With 30 years of nature travel photography experience in over 20 countries, Tom has established himself as one of America’s top travel photographers. His book Light Travel: Photography on the Go will be our field text for this workshop, and each participant will receive a copy. His images appear frequently in travel publications from Sierra, National Geographic, DK Publishing, Rough Guides, and Moon Travel Guides. He is the owner of www.Photoseek.com and teaches photography workshops in Seattle where he makes his home.
Day 1 - Oct 4 – Arrival in Johannesburg. Most international flights arrive in the evening. You’ll transfer to the tranquil thatched–roof lodge of the Klip Els Guest House on the outskirts of Randburg. (Meals: D)
Day 2 – Oct 5 – Fly to Crocodile River Valley. We’ll visit the vibrant township of Soweto, and enjoy a traditional lunch, before returning to the airport for the flight to Nelspruit in the fertile Crocodile River Valley. A short transfer brings us to Böhm’s Zeederberg Country House. (BLD)
Day 3 – Oct 6 – Panorama Route. The famed Panorama Route includes stunning scenery such as God’s Window, Wonderview, Berlin Falls, Three Rondawels at the Blyde River Canyon, Bourkes Luck Potholes. Overnight at Böhm’s Zeederberg Country House. (BLD)
Day 4 – Oct 7 – Blyde River Canyon. We’ll pass through the Shangaan Tribal Homeland to the Blyde River Canyon for a boat trip with amazing views of the canyon escarpment and the opportunity to spot hippos, crocodile and other game. Continue to a private game reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park. Afternoon Game drive and a delicious dinner under the stars at a private lodge. (BD)
Days 5 -7 – Oct 8-10 – Kruger National Park. Morning and afternoon game drives with experienced rangers in an open 4 x 4 vehicle and on guided bushwalks to spot the Big Five. Overnights at lodge. (BD)
Day 8 – Oct 11 – Swaziland. Early departure for Swaziland with a panoramic tour through the Swaziland highlands to Ezulwini Valley near Mbabane, the capital of Swaziland. Afternoon tribal village tour with an evening traditional show of singing and dancing followed by a typical Swazi dinner. Overnight in luxury tents on stilts. (BD)
Day 9 - Oct 12 – Drakensberg Mountains After breakfast we depart for the Northern Drakensberg Mountains with dazzling views of this impressive range, which the Zulu call uKhahlamba, the "barrier of spears". Over 35,000 ancient rock art images adorn this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight in a mountain lodge. (BD)
Day 10 – Oct 13 – Drakensberg MountainsWe’ll take the full day for photographing and hiking in the lowveld gardens and mountain slopes of the Drakensberg, the highest range in Southern Africa. Farewell dinner, workshop and overnight in mountain lodge. (BD)
Day 11- Oct 14 – Johannesburg - Return flights Departure after breakfast for return journey to Johannesburg and return flights departing from Johannesburg International Airport. (B)
