As a teenager I read a lot. One of my favorite books was “Born Free” by an English author Joy Adamson. She is a famous traveler, who lived for many years in Africa with her husband, Kenya’s wildlife protection inspector, and wrote an interesting story about a lioness Elsa and her cubs. Her book accurately describes the habits, behavior and reactions to the environment and people of the growing lion cub and later an adult lioness living in the wild, and her cubs. It was this book that helped me create a dream to see the distant Africa and its nature, safari and animals living there.

Last year, in November – the dream suddenly materialized – in the vastness of the Internet in search of a relaxing trip I have found one agency offering a two week holiday in an exotic and distant Kenya for a relatively low price. After a short discussion and some doubt on the reliability of this offer a mutual decision was taken to go. The hardest part of the trip were two flights lasting more than 14 hours from Kaunas to London and form London to Mombasa and the inevitable fatigue due to long, uncomfortable seating, and swelling legs. But the idea to see a distant land provided more excitement.

First impressions on arrival

First impression – pretty small airport of Mombasa, stuffy and long queues to obtain a visa in Kenya. We reached the hotel we stayed in by bus and just when we entered the room the first action was to inspect the bathroom – it was clean; and when we opened the door to the balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean the view was amazing.

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Second impression – where is the water? We had a first close-up view of an interesting natural rhythm: low water in the middle of the day and floods just after lunch. Tempted by curiosity some of us went walking on the bottom of the exposed beach. It was covered with stones, grass, and you could perfectly see the fauna of the ocean in the shallow water – various fishes, dangerous hedgehog plantations, crabs in the burrows, many small shells, sea stars, and since one of the locals volunteered to show everything around, he not only caught the creatures, but gave us a lot of information about ocean animals. Since it was very interesting we didn’t even notice that we went far enough from the hotel and on our way back we already realized having made a fundamental mistake – staying too long in the sun made our bodies red, and when we later started to painfully peel out off the old skin – we jokingly named this experience a walk in Hell Safari.

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Acquaintance with the locals

In the evening, when the ocean “returned” we all finally got a good swim and then started to look around – well where did we get: what are the local people, prices, traditions, entertainment, travel deals. Kenya’s ethnic population diversity is very high, over 40 tribes, each with its own language, but most locals are fluent in English, and among themselves use a common tongue – Swahili.

In the beginning seeing that we have just arrived traders were quite active offering their products – headscarves, paintings, cruises and safaris, bone and wooden souvenirs, art wares and jewelery for an excessively high price. However, during further communication they realized that we are not Germans and not English, they became more accommodating. When we told them where we are from and how many of us are left, our story was followed by their jolly laughter – because Lithuania has a smaller population than their capital Nairobi.

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Local residents addressed a woman “Madame” or “Mama” and the men were addressed “Papa”. At first I was a little surprised because it’s strange to hear it when you don’t have children, but then I got used to it. When I plaited my hair into nearly three hundred braids the entire beach began greeting me with joy – “Jambo Mama Africa”. I liked to see that elderly tourists are very respected, cared for and protected here. Most of the locals are good-natured and kind to the surrounding people, as they say – if they behaved otherwise, this would reduce per capita income from tourism and sales.

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On the beach in a local agency, we ordered as many as three trips: 2-day sightseeing trip in Mombasa ($ 200), one day Safari in Tsavo East National Park ($ 150), and a holiday trip to Vasinio Island ($ 60) with diving ($ 60) and snorkeling.

By the way, I recommend to book trips from official travel companies’ employees who are wearing a tee-shirt with the logo, otherwise you may be left without money and travel.

A trip in Mombasa

Frankly this city didn‘t make an impression on me – there is no extraordinary architecture, only uproar in the market, mess and piles of trash lying on the ground in some places in the middle of the city that is a real eyesore, and unpleasant odors make you turn away your nose while passing by. My impression: huge dark mess. The majority of the population is Muslim – Mijikenda is an ethnic group, so taking pictures is not recommended, in order to avoid possible conflict, as well as in some state or protected areas. The city is built on the island, so the water flowing from the water supply is the salty Indian Ocean water, and fresh bottled water comes from the Kilimanjaro. In the central streets mendicant disabled and fruit merchants are trying to approach the tourists. I had an opportunity to watch as in the evening the city is flooded with a large crowd of people who live in small towns near Mombasa and only work in the city. The same picture was in the morning too.

