• Canon EOS 1DsMkIII Camera Body
• Canon EF 28-300mm f4.5-5.6L IS lens
• Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS lens
• Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8L lens
• Canon EF 50mm f1.4 low light portrait lens
• Canon EX 540 flash
• Spare Camera battery
• Flashlight
• CF Card Pouch
• Cable Release with intervalometer for timelapse

I do carry a spare body [Canon 7D] in a small Camelbak pack along with my laptop, chargers, cables, etc. Both these bags come with me on the plane so in the event that my luggage goes astray I can still operate at 100% photo capacity.

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hokkaido red fox

winter wildlife in japan, feb 23 – march 9, 2013

Field Instructors: Jeremy Woodhouse & Jon Cornforth
Saturday, February 23 – Saturday, March 9, 2013

Maximum of 8 people. 5 spaces available

$6,500 pp sharing, $500 single supplement (if rooms are available)

itinerary

Pre-Trip – Feb 23 – Feb 24
Depart USA. Arrive Tokyo Narita. Please take the free shuttle bus from Terminal 2, Gate 26 to the Hilton. You will have to make your own reservation at the Hilton (link below)
Overnight Hilton Hotel, Narita

Our tour officially starts at 7:00AM in Tokyo on Monday, February 25 and ends in Tokyo on the afternoon of Saturday, March 9. You should plan to be at the Hilton Hotel, Narita by the afternoon of Sunday, March 24. Please follow the above link to make your Sunday night reservation on-line where you will get a much better rate.

Day 1 – Feb 25
Limousine Bus to Tokyo Haneda Airport. We catch our flight to Kushiro on the island of Hokkaido, where we will pick up our rental vehicle. It is a short drive to Tsurui where we will spend the next three nights with my friend Makoto Ando, owner of the Hickory Wind Wilderness Lodge, and his wife Shinobu, who just so happens to be a wonderful cook. Crane Photography
Overnight Hickory Wind Hotel, B & D

Day 2 – Feb 26
Crane Photography. International Crane Center. We will have various opportunities to photograph snowy landscapes as well as resident red foxes if we are lucky.
Overnight Hickory Wind Hotel, B  & D

Day 3 – Feb 27
Crane Photography. International Crane Center. You will have another chance to photograph white-tailed eagles (and maybe a steller’s eagle) in flight when they feed fish to the birds.
Overnight Hickory Wind Hotel, B & D

white-tailed eagle in flight

Day 4 – Feb 28
Travel to Rausu. Landscape Photography
Overnight Hotel Rauskuru, B & D

Day 5 – March 1
Early start to take the cruise out to the ice floe to photograph Steller’s eagles and white-tailed eagles. The rest of the day we will explore the peninsula looking for scenics and wildlife. Eagle Photography. Landscapes
Overnight Hotel Rauskuru, B & D

Day 6 – March 2
Early start to take the cruise out to the ice floe to photograph Steller’s eagles and white-tailed eagles. The rest of the day we will explore the peninsula looking for scenics and wildlife. Eagle Photography. Landscapes. Fish Owl Photography. Landscapes
Overnight Hotel Washi No Yado, B D

Day 7 – March 3
Eagle Photography (3rd session optional – price not included) – (make-up bad weather day – price included). Please understand that we cannot control the weather and that if we are unable to take any of the cruises we will try to find wildlife for you to photograph in other locations.

steller's eagle in flight

Early morning departure to Lake Kussharo to photograph the whooper swans. Landscapes along the way.
Overnight Hotel Misono, B & D

Day 8 – March 4
Swan Photography. Early morning shoot at Lake Kussharo to photograph whooper swans. We will also visit the caldera lake Mashu where will have views of the Shiretoko Peninsula on a clear day. We will cruise the area looking for landscape opportunities. Evening shoot at Lake Kussharo
Overnight Hotel Misono, B & D

Day 9 March 5
Swan Photography. Early morning landscape shoot at Lake Mashu. We will spend the rest of the day in the area looking for more landscape opportunities. Hopefully there will be an extreme freeze and trees will be covered with hoar frost. Evening shoot at Bihoro Pass.
Overnight Hotel Misono, B & D

whooper swans

Day 10 – March 6
Flight back to Tokyo Haneda. Limousine Bus to Tokyo Station. Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano
Overnight Hotel Metropolitan

Day 11 – March 7
Bus to Kanbayashi Onsen. Snow Monkey Photography at Jigokudani Onsen. We will spend all day with the snow monkeys photographing their comings and goings. With luck we will get some falling snow to enhance the overall experience. Since we will be there during the week the site should be pretty peaceful and you will get some great photo opportunities.
Overnight Hotel Yamanoyu, B & D

japanese macaques in hot spring

Day 12 – March 8
Snow Monkey Photography for the whole day. There is a chance of seeing the elusive Japanese Serow foraging on the hillside above the hot spring.
Overnight Hotel Yamanoyu, B & D

Day 13 – March 9
Bus to Nagano. Shinkansen (bullet train) to Tokyo Station. Limousine Bus to Narita. Flight back to USA

tour price

$6,500 pp sharing, $500 single supplement (if rooms are available).

Please be aware that the tour price may change if the rate of the Japanese Yen to the US Dollar fluctuates too much

price includes

• photo instruction
• 12 nights accommodation
• ground transport and round trip flight to Hokkaido
• breakfasts and dinners

does not include

• lunches
• hotel in Tokyo
• international flight to Tokyo.

To book your place on this tour, please contact jeremy@pixelchrome.com
A non-refundable deposit of $750 is neede due to secure your spot

deposits, cancellations and refunds

A deposit of $750 per person is required. Payment in full is required when bookings are made less than 90 days before the departure date. Space is subject to cancellation by Pixelchrome, Inc if payment is not received when due.

If a passenger wishes to cancel they must send notification in writing to: Pixelchrome, Inc, 605 Rouen Drive, McKinney, TX 75070. fax 214-544-3012. At the time we receive your notification, the following per person charges apply:

• 121 days or more before departure: $200 cancellation fee
• 91-120 days before departure: $375 cancellation fee, plus Pixelchrome’s costs, as well as fees that are charged by the suppliers providing the services included in your tour, and/or the airlines providing the air transportation
• 31-90 days before departure: $575 minimum cancellation fee, plus Pixelchrome, Inc’s costs, as well as fees that are charged by the suppliers providing the services included in your tour, and/or the airlines providing the air transportation. Fees may range from 25% to 100% of tour costs
• 30 days or less before departure or anytime after departure: No Refund

We strongly urge you to evaluate your risk and to take out insurance on your trip in the event of weather, illness or any other emergency, which delays or prevents you from reaching your destination during your trip

The following link will take you to a company offering trip and travel insurance. Getting multiple insurance quotes for your trip value is really easy and you will receive 6 different quotes side by side so that you may compare the features of each. Insuremytrip.com

Refunds for services that are voluntarily not used by you cannot be made.

fitness and health

This trip is not strenuous and anyone who is reasonably fit should be able to take part in most of the activities. You may experience general fatigue due to the long flights and the change in time zones. You will need to be sufficiently agile to climb in and out of the tour van and should be able to carry and manage your own equipment. Some hotels do not have elevators.

If you have any special needs or any physical condition that you feel might prevent you from fully participating, please contact Pixelchrome, Inc with your concerns (469-371-5310).

You should also be aware that medical services or facilities might not be readily available during all or part of your trip. This could include emergency medical care, presence of physicians, or adequate medication

insurance

Each participant must be covered by medical insurance that is valid overseas. We strongly urge you to evaluate your risk and to take out insurance on your trip. It is vital for you to realize that if you experience a delay or find it necessary to cancel or cut short your trip for any reason, you will lose part or the entire sum you’ve invested in it.

Travel insurance helps to minimize the risk of monetary losses you would incur in the event of a delay of your departure due to weather, airline strike, missed connection, etc., your inability to travel for reasons such as illness, injury, unforeseen financial complications and other personal circumstances, or if you were required to cut your trip short for medical or any other reasons.

There are restrictions and limitations on any insurance program. For this reason, choose your insurance carefully. Check their policies regarding trip cancellation, baggage, and medical insurance. It is to your advantage to apply for insurance at the earliest possible time, so don’t delay in making a decision.

subject to change

This itinerary has been carefully constructed to assure participants the best this destination has to offer; however, should events arise that are beyond our control, activities and hotel arrangements are subject to change without notice. Above is a summary of typical areas you will explore. Since there is no possible way to visit all of them, your guides will plan each day considering the interests of the group and the weather at hand. Be assured that we will make substitutions that are as similar in quality and interest as possible.

your tour leaders

Jeremy Woodhouse

Jeremy is an outdoor, photographer based in Dallas, Texas. He spends much of each year on the road, photographing landscapes, cityscapes and wildlife. For the past seven years he has been running photo tours to destinations such as Japan, Italy, India & Mexico.

Jeremy’s photos have appeared in print all over the world. He has received numerous international awards in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition, and he was overall winner of the 2002 Nature’s Best International Photography Awards.

His images has been included in exhibitions at the Smithsonian in Washington DC, the Dallas Museum of Natural History, and the Natural History Museum in London.

His work is represented by Getty Images, Masterfile, Superstock & Spaces Images, and he is an owner of the stock photography content development company, Blend Images.

Jon Cornforth

Jon is an award-winning professional photographer whose images have been recognized internationally for their masterful composition and incredible detail.

He is compelled to express the beauty of the natural world through his photography, so he travels almost 6 months each year to challenge himself in new locations and document the unique creatures who live there. All of his images are captured in the wild.  He believes in supporting environmental groups and raising awareness through photography.

He lives in Seattle, WA with his wife, Daisy, daughters, Maddy and Chloe, and Boston terrier, Buni.

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a photographic tour to the heart of tuscany

September / October 2013 with Jeremy Woodhouse

view of the river arno through the ponte vecchio

a brief introduction

Tuscany has perhaps produced more accomplishments in art and science than any other place in history. It is the birthplace of the Etruscan civilization, the Italian language, and the age that shaped modern history, the Renaissance. Imagine a small region that could claim Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo, Dante, and Botticelli as its native sons! The first part of our trip will center on Florence, the capital of Tuscany, the city where the Renaissance began. It is a living museum of art and culture. We will explore and photograph its streets and plazas, and visit great works of art and architecture. A short drive from Florence transports us into the beautiful Tuscan countryside.

You will stay in Chianti, among the best-preserved landscapes in Italy, some virtually unchanged since artists depicted them five hundred years ago. The region has large areas of woodlands, interspersed with vineyards and dotted with medieval towns high on hills and ridges. The quality of light here has inspired generations of artists. Your journey will explore this glorious land in depth. Everywhere there is something of compelling beauty, curiosity, and interest — brilliant architecture, classic Tuscan landscapes, the daily life of the people themselves, providing continuity between past and present.

Staying in the southern Tuscan town of Pienza, will allow you to photograph the wonderful landscapes that surround this town, in early morning and afternoon light. You will also photograph the streets and alleyways early in the morning light before other visitors arrive. There will also be time to explore some of the other charming areas in this region, including vineyards, wildflowers, and medieval towns high on hills and ridges.

rural tuscan scene outside pienza

The accommodations that have been chosen combine simple elegance with excellent location. In Florence, you will stay at a small, family-run hotel in an ideal location. Centrally located in a quiet neighborhood, yet just a fifteen-minute walk from the major sites of the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo. In the Tuscan countryside, you will stay at the Villa Rosa di Boscorotondo, a meticulously restored country villa. Situated in the famous Chianti region, Villa Rosa is set among rolling hills that are dotted with vineyards, forests, olive groves, quaint villages, and stone farmhouses. It provides an absolutely perfect location for country walks and day trips to Tuscan hill towns and villages. You will have a light breakfast before departing for the day and return to a traditional Tuscan meal in the evening. From there we move to Pienza, staying within walking distance of the city walls.

