SABI SAND FOUR DAY PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKSHOP
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DAY ONE
Arrive at OR Tambo International where you will be met and checked into the charter flight that will be taking you to the world-renowned Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Your destination is the stunningly located Elephant Plains Lodge, which has recently enjoyed a major refurbishment to the highest standards of comfort and luxury. The duration of the flight to Elephant Plains is around 90 minutes with a short change over at Skukuza en route. After landing at Elephant Plains’ airstrip you will be escorted to the Lodge.
Elephant Plains Game Lodge is situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park and offers comfortable style and affordable luxury. The lodge accommodates a maximum of 22 guests but the photographic party will comprise only six participants. This ensures personal service and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Elephant Plains overlooks a permanent waterhole on the banks of the Manyeleti River and the pool deck guarantees excellent viewing of animals coming from the plains to drink.
The lodge features six spacious luxury suites, tastefully decorated with an African theme. Every luxury suite has its own distinct character and comfortable charm, and looks out over the beautifully landscaped garden. All chalets have en-suite bathrooms (bath and shower) air-conditioning, overhead fans and mosquito nets.
All Workshop participants will have arrived by 14h00 in time to settle into the accommodation and to meet their hosts, wildlife photographer Sean Pattrick and partner Megan Emmett.
At 15h00 Sean will brief guests on the basics of wildlife photography and then after a sumptuous afternoon tea, you will head out on your first game drive. This activity will allow you the opportunity to put into practice the photographic skills you are learning in anger! | back to Workshop Itinerary
Elephant Plains is world-renowned for excellent game viewing. Experienced rangers and trackers endeavor to find the Big Five and share with guests the magnificent sights and sounds of the bush. Being an experienced guide himself after many years of guiding in and managing some of southern Africa’s finest lodges, Sean is not only able to share photographic expertise with guests during outings but will offer valuable insight into wildlife behaviour and the sensitivities of working in a natural environment. In this way, Sean hopes to equip participants with better anticipation to capture those unique wildlife moments.
On return to the lodge later that evening, you will enjoy a delicious dinner whilst listening to the nightlife that surrounds you and discussing the afternoon’s discoveries and lessons. Mealtimes at Elephant Plains are mouthwatering events, complemented by carefully selected wines from their cellar. Tasty international cuisine and South African specialties are presented buffet-style in a boma under the open skies. All that remains for the day is a well-earned sleep.
Overnight: Elephant Plains
DAY TWO & THREE
These days will start with an early morning wake up call and tea, followed by a game drive. You will return to the lodge mid-morning to enjoy a wholesome brunch and thereafter a review of the photographs taken on the previous two game drives. There will follow a photography lecture and Sean will be delighted to discuss subjects of your interest. The workshop sessions are held in the air-conditioned wine cellar below the lodge, fully equipped with projector and screen for easy viewing of images.
The heat of the day in Africa is always best spent in siesta and this safari is no different. After a couple of hours of relaxation a second workshop session will take place in the wine cellar and participants will be prepped with tasks for the afternoon game drive, accompanied by tea and some delicious snacks.
On return from the drive and after dinner, if conditions permit, there will be a short practical workshop on night-time photography covering topics such as long-exposure techniques to capture star-trails.
Overnight: Elephant Plains
DAY FOUR
After enjoying your final morning game drive, photography session and breakfast, Sean will summarise the Workshop in a final review. After a brief relax, you will be gathering your goods to depart from Elephant Plains landing strip. You will fly back to ORT International armed with wonderful memories and fantastic photos to keep them fresh in your mind- until the next time!
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EXTENSION
If you have time, extend your photographic odyssey and transfer by road with Sean and Megan to Hoyo Hoyo Tsonga Lodge, a unique concession within the Kruger with its own private traversing rights and roads within the National Park.
