Amazing clips from BBC documentary ‘Great Rift’

A very cool video, Africa’s glory! Amazing clips from BBC documentary ‘Great Rift’ (2010).

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4 DAY GREAT MIGRATION PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI WITH KAYAKING TRIP WITH INFINITE KAYAK ADVENTURES AND PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID SAFFIR

Photo Safari, Africa – 14 Days, June 7-14, 2001

We have some new info from Alan about the Photo Safari to Africa, now scheduled for June 7-14, 2011.

14 DAY GREAT MIGRATION PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI WITH KAYAKING TRIP
WITH INFINITE KAYAK ADVENTURES AND PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID SAFFIR

This trip has been specially designed to present the best photographic opportunities available. Its timing and locations will give you a chance to witness not only the great wildebeest migration, but their calving as well- with all the attendant opportunists this attracts- it is nature in the raw. As well as wildlife, the vistas presented in this ancient and diverse terrain hold fantastic landscape photography potential. The colorful Maasai are also very photogenic. In addition you will travel with David Saffir – renowned photographer and teacher. Every night David will provide you with tips, ideas, instructions and critque on your photographs to provide you an opportunity, as you travel to learn and improve your photographic abilities.

You will also have an opportunity to capture the mystery and romance of Zanzibar from the highly sculpted Zanzibar doors to the modern fish market There is also activity for those who want it, in the form of guided kayaking trips in the sheltered mangrove inlets of historic Manza Bay near the Kenyan border. This is a photographic opportunity in itself- offering some of the closest bird encounters possible, the ability to get to places that are usually inaccessible as well as the chance to study traditional wooden sailing dhows, sunsets and fishing villages.

We stay at high quality, reputable lodges throughout, chosen for their excellent locations and varied photographic possibilities. In addition to David Saffir a knowledgeable U.S. based guide will be with you for the whole trip.

Day 1: On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha, Infinite Kayak Adventures representatives will meet you and take you to Rivertrees Country Inn, a wonderful converted old coffee farm a half hour from the airport. This beautiful resort was the former home of the lodge owner.

Day 2: After a leisurely breakfast on the terrace drive to Tarangire National Park and stay at the picturesque Kikoti Lodge. This lodge located outside the park boundaries allow the chance for a walking safari and night drive as well as the chance to photograph from atop a boulder allowing a 360 degree view and a chance to photograph landscapes – while baboons climb the adjacent boulder to roost.

Day 3: Spend a second day exploring Tarangire and all the wildlife there is to see – your experienced guide will take you to the best places to see the Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Lion, Giraffe, Zebra and Wildebeest; and perhaps a Leopard or Cheetah. The baobab studded terrain forms a dramatic backdrop.

Day 4: Say goodbye to Tarangire and drive up the Great African Rift Valley into the Ngorongoro Highlands and cloud forest on the famous crater rim. Stop at various places to get the best views and panoramas. Stay at Mysigio Camp – here there will be good opportunities to intereact in an authentic way with the local Maasai, walk with them and see their way of life.

Day 5: After an early start, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater Floor for a game drive in one of the most densely packed wildlife areas in the world. At the end of the day ascend the rim and drive down onto the short grass plains of the Serengeti ecosystem. Spend the night at Ndutu Lodge. This iconic lodge is set next to Lake Ndutu- a wildlife magnet in the dry season and the usual February location of the wildebeest calving.

Day 6 and 7: Spend two more days photographing the vast and spectacular Serengeti at its best. Witness THE wildlife destination of East Africa as the migration merges with the prolific resident game for a wildlife wildebeest feast (quite literally). You will be based in the short grass plains dotted with rocky outcrops. This mixed terrain is excellent for spotting lions, leopard and cheetah.

Day 8: Take a light aircraft from the Serengeti to the Indian Ocean and land at the sleepy old port town of Tanga- one of the oldest settlements on the East African coast. You will be met by your kayaking guide Steve and taken 2 hours north up the remote coast to Fish Eagle Point Lodge. Fish Eagle Point has 6 large rooms made out of bush materials set inches away from the high tide line in its own private bay. This will be your base for the next few days kayaking and relaxing.