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Nightlife in Mombasa is different – the young have fun in the clubs and dress in style. In the discos people dance till dawn, and I as an outsider was very interested in monitoring their communication, their original dances, relations between young local girls and older Europeans.

The long-awaited safari

In Africa going on Safari in Swahili means “a journey” – it is the refusal of civilization amenities in the name of the wilderness. And I always wanted to see other wildlife, the animals at close range.

Tsavo East National Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in Kenya, its total area is 11,747 square kilometers. It was opened in 1948, the park is located near the village of Voi. The park is divided into eastern and western parts. It was named after the Tsavo River, which flows from the West to the East through the National Park, bordering with Chyulu Hills National Park and Mkomazi Game Reserve in Tanzania.

The park is accessible only through the three main gates: Manyani, near the village of Voi, Bachuma if you arrive from Mombasa or from Malindi side. Our group of travelers arrived at the park through Bachuma gate. A ticket for one person costs $ 50 for a period of 24 hours. Several local merchants were waiting at the gate rather obsessively offering to buy headgear – sunscreen safari hat for a much higher price than usual, so you must always negotiate.

Most of the park vegetation is semi-arid grasslands and savanna. It is believed that it is one of the world’s biodiversity strongholds, and its popularity has led to large quantities of various wild animals, therefore you can see the famous “big five” animals which are the Masai lion, black rhino, buffalo, elephant and leopard. We were lucky and we saw giraffes, elephant herds, herds of buffalos, a leopard, a lioness lying lazily in the bushes, gazelles and various small animals, zebras, ostriches, monkeys, varans, even some wild birds from a close-up.

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But if one has enough financial possibilities I would recommend visiting the Masai Mara – it is the most popular.

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Entertainment & Leisure

Traveling to and from the Vasinio Island we had a chance to see a completely different picture – isolated villages and areas rarely visited by tourists, and we could see the fragments of Muslim religious festivals held there. Underwater World was perhaps not as impressive as in the Red Sea, but we liked the punt with the sea turtles, watching exotic fishes and admiring coral reefs.

Having returned to the hotel after long journeys, we simply relaxed on the beach, and later each individually chose mini-trips around on the boat, beach picnics or a visit to the local villages and nearby crocodile farm. The most delicious food – fresh seafood – was served in the nearby Coco beach. All hotels took care of evening entertainment for their guests: snake shows, acrobats, music and dancing.

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The more you travel in this country, the more African colors you can see – from poverty and trash lying in the middle of the city to nicely handled private or park areas, but I was most charmed by the wild nature of Kenya and somewhat shocked by significant difference between daytime and night-life in Mombasa. Cultural differences could be felt most while communicating with the locals.

I am glad that I had an opportunity to see this country, expand my horizons, and gain new experience.

Hakuna matata – no problems (whatever happens it is like a declared philosophy of their life)

Pole, pole – slowly, slowly. i.e. leisurely, and we – Europeans look like always on the run in their eyes.

Caribbean – welcome

Asante sana – thank you very much

Tafadali – please

Habari shepherds? – How are you?

Mzuri sana – very good.

I wish you all to visit it and say: Jambo, Africa! – Hello, Africa!

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by PTR Team Member Bill Lockhart

Photographs courtesy of Andy Biggs, copyright © all rights reserved.

This is the first in a series of recommended photographic seminars by the editors of Photo Travel Review Magazine.

Our purpose is to provide you with opportunities for photography and travel, ones which the editors of PTR believe are among the best offered.

We begin with Africa.  Africa, the ultimate dream of all photographers, whether it is opportunities for incredible wildlife photographs, or landscapes that fill the imagination.

So, what seminar is the best of the best?

The PTR editors have chosen Andy Biggs. When it comes to Africa, there is no other seminar provider who is better.

A photographic holiday in Africa is the ultimate dream of many photographers.  It is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.  When one spends lots of money to experience the dream of a lifetime, one should only consider the best.

Andy Biggs is an avid adventurer, conservationist, teacher, and outdoor photographer whose photography celebrates the African landscape and its rich wildlife, people, and culture. With a deep respect and understanding for African wildlife, Andy unfolds the world of the Serengeti onto our doorstep with striking emotional depth. His photographic safaris allow the traveler to not only enhance their understanding of photography, lighting, and wildlife, but to develop a life-long admiration for Africa ‘s beauty and culture.

