Maasai Mara Photo Trips 2015

This year marks C4’s 7th consecutive year with Entim Camp in the Maasai Mara. The Mara never comes with disappointment, hence our successive photo trips to this wilderness region of Kenya over the past years.

 

Not only does the Mara provide photographers with an unlimited supply of phenomenal wildlife sightings and suburb lighting conditions, we are also fortunate enough to be guided by some of the Mara’s finest field rangers. Over the years C4’s professional wildlife photographers have provided the field rangers at Entim Camp with photographic training and tutoring, to ensure that our clients are provided with the best possible photographic experience.

 

C4 run two types of safaris to Entim Camp in the Mara, the Classic Photo Safaris and the Premier Photo Safaris. On both safaris, unless designated, you will have a personal, qualified guide that will conduct you through your safari with information and knowledge on the ecology of the habitat. The Classic Safaris can host up to 12 guests per trip with two photographic guide’s hosting the trip. The Premier Safaris are designed to give you the highest possible photographic safari experience; hence we have minimized the group size to no more than 6 guests per trip accompanied by three highly experienced photo guides.

 

Between our professional photographic guides Shem Compion, Greg du Toit, Isak Pretorius, Albie Ventre and Andre Cloete over 20 seasons have been spent in the Mara, giving the guides ample time to map out their favourite spots as well as the most productive game viewing areas on the reserve. Over this period strong working relationships have been built with the local field guides at Entim Camp, making our guided experience seamless.

C4 will be hosting 7 trips to Entim Camp in the Maasai Mara this year, to read more on these trips take a look at our photo calendar for the year here:

http://www.c4images-safaris.co.za/photo-safari-calendar-dates.asp

 

Here are some images taken during our 2014 Maasai Mara photo trips, we look forward to having you join us in this wilderness paradise soon!

 

 

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True Wilderness in Laikipia

With 1 million hectors of true wilderness heaven, one can only imagine the masses of wildlife that roam the landscape of Laikipia. Laikipia situated in Northern Kenya is the eco tone between East African Savannah and the Chalbi Dessert, thus creating a unique environment ideal for wildlife to thrive in. With the combination of large open plains, wooded landscapes and huge granite protrusions one is spoilt with a diverse array of landscapes.

 

The Beautiful Wilderness of Laikipia

 

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Southern Serengeti Calving Season

Words and Images by C4 Guide Albie Venter

Contrary to what many believe, the great migration never really starts nor stops ever. It is a perpetual movement of the mega herd of herbivores comprising wildebeest, zebra, and some species of gazelle. One of the main events on our safari schedule is the annual calving season during the months of February and March in the southern Serengeti. Here we caught up with the herd in a beautiful location in the southern woodland. Africa’s quintessential plains meet with the woodland and create a feature-full landscape of flat topped Acacia woodland interspersed with scenic Granite outcrops. These Granite kopje’s adds additional flavor and on them we often encountered prides of Lions, scenes reminiscent of Disney’s the Lion King.

A Scene out of Disney's Lion King! A pride on a Granite Koppie!

Quintessential East African Sunrise.

A chorus of Cape Turtle dove calls welcomed the day each morning as we travelled through the woodlands and we were treated to some of Africas most quintessential sunsets.

Our first afternoon had us photographing a pride of lionesses with no fewer than eight cubs all playing in the last rays of the setting sun.

All the large predators were present in numbers and we even witnessed a pair of newly independent Cheetah siblings taking down a wildebeest calf. Lions with cubs playing in golden light, a large male leopard and animals beyond count all contributed to a very memorable trip.

One of the Serengeti Special endemics, a Grey Breasted Spurfowl greeting calling at the end of day.

A big highlight was upon our return to camp one evening our chats were interrupted by a lioness walking nonchalantly through camp. And being a group of photographer one would imagine at least one good image between the lot of us. But alas...nothing to prove the sighting.

A Tawny Eagle taking off in early morning light.

Something I personally take real pleasure from is the fact that birds of prey were present in both species diversity as well as numbers. And although it is difficult to do proper birding during a safari in one of the worlds predator hotspots I did manage to tick off more than 120 species.

The smaller predators such as this pair of Bat Eared Foxes also added to the remarkable diversity of wildlife.