Those wishing to extend their stay will travel via train to Cinque Terre National Park, where we will spend the next four days exploring the small villages by foot and train. The park located in northern Italy, boasts of ten miles of sheer rocky coastline, terraced hills, and vineyards sloping steeply down to the sea. Five little villages are built into the rocks between the beach and hills. Century old footpaths and mule tracks wind about 500-1000 feet above sea level, leading through the natural landscape. Each village has its own character, yet we will explore each of them just a few minutes apart by train, photographing the village scenes, the locals, ending with sunsets over the Mediterranean. Tour companions who are not photographers are always welcome.

There are interesting aspects of Italian life waiting to be explored in every location. In Florence, the countless museums, churches, markets, restaurants, and stores within walking distance of the hotel, make the city a desirable destination for any traveler. The quaint Tuscan villages offer wonderful landscapes, local markets, piazzas, and small shops to be enjoyed by all who might like to sketch, write, or simply appreciate the culture of Italy. The trip’s leisurely pace will provide ample opportunity to wander through medieval hill towns, and feast on the renowned regional foods and wines.

highlights of the trip

• Various photo education offered by Jeremy Woodhouse. Maximum of twelve participants to ensure quality instruction and enjoyment.
• Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, with the rich tapestry of history depicted in its architecture, sculptures, and paintings.
• A stay in the Tuscan countryside, much of it unchanged over hundreds of years: mile after mile of orderly rows of grapevines, cypress trees piercing the skyline, the village or fortress town that crowns nearly every hilltop.
• An optional extension to the exquisite Cinque Terre National Park, bounded by sea and hills, the area offers incredible panoramic views and quaint villagescapes.

your photo tour leader

Jeremy Woodhouse Jeremy loves to travel. Since 1998, when he left a job as a graphic designer, he has traversed the globe in search of stock imagery. Having fully embraced digital photography, he feels that his creativity and productivity have increased manyfold. Although his first love is photographing wildlife, he is very pragmatic about his photography; his main focus, in recent years, has been on cityscapes, landscapes, and travel imagery.

As an owner of the recently-established stock photography content development company, Blend Images, the world’s leading multiethnic commercial stock agency, he is investing more time photographing people and lifestyles. Over the years he has received many awards in photographic competitions, including the BBC Wildlife Awards, Nature’s Best Magazine, The Valley Land Fund, and most recently the 2007 PDN/National Geographic Traveler World in Focus Travel Photography Competition. Getty Images, Blend Images, and Masterfile, Inc in Canada represent Jeremy’s images.

For the past 6 years jeremy has been running tours to such locations as Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Japan & India. Future destinations include Colombia, Burma, and Namibia

To see more of Jeremy’s imagery go to www.pixelchrome.com.

itinerary

Day 1 USA

The tour program will begin Day 2 in Florence. U.S. participants will need to depart Day 1 for overnight flight to Florence, taking a taxi from the airport to hotel.

day 2 – arrival in florence
We will meet early evening at the hotel for an orientation.

Overnight Hotel Magenta (Dinner)

day 3-4 – the magic of florence
The next two days will be spent exploring Florence. After a light breakfast each day, we will outline the day’s activities. Some might want to take in a museum, such as the Uffizzi. Others may want time to wander the streets towards open-air markets or artisan’s shops.

A sunrise walk will be planned each day prior to breakfast, an excellent time to photograph Florence, as it prepares for another day. On one morning, we may walk up to Piazza Michelangelo for sunrise views over the city. Being in the heart of Florence, our hotel affords us a perfect location so that daily excursions can easily be accomplished on foot. The famous Ponte Vecchio, the most popular and oldest bridge that spans the Arno River is within fifty yards, just beyond are the massive Pitti Palace, originally built in the fifteenth century and the Boboli Gardens, a maze filling acres of gardens and sculptures.

view of the arno river from piazza michelangelo

We will take sometime to photograph Florence’s town square, the Piazza della Signoria, and the Duomo, a magnificent cathedral, whose massive dome was designed by Brunelleschi. The cathedral offers endless facets and details to explore. If you feel adventurous, climb to the dome’s cupola or to the top of the adjacent tower — the four hundred steps are worth it for a truly breathtaking scene! We will also visit lesser known points of interest: markets and artisan shops, and areas where scenes of daily life are played out in the squares and streets.

We will photograph sunsets along the Arno River and from the terrace of the hotel tower, or the evening lights shown on the bridges of the Arno River. There will be plenty of time with the group or to wander on your own where you may wish to visit one of many museums or attractions. Each day we will have lunch at one of the many trattorias, or you may wish to stay out and photograph, meeting the group later. In the evening, you can go to a restaurant with the group, or explore the neighborhood restaurants.

Overnight Hotel Magenta. (breakfast daily)

day 5-11 – the tuscan countryside
The next three evenings will be spent in the heart of Tuscany. As we leave Florence we will drive through hills and villas of the city’s environs, making our way south. Hill towns made of golden stone sit perched upon old mountaintops, some of volcanic origin, some solid rock. The towns command spectacular views of the valleys below, and a ride through those valleys provides a close-up view of the farms, and villages. We will take time to explore the hill towns, such as Greve in Chianti, and photograph the landscape from various perspectives. Some of the villages will have their market days to photograph local color and taste the samples of the region. It is difficult to distinguish which is more fun – the photography or the tasting! It is this region that expresses the true country charm and ‘heart’ of Tuscany.

About an hour away from Villa Rosa is San Gimignano, one of the most picturesque of the Italian hill towns. It is known as the “city of the beautiful towers”. Fourteen of the seventy original towers remain, giving the town a striking appearance. Historically, San Gimignano was very prosperous back in the Middle Ages when important pilgrim and trade routes passed through its center. It also was a strategic site in the political struggles of the region. San Gimignano’s narrow streets and alleyways, courtyards, churches, Duomo, and stunning artwork provide a wealth of opportunities for you to explore with your camera.

the hill town of san gimignano

We will then stay four evenings in Pienza, a beautiful hill town that has a picturesque central plaza and was built according to architectural plans that later were used in building some of Italy’s most beautiful and famous structures. The narrow streets are lined with specialty stores, as Pienza is known for its Peccorino cheeses.

The town of Montalcino is known for the Brunello grapes that grow on its slopes and the fortress that sits atop the town.

Sant’Antimo is a nearby monastery, built around the year 1100, a splendid Romanesque abbey and church set in quite unspoiled surroundings, where we can explore the olive groves, vineyards, and natural area that surround the ancient building.

Visits to other villages, such as Montichiello, and Montepulciano, will be interspersed with early morning and late afternoon excursions to photograph the pastoral landscape that has made this region so well known amongst painters and photographers.

The countryside we will be visiting boasts some of the most picturesque landscapes, and medieval villages, and we will take full advantage of these offerings for our photographic explorations. Excursions will be based on the weather and light, with time midday to take breaks, refreshment, and learn more about photography. Jeremy looks forward to these midday and some after dinner hours to give lectures, critiques and discuss your photographic passion.

Overnights Villa Rosa and Hotel Piccolo, (breakfast daily, one winery lunch, five dinners)

day 12 – florence or extension
After breakfast this morning we will drive back to Florence. Those going on to Cinque Terre will be taken to the train station with Jeremy, and those not taking the extension will have an additional evening at the hotel in Florence, departing on your own tomorrow via taxi to the airport.

day 13 – florence – home
Those not attending the extension will depart via taxi to the airport for flights home.

extension itinerary

Please note: The itinerary below is a suggestion of just some of the things we will do in Cinque Terre. We will leave the midday times for walks, or shopping, and spend our mornings and late afternoons/sunsets out and about to capture the special light in Cinque Terre. We will be adjusting our daily schedule based on the desires of the group, and will fit as much as possible into a day to get the most out of our journey!

day 12 tuscany – cinque terre
We arrive at the train station in Monterosso al Mare, with Jeremy, who will assist us in taking taxis to our hotel for the next four evenings. Overnight Monterosso al Mare

(Hotel to be decided – breakfast each day, welcome dinner)

day 13-15 – cinque terre
Cinque Terre, “five lands”, is a National Park in Italy and is known for its picturesque location on the Italian Riviera. The five villages are unique in their situations, all but four hugging the coast of the Mediterranean, and three of them squeezed between the sea and mountains. We will be staying in the most northern town of Monterosso al Mare. Each village – Manarola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso – offers a plethora of photo opportunities.

Monterosso is loaded with small, character-filled streets in what is referred to as the old town, with the new town being on the other side of the tunnel and the mountains. Vernazza offers stunning harbor views. Riomaggiore and Manarola will provide friendly people with a chance to capture real Italian life. There are options such as boat excursions, kayaking, hiking from village to village, walking beaches, and exploring on foot that will fill our next four days. Getting around is easy; if we want to eat dinner in Vernazza, we will hop on the train and five minutes later we will be walking down the main street to our restaurant. If we want lunch in Riomaggiore, there is no problem – we take the train or hike over the hill to ‘earn’ our pasta with the region’s famous pesto sauce. It’s a delightful place to visit!

(breakfast daily)

day 16 – cinque terre – florence
We depart Monterosso al Mare, via train, returning to Florence for our final overnight. Participants may use this evening to capture additional images of this beautiful city, do some last minute shopping, or relax and prepare for flights home tomorrow. Overnight Hotel Magenta (breakfast, dinner) Day 18 Florence – Home We leave Florence, traveling via taxi to the airport for flights home.

general information

Estimated 2013 Land Cost

$4295 per person

minimum of 9 or more paying participants, shared accommodations. There will be a small group surcharge of $300 with 6-8 paying participants.

Single room supplement: $645, *single rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. We try to accommodate single travelers who request single accommodations, as well as single travelers who are looking for a roommate. If a single room is requested, we are unable to find a suitable roommate, or you are in a single for another reason, you will need to pay the single supplement.

Estimated 2013 Extension Land Cost

$1695 per person

minimum of 7 or more paying participants, shared accommodation. Small group surcharge if 4-6 participants. Extension single supplement: $695.

Transportation to and from the airport to Florence hotel will vary; therefore, you will want to budget about $25 for the taxi in Florence. You should also budget a few dollars for porterage of your bags, if required, upon arrival at and departure from the hotel.

Note: Trip pricing is based on current exchange rate between the Euro and US dollar, should these rates change significantly, there 1need to be an adjustment in the trip price.

air arrangements

Please indicate on your reservation form if you would like us to give you a quotation from your gateway city.

