Wildebeest Migration De Villiers Group Ultimate Photographic Expedition 1 st to 7 th October 2013 (6 nights/7 days)
We are proud to present an Oryx Worldwide Photographic Expedition handpicked for you by award winning photographers to arguably Africa s most thrilling wildlife and scenic photographic destination. We present to you a 7 day expedition to the jewel in the crown of African wildlife destinations, Kenya. Our expedition is especially timed for our main focus, the greatest show on earth the annual wildebeest migration. This is the essence of an East Africa wildlife photographic expedition and in addition to the phenomenal wildlife and scenery, the expedition also includes interacting and photographing genuine Maasai, one of the greatest fighting tribes on the African continent. Oryx professional safari guide and award winning wildlife photographer Greg du Toit will host and guide you on this remarkable expedition. Greg is a specialist in low light photography and he has recently spent over 600 hours in this special corner of Africa, photographing leopards. The results of this project formed the core of a solo exhibit titled 'Authentic Africa' hosted by the National Geographic Gallery in Singapore earlier this year. Both his bush knowledge and skills, combined with his astute in camera techniques, will ensure that your personal imagery breaks new ground. Your photographic highlights Masai Mara: The Annual Wildebeest Migration Exceptional predator photography (including Lion, Cheetah, Leopard and Spotted Hyena) at their highest natural densities Spectacular East African landscapes Gigantic Nile Crocodiles Various species of Birds including many raptors Your expedition at a glance Tour Dates Tour Price Tour Size Day 1, 1 st October Day 2, 2 nd October Day 3, 3 rd October 1 st to 7 th October 2013 (7 days) US$6 125.00 per person based on 8 participants in shared 4 x double/twin room accommodation 8 participants accompanied by 1 Oryx Leader Arrival in Nairobi and fly to Masai Mara (Naibor Camp) Masai Mara (Naibor Camp) Masai Mara (Naibor Camp)
Day 4, 4 th October Masai Mara (Naibor Camp) Day 5, 5 th October Masai Mara (Naibor Camp) Day 6, 6 th October Masai Mara (Naibor Camp) Day 7, 7 th October Masai Mara to Nairobi and Depart to Final Destination Your expedition in detail Day 1, 1 st October 2013: Nairobi to Masai Mara (Naibor Camp) On arrival in Nairobi you will transfer to Wilson Airport for a scheduled flight directly into the Masai Mara. Upon arrival we will be met and transferred to our camp called Naibor Camp. Naibor Camp is located right in the middle of the Masai Mara Game Resrve, in the heart of the best Wildlife country in the world! Overnight Naibor Camp Days 2 to 6, 2 nd to 6 th October 2013: Masai Mara (Naibor Camp) The Masai Mara and the adjoining Loita plains form the northern most part of the Serengeti Mara ecosystem a 25 000 km² area usually encompassing the annual movements of the migratory wildebeest. The Mara receives the highest rainfall in the ecosystem. Rain falls here throughout the year but has peaks and troughs. The eco system is home to the World s greatest wildlife spectacle, the annual wildebeest migration. These grazers, together with zebra and Thompson s gazelle traverse the eco system through the year, and whilst there are resident animals in the Mara throughout (those that don t migrate), numbers swell to gigantic proportions during the drier season, July/August to October/November. The Mara s abundant herbivores make it a paradise for predators. The large carnivores include the big cats lion, leopard and cheetah as featured yearly on the BBC s Big Cat Diary, and the spotted hyena.
