Great Kiskadee
Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
After a few trips to England since April (which translated to about 2 months away from home), and now a friend coming to stay for two weeks and trying to get all caught up on client work so I can have that time off without thinking of work....I haven't had any time edit any of my Nature/Wildlife photography. Time to get caught up with the backlog of files!!!
Aug 28, 2012
Kiskadee
Aug 21, 2012
South Africa Safari Dates Booked - May 2013 & September 2013
Join me in South Africa! May and September dates booked for 2013.
Outlook Safaris
Tel: +27 11 894 5406 | Fax: +27 86 266 9412 | Email: admin@outlook.co.za | Web: www.outlook.co.za
13 Day Photographic Safari
Day 1 - Johannesburg
Arriving in Johannesburg you will be met by one of our representatives, who will transfer you to Outlook Lodge.
This evening everyone will come together at Outlook Lodge, to meet both your guide and your photographic leader for the safari and to discuss the days that lie ahead. There will be a chance for questions and answers during the evening.
(Dinner included)
Day 2 – Berg ‘n Dal, KNP
With an early start we have breakfast and depart at 07h30 to the Kruger Park. We arrive at the park entrance just before lunch and spend a moment on the bridge crossing the Crocodile River enjoying the views, birdlife and any mammals that may be down at the river’s edge for a drink.
We then continue to our camp situated in the south western corner of the park, where we will spend the next 2 nights. Berg en Dal Camp is situated in a prime wildlife area and here we hope to find the first of the Big 5 along with Giraffe, Zebra, Impala and many more.
We will spend the afternoon settling into our open game viewing vehicle, getting all camera gear set up and enjoying nature with all it has to offer.
We return to camp before the gates close and enjoy a meal prepared by the guide, while your photographic leader spends time with you going through your photos and giving advice for the next outing.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day 3 – Berg ‘n Dal, KNP
With an early start we make our way out of camp with the hope of getting some good photographic opportunities during that golden hour. We will stop off at a local picnic site for breakfast, before returning to camp to enjoy a break during the midday heat. The afternoon will once again be spent maximising photographic opportunities.
Enjoy the evening under the stars and discussing the day’s events.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day 4 – Skukuza, KNP
This morning we make our way north to Skukuza Camp. Our goal today is to spend some time at the Lake Panic Hide (Blind). This is one of the best photographic spots in the park, with good birds and mammals to be seen.
You will once again have some time to relax during the heat of the day, or you may prefer to work through your photos from the morning.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day 5 – Satara, KNP
Continuing north through the park we head for Satara Camp. The area around Satara is well known for its large cat sightings and this will be our focus over the next two days. Time permitting we may also spend some time at the Sweni Hide (Blind).
Dinner will once again be enjoyed while discussing the day’s events and the photography opportunities had.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day 6 – Satara, KNP
Spending two nights in Satara allows us the opportunity at exploring different regions and maximising our photographic opportunities. We may on this day do the 4x4 trail available from Satara Camp – (not guaranteed, but depends on conditions at the time).
Enjoy midday back at camp, before heading out on another afternoon game drive.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day 7 & 8 – Olifants, KNP
From Satara Camp we have a fairly short drive to our next camp, Olifants Camp. Olifants Camp is situated on a hill overlooking the Olifants River and offers spectacular views of the river and various animals and birds that come down to the river for a drink.
Enjoy the midday heat sitting at the viewpoint, catching up on some sleep or going through photos.
Both afternoons will be spent out exploring the surrounding areas and improving on photos already taken. More time on game drives will be enjoyed.
This will be our last night in the Kruger.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day 9 – 11 – Sabi Sand
Packing up we head out of the park to the adjoining Sabi Sands Game Reserve. We will spend our next three nights in a lodge bordering the Kruger Park. This will be an exclusive experience at a luxury lodge and a good way to end off the photographic safari.
The next 3 days will be spent doing early morning game drives and afternoon game drives that extend into night drives. The Sabi Sands is especially well known for its sightings of leopards, but sightings of the Big 5 happen frequently.
For those that wish to do so, there will be the opportunity of doing a short morning walk after breakfast. There is a swimming pool to cool down in during the heat of the day and ample great photographic opportunities.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 12 – Panorama Route - Johannesburg
This morning we enjoy a sleep-in before heading back to Johannesburg. En-route we will stop at the Blyde River Canyon (3rd largest canyon in the world), a waterfall and then return to Johannesburg by the late afternoon to spend our last night together at Outlook Lodge.
(Breakfast and Dinner included.)
Day 13 – Tour ends in Johannesburg
Sadly the safari comes to an end after breakfast at Outlook Lodge.
Guests wishing to extend their stay in Johannesburg to do some shopping or join any of the numerous day excursions on offer are welcome to so at an additional charge. Please bear in mind that this should be pre-arranged.
(Breakfast included)
Prices and Info
Price: R43,950 per person sharing or R52,200 per single
Price includes:
Accommodation for 12 nights as specified in the itinerary
Airport transfer between OR Tambo airport & Outlook Lodge
Meals as stipulated in the itinerary
Water during game drives and wine with dinner while in the Kruger Park
Entrance and daily conservation fees
Extensive game drives in open safari vehicles
Professional photographer advice, guidance and tutoring
Professional Field Guide
3 nights at a luxury lodge in the Sabi Sands
Night drives while in the Sabi Sands
Optional morning bush walks while in the Sabi Sands
Panorama Route en-route back to Johannesburg
Price excludes:
Flights to and from Johannesburg
Photographic equipment
Lunches except while in the Sabi Sands
Drinks
Additional activities
Items of a personal nature
Gratuities
Dates
This is a scheduled safari with a maximum of 6 passengers. The dates are as follows:
15 – 27 May 2013
05 – 17 Sep 2013
What to expect
Accommodation will be en-suite, with air-conditioning where possible.
Camps as stated in the itinerary are subject to change depending on availability. At all times the best available option will be selected.
A maximum of 6 guests will be booked for this safari and availability is on a first come first serve basis.
A professional photographer and experienced field guide will be available for the duration of the safari. Please see both the photographer and guide’s profiles below.
Mornings and afternoons will be dedicated to being out in the bush, game viewing and photographing what can be found. The professional photographer will be there to give guidance on photography while the field guide will be sharing information on the wildlife/nature seen.
Mid-days will be spent back at camp. You will have this time to yourself. Lunch can be enjoyed at the camp cafeteria or restaurant. Catch up on some sleep or swim at camps where there are swimming pools.
In the evenings everyone will get together for dinner, as well as to discuss the photographic work of the day and to discuss the following day’s itinerary.
Weather
May sees the onset of autumn, while September is the start of spring. Both months offer pleasant conditions in the Park.
Very little or no rain is usually expected for this time period and days are generally warm with clear skies.
The average temperatures for May is 11 ̊C (51 ̊F) at night to 28 ̊ C (82 ̊F) during the day and for September it is 13 ̊C (55 ̊F) at night to 29 ̊ C (84 ̊F) during the day.
What to bring
Binoculars
Camera, preferably with a lens with at least 400mm reach
Laptop/notebook for working on photos
Sun block, insect repellent
Malaria prophylactics optional (see general)
Hat or cap
Warm fleece/jacket for morning and evening game drives
Woollen hat/bini
Comfortable shoes for day to day activities. Sandals are also fine.
General
The Kruger Park along with the Sabi Sands which forms part of the Greater Kruger Park is one of Africa’s most well known National Parks. There are few parks where the Big 5 can be seen as easily and few parks that offer the diversity of species one can find here.
The Kruger Park is within a malaria area and malaria prophylactics are advised. It has however over the years become a low risk area for malaria. It is therefore each person’s decision whether to take the prophylactics or not. We advise that you consult with your doctor or a travel clinic.
Guests of all ages are welcome, as are both experienced and novice photographers.
Profiles
Megan Lorenz – Professional Photographer
Based in Toronto, Megan Lorenz is a professional photographer with a lifelong passion for wildlife and nature. She is self-taught and has a distinctive style which makes her photographs instantly recognizable. Megan leads workshops and enjoys teaching others how to make the most of every opportunity they have the privilege of witnessing. She believes that intensive knowledge of a species’ behaviour, traits and habitat is paramount to successful wildlife photography and has an unending amount of patience which helps her in the field waiting for the perfect moment. She believes in providing a comfortable learning environment where anyone of any skill level is free to ask questions and she
will work with you individually to help develop your photography style so you come home with images you are proud of. Her group sizes are kept small to afford everyone this individual attention. Months of planning are put into these workshops and safaris to put you in the best places to view wildlife and scenery and every detail is carefully planned. Megan is supportive of conservation efforts to protect species and their natural environments and belongs to many groups which work to protect those interests. Her passion and love for the wildlife she photographs comes through in her photos which have appeared in publications including: Canadian Geographic, National Geographic, Audubon, Birder's World, Nature's Best Photography, Defenders Of Wildlife, National Wildlife Federation, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Photolife, Smithsonian, Readers Digest, various calendars, greeting cards and more. When she isn't searching for owls and other wildlife in Ontario, or leading workshops in exciting destinations, she keeps busy with studio photography, portraiture & event photography.
Robert Wienand – Field Guide
Robert has been guiding tours and safaris throughout southern and East Africa for the past 17 years, and has an in-depth knowledge on the Kruger Park and its fauna and flora.
He is registered with the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa as a Level 3 guide and is also a registered specialist birding guide.
Robert is also the co-owner of Outlook Safaris and has a passion for being in the bush and showing visitors the beauty of South Africa and the natural heritage on offer.
His interest in photography has made him aware of light and angles and the best position to stop the vehicle in for successful photography.
Outlook Safaris
Tel: +27 11 894 5406 | Fax: +27 86 266 9412 | Email: admin@outlook.co.za | Web: www.outlook.co.za
13 Day Photographic Safari
Day 1 - Johannesburg
Arriving in Johannesburg you will be met by one of our representatives, who will transfer you to Outlook Lodge.
This evening everyone will come together at Outlook Lodge, to meet both your guide and your photographic leader for the safari and to discuss the days that lie ahead. There will be a chance for questions and answers during the evening.
(Dinner included)
Day 2 – Berg ‘n Dal, KNP
With an early start we have breakfast and depart at 07h30 to the Kruger Park. We arrive at the park entrance just before lunch and spend a moment on the bridge crossing the Crocodile River enjoying the views, birdlife and any mammals that may be down at the river’s edge for a drink.
We then continue to our camp situated in the south western corner of the park, where we will spend the next 2 nights. Berg en Dal Camp is situated in a prime wildlife area and here we hope to find the first of the Big 5 along with Giraffe, Zebra, Impala and many more.
We will spend the afternoon settling into our open game viewing vehicle, getting all camera gear set up and enjoying nature with all it has to offer.
We return to camp before the gates close and enjoy a meal prepared by the guide, while your photographic leader spends time with you going through your photos and giving advice for the next outing.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day 3 – Berg ‘n Dal, KNP
With an early start we make our way out of camp with the hope of getting some good photographic opportunities during that golden hour. We will stop off at a local picnic site for breakfast, before returning to camp to enjoy a break during the midday heat. The afternoon will once again be spent maximising photographic opportunities.
Enjoy the evening under the stars and discussing the day’s events.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day 4 – Skukuza, KNP
This morning we make our way north to Skukuza Camp. Our goal today is to spend some time at the Lake Panic Hide (Blind). This is one of the best photographic spots in the park, with good birds and mammals to be seen.
You will once again have some time to relax during the heat of the day, or you may prefer to work through your photos from the morning.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day 5 – Satara, KNP
Continuing north through the park we head for Satara Camp. The area around Satara is well known for its large cat sightings and this will be our focus over the next two days. Time permitting we may also spend some time at the Sweni Hide (Blind).
Dinner will once again be enjoyed while discussing the day’s events and the photography opportunities had.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day 6 – Satara, KNP
Spending two nights in Satara allows us the opportunity at exploring different regions and maximising our photographic opportunities. We may on this day do the 4x4 trail available from Satara Camp – (not guaranteed, but depends on conditions at the time).
Enjoy midday back at camp, before heading out on another afternoon game drive.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day 7 & 8 – Olifants, KNP
From Satara Camp we have a fairly short drive to our next camp, Olifants Camp. Olifants Camp is situated on a hill overlooking the Olifants River and offers spectacular views of the river and various animals and birds that come down to the river for a drink.
Enjoy the midday heat sitting at the viewpoint, catching up on some sleep or going through photos.
Both afternoons will be spent out exploring the surrounding areas and improving on photos already taken. More time on game drives will be enjoyed.
This will be our last night in the Kruger.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day 9 – 11 – Sabi Sand
Packing up we head out of the park to the adjoining Sabi Sands Game Reserve. We will spend our next three nights in a lodge bordering the Kruger Park. This will be an exclusive experience at a luxury lodge and a good way to end off the photographic safari.