The main trip price includes

• Group ground transportation (airport transfers not included)
• Accommodations as detailed in the itinerary, based upon two people sharing a room
• Meals as detailed in the itinerary
• The photographic expertise and leadership of your photographic leader
• Service charges in hotels and restaurants for scheduled meals
• Extensive pre-departure information and services.

the main trip price does not include

International air fare; air fare tax; airport transfers; transportation or accommodations for those not traveling with the group; meals not listed in the itinerary; any activities not included in the itinerary, or those listed as optional; some museum and entry fees (see below); medical or travel insurance; personal expenses such as excess baggage charges, passport fees, medical expenses, laundry, phone charges; tips to your guide and staff.

the extension price includes

• Group transportation from Florence to Monterosso train station; train transportation with in the park
• Accommodations as detailed in the itinerary, based upon two people sharing a room
• Meals as detailed in the itinerary
• Extensive pre-departure information and services.

the extension price does not include

Transportation or accommodations for those not traveling with the group; meals not listed in the extension itinerary; porterage; entrance fees or other charges for optional activities; tips to your guide and staff.

deposits, cancellations & refunds

A deposit of $500 is required upon booking your trip. The balance is payable 90 days before the departure date. Payment in full is required when bookings are made less than 90 days before the departure date. Space is subject to cancellation by Strabo Tours International if payment is not received on time. Notification of passenger cancellation must be made to Strabo Tours International in writing (P.O. Box 580, Dryden, NY 13053; fax 208-545-4119). At the time we receive your notification, the following per person charges apply:

• 121 days or more before departure: $100 cancellation fee.

• 91-120 days before departure: $300 cancellation fee, plus Strabo Tours’ costs, as well as fees that are charged by the suppliers providing the services included in your tour, and/or the airlines providing the air transportation.

• 90 days or less before departure: $500 minimum cancellation fee, plus Strabo Tours’ costs, as well as fees that are charged by the suppliers providing the services included in your tour, and/or the airlines providing the air transportation. Fees may range from 25% to 100% of tour costs. Refunds for services that are voluntarily not used by you cannot be made.

a note about meals

Lunches will be informal, taken in one of the many shops that sell delicious sandwiches, pizza, pastry, and other delights. This will allow maximum flexibility, if you prefer to stay out and photograph, a set time will be given to meet back with the group. Budget about $15 per meal for lunch. In general, budget about $30-35 for an evening meal in a restaurant, including house wine. If you prefer lighter evening meals, you can get by for much less. Your guide will give you ideas where to eat if you wish to dine on your own.

focus & pace of the trip

Each of the areas we will visit has something unique to offer, and we will have time to explore them at leisure. The trip is suitable for virtually every level of photography or special interest. Although it is geared for photographers, non-photographers will get a great deal from the experience as well. The pace is suitable for anyone who is reasonably fit. To get the most out of the trip, you should be able to walk for several miles a day. There are sometimes hills to climb.

Accommodations are strategically located, however, and there are wonderful photographic opportunities available without straying very far from the premises.

Please call us at 607-756-8676 if you have any specific questions on fitness or health.

medical insurance & travel insurance

Each participant must be covered by medical insurance that is valid overseas. We strongly urge you to evaluate your risk and to take out insurance on your trip. It is vital for you to realize that if you experience a delay or find it necessary to cancel or cut short your trip for any reason, you will lose part or the entire sum you’ve invested in it (see the section “Deposits, Cancellations and Refunds” in the trip brochure). Travel insurance helps to minimize the risk of monetary losses you would incur in the event of a delay of your departure due to weather, airline strike, missed connection, etc., your inability to travel for reasons such as illness, injury, unforeseen financial complications and other personal circumstances, or if you were required to cut your trip short for medical or any other reasons. There are restrictions and limitations on any insurance program. For this reason, please read carefully the enclosed pamphlet, which outlines their program of trip cancellation, baggage, and medical insurance. Trained agents are available to answer your questions, so don’t hesitate to call the toll free number in their brochure. It is to your advantage to apply for insurance at the earliest possible time, so don’t delay in making a decision.

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Please fill out the Online Application Form. You are required to print pages 5 & 6 and to return them signed via fax or mail.

pay your deposit

To hold your spot on either trip you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of $775 (payable via PayPal – includes 3% service fee). This is to cover the extensive cost involved in reserving our accommodation and transport in Namibia.

namibia trip 1 – may 6 – may 22 (16 nights)

This trip is now FULL Please book your place on this trip if you do not plan to do the Zimbabwe Extension.

namibia trip 2 – may 27 – june 12 (6 nights)

This trip is now FULL Please book this trip if you plan to do the Zimbabwe Extension (details to come)

zimbabwe extension – june 13 – 21 (10 days 9 nights)

To hold your spot on this trip you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of $515 (payable via PayPal – includes 3% service fee).

This trip is now FULL

NB If you do decide to cancel your trip, and if we can replace you from the waiting list, we will refund your deposit. If there is no replacement available, we will be unable to refund your deposit. The final balance for the trip is due 120 days before departure

Back to the Namibia Itinerary

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the zambezi river gorge © jeremy woodhouse

9 night/10 day victoria falls, upper zambezi and hwange safari

June 13 – 22, 2013

with Jeremy Woodhouse

 where

 Starting and ending in Johannesburg, safari includes:

• 1 night in a hotel in Johannesburg on your return from Namibia
• 3 nights at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge on the Zimbabwean side of the Victoria Falls
• 3 nights at Imbabala Camp on the upper Zambezi above the Victoria Falls and bordering the Chobe National Park.
• 3 nights at Davison’s Camp in the private Makalolo concession area of the Hwange National Park.

highlights

This safari focuses on the Victoria Falls and Upper Zambezi River and the vast Hwange National Park, all areas are geographically close together, but equally diverse, so we will avoid expensive charter flight costs. The guiding standards are amongst the best available in Zimbabwe. Each camp accommodates from 12 -18 guests so a high degree of exclusivity is assured.

The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is a perfect start to a safari where you can acclimatize after your international flight and connection to Victoria Falls.

The Hwange park is regarded as one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. Well known for its large herds of elephant, buffalo, antelope and hippo, and excellent for predators. The variety of species and variety of big game is unrivalled anywhere else in Africa. Night drives are a specialty; Lion and Leopard are frequently encountered.

costs

US$ 3,965 per person sharing – single supplement $700

pay your deposit here

Please go to the following link to pay your deposit

the price includes

• Overnight in a hotel in Johannesburg on your return from Namibia
• Return scheduled charter flights from Johannesburg
• All local transfers between camps
• Bed and Breakfast accommodation at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
• Guided tour of the Victoria Falls
• Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River
• Boma restaurant dinner and drumming display
• All meals, drinks, laundry, accommodation, game viewing activities, parks and scout/guide fees at Imbabala and Davison’s camps

not included

• Lunch, 2x dinners, drinks in Victoria Falls
• Visa fees – a visa can be purchased with ease on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport
• Gratuities and purchases of a personal nature

detailed itinerary

• All camps are comfortable, small and intimate, each with en suite hot and cold running water

• The drives are in open four wheel drive vehicles, with 3 tier seats for uninhibited viewing, and no more than 6 people are taken at a time to avoid discomfort in the vehicle

• Walking trips are also included, as are boating on the Zambezi River, and viewing game from Hides, so there is a good variety and choice of activities

day 1 – 3

After spending the night in Johannesburg on your return from Namibia, you will connect to your British Airways/Comair flight BA6285 to Victoria Falls, departing Johannesburg at 1125hrs, arriving Victoria Falls at 1310hrs.

Here you will be met by Silver Tours and transferred to Victoria Falls, to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is a privately owned hotel, and is situated on its own private wildlife estate, on a hill overlooking the Zambezi River and the Zambezi National Park. The lodge is constructed of brick under thatch and each en suite room is air conditioned. There are two restaurants, a bar and terrace lounge and a swimming pool on the property, and the lodge has been recently renovated, the décor being an African Ndebele tribal theme, with vibrant ethnic colours.

Game, both big and small frequents the vicinity of the hotel and there are often Warthog grazing on the Lawn, Banded Mongoose foraging in the grounds and Elephant and Buffalo feeding outside the grounds of the hotel.

There is a waterhole in front of the hotel, frequented by game big and small. They feed the Vultures daily at 1pm, so this is a spectacular scene from the hotel, with hundreds of vultures coming down to the waterhole to feed

The sight of the Victoria Falls is spectacular, it’s best photographed mid to late afternoon, to benefit from the different light angles and rainbow. There is a free shuttle bus that visits Victoria Falls from the lodge on the hour each hour, and stops at various places in town.

The well known Boma restaurant, offering traditional meals and tribal dance, adjoining the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, is an excellent alternative dinner venue to the Makuwa-Kuwa restaurant at the hotel and we may have dinner on your 2^nd night there.

3 nights at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in a double room, with en suite facilities, on a package basis.

 package includes

• 3 nights at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge on a bed and breakfast rate in a Standard room
• 1 Boma dinner including transfer VFSL/Boma return
• Escorted tour of Victoria Falls
• Zambezi sunset cruise

package excludes

• US$ 30.00 per person Victoria Falls Rain Forest entry fee, payable direct.
• US$ 10.00 pp River usage fee to National Parks for the Sunset Cruise, payable direct.

day 4 – 6

After breakfast, you will be met at 1100hrs by your driver from Wild Horizons Safaris for your road transfer to Imbabala Safari Camp. Situated where Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia converge, 70km west of Victoria Falls, Imbabala Camp has its own concession bordering the Chobe National park in Botswana, in which game drives are conducted and is directly on the banks of the Zambezi River, offering pontoon cruises to view the game and extensive bird life (a bit of trivia – this is the only place in the world where 4 counties meet).

The lodge offers every comfort for your sojourn in the wilds. There are just 8 thatched chalets accommodating a maximum of 18 Guests, so individual attention and service is guaranteed. Each chalet has a view over the Zambezi. Each has en-suite facilities and mains electricity.

Meals are taken al fresco or in the main dining room, and are of a very high culinary standard. The swimming pool offers cool relaxation during the heat of the day.

Activities at Imbabala include 4×4 game viewing safaris in the Lodge’s own concession, walking safaris and river cruises  on the Zambezi River on Imbabala’s own pontoon – enabling close viewing of the wildlife that comes down to the River to drink as well as the amazing variety of birds that are attracted by the papyrus reeds that border the Zambezi.

In the dry season this area is frequented by hundreds of Elephant, who converge on the Zambezi River floodplain to drink.

Opposite the camp is Nampini Island, the home of the only population of Sitatunga antelope in Zimbabwe and you may view these shy animals by pontoon.

activities on offer, and included in your stay

• Cruises by boat, exploring the islands and channels.
• Game viewing drives by open 4 x4 vehicles.
• Morning walks
• Night drives
• Fishing

3 nights at Imbabala Camp, in a double bedded chalet with en suite facilities, on a fully inclusive basis.

day 7 – 9

After breakfast, transfer to Victoria Falls where you will be met by Wilderness Safaris for your road transfer to Davison’s Camp. You will be driven south on a wide tar road to Hwange Main Camp (Transfer time is about 2 hours). The transfer is very scenic and you pass tribal villages, traditional farms and also wildlife estate.

At Hwange Main Camp you will be met by your guide and transferred, game viewing en route through the Hwange National Park to Davison’s Camp. This transfer is a game viewing drive, with plenty of photographic opportunities, and you will have a picnic lunch en-route.

The drive takes you along the ‘Ho-Chi-Mhin’ trail, a famous ancient Elephant migration path. The ‘Ho-Chi-Mhin’ trail follows a line of vlei’s (dry watercourses) that leads from North Eastern Hwange south west through this vast park to the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana and onwards north west into the Okavango Delta. Millions of years ago this was a continual series of water courses linking the Kalahari with the Okavango and can be seen from space!

Davison’s, situated in the remote and private  Makalolo and Linkwasha concession within the vast Hwange National Park, is one of the few camps built within the park, and is named after Ted Davison, the founder and first Warden of the park, from  the 1920’s era.

