FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
# U P C L O S E I N A F R I C A
The below questions and answers are what our Guests and Clients have asked us over the years. If you would like any other questions answered feel free to let us know.
It is recommended to start your planning as early as possible, anything from six months to up to one year in advance. This is to ensure that availability at the lodges is still there, especially if you are arranging a Custom Photo Tour.
Yes!
To participate in a Photo Safari travel insurance is mandatory. It is your responsibility to get the appropriate cover that suits your requirements and personal circumstances. You will be asked to provide proof of this when we request your personal information prior to departure.
To participate in a Photo Safari travel insurance is mandatory. It is your responsibility to get the appropriate cover that suits your requirements and personal circumstances. You will be asked to provide proof of this when we request your personal information prior to departure.
The short answer is Yes!
Even if you just observe or use a mobile phone you and you have the patience to be amongst photographers and you pay the full fee you are welcome to join. Our groups are small, maximum 5 guests per photography guide so you will not be left out.
On some Photo Safaris we do allow a Spouse or Partner of a Photographer at a reduced rate if there is availability at the lodges. Also the Spouse or Partner may have to do game drives with the lodge general game drive vehicle because we restrict the numbers on our exclusive photography game viewer vehicles.
Even if you just observe or use a mobile phone you and you have the patience to be amongst photographers and you pay the full fee you are welcome to join. Our groups are small, maximum 5 guests per photography guide so you will not be left out.
On some Photo Safaris we do allow a Spouse or Partner of a Photographer at a reduced rate if there is availability at the lodges. Also the Spouse or Partner may have to do game drives with the lodge general game drive vehicle because we restrict the numbers on our exclusive photography game viewer vehicles.
All our Guest photographers are treated equally regardless of experience or skills. Our professional photography guides are highly skilled and will deal with each Guest at their level. This creates an excellent learning environment where everyone, including advanced photographers will learn something and come away with great images.
We take our Guest privacy very seriously and do not disclose tour participant details to other group members prior to the tour.
We do use Social Media (photos, videos) and we do sometimes post while on a Photo Safari or Workshop. However we take our Guests privacy seriously and will not post images of Guests without explicit permission, something we establish up front.
Yes we do!
If you wish to travel alone or as a couple or group we will arrange a private photo safari that suits your schedule. Normally private photo safaris are more expensive than the scheduled photo safari. However you get the service of a full time professional photographer guiding you plus a schedule so that you have no worries once you in our hands.
If you wish to travel alone or as a couple or group we will arrange a private photo safari that suits your schedule. Normally private photo safaris are more expensive than the scheduled photo safari. However you get the service of a full time professional photographer guiding you plus a schedule so that you have no worries once you in our hands.
The lodges we use all have power in the rooms for you to charge your batteries. Electricity in South Africa is 220v. It is advisable that you bring your own travel adapter to use for the difference in plugs between countries. It is also advisable to have spare batteries so in the event of a power outage you have backup.
If your photo safari includes time at a wild bush camp which is off-the grid back up batteries will be necessary My Photo Safari will provide a portable power pack specifically for batteries and computers that will be available for a few hours.
If your photo safari includes time at a wild bush camp which is off-the grid back up batteries will be necessary My Photo Safari will provide a portable power pack specifically for batteries and computers that will be available for a few hours.
While on one of our photo safaris or workshops all the costs are covered for accommodation, food, drinks, activities as per the itinerary, gate, community levies and even GRATUITIES!
We do not cover any in-room services (room service, laundry, massages, etc) and purchase of personal items.
We do not cover any in-room services (room service, laundry, massages, etc) and purchase of personal items.
The good news is that all of our photo safaris INCLUDE gratuities which we distribute to the lodge staff and our game drive guides.
Generally tipping is not expected but is highly appreciated!
Generally tipping is not expected but is highly appreciated!
During winter months, the mornings and evenings can be cold (cool). During the summer months, the early mornings can be cool but generally warm and/or humid during the day. Best to use light and neutral colors when on a game drive (avoid bright colors).
Sunscreen and a hat are very important! Plastic ponchos when it rains will be provided on the vehicle but in any event, bring a rain jacket. If you wish to swim, bring your swimsuits.
Sunscreen and a hat are very important! Plastic ponchos when it rains will be provided on the vehicle but in any event, bring a rain jacket. If you wish to swim, bring your swimsuits.
Short answer is Yes! Our photography Guides are passionate photographers, love wildlife and also love teaching others.
However our guides are mindful of their duties and will always put their guests first for positioning and will offer advice on settings, framing and composition.
However our guides are mindful of their duties and will always put their guests first for positioning and will offer advice on settings, framing and composition.
Whereas many destinations may have good tap water our advice is do not drink it! We advise to drink bottled water only which is available on all our photo safaris and workshops.