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Lake Nakuru

Words and images Albie Venter

This small little park on the outskirts of Nakuru town in Kenya’s rift valley never fails to surprise me. Probably not the wildest place in the world as one can see the outlying developed areas from most places in the park it certainly punches way above its weight in terms of photographic opportunities. One of the most remarkable phenomena is the incredible rise of the water levels. There are a few explanations for it but it is possibly resulting from increased freshwater inflow into the lake due to high rainfall. This results in lowering the salinity of the water, which in turn reduces the “salt flats” which then degrades the area as a feeding spot for the myriad flamingoes and other waders. Currently the lake shore has reached the entrance gate, submerging all the original offices and the rising water levels have drowned hundreds (thousands?) of mature Fever Trees along the lake edge. The lack of numbers of waders notwithstanding, this easily accessible park still features highly on photographers hit list.
 

One cannot really ask for more. A scene out of a Kipling fable. A beautiful female leopard high up in a Fever tree forest. 

The enchanting Fever Tree Forests combined with the frequent early morning mist creates stunning photographic opportunities, reason enough to visit this Park.

Again the mist is the deciding factor. Here a white rhino feeds on the "floodplains" next to the lake while a flock of waders pass overhead.

 

However to see the big cats within such close proximity to built up areas is truly a testimony to the conservation success and tolerance of neighboring communities. During our recent travels we saw several lion prides, Leopard, the most memorable of which was perched regally in a golden Fever Tree Forest as well as a remarkable sighting of a Striped Hyena.

Birds never disappoint and in addition to a new lifer for me in the form of European Shoveller, I also saw a spectacular and always special Narina Trogon.

Even though we were not really even looking for the big cats, we caught up with several prides of lions.

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C4 Guides Top Shots from the Mara

This year C4 spent 6 weeks in the Masai Mara leading photo tours. It was our 6th consecutive year of hosting these photo tours. Our camp ran beautifully, the location as always, was perfect and we had exceptional sightings.

Our guides are Mara specialists who have all spent many seasons leading photo tours in the ecosystem.

When on safari we believe in quality over quantity and get out guests to take images at excellent sightings in beautiful light.

These are a selection of the C4 guides' images from this year in the Mara. Enjoy and please share amongst your friends.

On the next blog post we will be putting up our clients images from their experiences in the Mara.

Albie Venter (www.africa-unlocked.com)

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Trip Report: Masai Mara October 2012

Words and images by C4 client, Willem Kruger. What an amazing trip! That is all I can say about our trip with Albie Venter and Greg du Toit (organised by C4Image-safaris) to the Masaai Mara. Words cannot really describe the experience but hopefully my photos would be able to tell some of the stories. Therefore, I am not going to write too many words – just enjoy the journey with me.

Even though we arrived in Kenya a day late for the photographic safari due to our previous committed weekend trip to Giants Castle in the Drakensberg, it was still another experience of a life-time. Some people will ask: “The Masaai Mara and the migration/crossings in October?” Well, like it is put on C4’s website and how true it was: “We have booked this specific date, later in the season when all the tourist traffic has reduced yet the migration is still the Mara.” I’ve decided not to do this trip report according to what we did every day but rather looking at the type of photographic opportunities we’ve encountered and experienced. Therefore, just the following details on our daily routine. Wake-up around 05H00, to start the morning drive around 06H00 before sunrise. Looking for some interesting photo opportunities with the rising sun and every day we were not disappointed. After the initial early morning photo shoot, it was driving around looking and listening for some interesting sighting. Around 10H00 we’ll stop for a picnic breakfast. After breakfast we’ll slowly make our way back to camp for a nice lunch (around 13H00) and a relaxing early afternoon downloading the photos onto our laptops or doing some macro photography. Afternoon tea was at 15H00 and back onto the vehicles again around 15H15 looking for some action. Just to return around 18H30 (just after sunset but not yet dark) at camp for a relaxing time around the fire, a photo and lecture session by Albie or Greg regarding their experiences with wildlife photography. Great sessions, guys and thanks again. Now, let’s start with the early morning photo opportunities and here are a few examples – I’ve struggled with it as it was not easy to get the shots and the post-processing was even more difficult. But Albie was always available to assist and to advise.