Hwange is legendary for its wonderful array of wildlife, particularly the massive herds of elephant and buffalo, and summer sees the large antelope herds migrate onto the plains, closely followed by large predators.

The camp is built on the ground, under Teak trees, providing panoramic unique views over the Ostrich Pan with its excellent concentrations of wildlife. Accommodation consists of 9 large, comfortable tented rooms with en-suite facilities. The lighting in the rooms is battery-powered so there is peace and quiet in camp, allowing one to listen to the sounds of the bushveld instead. The main area has a lounge, and dining area where delicious meals are served. While the emphasis is on game drives, night drives and guided walks, well-situated hides or raised viewing platforms provide the ideal manner to while away the lazy midday hours, watching wildlife come down to the waterholes to drink.

There are a number of shallow pans spread throughout the Park, around which wildlife congregates, making for excellent and reliable game viewing. During summer plains game migrate onto the plains, closely followed by their predators. Elephant, Cape buffalo, sable, roan, southern giraffe, blue wildebeest, impala and sometimes even gemsbok (oryx) can be seen here.

This Park is one of the best for predators – lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah are regularly sighted, along with the smaller African wildcat, serval, honey badger, civet and spotted hyena.

Bird life in the area is prolific, with more than 400 species found, and varied as species frequent teak woodlands as well as those more typical of the drier Kalahari being present.

activities on offer, and included in your stay:

• Afternoon/Morning game drives in open safari vehicles.
• Specialist Game walks with armed Professional Guide.
• Night Game drives with powerful spotlight
• Hide sit at the hides to offer close up viewing of game coming to the waterhole to drink

3 nights at Davison’s Camp in a twin bedded tent with en suite facilities, on an all inclusive basis.

day 10

After an early morning drive and brunch, transfer to Makalolo Airstrip nearby for your Wilderness Air charter flight to Victoria Falls (the flight takes 50 minutes). On arrival in Victoria Falls, connect directly to your afternoon BA/Comair flight BA 6282 to Johannesburg, departing Victoria Falls at 1350hrs, arriving in Johannesburg at 1525hrs. Clear SA immigration, collect your bags and transfer to your flights back to the US

(International flight– own arrangements.)

There is an excellent duty free shopping mall with all restaurant and rest facilities in the transit area of Johannesburg Airport. There is a comfortable lounge and bar on the second level of the transit hall

costs

US$ 3,965 per person sharing – single supplement $700

the cost includes

• Return flight Johannesburg to Victoria Falls.
• Internal road transfers and internal light aircraft flight, starting and terminating at Victoria Falls Airport.
• Accommodation inclusive of all meals, snacks, drinks, laundry, park entrance fees and morning and afternoon game viewing activities at Imbabala and Davison’s Camp.
• Accommodation, meals and activities at Victoria Falls safari Lodge, as outlined in the itinerary.

 the cost does not include

• Zimbabwe Visa fee of US$ 30.00, payable on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport.
• Lunch, 2 x dinners and drinks in Victoria Falls.
• Park entrance fees as outlined in the package.
• Activities not mentioned in the package.
• Gratuities and items of a personal nature.

Return to the 16-day tour to Namibia

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quiver tree forest, keetmanshoop

namibia 2013 photo adventure with zimbabwe extension details

with Jeremy Woodhouse

namibia trip #1 (May 6 – May 22, 2013) FULL

namibia trip #2  (May 27 – June 12, 2013)  FULL

zimbabwe extension (June 13 – June 22, 2013)  FULL

trip application

Please fill out the Online Application Form. You are required to print pages 5 & 6 and to return them signed via fax or mail.

tour fee

Per person sharing in double/twin 16 nights

US$8,400.00 – single supplement $600

pay your deposit here

Please go to the following link to pay your deposit

our trip

Wedged between the Kalahari and the South Atlantic, Namibia enjoys vast potential as one of the youngest countries in Africa. In addition to having a striking diversity of cultures and national origins, Namibia is a photographer’s dream – it boasts wild seascapes, rugged mountains, lonely deserts, stunning wildlife, colonial cities and nearly unlimited elbow room.

A predominantly arid country, Namibia can be divided into four main topographical regions: the Namib Desert and coastal plains in the west, the eastward-sloping Central Plateau, the Kalahari along the borders with South Africa and Botswana and the densely wooded bushveld of the Kavango and Caprivi regions. Despite its harsh climate, Namibia has some of the world’s grandest national parks, ranging from the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park in Northwestern Namibia, to the dune fields and desert plains of the Namib-Naukluft Park in Western Namibia.

Our tour will take us south of Windhoek to Keetmanshoop where we will photograph the iconic kokerboom trees (known as quiver trees as the bushmen uses the hollow branches to carry their arrows). From here we will head west to the coastal town of Luderitz which will be our base to photograph the abandoned mining town of Kolmanskop, several kilometers away.

Our next destination will bring us to the stunningly beautiful dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib/Naukluft National Park. We will spend 4 nights in a private lodge which will give us early access to the dunes at Sossusvlei, including the Dead Vlei.

We then move on to the Skeleton Coast spending a night at Cape Cross – look out for black-backed jackals preying on baby seals, and may also get to see the rare and endangered brown hyaena – en-route to our next port of call deep in Damaraland, where we will meet and mingle with the local Himba tribal people.

The Desert Elephant and Desert Rhino are next on the list. Our guides will track these elusive creatures and with any luck we will will have the opportunity to photograph them along with other resident wildlife including the iconic gemsbok.

Our final port of call, before returning to Windhoek will be Okonjima. This Private Reserve, home to the AfriCat Foundation, lies to the west of the Waterberg Plateau, and its main aim is the long-term conservation of the large carnivores Namibia. You are guaranteed to see and photograph cheetah and leopard in a wild setting.

Finally, after 17 rewarding days and gigabytes of images taken we will return to Windhoek for our connections back home.

itinerary

Pre-tour – May 6/May 27
Arrive Johannesburg (JNB). Depart for Windhoek on British Airways flight BA6275, departing JNB at 1200hrs ariving WDH at 1355hrs. On arrival at Windhoek, we will be met by our drivers and local guide, in 2 adapted 7 seater Land cruisers, and transferred to the Londiningi Guest House. The Londiningi Guesthouse is situated downtown in central Windhoek, close to the Post Street market and curio and gift shops. Windhoek is a safe, clean and well kept city with wonderful German colonial Architecture, so a perfect place to get your eye into photography under local light conditions.

1 night at The Londiningi Guesthouse in a twin bedded room with en suite facilities, on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Day 1 – May 7/ May 28
After breakfast drive south for 499kms down the B1 highway via Rehoboth, to Keetmanshoop, arriving late afternoon. You will have lunch en route.

Keetmanshoop (translates from Afrikaans as ‘the hope of Keetman’) is the administrative centre of Namibia’s largest region, Karas. As with many Namibian towns, Keetmanshoop was developed around a Rhenish Mission Society, founded in 1860 to spread their faith to the local Namas tribe. It was named after the German trader Johann Keetman, who supported the mission financially. Like many missionaries of that era, they found that even though some Africans converted to Christianity, taking away their tribal beliefs was another matter. The Keetmanshoop Museum is located in the Keetmanshoop Rhenish Mission Church and the building dates back to 1895. The (Lutheran) Church was declared a national monument in 1978 and is a well-known land mark in the history of the town. It’s unique combination of Gothic architecture, cast in Namibian stone, makes it one of the architectural master pieces in the country, and a popular tourist attraction.

Situated 38km north-east of the town is the Mesosaurus and Fossil and Quiver Tree (Kokerboom) Dolorite Park, set in an area that includes the Mesosaurus Fossil Site and the Quiver Tree Forest and eroded dolorite rock formations. Here you will be able to photograph the quiver tree (Kokerboom) forest scenery in decent afternoon light.

I night at Central Lodge in Keetmanshoop, in a twin bedded room with en suite facilities, on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Day 2 – May 8/May 29
After breakfast and a morning’s photography at the Kokerboom forest, depart along the B4 highway west to Luderitz, for 356kms. En route there are with spectacular views of boulder strewn hillsides across wide open plains.  You will have a picnic lunch en route. In the late afternoon photograph Luderitz and also drive out to Diaz Point where you may see some of the many bird species that can be found here.

Following morning drive to the nearby ghost town of Kolmanskop, abandoned to the desert when the diamond mining became unfeasible in this area.  Here you will see the fascinating old buildings, still standing in the windblown dunes and spend the day photographing.  You will have lunch at Kolmanskop.

2 nights at the Hotel SeaView Zum Sperrgebiet in Luderitz, in a twin bedded room with en suite facilities, on a dinner bed and breakfast basis.

kolmanskop

Day 3 – May 9/May 30
Breakfast, Early morning leave for Kolmanskop. All day photography.
Lunch at Kolmanskop.
Dinner in town, night at Luderitz, Hotel SeaView Zum Sperrgebiet

Day 4 – May 10/ May 31
Breakfast,

The route passes through the Namib Nauklift National Park with spectacular plains and mountain scenery and there is plenty opportunity to stop and photograph en route.

Arrive at Kulala Desert Camp in the evening. Kulala Desert Camp is situated 20 km’s from Sesriem, the Park’s entrance to the Sossusvlei dunes. Towering dunes rise dramatically, more than 1000 ft above the surrounding plains. The camp’s location provides direct access to Sossousvlei, yet also offers privacy and exclusivity.

One of the most enduring impressions of the Sossusvlei area is the early morning light on the sea of vivid orange dunes, some as high as 984 feet. Nearby world-famous Sossusvlei is an enormous clay pan, flanked by the famous red sand dunes that stand out starkly against the blue sky. These dunes – the most well-known being Big Daddy or Dune 45 – have developed over millions of years, the wind continuously refashioning the contours of this red sand sea. The ‘vlei’ itself only fills after rare heavy rainfall when, in a complete turn-around, it transforms into a spectacular turquoise lake.

Afternoon activities include nature walks, drives to scenic viewpoints and marveling at the unique Namib fauna and flora in the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve. Here you enjoy access to the Sossusvlei dunes through a private access gate, for walks in the immense moving sands of the Namib-Nauklift National Park, game drives (by day and night) on the concession and stargazing.

Photography of the dunes in the early morning and late afternoon is particularly stunning with rich reds and dark shadows completing the extraordinary vista that is the enormity of the Namib Desert. Kulala Desert Lodge is situated within the arid Namib Desert on the private 91430 acres Kulala Wilderness Reserve, and is closest to the iconic red dunes of the Sossusvlei. The lodge comprises 19 thatched and canvas “kulalas” (“to sleep” in Oshiwambo) with en-suite bathrooms and verandas. Each unit is built on a wooden platform to catch the cooling breezes and has a deck on the flat rooftop where bedrolls are placed for guests to sleep under the myriad stars that Namibia’s clear skies portray. The main area, with décor inspired by northern Africa, has a lounge, bar, dining area, plunge pool and wrap-around veranda overlooking the waterhole – a perfect location to view and photograph the desert vista. The overall setting is a true delight to the senses, bringing together the rhythm of Namibia, wholesome meals and intimacy. A waterhole in front of camp attracts a number of local wildlife (such as gemsbok, springbok, ostrich and jackal) and provides a perfect location to view and photograph the desert scenery.

Kulala has its own private entrance into the park, so you can enter and get to the Dunes before sunrise and ahead of the general public.

There is an opportunity to take an optional dawn balloon flight on one of the mornings at a cost of US$500 per person.

