a landscape that incorporates so much, yet still seems to have the simplicity of structure I love. It is rich, three-dimensional and has a feeling that makes me want to stay here. I can’t wait to come back for more.

Accommodation while in Franschhoek is at Le Franschhoek, located at the foot of the mountains with the vineyards straight out the back door. The impeccably appointed Le Franschhoek offers unequalled views of the spectacular Franschhoek Mountains. Located on the site of one of Franschhoek’s original country retreats, the hotel retains its elusive charm with a contemporary Cape Dutch feel. Features include a destination Camelot Spa, a wonderful restaurant and one of the most beautiful settings in the winelands. Lunches are on your own each day, as well as dinner the first night in the Winelands. A farewell dinner is included your on the last night.

Friday, September 7 DEPARTURE/ OVERNIGHT FLIGHT TO THE U.S.A. In the late morning, you are transferred to the Cape Town airport to start your travel back to the USA. Fly from Cape Town to Johannesburg, where you connect to your overnight flight back to the USA.

Saturday, September 8 ARRIVE HOME Early morning arrivals in the USA.

SAFARI EXTENSION: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Friday-Sunday, September 7-9 MANYELETI GAME RESERVE/ HONEYGUIDE MANTOBENI CAMP On the morning of September 7, you are transferred to the Cape Town airport to board your direct flight to Kruger Mpumalanga airport in Nelspruit, located in the greater Kruger National Park area. You are met at the airport and transferred to Honeyguide Mantobeni Camp in the Manyeleti Game Reserve for three nights. Enjoy a late lunch at the lodge before departing on an evening game drive.

Mantobeni Camp is set among generous Tamboti trees on the banks of a sweeping riverbed which is a favorite avenue for animals moving from one place to another. The accommodations are spacious, classic East African style tents which have attached full bathrooms. Each tent is furnished in traditional safari style giving the nature lover a close encounter with the sounds and ambience of wild Africa without sacrificing safety or comfort, and has a large teak deck overlooking the bush. Mantobeni’s public area, designed in a blend of contemporary and colonial styles, contains a lounge and dining area with central bar and outside dining area. The beautiful swimming pool overlooks a small waterhole, and is an ideal place for viewing elephant at play.

During your stay in this beautiful reserve you take game drives twice daily in open Landrovers. View a large variety of game including lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino and abundant birdlife. You also have the opportunity to explore the area by foot under the guidance of armed and experienced guides. While on walks you learn to identify and follow the tracks of animals – a fascinating experience that deepens ones appreciation of the area. The focus is on the small things, learning to track animals, how termites live, what the various trees and plants are used for, etc. Encounters with animals while on foot are always exciting and allow you a close up view of the bush around you!

Monday, September 10 DEPARTURE/ OVERNIGHT FLIGHT TO THE U.S.A. After one last morning game drive in search of wildlife that may have eluded you thus far, you are transferred to Hoedspruit airport to board a TBD flight to Johannesburg. In Johannesburg, connect to your international flight back to the USA.

Tuesday, September 11 ARRIVE HOME Early morning arrivals in the USA.

GENERAL INFORMATION – PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Price - $5,995 per person based on shared occupancy; $775 single supplement

Group Size - Minimum of 6 people, maximum of 9 people; plus two professional photographers and a professional local guide throughout

Photography Workshop Includes - All ground transportation upon landing in Africa; accommodation as stated; local guides and vehicle throughout; taxes; park and entrance fees; road tolls; and activities stated in the itinerary. Breakfasts are included throughout; some lunches and most dinners are included (per the itinerary); bottled water in the vehicle; two wine tastings; and gratuities including all service fees and tipping throughout.

Photography Workshop Excludes - U.S. domestic and international airfare to/from Cape Town; lunches and dinners stated as “on own account”; all beverages other than bottled water; activities not mentioned in the itinerary; medical immunizations; passport fees; accident/ baggage/ medevac & cancellation insurance; individual transfers; excursions deviating from the scheduled tour; excess baggage charges; medical expenses; airport departure fees and taxes; telephone or fax charges; room service; and other items of a purely personal nature.

GENERAL INFORMATION – SAFARI EXTENSION

Price – $1,395 per person based on shared occupancy; $375 single supplement

Group Size –  Minimum of 4 people, maximum of 9 people; plus two professional photographers and professional safari guide and tracker

Safari Extension Includes - All ground transportation upon landing in Africa; accommodation as stated; local safari guides, trackers and vehicle throughout; taxes; park fees; safari activities stated in the itinerary, catering to photographers; all meals while at Honeyguide Camps; tea/coffee and drinks during game drives; and gratuities including all service fees and tipping throughout.

Safari Extension Excludes - U.S. domestic and international airfare; internal Africa commercial flights; beverages from the bar; activities not mentioned in the itinerary; medical immunizations; passport fees; accident/baggage/ medevac & cancellation insurance; individual transfers; excursions deviating from the scheduled tour; excess baggage charges; medical expenses; airport departure fees and taxes; telephone or fax charges; room service; and other items of a purely personal nature.