Scott DavisTravel to Johannesburg, South Africa
Jul 25
Depart from home and travel to Johannesburg, South Africa.
Desert Dunes and Wildlife
Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia
July 25 to August 10, 2022
Private Trip Available Cost: $16,850
Leader: Scott Davis
Group Size: 11
Days: 17
Safari Overview
Travel to Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia to capture remarkable moments on your camera with professional photographer Scott Davis. Visit some of the best sites to photograph southern Africa’s quintessential wildlife and its iconic landscapes. Explore regions with incredibly accessible biodiversity including Africa’s Big Five (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo) and many beautiful birds in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia and Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve (part of the Greater Kruger National Park system) in South Africa. Discover the picturesque red sand dunes and salt pans of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert of Namibia. Encounter nocturnal wildlife and stargaze during evening game drives. This safari will provide you with opportunities to capture quality images of unique African wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Study and photograph wildlife behaviors from safari vehicles and special observation blinds at South Luangwa National Park, known for large congregations of elephants, giraffes, and zebras.
- See great predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, African painted dogs, jackals, and hyenas.
- Explore Namibia’s famous red sand dune and salt pan landscapes. Hike to the top of Dune 45!
- Learn wildlife, landscape, and nighttime photography techniques from naturalist and professional photographer Scott Davis.
Itinerary Updated: March 2022
Print Trip
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 25 | Travel to Johannesburg, South Africa. | ||
| Jul 26 | Arrive in Johannesburg. | City Lodge Hotel, Johannesburg | |
| Jul 27-30 | Fly to Mfuwe, Zambia and transfer to Kaingo Camp for three full days of game-viewing in South Luangwa National Park. | Kaingo Camp, South Luangwa National Park | B, L, D |
| Jul 31 | In the morning, wildlife watch near camp and then fly to Windhoek, Namibia. | Olive Grove Guesthouse, Windhoek | B, L, D |
| Aug 1-3 | Fly to Sossusvlei, Namibia. Spend two-and-a-half days taking guided walks and driving through enchanting desert scenery. | Sossus Dune Lodge, Sossusvlei | B, L, D |
| Aug 4 | Take a scenic flight to Windhoek and then fly to Johannesburg. | City Lodge Hotel, Johannesburg | B, L, D |
| Aug 5-8 | Fly to Sabi Sand where you will enjoy early morning and evening game drives and midday safari walks. | Ulusaba Rock Lodge, Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve | B, L, D |
| Aug 9 | Fly to Johannesburg for connecting flights homeward. | B | |
| Aug 10 | Arrive home. |
Our Trip Leaders
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Scott Davis
Scott is a professional photographer specializing in wildlife, nature, and travel. Originally trained as a wildlife and marine biologist, his research and photo assignments have taken him to the far corners of the globe and all seven continents. National Geographic, BBC, Animal Planet, NY Times, and renowned magazines have used his photography. His patience for teaching and love of capturing the essence of his subjects make him one of our most popular tour leaders.
Detailed Itinerary
A glimpse into our journey
Arrive in Johannesburg
Jul 26
Arrive in Johannesburg where you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Visit South Luangwa National Park
Jul 27-30
Fly to Mfuwe, Zambia and then drive to Kaingo Camp at South Luangwa National Park. You’ll have game-viewing opportunities on foot, by private vehicles during daytime and nighttime, and from observation blinds. The camp’s network of photography blinds is perfectly situated for wildlife observation and photography. They include a hippo hide and an elephant hide that offer great views of the wildlife within this pristine environment.
South Luangwa is touted by many travel experts (e.g. Lonely Planet, Fodor’s, TripAdvisor) as being one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The Luangwa River is the most intact major river system in Africa and supports life within the park's 9,050km2. More than 60 mammal species and 400 bird species reside along the river. You’ll encounter local and incredibly varied fauna, including lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, wild dogs, and many charismatic birds like the carmine bee-eaters.
During night drives in the Luangwa, you’ll have opportunities to see leopards and many other nocturnal animals. You may encounter African civets, common (or small-spotted) genet, spotted hyenas, nightjars, honey badgers (ratels), and lions. On most nights you may hear hyenas and their plaintive, eerie cry ¬–very characteristic of the African bush.
Wildlife watching near camp
Jul 31
This morning enjoy wildlife action near camp. After breakfast you’ll fly from Mfuwe to Windhoek, Namibia where you can explore Namibia’s capital city or relax at the lodge.