The next 3 days will be spent doing early morning game drives and afternoon game drives that extend into night drives. The Sabi Sands is especially well known for its sightings of leopards, but sightings of the Big 5 happen frequently.
For those that wish to do so, there will be the opportunity of doing a short morning walk after breakfast. There is a swimming pool to cool down in during the heat of the day and ample great photographic opportunities.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 12 – Panorama Route - Johannesburg
This morning we enjoy a sleep-in before heading back to Johannesburg. En-route we will stop at the Blyde River Canyon (3rd largest canyon in the world), a waterfall and then return to Johannesburg by the late afternoon to spend our last night together at Outlook Lodge.
(Breakfast and Dinner included.)
Day 13 – Tour ends in Johannesburg
Sadly the safari comes to an end after breakfast at Outlook Lodge.
Guests wishing to extend their stay in Johannesburg to do some shopping or join any of the numerous day excursions on offer are welcome to so at an additional charge. Please bear in mind that this should be pre-arranged.
(Breakfast included)
Prices and Info
Price: R43,950 per person sharing or R52,200 per single
Price includes:
Accommodation for 12 nights as specified in the itinerary
Airport transfer between OR Tambo airport & Outlook Lodge
Meals as stipulated in the itinerary
Water during game drives and wine with dinner while in the Kruger Park
Entrance and daily conservation fees
Extensive game drives in open safari vehicles
Professional photographer advice, guidance and tutoring
Professional Field Guide
3 nights at a luxury lodge in the Sabi Sands
Night drives while in the Sabi Sands
Optional morning bush walks while in the Sabi Sands
Panorama Route en-route back to Johannesburg
Price excludes:
Flights to and from Johannesburg
Photographic equipment
Lunches except while in the Sabi Sands
Drinks
Additional activities
Items of a personal nature
Gratuities
Dates
This is a scheduled safari with a maximum of 6 passengers. The dates are as follows:
15 – 27 May 2013
05 – 17 Sep 2013
What to expect
Accommodation will be en-suite, with air-conditioning where possible.
Camps as stated in the itinerary are subject to change depending on availability. At all times the best available option will be selected.
A maximum of 6 guests will be booked for this safari and availability is on a first come first serve basis.
A professional photographer and experienced field guide will be available for the duration of the safari. Please see both the photographer and guide’s profiles below.
Mornings and afternoons will be dedicated to being out in the bush, game viewing and photographing what can be found. The professional photographer will be there to give guidance on photography while the field guide will be sharing information on the wildlife/nature seen.
Mid-days will be spent back at camp. You will have this time to yourself. Lunch can be enjoyed at the camp cafeteria or restaurant. Catch up on some sleep or swim at camps where there are swimming pools.
In the evenings everyone will get together for dinner, as well as to discuss the photographic work of the day and to discuss the following day’s itinerary.
Weather
May sees the onset of autumn, while September is the start of spring. Both months offer pleasant conditions in the Park.
Very little or no rain is usually expected for this time period and days are generally warm with clear skies.
The average temperatures for May is 11 ̊C (51 ̊F) at night to 28 ̊ C (82 ̊F) during the day and for September it is 13 ̊C (55 ̊F) at night to 29 ̊ C (84 ̊F) during the day.
What to bring
Binoculars
Camera, preferably with a lens with at least 400mm reach
Laptop/notebook for working on photos
Sun block, insect repellent
Malaria prophylactics optional (see general)
Hat or cap
Warm fleece/jacket for morning and evening game drives
Woollen hat/bini
Comfortable shoes for day to day activities. Sandals are also fine.
General
The Kruger Park along with the Sabi Sands which forms part of the Greater Kruger Park is one of Africa’s most well known National Parks. There are few parks where the Big 5 can be seen as easily and few parks that offer the diversity of species one can find here.
The Kruger Park is within a malaria area and malaria prophylactics are advised. It has however over the years become a low risk area for malaria. It is therefore each person’s decision whether to take the prophylactics or not. We advise that you consult with your doctor or a travel clinic.
Guests of all ages are welcome, as are both experienced and novice photographers.