In 2008, Banana Republic used thirteen of Andy’s photographs as the cornerstone of their Urban Safari campaign, and his images were seen in all 750 stores around the globe, as well as in their billboards, catalogs and annual report. Andy was also the winner of the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year in the ‘Wild Places’ category in 2008.

Andy offers you lots of different locations and opportunities for photography, all the while staying in camp sites that are among the best in Africa.

A photographic safari should be about freedom for one to shoot without worrying about how many other photographers are crammed in the same vehicle.  One of the single largest mistakes that many photographers make when going to Africa is booking travel with inexperienced operators who pack many photographers into an ill-equipped vehicle, go to the same spots that all others have photographed repeatedly, and then take one to an inferior campsite.  Not so with Andy Biggs.

Andy knows what a photographer wants and needs.  Each participant has a full seat row with the ability to move from one side of a vehicle to another.  Moreover, he brings along equipment that allows photographers to recharge batteries, view their shots of the day, and clean equipment for the next day’s shoot.  As an avid photographer himself, Andy knows what to expect in harsh field conditions.  He does all he can possible to make certain that your adventure is fulfilled.

It goes well beyond the basics of what a photographic holiday is about.  The big difference with Andy’s seminars is that he seeks locations off the beaten path.  There is nothing more frustrating on a photographic safari in Africa than to find yourself surrounded with other vehicles and an assembly of dozens of tour operators all vying for space while trying to photograph a single animal.

Andy offers seminars in Tanzania, Namibia, and Botswana.  Each destination planned superbly, with outstanding tour guides and accommodations that excel beyond what one might expect on such a sojourn.

One only needs to read the testimonials from his participants to understand just how well appreciated his offerings are.

My own experiences with Andy have been extremely positive.  Through the years as associates at Nature Scapes Net, and through numerous e-mails and telephone conversations, I have found Andy to be the consummate professional.  Friendly, helpful, positive, encouraging — all describe Andy.

Bottom line.  If you have always desired to go to Africa on a wildlife safari, there is only one person you should consider going with.  Andy Biggs is that person.

What will it cost?

It depends on where you go and when.

Currently, a 12-day safari to Tanzania will cost you $8,990 per person.

What does it include?

- All Game Park fees
- All accommodations, based on double occupancy
- All meals inclusive of restaurant staff tips
- Services of guides and drivers
- Land transportation in safari Land Rovers. Each of the three rear seat passengers has a complete seat to themselves, including access to windows on both sides of the vehicle and empty seats for photographic equipment.
- Airport transfers to and from hotels
- Internal airfare from Serengeti to Arusha
- Bottled water at all times
- $30 Tanzanian Airport departure tax, if KLM / NW ticket purchased through Andy Biggs.

What is not included?

- Additional tips for staff such as guides and camp staff
- Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, and insurance
- Hot air balloon flight of $475
- Alcoholic beverages while on safari
- Laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature
- Cost of hospitalization and evacuation if necessary

If you are concerned about the costs, consider that it cost me $9,000 per person to go to Tanzania in 2005!  And I did not go with Andy.

I met many others at camps who asked about my private vehicle.  Seems they were paying $7,500 per person and found themselves in cramped vehicles with guides who only wanted to rush from one spot to another.  I considered myself fortunate.  My entire trip was privately planned and executed.

I should have gone with Andy.

Next time I will.

Photo Travel Review Magazine Five Star Rating:  Andy Biggs

]]> http://www.phototravelreview.com/ptr-recommended-photo-seminars-africa-with-andy-biggs/feed/ 0 http://www.phototravelreview.com/guest-article-the-mountain-gorillas-of-rwanda/ http://www.phototravelreview.com/guest-article-the-mountain-gorillas-of-rwanda/#comments Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:11:21 +0000 Bill http://www.phototravelreview.com/?p=2115 Continue reading →]]> By Mike Johnson

In 2004, my wife and I went to Africa with two other couples for what we call “a trip of a lifetime.”  I was celebrating retiring from business and we visited five countries, my first time in Africa.  I was hooked.  Our trip was organized for us by Africa Safari, located in California (www.africasafari.com).

