“Kids & Grandkids” Photo Safari – 2012

SPECIAL CHILDRENS’ PHOTO SAFARI IN AFRICA – AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS OCTOBER 2012.

Following a number of requests from parents, but more particularly from grandparents, Iconic Images arranged this special photo safari for children. The age group of the children for which it is designed is 5 -12 years. The upper age is not ‘hard and fast’, but it is unlikely a child under 5 years will be able to keep up with the range of activities built into the safari.

THE BIRTH OF THE PHOTO SAFARI FOR CHILDREN?

The holidays in Bali, the visit to Disney World and the Pacific Ocean cruise had been done! The parents and grandparents were seeking to introduce the children to a “nature” experience , a “new culture”, “the conservation of wildlife” and were looking to give the children a “genuinely intimate encounter with the wild”. In other words, a holiday that offered something very different to the more usual holiday around swimming pools and shopping. Yet, it had to be safe and welcoming of children.

Most Australians do not not associate luxury African safaris with family holidays, especially for families with younger children. It is commonly, but incorrectly, thought that African lodges and camps will not accept children unless they are at least 12 years, that younger children cannot appreciate an African safari experience, that there are too many dangers and tropical diseases to protect against, the risks of children falling ill in a remote location are too high and they will be bored on long 4×4 drives.

Turning these assumptions on their head, was the challenge for Iconic Images, yet deliver imaginative, custom-built safari fare for families who are keen to see wildlife in the raw but are unwilling to sacrifice either personal safety or many creature comforts.

This first safari for children sold out within 10 days of mentioning it to a select group who had expressed initial interest in the concept!

HIGHLIGHTS OF A CHILDRENS’ PHOTO SAFARI

• An itinerary that is timed to suit the Australian schools holiday calendar.
• An itinerary that avoids long drives between destinations.
• The inclusion of ample vehicles so that there is no more than four people, irrespective of age,  in any one vehicle when on game drives and photographing.
• The careful selection of lodges and camps that are assured to deliver excellent wildlife viewing and photography experiences and are welcoming of children.
• The selection of local guides who are very experienced trackers, and who will teach children about old-time hunting skills for stalking game, how they track and find wildlife, get the kids deciphering wildlife footprints, and explain why it is important to protect habitat for the animals, birds, etc.
• The inclusion of night drives using lights to find and photograph animals.
• A game viewing walk with a trained African guide – very safe and highly instructional.
• The optional provision (at no additional cost) of a Panasonic Lumix TZ-20 Digital Camera for each child, plus instruction in how to use it. This camera has an superb lens that zooms from 28mm to 328mm; a seriously great fun camera for kids in Africa.
• The photo safari will be led by two professional wildlife photographers, Africa Geographic photographer Shem Compion & Denis Glennon AO.

THE ITINERARY FOR THE OCTOBER 2012 CHILDRENS’ PHOTO SAFARI

1 Oct: Depart Australia for Johannesburg, South Africa.
2 Oct: Arrive in South Africa; overnight at Waterkloof Guesthouse, Pretoria.
2-5 Oct: Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana – 3 nights.
5-8 Oct: Mopane Bush Lodge (15 mins from Mapungubwe National Park) – 3 nights.
8-11 Oct: Notens Bush Camp, Sabi Sands – 3 nights
11-12 Oct: Graskop Guesthouse – 1 night.
12 Oct: Drive to Johannesburg to connect with international flight to Australia.
13 Oct: Arrive back in Australia.

COSTS OF CHILDRENS’ PHOTO SAFARI.

As each photo safari for children is custom-made to suit individual timetables and parental requirements it is not possible to provide GENERAL pricing.
Iconic Images prefers to firstly collaborate with parents/grandparents to obtain a thorough understanding of individual timing, needs and expectations. Once this is determined we can quickly provide precise costings, per adult and per child.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE FURTHER INFORMATION

Should you be interested in discussing the idea of a custom-made photo safri for your children or grandchildren please leave a short message. Click Here, and type in the box provided when the new page opens.

A summary of the number and make-up of possible travellers, including ages of children at the time of proposed travel, preferred timing and duration of the photo safari, and any questions you may have.

I generally respond within 48 hours unless I am photographing in a part of Africa where internet connectivity is unavailable.

PLEASE PASS TO A FRIEND

Should these custom-made photo safaris not be of interest to you, but you think may be of interest to a colleague or friend, I should be grateful if you would forward the information to them. Thank you.