Profiles
Megan Lorenz – Professional Photographer
Based in Toronto, Megan Lorenz is a professional photographer with a lifelong passion for wildlife and nature. She is self-taught and has a distinctive style which makes her photographs instantly recognizable. Megan leads workshops and enjoys teaching others how to make the most of every opportunity they have the privilege of witnessing. She believes that intensive knowledge of a species’ behaviour, traits and habitat is paramount to successful wildlife photography and has an unending amount of patience which helps her in the field waiting for the perfect moment. She believes in providing a comfortable learning environment where anyone of any skill level is free to ask questions and she
will work with you individually to help develop your photography style so you come home with images you are proud of. Her group sizes are kept small to afford everyone this individual attention. Months of planning are put into these workshops and safaris to put you in the best places to view wildlife and scenery and every detail is carefully planned. Megan is supportive of conservation efforts to protect species and their natural environments and belongs to many groups which work to protect those interests. Her passion and love for the wildlife she photographs comes through in her photos which have appeared in publications including: Canadian Geographic, National Geographic, Audubon, Birder's World, Nature's Best Photography, Defenders Of Wildlife, National Wildlife Federation, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Photolife, Smithsonian, Readers Digest, various calendars, greeting cards and more. When she isn't searching for owls and other wildlife in Ontario, or leading workshops in exciting destinations, she keeps busy with studio photography, portraiture & event photography.
Robert Wienand – Field Guide
Robert has been guiding tours and safaris throughout southern and East Africa for the past 17 years, and has an in-depth knowledge on the Kruger Park and its fauna and flora.
He is registered with the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa as a Level 3 guide and is also a registered specialist birding guide.
Robert is also the co-owner of Outlook Safaris and has a passion for being in the bush and showing visitors the beauty of South Africa and the natural heritage on offer.
His interest in photography has made him aware of light and angles and the best position to stop the vehicle in for successful photography.
Aug 1, 2012
Blue Jeans
Strawberry Poison Dart Frog
Costa Rica
The Strawberry Poison-dart Frog, also called the Blue-jeans Frog, is one of the most ‘popular’ amphibians in its region. This bright, charismatic species is active during the day and has a high population density, making its charming figure frequently found in certain areas of Costa Rica. This frog reproduces all year long in areas without a long dry season, and males can be heard calling all day with a buzz or chirp. Their small bodies can be seen or sometimes heard moving around leaf litter as they walk and hop.
Though small, males of this species are aggressively territorial. During the day, males perch on rocks, trees, or fallen logs, and make calls. These are both to attract females to mate as well as to intimidate trespassing males. If an intruder persists and calls back, a wrestling competition may result for up to 20 minutes. The males stand upright on their hind legs and grapple for dominance. Once one is pinned for several minutes he will leave after the winner releases him.
The fascinating reproductive process of this species has captured the interest of biologists and tourists alike. When a female meets a male, he leads her to a place to lay their eggs, such as in a curved leaf or in moist leaf litter. Unlike many frogs, the male does not climb onto the female’s back in amplexus, but instead the pair stands vent to vent, or with their tails together. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs, the male fertilizes them, and his mate leaves. The parental care beginning at this stage is unmatched by other amphibians. The male keeps the eggs moist by emptying his bladder on them. He also eats any eggs that are infected with fungi or that do not develop, as well as any eggs left by other males. Tadpoles hatch after one week, when the female returns. One to four tadpoles at a time squirm onto her back, and she carries each one to a different plant or leaf stem that is holding water—bromeliads are often the choice. These carefully chosen nests are sometimes in the canopy, high up from the frog’s otherwise ground-level habitat. Amazingly, the tadpole chooses its spot by vibrating when the mother approaches a desirable spot. Each tadpole is placed in a separate plant, where the mother leaves it with 1 to 5 unfertilized eggs for protein and nutrients. For more than a month, the female returns every few days to feed her young.
The frog’s bright colors warn off predators because the colors signal the toxicity for which the Poison-dart is named. The Strawberry Poison-dart Ffrog is not known to be lethal to man, but its skin secretions may have unpredictable effects on humans. Other species in this frog’s family have been used to make blowgun darts especially lethal. The most lethal animal toxin known belongs to a frog (Phyllobates terribilis) related to the Blue-jeans; poison from a single individual can kill twenty thousand mice or ten adult humans. Needless to say, brightly colored relatives like the Blue-jeans have few predators, and once it reaches adulthood, this frog can live for 5 or 6 years. As eggs, however, this species is preyed upon by fungi, worms, snakes, and even other Blue-jeans.
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