We flew from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Kigali, the capital in Rwanda.  We spent a night in Kigali at the Hôtel des Mille Collines, originally famous as Dian Fossey’s home base and later made famous by the movie Hotel Rwanda.  It was an interesting night with open windows, strange sounds and the excitement of being in Africa for the first time.

The gorillas live among five volcanic peaks called the Virunga Mountains.  The countries of Rwanda, Uganda and Congo intersect in the mountains.  Here is an image from our lodge the first night.  You really get the feeling of “Gorillas in the Mist”.  There are reported to be fewer than 1,000 mountain gorillas remaining, and none in captivity.  Our group was impressed with the apparent concern over preserving these wonderful animals.  Subsequent news from the area hasn’t been as happy as the biggest threat continues to be human encroachment of the gorillas natural habitat.

We got up very early to meet our guide from Vocaones Safaris (www.volcanoesafaris.com) and drove to the national park headquarters.  Here we met our guides.  It is interesting to note that there are four habituated gorilla families that are visited each day.  At the time, they only issue 8 permits per group for a total of 32 people per day.   I believe there are now 7 gorilla families and 56 permits issued per day.

From the park it was back to the vehicles for a short drive to the base of the mountain in which our assigned family was being tracked.  There are full time trackers in touch with the guides by radio who locate and follow the gorillas.  Once there, we pile out of the vehicles and pick up porters to help carry the gear on our trek.  I highly recommend the porters.  I think we paid them $10 per day, so they are inexpensive, but it is a lot of money to them.  And, the trek is strenuous enough.  On the first day we had to hike in the rain forest for 2 1/2 hours to get to our assigned family.

Hiking up – loose soil, lots of vines and 30-40 degrees of slope make for a strenuous trek.  There are a lot of vines and stinging nettles so, as you can see, we cover up pretty well.

Once we are close to the gorillas, we leave the porters and hike the last distance with the guides.  My memory of the first gorilla was a black ball of fur that just appeared before us.  You are very quiet as you are invading their space.  The rule was you could get within 20 feet but they could get as close as they wished.  There is concern over transmitting disease in both directions.

The Gorillas

Each gorilla family unit is headed by a dominant male, called a Silverback.

We visited two different families on the two days we had permits.

The Silverbacks were very serious.

The babies were cute and playful.

We saw a lot of different gorillas but this family was very photogenic.

The Photography

I went with my brand new Canon 1d mark II and used  70-200 and 24-70 Canon lenses.  You get pretty close and I think 90% of my images were taken with the 70-200.

The setting is dark subjects in a dark green background with unpredictable light.  We were lucky in that it wasn’t raining and we had pretty good light filtering through the forest canopy.

Be prepared to shoot from awkward positions, sometimes standing on a slope covered with a foot of vines, which are “bouncy.”

Rwanda is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited with red soil, green foliage and mountains.  The people were very friendly and we were very impressed with the level of service.  We stayed two nights at the Virunga Lodge an eco-lodge owned by Volcanoes Safaris.  There was no electricity at the lodge but our group all rated the experience as one of our top five places to stay.  It was magical drinking Tusker beer by the light of a fire.  The view of crater lakes from our  “bandas” was spectacular.

For more images go to www.pbase.com/mikeojohnson/rwanda

*****

Mike Johnson is an avid amateur photographer who enjoys mixing travel, wildlife and landscapes all over the world. He retired from business in 2004 and moved from Minnesota to Florida, where he currently resides with Jan, his wife of 37 years. Photography became a passion post retirement and we have been fortunate to see a lot of wonderful places, meet a lot of wonderful people and experience a lot of the earth’s most exciting creatures. In the past few years Mike has been trying to raise the level of his photography by joining several well known photographers on photo safaris. Grizzly Bears in Katmai, Polar Bears in Churchill, Eagles in Homer and the Big Five in Africa have all been captured. You can find Mike’s images at: mojphoto.com

Photographic Ups and Downs, South Africa

By Melanie

Speciality holiday; arranged by the renowned tour company, Explore.

Trip undertaken August 2005

Price: £2699, with a local payment of £225. (2005 cost)

(Not in their current itinerary.)

Why go?

There were two sentences in the trip dossier that led me to believe this trip was made for me:

‘On this exciting new route we combine visits to private Wildlife Reserves with classic and lesser-known national parks to provide a real contrast of game, birdlife, scenery and flora.’