The next photo opportunity was the serval (Tierboskat). Twice during our stay we had the unique opportunity to take some (very close-up) photos a serval. On the first day after a rain shower on our way back to camp – the serval was just walking slowly through the grass, very relaxed. The second encounter was on Day 5 – also in the afternoon – and it was hunting. Wow, what an experience!! Here are some of the photos- the hunt was unfortunately underneath some bushes in a grassy area. Nevertheless, the experience was – again – once in a life time.

How about some of the shots taken around the camp area? I was lucky with this shot as my wife directed me towards this Burchell’s Starling with its catch while we were waiting to leave on our afternoon drive. I think this is the first time I’ve taken a photo with my 600mm shooting without any support – “handheld” with success – as there wasn’t time to look for any type of support. Just a quick aim and shoot before it took off with its lunch. Not easy taking a shot with a heavy 600mm handheld.

There were some many opportunities for some macro photography around the camp – like this chameleon Albie brought to our attention. Unfortunately we didn’t use all the opportunities but we got a few shots of the chameleon with the assistance of some flash light (another first for me – macro photography with a flash light.

One cannot leave the Mara without a landscape photo or two. We experienced rain during our first few afternoons and this type of weather creates beautiful landscape scenes like this one

During this particular afternoon we did not see any major activities, so we’ve asked Pedro (our local guide with Albie) to pose for a photo or two and we practised (once again) our photography skills with fill-in flash.

And not to forget the tree(s) of the Masaai Mara – or the absence of the trees:

Next up is the big cats – the cheetah and the lions. First the cheetah mom and her cub kept us entertained for hours. Even jumping up the vehicle of Greg’s group looking for a possible hunting opportunity. The photo below was taken in the rain and the light conditions were horrible – just to show the potential of the Nikon D3S camera to handle high ISO levels. I did not use any noise reduction whatsoever in the development of this photo.

We were also very fortunate to meet the famous Marsh pride of lions – for those who followed the “Big cat diaries” series on TV. The two pubs below are part of this famous price – unfortunately no signatures up for grabs.

And on the last afternoon – lions feeding on a wildebeest carcass and this lady had some trouble with the flies.

And next up what this trip is all about but we did not expect to see many – but we were hoping to experience it – the migration and the crossings. How lucky can one be!!! I am not really going to comment but just to say we saw about four crossings during our stay of which three happened next to our camp (about 300m to walk to the river and enjoy the spectacular scenes). One crossing lasted for about 1 hour and after 45 minutes of shooting (about 1000 photos), I’ve just decided to put down the camera and enjoy the moment. First the gathering on the other side of the river banks – I’ve never seen so many wildebeests together. They were all over the place – as far as the eye can see – full 180 degrees

Then the dust as the wildebeests started to move down to the river.

And then the crossing itself – I saw it several times on TV but this was my first real experience. And I did not realise it was so chaotic. The wildebeests and zebras swimming across the river and some turning back, others still undecided what to do. And then there were the lions as well taking advance of this chaotic situation catching a wildebeest or two. Luckily (but not so lucky for us as photographers) the crocs were just lying there sleeping – not bothered by the crossing).

And I wanted to capture the emotion of the crossing with some close-up shots. See and decide for yourself

Another successful trip organised by the wife (she is the photographer in the family – I am just tagging along), thanks Liefie. What an experience. I’ve already entered some of these photos into competitions as well as national & international salons and I’ve received a few acceptances along the line. There are some many great shots taken during this trip – this is just a small selection of those I liked. Message to take home: In the past few months I came to realise: It is not just about photography or getting THE one and only shot. It is all about enjoying the moment as well as enjoying what Mother Nature is offering us. One needs to relax and enjoy Nature around us. This is now my second trip with C4Image-safaris and during both trips I had the same experience. This time Albie and Greg made me to – once again – realise there is more to photography than just getting the shot. It is all about the experience of getting the shot. It is all about learning about nature and not only about the shot itself (the photo is just a bonus). The reason why I’ve put down my camera during one of the crossings and just enjoying/living the moment. Until my next trip (Mokala – November 2012), keep on shooting
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Masai Mara feedback

C4 client, Virginio Sanches has just returned from a splendid week of photographing in the Masai Mara with C4 guide Albie Venter. Below some images from their safari.

