Wildlife tourism

Wildlife tourism is an element of many nations’ travel industry centered around observation and interaction with local animal and plant life in their natural habitats.

Nature tourism is based on the idea that the destination and purpose of travel is nature itself. Specialized forms of nature tourism focus on e.g. specific groups of plants or animals.

Nature watching and photography are rapidly expanding into new geographical regions and species.

The Power of Nature is in Your Hands.

Wildlife photography is about capturing a split second when the light and the animal behavior come together to create an emotional image.

The beauty and also the curse of wildlife photography is that one cannot change almighty Nature. One cannot change the weather and the light, where the wild animals want to go, what they want to do, and when special things happen to them.

When that moment comes, we know we have conquered nature. Maybe this is what some people mean when they say “becoming one with Nature.”

Yet one does not need to travel to these grand locations to see wildlife. If you look closer, you will see that it is all around us.

Nature is not always sunshine and rainbows. Yet if you keep looking—enduring rain and wind—miracles can happen.

“The wonderful thing about nature photography is that you are continually humbled and amazed by the delightful surprises that come from it—and horrified and disappointed when it doesn’t work as you predicted.” – Jim Brandenberg.

Photographic Safari

photographers

The Kruger National Park is legendary, known throughout the world for its diversity of species and dramatic landscapes.

With easy access to the park and a vast selection of accommodations and regions to choose from the Kruger Park is a photographers dream.

The diversity of habitats in the park, from open savannas to lush riverine forests, allows photographers the benefit of selecting preferred landscapes for their photographs. The animals in the park have adapted to the presence of vehicles which gives photographers many opportunities to get that special shot.

Equipment:

The Kruger Park is the ideal place for amateur photographers and professionals alike and any size and makes of equipment will bring results. In fact, it is not uncommon to see people using their cellphones to take pictures, so close are the animals at times. For the person wanting the best all-around lens for the park then a 300mm lens is recommended to get those just out of reach images but the Kruger is truly the ultimate park for everyone when it comes to taking wildlife pictures.

Stunning Scenery

There are a number of dramatic places in the park to stop and take photographs, including somewhere alighting from the vehicle is allowed. This adds to the attraction of Kruger as a great photographic destination. A network of roads, known as drives, traverse the park and all provide something special for the photographer. Wooded savannahs open into grassland and scenic forest roads lead to rivers, with new delights at every turn.

On guided game drives, your safari guide will stop at scenic spots for you to take photos. You will also get a chance to take some amazing wildlife photos.

Do’s and Dont’s of Photography in Kruger

  • Respect the environment and wildlife
  • Respect other patrons in the park
  • Take only pictures and leave only memories
  • Only alight at designated places
  • Obey the Park rules – they are there for a reason

http://www.krugerpark.co.za/Kruger_Park_Travel_Advisory-travel/photography-kruger-national-park.html

 

Wildlife photography tips

The day breaks, with the wind that starts to light up from early morning. I hear the windmill wheel cracking while turning slowly.

Thinking, how do the people who call themselves photography experts takes such beautiful scenery scenes? Well, it looks so easy with those grand lenses of them. But what makes that special moment to press the button? Google is wonderful to find out, but it’s about the moment you find yourself in. That perfect time and the perfect place where the particular moment or picture is captured. Many people can look at the same picture but not many people see the same picture. That makes every moment so special. Let’s look at some of the experts’ advice:

They say that the most important tip is to ‘Train Your Eye’ a photographer’s most important tool.  First, look at a scene, close your eyes and open them again. Does the scene cause the same effect as when you first saw it?  Go for walks and practice framing in your mind different scenes.

Beginners photography:  it can be overwhelming because photography is about more than pointing a camera and pressing a button.  It’s about getting a shot to match your vision.  Don’t shoot your subject straight at eye level every time.  Change your elevation, your angle, your distance.

That golden hour occurs generally about an hour or so before sunset and an hour after sunrise and produces some of the gorgeous light ever.  At that moment you should start taking your landscape shots.

Get in close, the closer you are to the subject, the better you can see facial expressions too.

Shoot every day as much as you can that is the only way you can practice your skills.  Before you raise your camera, see where the light is coming from, and use it to your advantage.  If it is an extremely bright day outside and the sun is creating harsh shadows on your subject, switch on your flash.