‘The magnificent Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – - – - is the real highlight – - – evoking images of shimmering landscapes, rolling red sand dunes, saltpans and vast African skies.

Ideal, I thought, a combination of landscapes (my first love) and wildlife (being a complete novice) with the leader a photography specialist on hand to provide expert tuition and advice.

Itinerary:

Day 1.  Fly from London to Johannesburg.  Collected from airport by tour leader and guides. Drive to and visit the De Wildt Cheetah Conservation Project .  One night, D, B&B at the De Wildt Cheetah Lodge.

Day 2-4. Drive to Pilanesberg National Park, 2 nights D, B&B at the Bakubung Lodge Hotel. Twice daily game drives.

Day 4. Early morning game drive in Pilanesberg, followed by a drive to Kuruman Red Sands Country Lodge. 2 nights D, B&B

Day 5. Raptor Centre visit

Day 6. Drive to Twee Rivieren, Kgalagadi National Park, stopping en route for provisions. All our accommodation in the park is self-catering, with guides producing the main meals. One nights’ cottage accommodation.

Day 7-8. Drive to Nossob, with game viewing on the way. 2 nights’ cottage accommodation.

Day 9 & 10. Mata Mata . Initial plans had been to stay at the Mata Mata rest camp, instead we stayed at the Kalahari Tented Camp

Day 11. Augrabies Falls. One night, bungalow accommodation with catering by the wildlife guides.

(The plan had been to spend 2 nights in Augrabies, but the leader decided to break up the journey to Cape Town with the lure of seeing the spectacle of Namaqua Land in flower.)

Day 12. Drive to Springbok with a one night stay at Annie’s Cottage , breakfast included

Day 13. Drive from Springbok to Cape Town. Cape Town Hollow Hotel for 3 nights. Breakfast included.

Transport from Johnannesburg to Cape Town, including all game drives, was in specially adapted long wheelbase 4X4′s.

Day 14. Cape Peninsula National Park , including Hout Bay,  the Cape of Good Hope and the Jackass penguin colony at Boulders Beach

Day 15. Cape Town and Whale watching  at Hermanus.

Day 16. Table Mountain and home.

(Transport while in Cape Town was in a minibus, with local guide and driver.)

Highlights

Not having been on a safari before it was thoroughly enjoyable to see the animals and birds of Africa in their natural habitat. Among the memorable moments were: seeing a leopard catch the rising sun high on the skyline then watching it walk down the hill to cross the road in front of us,

Observing a female cheetah and her three offspring organise themselves for a hunt, watching raptors fighting, seeing the herds of elephant in Pilanesberg and hearing the lions roaring at night from our beds at Nossob Rest Camp  The animals and birds around the rest camps provided excellent photographic subjects for myself as a wildlife novice, there was more time to pursue them and you were outside the confines of the vehicle.

The colours of the Kgalagadi were incredible, as were many of the landscapes we drove through travelling between the parks. After close to a week in the dust of the desert Annie’s Cottage was a welcome gem, we were able to wash off the grime with a real bath.Cape Town was delightful, full of life and a wealth of photo opportunities.

With Table Mountain on the doorstep of the very comfortable Cape Town Hollow Hotel it was difficult to want more.

Lowlights

The real frustration of the trip was not having the opportunity for landscape photography. Outside the rest camps, picnic areas and the very sparse hide, you are not allowed out of your vehicle. Landscape photography from a vehicle, just isn’t the same as getting out your tripod and on your knees.

Our tour leader, despite the trip description, was not forthcoming with his photographic expertise. The majority of the group felt he had his own agenda, and were of the opinion he was using the trip as reconnaissance to design his own tours. He did not join us for two of our days in Cape Town but went about doing his own thing. When the best wildlife photographic opportunities presented themselves he kept his eye fixed to his own viewfinder and did not return the courtesy of moving seat to allow others to get a chance of a shot.

I was sorry we did not have the planned 2 nights at Augrabies Falls NP, as here there were walking trails and the rock formations were magical. In addition to losing a night in Augrabies, we were told we had missed the flowers in Namaqualand, we did witness many by the roadside making me question that statement.

Having looked forward so much to seeing penguins in the wild Boulders Beach was a disappointment. In order to help protect the colony, wooden walkways have been constructed; there is an entrance building where you pay a fee both of which made the place feel more like a zoo.