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Africa Geographic feature - Albie Venter

One of C4 Images and Safaris' guides, Albie Venter, was recently featured in the Africa Geographic magazine. Albie leads various tours for C4, including tours to the Masai Mara, where the images featured, was taken. Read more about Albie here.



Click here to download the pdf.


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Sabie Sands Wildlife Photography Workshop by Albie Venter

For the past few months we at Africa Unlocked have presented the very popular C4 Images and Safaris wildlife photographic courses in Hoedspruit in the Lowveld. This past weekend we have had the wonderful opportunity to host the course on a private concession in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve adjoining the Kruger National Park, an area encompassing more than 2 million hectares! This acclaimed region didn’t disappoint as within the first two game drives we managed to log up all of the big five!! Quite a feat considering the course only officially started on the Saturday morning, well after our second game drive!





It’s always such a pleasure hosting likeminded and very enthusiastic photographers and from my side a huge thank you to you all who made the stay in the “Sands” so enjoyable. In order to maintain our high level of personal attention all future courses will be limited to small groups only.



Some comments from the participants:

The course was very educational and I found the subjects help full. The course material was also very use full afterwards.
The instructor has excellent knowledge of the subject. - David Bertram

The course was very educational and I found the subjects helpfull. The course material was also very use full afterwards and the instructor has excellent knowledge of the subject. - Christiaan Willemse

I can honestly say that the course was very helpful especially the following subjects:1. Light and types of light helped me a lot2. Different functions of the camera especially when shooting a fast moving subject3. I learnt a lot about the camera that I use, functions that I never knew exist or have never used before - Neels de Kock

We will be hosting another course during the first weekend of April. Click here for more details or contact us directly for more info and to secure your place.



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A Photo Guide's Year with C4 by Albie Venter

I cannot believe how much time flew. I was still thinking of putting these pics up about a month ago. Well in the meantime Christmas has come and gone and I already need to process the last Kenya pics. It has been almost a full year now since I have been guiding C4 Images and Safaris trips to Tuli and in the process have come to know the many and varied moods of this remarkable wilderness.



What striked me most of this last trip to Mashatu was how everything has come full circle since my first trip in April 2010. During April the area had excessive flooding and we almost got washed down the river.
On our last visit the last of some of the pools had dried up completely leaving the hundreds of Tilapia and Side striped Barbs stranded. A feast for the numerous storks, kingfishers and Herons. We even noticed tracks of Black backed Jackals frequenting these easy pickings.



Fortunately the rains were not far and several millimetres fell during our stay bringing much needed respite, especially to the fish! The area transformed from dry dusty stubble to a parklike environment in a few days and I cannot wait to get there soon to witness the next stage of this ephemeral region.



The thought then came up that as photographers we are always so focussed in getting the ultimate shot that at times we miss the dramas in nature unfolding everywhere around us. And it is often only when you are really aware of the area when the decisive shots present themselves.

Mashatu Photo Workshop: 16 - 20 March
Mashatu Photo Workshop: 16 - 20 June
Mashatu Photo Workshop: 05 - 09 August






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Chiefs Island Report by Albie Venter

It seems like the bars are continuously raised on the safaris. Not even the heat of Chiefs Island could dampen anyone’s adventurous spirit as we disembarked the Cesna Caravan at Chiefs Camp’s bush airstrip in the middle of absolute supreme wilderness.





Once settled into our quite spectacular rooms it now feels like the adventure never stopped until our return to Jo’ies four days later. Everything from leopards carrying new born cubs to intricate painted reed frogs kept everyone busy with photographic opportunities jumping at you around every corner (if you’ll excuse the wisecrack).





Every photographer has a wish list, often not the easiest of subjects. But when Trevor wished for a leopard on a termite mound you can’t help smiling when one actually peer straight at the lens from atop one. Surreal stuff! The only real problem everyone had was not finding enough time to capture it all and unanimously everyone wished for more time in the Delta. Hopefully this will come in the not too distant future.





All of you, who made our time so much fun, as always from Isak and me, thanks a mill!! It can never be fun without great guests and we are looking forward hosting you all soon when we catch up in the sticks.





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