4 nights at Kulala Desert Camp, in a twin bedded room with en suite facilities, on a fully inclusive basis.

the dead vlei

Day 5-7 – May 11/June 1
Early Breakfast at Kulala Lodge
Pre-dawn departure from private gate for early morning photography at Sossusvlei, Deadvlei.
Lunch at Kulala Lodge.
In the afternoon, possibility to visit the Sesriem canyon.
Dinner at Kulala Lodge, Overnight Kulala Desert Camp

Day 8 – May 14/June 4
After an early breakfast, you will drive across the desert to Swakopmund, and north along the coast road, north to Cape Cross Fur seal colony.  You will have lunch en route and the total trip is 470km. Cape Cross is on the Skeleton Coast about 120km north of Swakopmund. It is the spot where Diego Cao, a Portuguese sailor, set foot on what is now Namibia in 1486. He was the first European to arrive on the Atlantic coast and he erected a cross here as a navigational aid. Today, Cape Cross is a popular tourist attraction, not because of its stone cross, but because of its seal colony. Exactly why the seals congregate here is not known, but congregate they do. At certain times of the year as many as 100 000 seals choose to sit on the same rock or frolic in the surrounding waves and surf.

The presence of so many seals also attracts other wildlife. Predators such as black-backed jackal and brown hyena are often seen on the Skeleton Coast. They are drawn to this otherwise barren region by the abundance of easy food in the form of seal pups. Cape Cross is a breeding ground for Cape fur seals, actually a species of sea lion. Most pups are born around November-December and each bull seal has about 5-25 cows in his harem. He fiercely defends his females and much fighting goes on amongst the bulls as the cows give birth. Fully grown bulls can weigh up to 360kg. They lose a lot of their fat in the first six weeks of the breeding season whilst actively defending their territory. Between December and February, the females give birth; each female has one pup.

Only seven days after giving birth, the rutting season begins again. Pups have black fur and have a very strong relationship with their mothers. Unfortunately Cape Cross is so crowded with seals that many of the pups get crushed to death or taken by predators. About 25% of the pups die during this time, so perhaps this experience is not for the squeamish. Otherwise it’s a wildlife spectacle not to be missed. Seals consume a lot of fish – up to 8% of their own body weight daily. As you can imagine, with all those seals eating all those fish, Cape Cross qualifies as The Smelliest Place on Earth!

Cape Cross Lodge is situated on the seafront, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and a short distance upwind from the Seal Colony.

1 night at Cape Cross Lodge, in a twin bedded room with en suite facilities, on a fully inclusive basis

Day 9 – May 15/June 5
After an early mornings photography at the colony, and breakfast, depart up the Skeleton Coast to Palmwag Lodge in the Damaraland Wilderness. The drive is 400km.

Palmwag Lodge takes its name from the undulating sway of the rustling palms that surround this desert oasis. Located on the dry banks of the Uniab River which winds through Damaraland in the Kunene Region of north-western Namibia, Palmwag Lodge is one of Namibia’s oldest and most popular tourist destinations. Adaptation to the arid environment is the miracle of all that exists within this enormous, wild expanse – from comical meerkats to desert-adapted black rhino to elephant.

You will arrive at Palmwag Lodge in the late afternoon.  The lodge has a scenic bar and restaurant overlooking a waterhole, fronted by Palm Trees. The sunsets here are amazing!

1 night at Palmwag Lodge, in a twin bedded room with en suite facilities, on a fully inclusive basis

Day 10 – May 16/June 6
After breakfast continue north to Purros and on to Etambura Camp. The distance is 315km, and you will have a picnic lunch en route. Etambura, Namibia’s first Himba co-owned camp is situated in Orupembe Conservancy on top of one of the highest hills above the holy plains of Onjuva where livestock and springbok peacefully graze together. The holy plains are steeped in mystery, with several different stories of why the area was consecrated by the semi-nomadic Himba herders who live here. But one thing is sure, hunting is strictly forbidden. Tradition has it that animals on the plains are protected by the ancestral spirits.

Etambura is the ideal place to relax. You might see a klipspringer or at dusk, a Jameson’s rock rabbit. Tiny footprints are evidence of genets and African wildcats. The calls of a diversity of birds, the whispery rustle of paper-bark and other commiphora trees, bottle trees in bloom, the rich hues of purple-pod terminalia with unimpeded 360 degree views make this unique spot unforgettable. After a game drive where you might be fortunate enough to see black rhino, enjoy a stroll and explore the hill, a botanical treasure trove with its many endemic species of plants and shrubs.

Etambura has five canvas and thatch chalets (one of which is wheelchair friendly), each with its own private deck extending from the hill and into the beyond, conjuring illusions of “stepping into air”. The twin bedded rooms are comfortably furnished and provide a wonderful retreat. Each bathroom, built either into the surrounding marble outcrops, or artfully created so as not to encroach on the endemic flora, has its own charm. Bed linen and towels are provided. Built on a wooden platform and, in some cases, on stilts, each unit is positioned to optimize the view. Lie in bed and be dazzled by an incredible sunrise. At night follow the path of the stars across a cobalt sky. Observe the skittish rock hyraxes sunning themselves on jagged rocks, listen to the calls and discover a world of birds that thrive in this environment.

Here you will take walking trails and drives to photograph endemic plants, marble mine, Himba villages, and a day’s excursion to Marienfluss and Kunene River

2 nights at Etambura Camp in a twin bedded room with en suite facilities on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Day 11 – May 17/June 7
Breakfast, Photograph the scenery and the Himba people.
Lunch
Dinner & night at Etambura Camp

Day 12 – May 18/June 8
After breakfast depart 345km south to Grootberg Lodge, situated in the Damaraland Wilderness. Between the Ugab and Huab Rivers in Southern Damaraland lies a vast and un-spoilt wilderness. This area boasts magnificent desert mountain scenery – the ‘Etendeka’s’ – conical hills with eroded tops that look similar to ancient volcanoes. There are fascinating geological formations, archaeological sites and a unique variety of desert fauna and flora. It’s also the Southernmost roaming ground for the rare Desert Black Rhino and Desert Elephant.

Grootberg Lodge is situated in the Grootberg Pass with amazing views over the Etendeka’s. The only way to observe the rare desert Rhino is on a drive and then tracking by foot. The theme of this camp is nature excursions into the rocky desert area conducted to search for the rare and endangered desert elephant and rhino, and both are seen on a frequent basis.

The movement of Black Rhinoceros, desert Elephant, Oryx, Kudu, Springbok and other species are dictated by the presence of food and water. Lion and Cheetah occasionally move in and out of the area.
2 nights at Grootberg Lodge in a twin bedded room with en suite facilities on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Day 13 – May 19/June 9
Breakfast, Tracking the Rhino (3/4 of a day)
Lunch packs during the excursion
Dinner & night at Grootberg Lodge

Day 14 – May 20/June 10

Okonjima is home to the Africat foundation, where Cheetah and Leopard are rehabilitated into the wild, after being recovered off farms where they have been stock raiding. There are excellent hides where Leopard can be observed, and drives are taken on the concession to view Cheetah. Most of the Leopards have now been rehabilitated into the wild and roam free on the estate and radio tracking Leopards is an interesting exercise. There is a hide near camp where nocturnal species such as Porcupine, Honey badger and Black Backed Jackal can be observed at close quarters

2 nights at Okonjima Lodge, in a twin bedded Mountain View room, with en suite facilities on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis  

leopard

Day 15 – May 21/ June 11
Tea, coffee. AM activity with the Africat Foundation such as photographing the cheetahs.
Brunch.
PM, 2nd activity with the Africat Foundation such as leopard tracking.
Dinner & night at Okonjima Lodge– View rooms

Day 16 – May 22/ June 12
Breakfast, Depart for Windhoek.
Lunch not included 270km
British Airways Flight BA6274 to JNB, depart WDH at 1500hrs, arive JNB at 1655hrs.
Return to the USA

transport

We will travel in two 4×4 Toyota Land cruiser 7 seats with open roof and air conditioning

tow 4 x 4 land cruisers will get us everywhere we want to be

tour fee

Per person sharing in double/twin

US$8,400.00 – single supplement $600

fee includes

• Return flights Johannesburg to Windhoek
• 2 x 4×4 vehicles of 7 seaters + boot at the back, with open roof and air conditioning, as mentioned in the itinerary
• Accommodation at the above mentioned lodges (subject to availability at time of booking)
• The services of 2 English-speaking guides as mentioned in the itinerary
• Activities as indicated in the itinerary
• Park entrance fees as per itinerary
• Meals and activities as indicated in the itinerary
• VAT (15%) applicable in Namibia,
• One map of Namibia per room
• One small Bottle of Amarula per adult on arrival
• Mineral water on board the 4×4
• Luggage porterage in the accommodations, and gratuities in the restaurants
• Gratuity for 2 drivers/guides in a half-twin room

fee does not include

• International flights to Johannesburg and airport passenger taxes,
• Meals not indicated (such as lunch on day of arrival and departure)
• Activities not mentioned in the itinerary, or proposed with supplement
• Visas (NO visa fee rqured fr USA, AUS, NZ, UK and EU anationals
• Emergency evacuation insurance as well as the luggage and cancellation insurance,
• Drinks and cost of personal nature,
• Other gratuities

important

Due to certain hazards inherent in this type of travel (rain, impassable roads, clients security, etc), it may have to be amended. Any change of this type will not give right to any total or partial reimbursement. The Guide/driver is solely responsible for these decisions.

Prices are subject to the availability of vehicles and accommodation at the time of the booking. Prices are subject to the price of fuel and may increase if it is a strong increase (more than 30% of the price increase as from this day of NAD 10.00 per liter of diesel).

the area we cover

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sicily – a dreamteam photographic tour

with Jeremy Woodhouse, Nevada Wier & Holly Wilmeth
September 21 – October 1,  2013 – 10 nights

Price: TBA Price will be based on shared accommodation Single Supplement: TBA

At the centre of the Mediterranean, but on the periphery of Europe lays the island of Sicily. With an exotic appeal that sets it apart from mainland Italy, Sicily has long been known as a melting pot of ancient cultures and peoples. Sixteen foreign dominations have touched, changed and marked the Sicilian soul. First the Greeks and the Romans, then the Arabs and Normans, and finally, the French, Spanish and Italians, all of them contributing to an unparalleled historical legacy. The conquerors have left, not only an abundance of art, architecture and archaeological remains, but have transformed the landscape, fashioned the cultural eccentricities, influenced the mixed appearance of the inhabitants and shaped the social attitudes unique to Sicily and the Sicilians.

the tour focus

The tour itinerary has been designed specifically for serious photographers; to ensure that our time is spent in the most photogenic areas. Each region and specific place has been carefully chosen in order to explore the great photographic vastness diversity of the Sicilian culture, history, landscape and people. We will visit mountainous, costal, volcanic and farmland areas for landscapes, a number of large and important cities for markets and hidden villages for, architecture and people, and many small as well as cemeteries and a forgotten ghost town.

While the tour must have a definite outline and format, a flexible itinerary may be adapted as required to accommodate for the unexpected opportunities, and the serendipitous twists, which often transpire during tours. Ultimately the emphasis throughout is on seeing, and the priority is to ensure good creative photography, providing an ample amount of time each day so participants will have the opportunity to explore without being rushed. The overall format includes a balance of early morning, day and evening field trips to a diverse range of scenic locations along with time to relax and explore on your own.

This tour is for anyone passionate about photography, from novice to experienced amateur or professionals, who want to expand their vision while discovering the Island’s social and cultural and geographical history through photography.