Recommendations based on my own experience

If you are planning photography go either with a reputable, dedicated photo guide/operator or do it yourself.

The programme covered some long distances meaning valuable ‘shooting time’ was wasted while ‘on the road’. In the future I would restrict myself to just one or two specific regions with more time to spend getting to know the area, the animals and their movements.

If you visit the Kgalagadi in the winter make sure you take some warm clothes. The trip information we were given was to take a fleece and windproof jacket as the nights could get cold. Despite that on many early morning drives most of us were bitterly cold, that the tour leader was wearing a down jacket tells you something about the organisation of this particular trip!!!

For those travelling independantly, you cannot use credit cards to purchase petrol in South Africa, make sure you have cash to hand for this.

Recommended Photo Gear

At the time of the trip I had Canon 10D and 20D bodies. I left a wide-angle (17-40L) on the 10D and used the 100-400 IS L on the 20D. Now I have the faster 1Ds MKIIN, I would take that. I would love to have a long, fast prime lens, but as primarily a landscape tog, I can’t justify the money. My advice would be to take what you will find most versatile and the best quality you can afford. If you are primarily a wildlife photographer, you don’t need any advice from me! If you have two DSLR bodies, keep your long lens permanantly fixed to one to prevent the ingress of dust onto the sensor.

Dust is a big problem, try to keep your camera covered in the vehicle and if you are not using it than keep it in a zipped bag. Take something to clean your sensor, the Arctic Butterfly is ideal.

In a shared vehicle a beanbag is indispensable. I use this one,  you can position it quickly and can keep it handy by your feet. You may consider the Ergorest.

If space is short you may be well advised to leave your tripod at home, the times you will use it are few and far between.

Peculiar to South Africa are the round pin electrical plugs needed and you will need to take your own adapter UK ,  US with you to the rest camps. Voltage 220/230 volts AC 50Hz. Visitors from the US may need a transformer.

When to go

The African winter (June – September) is best for wildlife. This is the dry season and the animals will congregate towards water. Vegetation for camouflage will be at a minimum.

Will I go again?

Explore generally provide a high quality of service and I suspect this trip was not one of their best. It has now been dropped from their program. I would highly recommend the Kgalagadi National Park, it is a true wilderness and the wildlife watching opportunites can be fantastic. Rest Camps within the National Parks of South Africa are very reasonably priced. I would love to go the Kgalagadi again, but would do the trip independently or with the help of a service such as The Tourist’s Friend .

Namibia and Botswana are next on my wish list of safari destinations, I will take with me much that I learned from this trip.

As it did not live up to its description with the tour leader lacking in enthusiasm for guidance and sharing. In the absence of our tour leader it could have easily been a 4 star trip as the wildlife guides/drivers were excellent.

Recommended Reading

Lonely Planet Wildlife photography: A Guide To Taking Better Pictures by Andy Rouse

The Power of One by Bryce Courtney (fiction)

Lonely Planet Watching Wildlife: Southern Africa

PTR Editor’s Note

From time to time the PTR Team becomes aware of unique travel adventures.  Recently the workshops offered by the Mt. Rainier Institute of Photography came to our attention.  We were very impressed with the offering of a trip to Tanzania where the organization guides participants to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.

This workshop is for those of you who are in top physical condition as the high altitude climb is not suited for photographers who aren’t ready for extreme conditions and physical challenges.

Comments from participants who have attended courses offered by this agency have been very positive.

The group also offers travel adventures at Mount Rainier.

For those of you who are looking for the path less traveled, you might check out what the group has to offer.  A brief description of the courses offered is provided below.

*****

International Mountain Guide and Photographer Adam Angel is offering some very unique photography workshops in 2009.

Mt Rainier Institute of Photography.

Join us on Mt. Rainier for fun, excitement, achievement and camaraderie. Containing more glacial mass than the rest of the Cascade Volcanoes combined, there is is no mistaking Rainier as the pinnacle of Cascade grandeur. Get to know Mt. Rainier National Park intimately with experienced instructors who have a deep knowledge of the park. This is our home mountain. Nobody can match our knowledge, access, or facilities of, to, and around Mt. Rainier National Park.

