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Through the Lens: Rim-lit Hyaena

I was recently leading a photo safari in the Nsefu Sector of the South Luangwa National Park. 3 lions had killed a buffalo the previous day. We had enjoyed all the drama of this sighting the previous morning and afternoon. By the time we returned on the second morning, the lions had moved away and the hyaenas were making short work of the left-overs. It was interesting to watch and photograph the hyaenas at work, fighting [...]

Photo Safari Report: Peter Sandyford | Nsefu Sector | 12 – 18 September 2017

I occasionally lead private safaris for individual photographers in South Luangwa. This gives them time to practice their skills and enjoy one-to-one photographic tuition. Peter came to me via Africa Geographic Travel who run a wide range of specialist safaris throughout the region. But AGT seem to have a soft spot for South Luangwa, with its stunning scenery and excellent game, as they keep sending great bookings to me! I had a fantastic week with Peter, [...]

Photo Safari Skills: Preparing for your Photo-Safari

So you've booked your photo-safari - many congratulations! You are in for an outstanding photographic experience alongside a wonderful wildlife safari. But.....it's probably as much as a year away?! How should you best prepare in the intervening time so that you are ready to make the best of the experience? I've put together a summary of some of the ways you can get ready for the experience. I hope you enjoy reading. 1. Your kitPhotographic safaris [...]

Photo Safari Report: Double Luangwa | Flatdogs Camp & Nsefu Camp | 3 – 10 Sep 2017

Even though I have lead many safaris this year, and in many years past, I look forward to each one intensely. The chance to meet new people and to explore outstanding wild areas with the Luangwa guarantee of stunning sightings. And of course, there is always the beguiling attraction that each safari might be the one where you find something truly unusual. Nick & Caroline Gill joined me for a week at Flatdogs Camp and Nsefu [...]

Wildlife: Luangwa’s Leopards compete with the best

We have seen images from Savute of leopards leaping into the mud to pull catfish from the sticky channel, and we've seen footage of jaguars catching caimans in the backwaters of the South American rainforests. Now Luangwa's leopards are vying for their own place in the lime-light....by taking on crocodiles! More on this story later, but for now, have a look at these images and short video! We found this large leopard resting on a fallen [...]

Photo Safari Report: Kathy Phipps’ group | Marula Lodge | 29 August – 1 Sep 2017

Safari season is in full-swing here in Luangwa, with the best months of the year split evenly behind us and still to come. I am just back from a safari in the central area of the South Luangwa National Park with a great group of 6 from the USA. Here follows a brief report from the trip as I begin again tomorrow with a new group from England. We will be staying at Flatdogs Camp and [...]

Guest Report: Clive Ferreira, RSA | Zikomo Safari Lodge | 14 – 20 August 2017

Clive joined me on a safari organised by Africa Geographic Travel in mid-August and wrote to me afterwards, sending through some of his photos. I hope you enjoy! I had a good and instructive time and you certainly have a good eye and know the 1DX well. This was a huge unexpected bonus in addition to you knowing your territory so well and sharing with me your intimate knowledge of the Luangwa bush. I learnt a [...]

Photo Safari Skills: Composing with a Prime Lens

Prime lenses offer fast apertures, rugged design and the finest optics available; as a result, they've become the "go-to" lenses for professional photographers all over the world. However, there are drawbacks such as weight, and of course the fact that you can't adjust your composition by changing you zoom/focal length. I was watching some lions recently, and one of the youngsters was resting on the top of a bank. With my guests, I discussed how to [...]

Photo Safari Report: Clive & Sue Ferreira | Zikomo Safaris | 14 – 20 August 2016

I have just finished a safari with Clive & Sue Ferreira from South Africa who booked their safari with Africa Geographic Travel. They hoped for the great wildlife sightings and remote seclusion offered by the Nsefu Sector, and I believe that Luangwa delivered on both! Just before I start a new safari again tomorrow - this time with a cameraman shooting video rather than stills - here's a run-through of the highlights of this trip! Leaving [...]

Through the Lens: Back-lit Baboons

On a recent safari, my guests specifically asked if we could explore back-lighting and how to create interesting and dramatic shots with this technique. Fortunately, this is a concept that I love to explore, and we also had several opportunities to make it work. The best of these was with a troop of baboons which were playing and resting on the edge of a gully in the early morning. The light was directly against us, and [...]

Photo Safari Report: Double Luangwa | Zikomo Safaris & Luambe Camp | 4 – 12 August 2017

The Luangwa is well-known for its amazing wildlife, including large buffalo herds, healthy lion prides and reliable leopard sightings. However there are some parts of the Luangwa Valley that are lesser-explored, and it was to a couple of these areas that I took repeat-guest Sharon Verkuilen. She traveled with me last year, and returned bringing her mother for her first safari! I combined time in the legendary Nsefu Sector, with time in Luambe National Park. Luambe [...]

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