Be present, make eye-contact, engage and listen to your subject.  With the eyes – lower that camera and be human.  Bring the camera up for a decisive shot.  Keep it simple, don’t try to pack too many elements into your image; it will just end up looking messy.  Shade can be your best friend.  If there is no way you can make the available light work for your photo, shoot in the shade.

Never shoot with the sun directly behind you.  It creates boring, flat light on the subject.  If you shoot with the light source to the side or behind the subject, you are able to shape with the light, creating a more interesting photo – Patria Jannides

With time, patience and perseverance, you will get better; with each and every photo you take!  Make jokes, natural smiles on photos are much better than to say: ‘smile’.

Break the rules, experiment and have fun.  Learn from your mistakes and make memories where ever you go!

Wildlife Tourism

Nature tourism is based on the idea that the destination and purpose of travel is nature itself.

Specialized forms of nature tourism focus on e.g. specific groups of plants or animals. Wildlife tourism is an element of many nations’ travel industry centered around observation and interaction with local animal and plant life in their natural habitats.

Wildlife photography is about capturing a split second when the light and the animal behavior come together to create an emotional image.

The beauty and also the curse of wildlife photography is that one cannot change almighty Nature. One cannot change the weather and the light, where the wild animals want to go, what they want to do, and when special things happen to them.

When that moment comes, we know we have conquered nature. Maybe this is what some people mean when they say “becoming one with Nature.” Yet one does not need to travel to these grand locations to see wildlife. If you look closer, you will see that it is all around us.

Nature is not always sunshine and rainbows. Yet if you keep looking—enduring rain and wind—miracles can happen.

“The wonderful thing about nature photography is that you are continually humbled and amazed by the delightful surprises that come from it—and horrified and disappointed when it doesn’t work as you predicted.” – Jim Brandenberg.

The Power of Nature is in Your Hands!

Experience the Augrabies Falls in the Northern Cape

The Augrabies Waterfalls are situated 120 km west of Upington, in the province of the Northern Cape, South Africa.  The Khoi call the Augrabies Falls Aukoerebis, which means ‘the place of the Great Noise’.  Consequently, the ‘Great Noise’ refers to the Orange River thundering its way downwards for 60 meters in a spectacular waterfall.  You have to experience it for yourself in order to fully understand this meaning.  The contrast of the waterfall within the desert setting provides a moving and absorbing experience. This is particularly true when there has been plenty of rain and the Orange River is overflowing.  As a result, the waterfalls seems to increase in its splendour.

The waterfalls also form part of the Augrabies Falls National Park.  The Augrabies Falls National Park is one of six South African national parks in the Northern Cape.  In addition, it follows the course of the Orange River from just outside Kakamas to the Namibian border, spanning more than 800km² (http://www.southafrica.net).

Activities at the Augrabies Falls

The national park is home to a couple of rock formations, including the Moon Rock.  This is a large, but weathered granite dome that towers about 30m above the park.  It provides a fantastic all around view for those that are prepared to tackle the summit.  Other viewpoints include Oranjekom, Ararat, and Echo Corner.

Except for the spectacular sight of the Augrabies Waterfall, one can enjoy a variety of activities and adventures in the surrounding area:

  • Waterfall viewpoints that are walking distance the restaurants.
  • Game viewing at leisure using own vehicle.
  • Nights drives can be booked directly from the park.
  • Mountain bikes are also allowed inside the park provided cyclists remain on the official roads.
  • The Wilderness Road is 94km long and will take approximately 6 hours to complete in a 4×4 vehicle. There is a scenic picnic spot halfway along the road with ablution and braai facilities.
  • There are several panoramic viewpoints inside the park.  They all provide great views of the park, the gorge, and the Orange River. These points also provide great opportunities to spot the local birdlife.
  • Rafting and canoeing
  • Flyfishing

The best time to visit Augrabies is from March to May when the temperatures are slightly cooler and the river is at its maximum flow after summer rainfall up in the Lesotho catchment areas. The falls is a easy day-trip from Upington.

 

Sources:

http://www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-southafrica.net-augrabies-falls-northern-cape

https://www.roughguides.com/destinations/africa/south-africa/the-northern-cape/the-kalahari/augrabies-falls-national-park/