At the height of the dry season, the waterholes of Hwange NP attract large families of Elephants, Buffalos and other herbivores. Predators also abound, especially Lions, with magnificent dark-maned males and their prides. Interactions at the waterholes are common, with Lions hunting or feeding on dead animals. Majestic antelopes such as Sable and Roan can also be seen, along with Giraffes, Zebras, Cheetahs, Leopards and Wild Dogs.
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.
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.
This safari is for only a maximum of 6 guests. In Hwange NP we will have two cars, so each photographer will have a full row of seats to photograph on both sides. In Matusadona and Mana Pools, 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.
In Matusadona NP and 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 Hwange we will sleep in a small and beautiful tented camp overlooking a waterhole, visited regularly by Elephants. The food and service are amazing. Furthermore, we will have access to a large private concession within the park, which will enable us to enjoy exclusive game drives and to venture off-road if needed.
In Matusadona we will sleep in a beautiful lodge right on the shores of lake Kariba, visited regularly by Elephants.
On the floodplains in Mana Pools NP we’ll sleep in a comfortable luxury camp right by the Lower Zambesi river. We will have access to a private concession along the Lower Zambesi floodplains where Wild dogs are often seen, along with Lions, Leopards and Elephants.
Federico Veronesi will be your accompanying professional photographer. In Mana Pools, 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 guides 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 Zimbabwe.
Price for this safari is USD 10,940 per person sharing.
The price includes:
The price does not include: