You are probably here at the FAQ page so that you can find out more about the Wildlife & Nature photo safaris in Southern Africa. I will do my best to provide all answers however if there is a question that you do not see and need it answered then drop me a line via Contact Us and I will answer it as best I can and add your question to the FAQ page.
This is such a deal, how is it possible that your prices are so low
I can’t tell you all my secrets, but I guarantee that the prices are real, there are no additional fees, there are no hidden fees or charges, and taxes are paid. All you will have to pay additionally is your drinks and tips or anything additional. Yes your accommodation is paid, breakfast, lunch, mid afternoon tea and dinner is included, 20 game drives with a professional tracker and guide are included, my training should you require it, is included, even the transportation to and from Windhoek airport is included. All you have to pay for is your airfare to and from Windhoek airport.
How much is the airfare to Namibia anyway
Well that depends on the time of year and specials that the airlines offer. Typically in September through the end of the year prices are at their highest , and are usually around $1800.00 round trip including all taxes and fees. Starting January through March each year SAA (South African Airways) typically offers either a 2 for 1 or a round trip airfare, at approximately $1100.00 all included, however I would check with the airlines and or travel agent, as these are past numbers, and the airlines change their rates and specials on a regular basis.
Will you post reduced airfare prices
Sure I will if I get them, I subscribe to South African Airways and they have sent me the specials when they have them. Typically these show up around November but I have seen them at all times of the year.
Are you a travel Agent
No I am not, I am an ex South African and fellow photographer, who has access to some seriously low prices in Southern Africa due to ties in the country.
Do you have any formal photography training, and what qualifies you to teach
I graduated from “The New Institute of Photography” with an award of Merit, however the best instructor I have had has been experience and the school of hard knocks. As for teaching … I taught for years to the United States Marines.
How does a South African get to teach in the US military
I am now a US citizen, but we can discuss my roll as a Marine Corp instructor over a camp fire
Some parts of Africa has Malaria, do I have to be concerned
Namibia is Malaria free and with its clean air, good water, immaculate scenery, excellent infrastructure, and pleasantly warm, dry climate; Namibia is naturally healthy and invigorating for body and mind.
I have no medical experience so please consult your physician however South Africa and Namibia are of the few lesser-developed countries where tourists do not have to worry unduly about exposure to health risks. But should it so happen that you do require medical assistance – as you might in your back yard – you can rest assured that health care in towns and cities matches leading global standards. And if you require assistance in remote areas, there is a rapid, reliable flying rescue service available. As with any other destination, it is advisable that you take out travel insurance for total peace of mind. Still please check with your doctor.
I have food allergies can you cater to my needs
Please let us know what food allergies you have and we will do our level best to cater to your needs
Is this Safari or a photography workshop, I ask as my wife is not interested in photography but loves wildlife and nature
For some it will be a workshop for some it will be a Safari and for others it will be both, there will be 4 3 hour or longer workshops and question and answer sessions that you can attend should you choose, and I will discuss and teach photography in some depth, however it is not the primary target of is audience. We are here to work with you on your images, guide you through shooting wildlife and nature, and introduce you to the African landscape, it’s beauty and tranquility and have you experience a once in a lifetime vacation with your partner, yet still combine your passion for photography, wildlife and Nature in unbelievably romantic surroundings. Your wife, husband or partner will not be bored, and they will get more than their fill of the animals, nature, birds and Africa as a whole. The workshops will be taught in the middle of the day, after the morning game drive and before the afternoon game drives when the light is at it’s brightest and worst photography wise. These times have been carefully selected so that everyone can not only enjoy Africa, but attend all the Gamer Drives, and the family can go on walks, what the Hippo, or simply relax with a good book at the pool. These Safaris are truly for everyone.
USA is 110v and Namibia is 240v how do I charge my camera, laptop and flash
Most new camera and battery chargers can handle both 110v and 240v, however we will have a limited number of step down transformers should you require one. Also 240v – 110v adapters are readily available in the USA for purchase and are very inexpensive.
I am a novice Photographer am I welcome
Oh for sure, there will be a whole range of skill levels, and most people are willing to help, plus I will be available for 1 on 1 training and assistance should you require it, and this will be at no additional charge. Further I will be on most game drives and bush-walks so that I can provide guidance and assistance if asked.
I heard Africa can be hot, what do I wear
Yes Africa can get hot, but the desert can get cool in the evenings, so bring thin long sleeved shirts and long pants, plus a hat to shade yourself from the sun and always use sun block, and don’t forget a jacket or sweater for the evenings, if you are going to do a busk walk or 2 then bring a good pair of walking shoes. In fact I would recommend you bring a good pair of hiking boots with you.
I have an older camera and a kit lens, will this be enough equipment
Absolutely, the guide and driver are very skilled at getting close to the wild animals and most images are shot within 100 yards of the animals.
Are the animals truly wild and are game drives Dangerous
Yes the animals are truly wild, and wild animals can be unpredictable, however the driver and guide are skilled professionals and they have been trained to keep you safe at all costs, so you really have little to fear. However you will be required to sign a waiver.
The Kalahari is a desert how do I keep my camera sensor clean & free from dust
This is a difficult question to answer, but if you change lenses do it quickly, and with your camera sensor facing downwards, but without a doubt you are going to get dust on your sensor, and if you do not know how to clean it then I will teach you how to do it correctly. Should you need, I can also recommend some good sensor cleaning kits which will make your life pretty easy.
Have you had any issues with carrying on your camera gear on a plane
I have yet to have any issues with my camera, tripod, mono-pod, lenses or batteries when carried onto the plane. I have however ever had an issue attempting to carry-on a “Rocket blower” so if you have one I would recommend that you put it in your checked luggage.
I don’t want to share a room with a perfect stranger, can I get a room to myself
Sure you can, unfortunately unlike the USA, Canada and some other countries, both South Africa and Namibia charge for accommodation on a per person basis, and if you would like to your own room, you will have to pay a single person supplement. You will find this option in the shopping cart, if this is what you are looking for then please be sure to add it to your cart.
What is your Refund and Cancellation Policy
We understand that circumstances sometimes dictate that after planning you safari you have to cancel, however we too have to make payments for accommodation, game drive vehicles, guides and so on, and they typically have a zero tolerance cancellation policy, however we still offer the following Refund and Cancellation policy.
Due to refund policies in South Africa and Namibia, plus due to the requirements of the Game Reserve, unfortunately only 50% of the deposit is refundable up to 120 days prior to the Safari.
119 – 90 days prior to the Safari, 75% of your deposit is forfeited, all other funds are refundable.
89 – 61 days prior to the safari 100% of deposit is forfeited, all other funds are refundable.
Unfortunately there is no refund for no shows or cancellation within 60 days of the safari.
Do you accept Credit cards and if so which ones do you accept
Thank you for asking, Yes we do accept credit cards and we accept MasterCard, Visa and Discover.