More than a million Wildebeest and two hundred thousand Zebra migrate annually following the rains in search of grass. Crossing the Mara River is the greatest obstacle they have to face, and include steep banks and strong currents, but the biggest menace is, without a doubt, the enormous Nile Crocodile that has been living in this river for hundreds of years. This area is great for predators. It has an exceptional Cheetah population, big Lion prides and quite a few habituated Leopards. The famous black maned Mara Lions are possibly the stars of the Mara show, but various other species including African Elephant, Wildebeest, Topi, Thompson's Gazelle, Waterbuck, Spotted Hyena, and primates are all here too providing one of the most holistic photographic experiences in Africa. Also regularly seen are hyenas, Black backed Jackal and Bat eared Foxes. Black Rhino are a little shy and hard to spot but are regularly seen at a distance. One of the highlights of this expedition is without a doubt photographing the phenomenal Cheetah of the Mara, arguably the finest viewing of these felines in Africa. The undulating landscape, savannah woodlands and rich riparian habitats provide a theatrical setting for our photography. As with the rest of Kenya, the birdlife is abundant, offering remarkable opportunities for bird photography. These include various species of vultures, including Ruppell s Vulture and the biggest of them all the Lappet faced Vulture, soars in the sky above the Mara in search of a free meal. Overnight Naibor Camp
Day 7, 7 th October 2013: Masai Mara to Nairobi and Depart for Final Destination On our final morning in Kenya, we have the option of photographing this spectacular area or to just relax and soak in our surroundings before we depart back to Nairobi for our international flight home. Naibor Camp: Your accommodation Naibor Camp is a luxury tented camp, a striking combination of contemporary style and comfort, in the heart of Kenya s world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve. The camp is hidden in a grove of riverine woodland on the banks of the Talek River and consists of sweeping pale canvas tents, king sized beds made from local fig wood, wide sofas furnished with bolster cushions, and wool rugs a luxurious base from which to explore the Mara. Since Naibor is in the heart of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, guests are able to enjoy fabulous wildlife viewing throughout the year. Naibor is also strategically placed for the wildebeest migration, being close to all the major wildebeest crossing sites over the Mara River. Links to websites Naibor Camp: http://www.naibor.com/index.htm# Oryx Worldwide Photographic Expeditions: http://www.oryxphotography.com/ The price for the De Villiers Wildebeest Migration Photographic Expedition is US$6, 125.00 per person based on 8 participants in shared double/twin room accommodation. Cost Includes: Financial Arrangements All road transfers and internal flights, All meals and beverages (except selected wines and premium alcoholic brands ), All accommodation in up market lodges, Entrance fees to National Parks,
Tourism Levy s for National Parks, Two Private Vehicle Use, All game viewing activates at selected lodges, Private Expedition Leader Greg du Toit Expert photographic advise and tutoring, and Service of local guides. Cost Excludes: All international flights from your home to Nairobi and back to your home, Items of a personal nature e.g. curios, beauty treatments and telephone calls, Gratuities, Insurance for cancellation, medical or curtailment in arrangements, Pre tour accommodation (Please see below), and Any items not included in the inclusions above. Please note: This itinerary and costs are subject to availability of accommodation and private game drive vehicles, as we have not made any provisional bookings for this tour. Please also note that these costs are subject to major foreign exchange fluctuations and unforeseen increases in tour related prices, and may have to be adjusted as a result. Furthermore, we may be forced to change or alter the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances; we will, however, attempt to adhere as close to the original program as possible. PRE TOUR ACCOMODATION: Please note depending on your international flight arrival time you might need to overnight in Nairobi on the 30 th of September 2013. Oryx can book this accommodation on your behalf and will add the cost to the final invoice. RESERVATIONS: Reservations for this photographic expedition require a deposit of 30% of the expedition cost which is US$1 837.50 per person. EXPEDITION FEES AND PAYMENT: Payment of the balance of the tour fee is due 3 months before departure and to be made as per the details on the booking form which will be send to you in order to sign up for the expedition. An ORYX invoice will be issued to you before full payment is due. TIPPING: As noted above, tipping of local guides, trackers, lodge staff & butlers is not included on this tour. However, if you feel that your Oryx leader and/or any other staff have given you exceptional service, it is entirely appropriate to tip them. We emphasize that such tips should be at your own discretion and based solely on the level of your service satisfaction. ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DETAILS: Further meeting details will be forwarded to you in due course. The tour
will conclude by late afternoon in Nairobi on day 7. If you wish to arrive early and/or depart late and would like assistance in this regard kindly contact the Oryx office. BAGGAGE RESTRICTION: Please note: in Kenya each passenger is only allowed 15 kg/ 33 lbs of luggage in a soft duffle bag. An extra seat for camera equipment can be booked; Oryx will book this on your behalf and add the amount to the final invoice. FLIGHTS: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi (Kenya) is the main port of entry for this tour. KLM and Kenya Airways offer s the most reliable and regular routes via Amsterdam and London, for North America and European travellers, to this airport. These flights, however, often arrive in the evening necessitating arrival the night before the tour start date. This will give one time to recover from the rigors of international flight travel before the tour starts. As our guests come from all over the planet, we do not include international flights in our tour prices. Your local travel agent will best be able to book these flights for you. If you would like further assistance, kindly contact the Oryx office, we will happily help you plan your route. However, please DO NOT book your international flights until you have consulted the Oryx office for confirmation on the status of the tour. Photographic Credits: All images are copyrighted Oryx Photographic Leaders Greg du Toit. ORYX Worldwide Photographic Expeditions PO Box 13972, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202, South Africa Division of Rockjumper Birding Tours CC (registration number 2001/059480/23) Tel: +27 33 394 0225 Tel (USA & Canada) toll free: 1 888 990 5552 Fax: +27 88 033 394 0225 Email: info@oryxphotography.com Website: www.oryxphotography.com