Day 9- 11: Continue your stay at Fish Eagle Point. There will be a paddle each day- depending on weather, experience levels and your wishes, you and your guide will decide what to do and where to paddle… picnic at idyllic isolated beaches, explore mysterious mangrove creeks, snorkel sand islands, discover some local history and culture.

Day 12: After a leisurely drive back to Tanga and take a short flight to Zanzibar ( sometimes this goes via the island of Pemba- Zanzibar’s larger but less famous sister). A taxi will take you the short drive into the heart of old Stonetown where you will stay at Kisiwa House, a converted merchant’s house, dripping with history and character, (the manageresses name is Cherhezerade!). Spend the evening exploring the intrigues of Stonetown on foot.

Day 13: Stay a second night at Kisiwa House and continue exploring Stonetown. You will be left to your own devices in Zanzibar to give you flexibility, accommodation will be Half Board. A walking guide will be provided for youto take you to all the hidden corners of Stonetown. He will also be able to arrange any other excusions for you.

Day 14: A taxi will take you the short drive to the airport for your internal flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport and your international flight home.

For a diary of Alan’s latest Safari adventures, see this link.

$6950 U.S. per person, based on a minimum of 4 people traveling in one vehicle in twin/double rooms. This trip will only run if there are a minimum of 8 attendees. The trip includes full board accommodations throughout (except Zanzibar where accommodation is Half Board), all transfers and internal flights, park fees, kayak equipment, regional medical evacuation insurance, vehicles, and English speaking guides. Accommodations are subject to change based on availability and location of the migration. It does not include international flights, drinks, international travel insurance and items of a personal nature. We strongly recommend all clients take out international travel insurance – we can advise on this if you would like. For more information, please write to me or to Alan Feldstein at email:info@infinitekayakadventures.com

Next Post From Photo Safari, Africa

Drove to Tarangire National Park after a delicious breakfast and walk around the acres at Rivertrees. Beautiful owls in the trees.

Then to Tarangire up close and personal first day with elephants, giraffes, and zebras among others. Right by the side of the road (see photo).

Photo Safari In Tanzania!

Then to a beautiful tented camp with the sound of lions at night close by – no worries they stay away from the light and have not learned to open zippers. Night sky is dazzling with a billion stars. Great photo opp.

Delicious dinner with new found friends fron Paris, Belgium, and Australia. Also Zimbabwe, Kenya and South Africa.

Today was special as I saw the happiness and awe on my client’s faces. Tomorrow we go for a walking safari and a night game drive. Should be different and fascinating.

Lala Salama (good night)

Alan Feldstein

First Reports, Photo Safari In Tanzania, August 2010

Alan Feldstein is currently on photo Safari in Tanzania and has been reporting in. Here’s his first post, sent just as he was departing:

At airport ready to begin my journey to Africa. Cameras packed. Lenses packed. Video and P&S packed. Oh yeah clothes too! Like all journeys to Africa before I am excited as I once again live my Hemingwayesqe fantasy. I can’t wait to be out in the bush with all the comforts of home – nice beds, flush toilets, GREAT food.

We’ll be watching watching and photographing prides of lions in the dry grass, graceful giraffes, elegant elephants, stunning zebras, wonderful wildebeests, and all the other myriad of creatures out there.

Africa never ceases to amaze and awe me. I love sharing it with people and watching the astonishment and excitement on their faces I look forward to giving you a glimpse as I report from our Infinite Kayak Adventures safari.

Jambo!

Alan Feldstein

His First Day:

Staying tonight at Rivertrees Lodge a former home of proprieter who was the wife of a Von Trapp. Yes those Von Trapps. She is a great host.

Beautiful 10 acres and great rooms. Late meal of potato leek soup tenderloins of beef cauliflower and beans. For desert chocolate moose. All with delicious bottle of red South African wine. And it is only going to get better. Tomorrow first day of game drive. Can’t wait!

Jambo!

Alan Feldstein