This tour will provide an opportunity to meet with people who are totally immersed in photography. Time spent as a group can be both a visual and an emotional journey and is conducive to exchanging ideas, sharing enthusiasms and refreshing creative energies. Jeremy, Nevada & Holly will spend time with each participant individually and as group looking at work over the course of the trip.

To best discover Sicily, we will use three bases. A hotel in the historic centre of Palermo, a guest house in the town of Ragusa and a hotel in the seaside village of Castellammare del Golfo (see the interactive map at the bottom of the page to get a visual idea of the ground we will be covering on our tour)

itinerary

Day 1 – Palermo Historic Center

view from the ambasciatori hotel

Sept 21st – 1 night. Our tour begins at 5:00pm at the hotel on Sept 21st
Ambasciatori Hotel, Via Roma, 111 90133 Palermo, tel +39(0)91.6166881, fax +39(0)91.6100105, booking@ambasciatorihotelpalermo.com

Day 2-4 – Eastern Sicily

view of the town of ragusa

Sept 22nd – 24th – 3 nights
Hotel Il Barocco, tel +39(0)932.663105, fax +39(0)932.228913, info@ilbarocco.it

Sicilian Baroque – Ragusa, Noto
After the massive earthquake that destroyed almost all of the eastern Sicily in 1693, major reconstruction resulted in cities being designed in the Baroque style. Noto, Modica and Ragusa are the most prized jewels of Sicilian Baroque. Stone filigree, menacing gargoyles, and wrought-iron wonders decorate the ornate buildings and churches.

Catania
Catania, Sicily’s second largest city is overshadowed by Etna. The entire city reflects the somber presence of the volcano within it’s architecture, streets and monuments made by lava. The city is well know for it’s elegance, and it’s main square is bordered by an impressive cathedral, municipal buildings, shops, cafes and an entrance to the city’s famous fresh fish market.

Eastern Landscape
On the plains in the southeast, the colour and textures of the landscape are remarkable. In the upland area, the soil is marked with white stone out croppings and gorges, while the lowlands are covered with a layer of red soil that supports bright green grapevines. Pastures criss-crossed with walls are marked by stone homes of whites, creams, yellows and greys.

Day 5-8 – Western Sicily– Castellammare del Golfo

castellammare

Sept 25th – 28th – 4 nights
Hotel Cala Marina, tel +39(0)924.531841, fax +39(0)924.531551, info@hotelcalamarina.it

Castellammare del Golfo
Nestled between the magnificent bay by the same name and Mount Inici, Castellammare is a small fishing village where the men still mend their nets in the piazza and the spectacular coloured fishing boats await in the port for the tuna season. A beautiful beach, a medieval fort and crystalline waters gives the feeling of a forgotten town.

Poggioreale
The town of Poggioreale, founded in 1642 was severely damaged by the earthquake in 1968 and abandoned, leaving the impression of a town demolished by poorly targeted bombs; from a distance it looks intact. The sunlight of a spring morning makes the deserted Sicilian town, its stone and brick streets overgrown with wildflowers and weeds, look as though it were part of a divine medieval experiment. No voices. No old men talking. No children playing. No cars parked along the narrow streets. The landmarks of Poggioreale can still be seen and explored, the gutted church whose Neo Classical facade seems untouched by disaster, the façade of the theatre fallen to expose the box seats, and the church whose bell tower stands defiantly.

Erice
With its steep streets paved in characteristic patterns, the stones worn slick with time, white stone buildings, the remains of a medieval castle, flower-bedecked houses, quiet courtyards and medieval walled charm, Erice is an extraordinary town located on high ground overlooking the northern coast of western Sicily

Western Landscapes some of Sicily’s most unspoilt landscape, mountain scenery and great beaches are found here. The Belice Valley is spectacular with a new wonder with each curve of the road, ridges, rolling hills covers in vines, and fields of burn gold and bright yellow.

Day 9 & 10 – Palermo – Historic Center

Sept 29th –  30th – 2 nights. Our tour ends at hotel after breakfast on October 1st. Unless you are planning to stay longer, you should plan you return flight on the October 1st
Ambasciatori Hotel, Via Roma,111 90133 Palermo tel +39(0)91.6166881, fax +39(0)91.6100105, booking@ambasciatorihotelpalermo.com

Settled by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, Palermo today is a city where the contrasts are harsher, the beauty wilder, the passions more searing, and the landscape more breathtaking than any other city in Italy. Explore the Arab district La Kalsa, with its winding cobbled streets leading into a world of disparity, where laundry flutters in the wind above buildings bombed out during the second world war, and palaces of Palermo’s aristocracy line the Piazza Marina. Explore one of the many ancient city markets, where farmers and townsfolk mingle to the sounds of the vendors selling everything from spleen sandwiches to kitchen sinks. Discover Palermo’s Norman history, lush gardens, art nouveau buildings, bustling street life, and markets.

hotel bookings – extra nights

If you are planning on being in Palermo a couple of nights either before or after the tour and want to book into the same hotel the details are above. Please make sure that you tell them that you are part of the Sicily Dreamteam Tour.

getting to palermo

If you are coming from the US there are several options. One is to fly into Rome or Milan and then take one of Italy’s smaller airlines, or fly into London and then onto Palermo with Ryan Air. Listed below are a few airlines which have cheap flights from other countries to Palermo.

If you are coming from Canada. Air Canada flies into Palermo with their partner Air One. You can not find this option on line though so you need to make a phone booking. A few other international airlines like Air France, Luftansa (also with Air One) and Alitalia fly to Palermo too (no direct flights though).

Air One,  Easy Jet,  Wind Jet,  Meridiana,  Ryan Air,  Alitalia

airport

Flying into the Palermo airport can be an exciting experience. If you are flying with a friend, it may be worth booking 2 window seats for the last 40-minute sector of your long trip. Punta Raisi (also known as Falcone – Borselino) airport is 20 km from the city centre and lies precariously close to the sea and to the side of a giant cliff face. You will get wonderful views of the coast and possibly the city if the wind direction is favourable.

transport

Taxi – The drive into the city will take between 30 and 60 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay about €50 Euros for a taxi, which can be found as you exit the arrivals lounge.

Bus and Train – There is a regular shuttle bus service for €5.50 Euros which will take you 200 meters from the Ambasciatori Hotel and there is also a train which arrives at the same station as the bus. For tickets, ask at the info kiosk and tell the driver that you are going to the central train station (the last stop). You will arrive at Piazza Giulio Cesare, with your back to the station, cross the square and proceed down Via Roma. If you opt to take a taxi for the last 200 meters, make sure that you let the taxi driver know that you are aware that it is only a 200 meter journey or you could be taken on a scenic ride through the city. View hotel map

Train shuttle timetable, Bus shuttle timetable

safety

When you mention Sicily, most people think of the Mafia. The Cosa Nostra is invisible to all but the astute eye and although the mafia attitude is prevalent in Sicilian society – the Mafia activity is pretty much undetectable. Of more concern to the average tourist is the petty crime, which is more widespread in Sicily than elsewhere in Italy. Bag snatching in the crowded streets of the cities, according to the Lonely Planet is common. It is easy to deter thieves by following a few rules. Always keep money in deep front pockets, in a hidden money belt. Keep camera bags and purses slung over your shoulder and while in the crowded markets it is best to wear your backpacks where you can see them. Being discreet is also advisable so leave any unnecessary valuables at home. I know it will be hard not to look like a group of tourists with all of our cameras, but the best way to avoid conflict is to try to fit in and look the part of the locals (see dress below).

It is also no uncommon to be stopped by the police and it has happened to one person, or to the whole group on each tour. You must always carry your passport to prove your identity, so please make sure to make a photocopy of it to keep at the hotel.

health

Sicily is a mountainous island with many towns perched at the top of hills. There will be a lot of walking, all day long, and many other hours sitting in the van. You must be in decent physical shape and able to keep up with the group. If you believe that this will be a problem please contact us to discuss options.

If you get motion sickness, or remotely believe you might, please bring motion sickness pills with you. It is often difficult on our travels to get to a pharmacy, and the last place you’ll find medication is on the roads you most need them. Sicily is extremely windy and the condition of the roads is very bad.

You are required to have health insurance for this trip.

dress, packing, weather, baggage storage

Italians dress up and not only on Sundays – it is not so much what they wear, but how they wear it. Shorts are frowned upon anywhere except for the beach and the national parks. Hiking boots anywhere but hiking and in particular in the cities will give you away as a tourist. Having said that, we will be doing allot of walking, both in the cities and through the parks and countryside so comfortable footwear is important. A good option is to have something slightly less casual to wear in the evenings. The average temperatures is 60 – 84°F but don’t be surprised to find a day in the high 80s, or a chilly evening breeze by the water or in the hills. September is dry, with an average rainfall of 1.6 inches, but bring some rain protection at least for your camera just in case.

Please pack using a soft duffle bag or backpack for easy storage in the van. We have been assured that there is plenty of baggage room, but the camera equipment will take up a lot of it. If space is limited, bags can be left at the hotel. Although coin operated laundry facilities are not available in Sicily, there are plenty of Laundromats that will wash iron and fold for you so please pack lightly.

meal expenses

If you have been to Italy, you know that meals can be expensive. Sicily is no exception, but it is much easier to find a reasonable priced meal on the Island than almost anywhere else in Italy. Sicily is famous for snack food – cheap hand held delicacies usually eaten standing up. Every region, in fact most cities have their own unique snacks and Sicilians often jump in the car and drive 3 hours just to sample another city’s treasures. Some of these things are difficult for the North American pallet – Panino con la Milza (spleen sandwiches) from the depth of the Vucceria Market or stigioli (barbequed intestine) bought for pennies from a smoke filled traffic circle. But there is plenty to sample for the more discerning foreigners – La briocina, a giant soft brioche filled with the most decadent ice-cream imaginable or “Le arancine”, savoury deep fried rice balls filled with spinach, ground meat or ham and cheese – both of these found in any local bar for a couple of dollars, and both are the size of a baseball.

Every street has a bakery and Sicilians will only eat fresh bread, in fact most families will buy bread twice a day and will use the left over morning bread in the dog’s evening meal. Beside fresh bread, the bakeries are a popular place to find pizza by the piece and in particular La sfincione which is thick and fluffy foccia made of onion and anchovy. Another popular favourite, and a trip to Palermo would be incomplete without a visit to la frigitoria, (fry house) is Le Panelle – flat, crispy, square chickpea fritters eaten alone with lemon, or piled high on a bread roll. And a favourite amongst the city folks, is a trip to the seaside for a plate of steaming mussels, octopus salad and fresh oysters – all eaten, standing on the sidewalk, from giant, colourfully hand painted plates.

Fresh fruit, cheese and cold cuts are a quick and easy alternative to the usual heavy Sicilian diet – and although food shops are closed between 2PM – 5PM, even the smallest towns have a great selection.

Another good option for quick tasty food is the Italian take away shops. Rosticera and Tavola Calda offer a wide variety of cooked food from roasted chickens to baked pasta.

Like they do for their snacks, Sicilians will drive across the Island for lunch. Amazing food can be found in the most obscure places, and if a town has a speciality, it is difficult to find it anywhere else on the Island. Sicilians, more so than most Italians, are traditionalists when it comes to their food, and believe that if Trapani and San Vito are the best places for couscous then couscous should only be eaten there. So no doubt, while we are on our travels together, we will pass through the towns whose restaurants specialize in artichokes, or base every single plate on mushrooms or whose bakeries make the best ricotta cakes in the world.

a few suggestions regarding camera gear

Clean your camera gear as well as possible before leaving. It could be difficult, if not impossible, doing it again on the spot (specially cleaning digital sensors).