Explore the Sossusvlei salt pans of Namib-Naukluft National Park
Aug 1-3
Fly mid-morning from Windhoek to an airstrip near Sossus Dune Camp to begin exploring the Namib Desert. Enjoy daytime nature drives through the famed Sossusvlei region of the desert, known for its red sand dunes and salt pans. You’ll visit iconic landmarks of this region including taking a guided walk in the Sesriem Canyon, photographing and hiking up Dune 45, and exploring the Petrified Dunes where sand has turned to stone. The landscapes here vary, including canyons with narrowly carved corridors, salt pans with old acacia trees, and vast seas of red sand dunes, making this region a natural marvel with excellent photography opportunities at every turn!
Overnight in Johannesburg
Aug 4
After breakfast, enjoy your last day in Namibia with a scenic flight to Windhoek, and then fly to Johannesburg.
Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve
Aug 5-8
In the morning, you’ll fly to Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Sabi Sand was once agricultural land where farmers bored holes into the ground for water wells. Those water wells now serve as watering holes, bringing the resident wildlife together to congregate en-mass and providing you with an excellent place to watch for predators hunting their thirsty prey.
Sabi Sand is well-known for its leopards – these particular animals are accustomed to the vehicles and so many of their behaviors, including hunting, are more easily observable here than in other regions. You may also photograph cheetah, Burchell’s zebra, giraffe, common wart-hog, and honey badger. You will also have the opportunity to see birds such as the ostrich.
Take early morning game drives to see zebras grazing in the open plains, elephant herds gathering near the water, giraffes pacing across the landscape, and lions resting in the shade. You’ll also have opportunities to get up close and personal with the animals during walking safaris guided by armed rangers and experienced trackers. In the evening, after dinner at the lodge or in the bush, join game drives in search of the elusive nocturnal wildlife and enjoy the magnificent stargazing that these remote skies offer.
Fly back to Johannesburg
Aug 9
Fly back to Johannesburg in the morning and continue on your flights homeward.
Arrive home
Aug 10
Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia
Experience the incredible beauty of southern Africa’s wildlife and stunning desert landscapes.
-22.957640, 18.490410
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Accommodations
- Flights
- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, double occupancy | $16,850 |
| Single Supplement | Contact us |
Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare (except for seven internal flights), singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
If you are a single traveler, we will find a roommate for you, but if we cannot find you a roommate, we may charge you a single supplement.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $500 |
| Second | September 15, 2021 | $5,000 |
| Final | February 15, 2022 | Remaining Balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
Until the Final Payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person, which can be applied toward another tour if reserved within six months of the cancelled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferrable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.
Included
- All leaders, transport, park entry fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional.
- Seven internal flights.
- Accommodations for the nights of July 26 through August 8.
- Meals from breakfast on July 27 through breakfast on August 9.
- All airport transfers, regardless of arrival or departure date.
- Trip Materials – information about flights, packing, entry and departure requirements, airport transfers, gratuities, etc.
Not Included
- All airfare (except flights listed as included), airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees. Round-trip airfare is approximately $1,500 between the US and Johannesburg, depending on origin.
- Passport and visa fees.
- We can arrange extra hotel nights for an extra cost.
- Gratuities – tipping is always discretionary. However, we suggest budgeting about $25 per participant per day for July 27 to August 8 with our local guides (about $325 total per participant).
- Mandatory emergency medical and evacuation insurance. For more information see travel insurance.
- Optional trip cancellation insurance. For more information see travel insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic and other beverages, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Reservation Form.
Climate
Daily temperatures in July and August vary from below freezing (32°F, 0°C) up to about 85°F (29°C) during the day with the possibility of some rain. In the last five years, the dynamics of climate change have impacted the area with an increase in temperatures, so dress in layers.
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness level is required. Our game drives require good energy levels, as some days are long. Most travel is in open-air safari vehicles on sometimes dusty and bumpy roads. You will have opportunities for short, relaxed hikes, usually less than one mile over varied terrain (sand dunes, flat areas, hilly and grassy areas, or rocky slopes) and, at times, uphill for about 20 to 30min. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
Flights
Unless listed as included, airfare is not included in trip costs. Detailed logistical information and the contact information for our recommended flight-ticketing agent are included in the Trip Materials we will send you. Please let us know if you are arriving earlier or staying later as we are happy to assist you with any extra overnights that you might want to arrange.
Flights you (or a travel agent) book: Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) by July 26. Depart from Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) late in the afternoon on August 9 (your flight to Johannesburg arrives at about 1:00pm).
Flights we book for you: Seven internal flights are included in the tour cost.
FAQ
Accommodations
The lodging ranges from modern to luxurious. For multi-night stays, you stay at very high-end camps and lodges where stunning views, modern amenities, excellent food, and extreme comfort are all prioritized. The lodges have restaurants, internet access, and laundry service. The rooms have en-suite bathrooms, private outdoor seating, as well as outdoor showers/baths – after a long day in the bush, you may appreciate a warm bubble bath with a sunset view.
Seasickness
Transportation
Conservation
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.