Our workshops originate at the studio of Adam Angel Photography in historic downtown Morton. We provide private van transportation for all shooting excursions, and gourmet fare along the way. For the Master Class (long class), field excursions are followed by image critiques, photoshop instruction, as well as fine art printing techniques at the studio. The Shooterʼs Class (short class) is for the more experienced photographer who is looking for field instruction, logistical support, and more time in the park shooting with good folks. Please visit http://www.MtRainierPhoto.com for more information.

A note from Adam:

Mt. Rainierʼs greatness inspires greatness in us. Ten years ago I came to Mt. Rainier to become a climbing guide. Somehow as a young adult I knew that Mt. Rainier would teach me many lessons and take me further than I could imagine. Climbing Mt. Rainier led to travels around the world, and ultimately to the desire to articulate the “sense of place” that I encountered on the worldʼs great mountains. Photography became my vehicle to show the folks back home what I had seen. Today, my goal for the institute is to foster personal growth in concert with natureʼs grandeur through creativity. The workshops that we offer take advantage of my knowledge of the mountain from itʼs icy top to itʼs lush and ancient bottom. They incorporate a nice blend of shooting time in the field and of classroom and lab instruction. All of this is packaged together in a fun, inspiring, memorable, and educational workshop. I look forward to spending time with you on Mt. Rainier this summer!

~Adam Angel
Adam@MtRainierPhoto.com

Kilimanjaro Photography Workshop: Summit and Safari

Join long time Kilimanjaro guide and photographer Adam Angel for a once in a lifetime expedition in Tanzania. East Africa offers one of the best environments in the world for an enriching cultural and wildlife experience. This is the only photography workshop in Tanzania that features a summit climb of Kilimanjaro with an experienced high altitude climbing guide and professional photographer. Many safari companies offer photographic tours or climbs of Kilimanjaro, but none can offer the expertise and experience that IMG and Adam have on the mountain and on safari.

This unique adventure offering both a climb and photography workshop together provides opportunities and amenities that will be hard if not impossible to find elsewhere. As you investigate the different options on the market, keep the following in mind:

• This is the only trip of this kind that we know of!

• Each climber will have a personal porter on the climb to carry your photo equipment.

• We will enjoy luxurious accommodations on our photographic safari.

• We will stay in some areas that will allow us to shoot very early and very late in the day when the light is just right and the animals are active.

• We limit the number of people in each vehicle to make sure that there is plenty of room for everyone to shoot!

• We will have an opportunity to take Portraits in a Maasai Village near Olduvai or Ngorongoro Conservation area.

• Our safari drivers really know the game habits and where to find the critters, and the safari lodges and deluxe tented camps we use are vintage and luxurious, a great reward after a tough climb.

• We add the benefit of a beautiful one-way Serengeti flight over Africa (easier, faster, more time to see animals, less time wasted on bad, bumpy roads). Our groups either drive out/fly back or fly out/drive back to Serengeti and then stop at Olduvai and Ngorongoro along the way, depending on the time of year (safari plans are subject to change).

• Kilimanjaro, while non-technical, is very high and must be taken seriously. Climbers are at health risk from the altitude. We always have a Gamow (hyperbaric) Bag, pulse oximeter, and supplemental oxygen in case of Altitude Sickness. A couple hours in the bag can turn around Acute Mountain Sickness before it forces you down or becomes life threatening.

• Our climb is led by a top-notch American high-altitude mountain guide. The African “guides” do a great job, but if you have a problem at 18,000 feet, it’s good to know that you have a real pro with you, one well-trained in all elements of climbing as well as wilderness medical procedure.

• We have a first class staff of African guides and porters, all local people from the Chagga tribe who live right at the base of Kili. Many of them have been on dozens of IMG trips over the years. They know we’ll be coming back, they like working with us, and they deliver top service.

• We don’t rush our ascent! Our program gives you a seven-day climb. We have learned that the extra time is well worth it for a successful and fun trip to 19,340 feet, giving climbers a far greater chance of standing on top and far less chance of altitude sickness.

• For comments from past trip participants, please see:  http://www.mountainguides.com/comments.shtml

• IMG is proud of the track record we have established over the last 20 years with our
Kilimanjaro trips and we know that we offer a fantastic trip for the money. Our photography workshop, climb and safari is simply a great program! We hope you can join us on one of our future Africa trips.