Check all parts of the cameras and accessories you are taking with you, to see if everything works properly. Pack spare batteries and memory cards. Do not rely on Italian batteries in small town Sicily. We will rarely be traveling to larger centers so you will need to bring everything with you.

Bring a laptop or other media back up system, specially if you’d like to show your work to the other participants at the end of the day.

Prepare a list of your equipment with the exact description and serial numbers. Print a copy to carry with you. Consider registering your equipment with the customs office of your own country to prove ownership with your arrivals and departures especially for your return trip home.

Travel light. The most important tool you have is yourself, which includes your energy. If you can’t do good work with one camera and two or three lenses, you need to develop your imagination. If you are too tired by the time the quality light appears late in the evening, then it doesn’t matter what equipment you have, you are not going to produce your best work. Plus, by having a lot of professional looking equipment with you, you turn yourself into a media event, which I find kills many good photo opportunities in a hurry.

Keep your equipment simple and light and if possible, have a back up camera body. Regardless of whether you are shooting film or digital the less you have with you, the less you have to worry about.

the places we will visit

View Larger Map

A Palermo, B Ragusa, C Catania, D Noto, E Castellammare del Golfo, F Poggioreale, G Erice

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seven days/six nights in san miguel

May 8 – May 14, 2012

with Jeremy Woodhouse at Casa Luna

tour fee

$1,250.00 – the full fee is payable to book your spot

Book now and you will receive a copy of Jeremy Woodhouse’s & Nancy Rotenberg’s book La Luz del Pueblo– Finding a Sense of Place in San Miguel de Allende, a $49.95 value.
Group size: maximum 12

Payment Options – 3% transaction fee added

Pay Trip Fee $1,287.50 USD

the main square "jardin" at dusk from the parroquia

Set on a steep hillside overlooking the Río Laja and dominated by red rooftops and domed churches, at first sight San Miguel de Allende seems little different from any other small colonial town. Its distinct character, though, is soon apparent: it’s home to a very high-profile colony of artists and writers, fleshed out with less ambitious retirees from the US and by flocks of students drawn to the town’s several language and arts schools. Like such a community anywhere, it’s inward-looking, often pretentious and gossip-ridden, but it’s also extremely hospitable and much given to taking newcomers under its wing. The town’s increase in popularity in recent years, and in many ways the cause of the influx of expats and tourists, can be, in part, attributed to Tony Cohan’s popular book On Mexican Time, which tells the story of a writer and his artist wife who abandon smog-ridden Los Angeles for a quieter life in San Miguel, where they restore an old house, learn the local lifestyle and are slowly seduced by the colonial city’s unique charm.

Now something like ten percent of the population are foreigners, some 10,000 of whom live in the vicinity more or less permanently, boosted by another 5000 or so who fly down to weekend here. The colonial centre remains relatively unchanged by the foreign presence, but the outskirts are now sprouting gated communities and even shopping malls.

our hotel

Private, secure & serene…old world ambiance with new world comforts

Behind its non-descript front door, Casa Luna Quebrada is waiting to welcome you to a lush, private oasis of peace and serenity, in the midst San Miguel de Allende’s bustling historical center. Abundant gardens filled with flowers and song-birds add to the air of tranquility, offset by the soothing sounds of gurgling fountains playing in its courtyards.

casa luna – quebrada

Delicious odors waft from the kitchen where organic produce from the Rancho Casa Luna are crafted into abundant breakfasts and other dishes that supply the Casa Luna menu. Sample the Casa Luna experience and enjoy the comforts of this casually elegant home away from home, which makes for the perfect combination of old world ambiance with new world comforts and accessibility.

itinerary

May 14 – Monday

• Arrive San Miguel de Allende
• Check into Casa Luna, Quebrada
• Group Dinner at a local restaurant

May 15 – Tuesday

• Early morning shoot in the streets with Jeremy
• Day to photograph – be prepared for the gifts the streets of San Miguel have to offer.
• Sunset shoot and Group Dinner at Italian restaurant above town with a terrific view of San Miguel

early morning traffic

May 16 – Wednesday

• Early morning shoot in the streets with Jeremy
• Day to photograph. Image critique after lunch
• Sunset shoot
• Group Dinner at a local restaurant

May 17 – Thursday

• Early morning in the streets with Jeremy.
• After breakfast we will leave on a field trip to hacienda las Trancas (included in fee)
• Lunch at Las Trancas
• Return to San Miguel

photograph the locals

May 18 – Friday

• Early morning shoot in the streets with Jeremy
• Photography portrait session with some of the locals
• Sunset shoot
• Group Dinner at a local restaurant

May 19 – Saturday

• Early morning shoot in the streets with Jeremy
• Day to photograph. Image critique after lunch
• Sunset shoot
• Group Dinner at a local restaurant

May 20 – Sunday

• Return to the US

tour fee

$1,250.00

includes

Trip includes 6 nights accommodation single occupancy, and all taxes, breakfasts, field trip transport to/from Hacienda las Trancas.

does not include

Trip does not include your flight to/from Mexico, transport to/from San Miguel, afternoon and evening meals, or any gratuities.

Note: AA is now flying into Queretaro as well as to Leon.

A great company to use to get from the airport to San Miguel is Viajes San Miguel. Contact them via their website for quotes and to reserve your round trip.

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with Jeremy Woodhouse & Satyendra Tiwari
wednesday, june 20 – sunday, july 8, 2012
Tour Price: approx $4,920 – single supplement $490

This trip is now FULL

Please use the following button to pay for your deposit (please note that a 3% service charge will be added to your payment) If you would prefer to pay by check, please make out your check for $750 made payable to Pixelchrome, Inc, and mail it to: Jeremy Woodhouse, 605 Rouen Drive, McKinney, TX 75070

payment

includes the 3% PayPal fee

Deposit $775.00 USD Payment of Balance $4,295.00 USD Payment of Balance + Single Supplement $4,800.00 USD

itinerary

June 19 Depart from the US on your international flight to Delhi

June 20 Arrive in Delhi. Transfer to our hotel. O/N in Delhi (Hotel TBA – transfer and hotel included in fee).

June 21 (0545 hrs) Fly Delhi Leh. Arrive Leh at 0655 hrs and transfer to Hotel Omasila or similar. The rest of the day is for complete and “forced” relaxation. Leh is at an altitude of about 11,500 feet and it is necessary to just relax for at least 36 hours in order to get acclimatised to the high altitude. The hotel garden provides lovely views of the of Zanskar mountains. O/N in Leh.

view of leh from shanti stupa © sushant gupta

June 22 AM Relax/at leisure.
PM : Sightseeing of Leh and Spituk Monastery

Leh – the capital of the Mountain Kingdom of Ladakh, which is often called ” The Little Tibet”, is situated at an altitude of 11,500 ft. and the town lies about 08 kms North of the Indus in a fertile valley which looks like an oasis in the dry semi-desert region.

For centuries, life in the Leh town was largely dominated by the Caravan trade from Central Asia and this remained right up to the Indian Independence of India in 1947. During the peak of the trading period in 1920′s and 1930′s, between 12 to 15 caravans reached Leh across the Karkoram range with loads of merchandise like raw silk, carpets, semi precious stones etc. Even today people in Leh remember days when the market in Leh was bustling with the arrival of caravans of horses and camels. The shaggy double-humped Bactrian camel is still found in the Nubra valley, north of Leh.

In the evening walk down to the main street of Leh (01 km from the hotel) and see it come alive with the local Ladakhi people returning to their homes from work or simply out for a stroll. An interesting and attractive feature of the street is the rows of vegetable sellers along both sides of the street. These are the women from nearby villages, who bring big basketfuls of fresh vegetables on their backs. Most of these women who come to sell their produce are from the villages and can be seen in their local dresses and costumes which are fascinating.

The other places to be visited include the polo ground (if lucky one could also get to see a polo match), the Tibetan market and the Leh Gompa.

Spituk monastery The first of the Ge-lugs-pa foundations in Ladakh, dating from the beginning of the 15th century,-Spituk was probably built on the site of an earlier Ka-dam-pa monastery. Perched like so many others on a hillock, it is the seat of Kushok Bakula, the most important spiritual line in the Ladakh hierarchy. The gompa has a commanding view of the surrounding fields and villages below. The main buildings, without having many features of particular note, may nevertheless stand as a ‘typical’ gompa- a maze of ill-lit passages and stairs, and unexpected shrines in odd corners. Prominent among the images in the Dukhang and other temples is the terrible Vajra-Bhairav, the tutelary deity of the Ge-lugs-pa. Down the hill a flat boulder has engravings in shallow relief, said to depict Tson-ka-pa and his disciples.

June 23 After an early breakfast, drive first to Likir (about 02 hrs) on the Leh-Srinagar Highway along the Indus river. Visit the Likir Monastery and then drive to Lamayuru ( about 01 hr. and a half hour). Arrive Lamayuru and visit the village and the imposing Lamayuru Monastery.

Likir Gompa (Monastery) This monastery, founded in 1065 AD by Lama Duwang Chosje, lies 53 km west of Leh and belongs to the Gelukspa order. The Alchi monastery is also a branch of this monastery.

Lamayuru Gompa If one sight could be said to sum up Ladakh , it would have to be Lamayuru Gompa, 130 km west of Leh . Hemmed in by a moonscape of scree covered mountains, the white washed medieval monastery towers above a scruffy cluster of tumbledown mud brick houses from the top of a near vertical, weirdly eroded cliff.

The first Lamayuru monastery was built under Rinchen Zangbo at the end of the 10th century, under orders from the king of Ladakh , who altogether had 108 Gompas built in west Tibet. It was built on the broken mountain in the valley and consisted of five buildings, of which only the central building stands today. One can still see some remains of the four corner buildings to the west.

The Gompa has an impressive 11-headed, 1,000-eyed image of Chenrezig. In its heyday up to 400 monks lived in the monastery but today there are only 20 to 30 who belong to the yellow hat sect. Many Lamas from Lamayuru now go out to other parts of Ladakh as teachers.

In the 16th century the monastery was declared a holy site in which even criminals could seek sanctuary. For that reason even today it is known to Ladakhis as ‘Tharpa Ling’, ‘Place of freedom’.

O/N Hotel in Lamayuru.

June 24 After a morning visit to the Lamayuru Monastery, drive to Alchi ( about 01 hr drive) and visit the Alchi Monastery

Alchi Gompa A jewel among Ladakh’s monastic foundations is Alchi – 70 km west of Leh. Abandoned centuries ago as a place of active worship, it has been lovingly maintained by the monks of Likir, the nearest functioning monastery. It is one of the most significant historical sites in Asia. The Chos-khor, or “religious enclave”, at Alchi , harbours an extraordinary wealth of ancient wall paintings and wood sculpture, miraculously preserved for over nine centuries inside five tiny mud walled temples.

Art historians rave about the site because its earliest murals are the finest surviving examples of a style that flourished in Kashmir during the “Second Spreading”. Barely a handful of the monasteries founded during this era escaped the Muslim depredations of the fourteenth century. Of them all, Alchi is the most impressive. Nestled beside a bend in the milky blue river Indus, amid some dramatic scenery, it’s also a serene spot and the perfect place to break a long journey to or from the Ladakhi capital.

O/N Alchi Resort in Alchi.

