2022/10/01 – Walk in the Wild
At a glance
- Starting and ending in Harare, Zimbabwe
- Safari dates: October 1st 2022 to October 12th 2022
- 1 night in Harare, 3 nights in Matusadona NP, 2 nights in Chitake and 5 nights on the floodplains in Mana Pools NP
- Small group of 6 participants
- Guided by Federico Veronesi with support from the best local guides in the parks
Photographic Highlights
Three days at Matusadona NP
Matusadona NP is excellent for Elephants and Lions on the lake Kariba shore, with the wonderful backdrop of the dead trees rising from the lake. Birdlife is extraordinary and sunsets are breathtaking.
Two days at Chitake spring, Mana Pools NP
Away from the might Zambesi river, water sources are few and far apart in the dry season. One of the most reliable ones is Chitake Spring. Here wildlife gathers both day and night to drink.
Most prominent are huge herds of Buffalos who drink almost daily in huge clouds of dust, a truly amazing spectacle, which offers excellent photographic opportunities. Elephants and Lions tend to be more active at dusk or at night.
Six days along the floodplains of Mana Pools NP
The most striking and unique feature of Mana Pools is the possibility to approach animals on foot. Animals are habituated to people walking and generally are not alarmed or scared. The thrill of sitting next to a pride of Lions or a few meters away from an Elephant feeding is nothing short of unforgettable. Photographically it is also extremely interesting; the photographer has much more freedom in choosing the position, the angle, the distance, the framing, as opposed to when you are confined to a vehicle on a track
In the dry season the floodplains attract families of Elephants and solitary bulls, along with Buffalos, Elands, Impalas, Greater Kudus, Waterbucks, Zebras and Warthogs. Predators also abound. It is probably the best place in Africa to see big packs of Wild Dogs and Lions are also commonly seen. We’ll have a chance to follow the predators on foot, while they hunt, drink, play or simply rest. We’ll also have a chance to spend time with Elephants on foot at extremely close range, a simply unforgettable experience.
Overview
Small group of keen photographers
This safari is for only a maximum of 6 guests. Due to the fact that photography here is made mostly on foot, we will all sit on one vehicle. Federico will be able to offer each guest a very personalized photographic support.
Walking Safari
In Mana Pools NP, walking is allowed. We’ll live extraordinary experiences in close contact with the wildlife. We’ll leave camp in the morning with our 4×4 vehicle and head out in the floodplains looking for predators or their tracks. Upon locating a fresh track we’ll leave our vehicle and follow it on foot until we find the animals we are looking for. While walking in the park we’ll have to strictly follow the rules the guide will give us, and there will be no danger. Upon encountering wild animals we’ll have all the time for our photography. In Chitake, the camp is very near to the spring so we’ll walk straight out of camp and search for predators’ activity or photo opportunities.
Accommodation in the heart of the parks
In Matusadona we will sleep in a beautiful lodge right on the shores of lake Kariba, visited regularly by Elephants.
At Chitake spring we’ll sleep in a mobile camp appositely put up for our group on the banks of the dry river bed. The camp has basic tents, showers and toilets. Food is cooked fresh in camp and is exceptional.
On the floodplains in Mana Pools NP we’ll sleep in a comfortable luxury camp right by the Lower Zambesi river.
Federico teaming up with one of the most experienced local guides in Mana Pools
Federico Veronesi will be your accompanying professional photographer. For this trip our guide is one of the most experienced and sought after guides in the park, with an unmatched experience, intimate knowledge of the park and its animals. He is the guide that was used by the BBC to film the episode dedicated to Wild Dogs of their recent documentary “Dynasties”.
The local guide and Federico will work together to ensure that our guests will be in the optimal position for photography and to live amazing experiences in safety in the wilderness of Mana Pools.
Tour Program
Price and inclusions
Price for this safari is USD 8,890 per person sharing. Single supplement is USD 1,480.
The price includes:
- Accommodation in the parks for 10 nights on full board basis as per above itinerary.
- Accommodation in Harare on arrival (1 night B&B).
- Park fees, concession fees and lake usage fees.
- Private and exclusive game viewing activities by vehicle or on foot throughout the trip.
- Guiding services by professional photographer and safari guide Federico Veronesi (Italian and English speaking) and professional local safari guides.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Harare for a total of 2 airport transfers.
- All road / air transfers as indicated in the itinerary.
- complimentary drinking water during activities.
- Government taxes and VAT where applicable.
The price does not include:
- International flights to and from Zimbabwe.
- Entry visa to Zimbabwe.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- Eventual increase in park and concession fees and/ or government levies. These may change at a short notice and unfortunately may not be foreseen.
- Extras in the camps.
- Tipping.
- Any other item not expressly mentioned in the inclusions.