June 25 AM At leisure and/or to explore the surroundings.
After an early lunch drive for about 15 to 20 minutes towards Ridzong
followed by a 30 minutes easy walk up to the Ridzong Gompa :

Ridzong Gompa The reformist yellow-hat Ge-Lugs-Pa sect is also well represented in central Ladakh by Thikse, Likir, Ridzong and Spituk the last of which has daughter houses at Stok, Sabu and Sankar. Ridzong, the only Gompa, which is not as yet approachable by a motorable road, is situated a few kilometres up a side-valley at Uley-Tokpo. It was founded about 130 years ago by a devout layman-turned-lama, with the purpose of giving full expression to the strict monastic rule of the Ge-lugs-Pa.

While the paintings and images in its temples may, to some extent, lack the aesthetic and antiquarian interests of those in the older establishments, this Gompa nevertheless has an indefinable atmosphere of peace and education, which reflects faithfully the inwardness of the Buddhist Way.

After visiting the monastery, walk back and drive to Leh ( about 02 hrs). Arrive Leh and transfer to hotel Omasila or similar. O/N Leh

June 26 After breakfast, drive to Kurzok Village – famous because of the great Tso-Mo-RiRi lake ( about 07 hrs drive). A major part of the drive is along the Indus river and between the great Ladakh and Zanskar range of mountains in a beautiful narrow valley with spectacular rock formations. All along there are small villages marked with willow and poplar trees and crops growing in the fields. Occasionally you get to see herds of sheep, goat and cows and maybe be Yak also. After reaching Mahe, you cross the Indus river and enter the Rupshu region. Drive about 40 km till you get to Kurzok and Tso-Mo-Riri Lake :

Kurzok In the whole of Rupshu there is only one semi-permanent settlement, Kurzok, at the northern end of the Tsomo ri-ri lake, where there is a small gompa. At over 14,850 ft (4500 m). this must be one of the high est places in the world where crops are regularly grown – the ubiquitous naked barley – though there is no guarantee of their ripening every year. There are said to be the ruins of ancient human settlements, complete with irrigation channels, at levels even higher than Kurzok.

Tso Mo-Riri or “Mountain Lake ” is situated in the middle of the elevated valley of Rupshu. Its name is Characteristic of its situation nestled in the midst of 20,000 ft. peaks which completely shut the lake in. Legend has it that a women riding a yak was carried into the lake. At first the yak swam boldly out and the woman (Tsomo) was delighted. But after a while the animal grew tired and sank deeper in the water. The woman became frightened and screamed “RI RI RI RI” until the Yak sank and she drowned. Since then the lake has been called Tsomoriri.

Camp overnight near Kurzok Village. You should plan on bringing your own sleeping bag since they ones that will be supplied at the camp will probably not be very nice! As far as I know you will have a cot to sleep on.

June 27 After visiting the Kurzok village and monastery, drive to Tsokar Lake ( about 03 hrs drive). On the way to Tsokar lake, visit the village of Sumdo and later Yukti – which is a small settlement inhabited by nomadic shepherds who rear Pashmina goats and Yak.

Arrive Tsokar Lake where the camp would be set up. This is a small salt water lake and there are very good chances of seeing the Tibetan Wild Ass known as “Kyang”.

O/N Camp at Tsokar Lake.

June 28 AM Spend time at Tsokar lake and visit Pongonagu Village.
After an early lunch, drive to Hemis (about 03 and a half hrs drive). The drive takes you across the Tag-lang la which is the second highest motorable mountain pass in the world at an height of 5238 meters. The drive to Tsokar Lake passes through some small villages and gives you a chance to see herds of Pashmina goats and Yaks. The Tsokar lake area is also a place where you might come across the “Kyang” or the Tibetan Wild Ass.

Arrive Hemis and camp near the Village

June 29 Witness the first day of the Hemis Festival – which goes on all day.

Hemis – Founded in the 1630s by Stag-tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of Sengge Namgyal, Hemis is the largest and the richest of the Ladakh gompas . The biggest and the most famous of the monastic festivals, frequented by tourists and locals alike, is that of Hemis, which falls in July, and is dedicated to Padmasambhava, Every 12 years, the Gompa’s greatest treasure, a huge Thangka – a religious icon painted embroidered on cloth is ritually exhibited. The next unveiling is due to take place in AD 2016.

Held in the months of June-July, the festival of Hemis symbolises the traditions of the Kar-gyut-pa sect of Tibetan monasticism.

The Hemis festival is dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava (Gur Rimpoche) venerated as the representative reincarnate of Buddha. He is believed to have been born on the 10th day of the fifth month of the Monkey year as predicted by the “Shakia Muni Buddha”. It is also believed that his life mission was, and remains, to improve the spiritual condition of all living beings. And so on this day, which comes once in a cycle of 12 years, Hemis observes a major extravaganza in his memory.

This festival, like the many others held in monasteries, is more a symbol of reaffirmation amongst the Buddhist devout than a carnival, However, given the harsh and isolated lives led by villagers in this region, over a period of time the event has evolved in an occasion that combines religious solemnity with an opportunity for revelry and socializing.

The ceremonies begin with an early morning ritual atop the Gompa where, to the beat of drums and the resounding clash of cymbals and the spiritual wail of pipes, the portrait of “Dadmokarpo” or “Rygyalsras Rimpoche” is then ceremoniously put on display for all to admire and worship.

The most esoteric of festivities are the mystic mask dances. Chhams, as it is known in Ladakhi is a complexly choreographed, religiously oriented dance drama – held in the Chamra of the monastery. The resident monks of the monastery perform it. Using hideously contorted masks representing various divinities, guardian angels and devils from the Buddhist pantheon the dances will symbolise in a very colourful ritual the supremacy and permanence of the good. As in the past one is likely to find the combination of complex dance steps to the accompaniment of raw musical intonation compelling.

hemis festival

After having witnessed the festivities, drive to Leh – about one hour – and transfer to hotel. O/N Leh.

June 30 AM Visit Hemis again to witness the second day of the festival.
PM : Drive to Leh. O/N Hotel in Leh.

July 01 & July 02 Staying in Leh, visit Shey & Thiksey monasteries, Choglamsar village and the other monasteries & Stok Palace south of the Indus River – like Stakna and Matho.

July 03 AM Fly to Delhi.
PM (2220 hrs) O/N Train to Chakki Bank (Train station for Dharamsala / Mcleodganj).

July 04 (0624 hrs) : Arrive Chakki Bank and drive to McLeodgang (about 03 hrs drive). McLeodganj is where the Dalai Lama resides. O/N Hotel in McLeodganj.

Since 1959, Dharamsala, has become the Headquarters of the Tibetan Government in Exile, prompting many tourists to refer to it as “Little Lhasa”. Dharamsala is choc-a-bloc with tourists, traders and seekers of knowledge.

There is an almost regular traffic to His Holiness’s the Dalai Lama’s Palace, and the surrounding Namgyal Monastery. Situated a little below the main town is the picturesque Dip Tse Chokling Monastery. A few hours drive and you are transported to the serenely verdant surroundings of the Norbulinka Palace. Other than monasteries, Dharamsala is also the centre for Tibetan culture, with the Mentsee khang, the Tibetan Institute of performing Arts, the Institute of Tibetology and a well stocked Tibetan library at Khangchen Kyishong; all within walking distance!

Dharamsala, the picturesque Hill Queen of the Kangra Valley in the State of Himachal Pradesh, North India, is set in beautiful deodar forests in the Western Himalayas. The Dhauladhar mountain range, also known as the ‘White Range’, provides a spectacular backdrop to this beautiful hill resort.

July 05 & 06 In McLeodganj. (Dalai Lama’s Birthday on 06 July).

July 07 AM At Leisure
PM Drive to Chakki Bank in time for overnight train to Delhi at 1915 hrs.

July 08 (0545 hrs) Arrive Delhi. We will book into our hotel where we will have 2 day rooms for you to freshen up and store your luggage. We will then head out to the area around the Red Fort and the Jami Masjid mosque to photograph.
PM Return to the USA

useful facts and packing tips

deposits, cancellations and refunds

A non-refundable deposit of $750 per person is required. Payment in full is required when bookings are made less than 90 days before the departure date. Space is subject to cancellation by Pixelchrome, Inc if payment is not received when due.

If a passenger wishes to cancel they must send notification in writing to: Pixelchrome, Inc, 605 Rouen Drive, McKinney, TX 75070. fax 214-544-3012. At the time we receive your notification, the following per person charges apply:

• 121 days or more before departure: $200 cancellation fee.
• 91-120 days before departure: $375 cancellation fee, plus Pixelchrome’s costs, as well as fees that are charged by the suppliers providing the services included in your tour, and/or the airlines providing the air transportation.
• 31-90 days before departure: $575 minimum cancellation fee, plus Pixelchrome, Inc’s costs, as well as fees that are charged by the suppliers providing the services included in your tour, and/or the airlines providing the air transportation. Fees may range from 25% to 100% of tour costs.
• 30 days or less before departure or anytime after departure: No Refund.

We strongly urge you to evaluate your risk and to take out insurance on your trip (see below) in the event of weather, illness or any other emergency, which delays or prevents you from reaching your destination during your trip

Refunds for services that are voluntarily not used by you cannot be made.

fitness and health

This trip is not strenuous and anyone who is reasonably fit should be able to take part in most of the activities. You will however be at extreme altitude and until your body is accustomed to these new heights you will have to take things slowly. If necessary you should take some kind of blood thinner like Aspirin or Diamox. This link will take you to Princeton University’s Outdoor Action Guide to High Altitude : Acclimitization & Illness. As always consult with your doctor before you take any medicines. You may experience general fatigue due to the long flights and the change in time zones. You will need to be sufficiently agile to climb in and out of the tour van and should be able to carry and manage your own equipment.

If you have any special needs or any physical condition that you feel might prevent you from fully participating, please contact Pixelchrome, Inc with your concerns (469-371-5310).

You should also be aware that medical services or facilities might not be readily available during all or part of your trip. This could include emergency medical care, presence of physicians, or adequate medication

insurance

Each participant must be covered by medical insurance that is valid overseas. We strongly urge you to evaluate your risk and to take out insurance on your trip. It is vital for you to realize that if you experience a delay or find it necessary to cancel or cut short your trip for any reason, you will lose part or the entire sum you’ve invested in it.

Travel insurance helps to minimize the risk of monetary losses you would incur in the event of a delay of your departure due to weather, airline strike, missed connection, etc., your inability to travel for reasons such as illness, injury, unforeseen financial complications and other personal circumstances, or if you were required to cut your trip short for medical or any other reasons.

There are restrictions and limitations on any insurance program. For this reason, choose your insurance carefully. Check their policies regarding trip cancellation, baggage, and medical insurance. It is to your advantage to apply for insurance at the earliest possible time, so don’t delay in making a decision. This is a company I recommend:

World Nomads - Buy, extend and claim online even after you’ve left home. World Nomads travel insurance is available to people from over 150 countries and is designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

The following link will take you to a another company offering trip and travel insurance. Getting multiple insurance quotes for your trip value is really easy and you will receive 6 different quotes side by side so that you may compare the features of each. Insuremytrip.com

subject to change

This itinerary has been carefully constructed to assure participants the best this destination has to offer; however, should events arise that are beyond our control, activities and hotel arrangements are subject to change without notice. Above is a summary of typical areas you will explore. Since there is no possible way to visit all of them, your guides will plan each day considering the interests of the group and the weather at hand. Be assured that we will make substitutions that are as similar in quality and interest as possible.

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