CODP is proud to offer this unique and exclusive wildlife workshop, which has been customised to provide the ultimate wildlife and nature experience. This 4 night workshop takes place at the Baobab Hill Bush House in Pafuri and is limited to 6 students.

The workshop consists of a combination of game drives and game walks, to intimately explore one of the highest biodiversity areas of the Kruger Park. Due to the remote location of the lodge, at night there are many opportunities to photograph the night sky. Pafuri is unrivalled walking country and this is your chance to experience one of the Kruger’s remotest corners on foot.

The walks offer you a chance to focus on the little things, but you will also experience the rush of adrenaline when you happen upon members of the Big Five. You’ll notice how the landscape changes from woodland to riverine forests, mountains, floodplains and pans where animals roam freely.

It is here that you will find forests of fever trees, groves of baobabs and vast herds of wildlife. Highlights of the experience include Crook’s Corner, where the Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers meet, Lanner Gorge and the Luvuvhu fever tree forest.

The Makuleke Contractual Park or Pafuri Triangle constitutes the northernmost section of the Kruger National Park, South Africa, and comprises approximately 265 square kilometres of land. The “triangle” is a wedge of land created by the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers at the tri-point Crook’s Corner, which forms a border with Zimbabwe along the Limpopo River. It is a natural choke point for wildlife crossing from North to South and back, and forms a distinct ecological region.

Baobab Hill Bush House is the old ranger’s accommodation that is situated on a small hill just north of the Luvuvhu River, with excellent views of the surrounding area. Perched on a secluded, baobab-studded ridge just north of the Luvuvhu, this rustic homestead consists of four bedrooms, with a home kitchen, open plan dining room and lounge, a swimming pool and an out-of-Africa veranda, perfect for sun-downers or dinners in the early evenings. All bedrooms have fans, mosquito nets and double or twin beds.

Pafuri is a moderate Malaria area – all visitors to the area and its surrounds, should consult with their healthcare professional regarding Malaria and the use of Malaria prophylactics. It is the guest’s responsibility to take the necessary medical advice and precautions.

This workshop is limited to a maximum of 6 people and will go ahead with a minimum of 5 students. Due to the limited number of rooms, there is only a sharing option available – please contact photo@codp.co.za or 086 11 74686 if you’d like CODP to assist in finding someone to share a room with you.

Please note that you require a reasonable level of fitness to participate in the game walks. For these you will walk at a leisurely pace for about 2.5–4 hours (4 to 10 km), with sufficient breaks for refreshments and plenty of time to take in the experience of being so close to nature.

Due to each departure being limited to a maximum of 6 people, full payment is required upon enrolment to secure your booking

COSTS

R16,250.00 per person sharing

7 September 2017 Departure – Fully Booked

Pre-meeting at CODP Saxonwold

Mon 28 August 2017 18h00-20h00

Baobab Hill Bush House – Udo Kieslich

Thu 7 – Mon 11 September 2017

11 May 2018 Departure

Pre-meeting at CODP Saxonwold

Wed 2 May 2018 18h00-20h00

Baobab Hill Bush House – Udo Kieslich

Fri 11 – Tue 15 May 2018

WHAT’S INCLUDED

A pre-meeting to go through the most important aspects of wildlife photography
4 nights / 5 days at the Baobab Hill Bush House
All meals
Select local drinks (for 2018 departures)
Morning and afternoon game drives & walks
Photographing the Milky Way & star trails
Private game viewing vehicle and guide
Private swimming pool
Expert guidance by a CODP lecturer
Feedback and editing advice on your images
Transfers to and from Pafuri airstrip

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

Flights / travel costs to and from Baobab Hill Bush House – charter flights can be arranged from Johannesburg Grand Central airport to Pafuri airstrip, but are subject to a minimum of 2 guests. Please contact photo@codp.co.za or 086 11 74686 if you’d like CODP to enquire on your behalf
Drinks (for 2017 departures)
Gratuities, telephone calls & items of a personal nature
Kruger National park gate fees & government taxes

ITINERARY

Thursday – check-in 2pm | afternoon game drive | dinner
Friday – morning game walk | brunch | afternoon game drive | dinner
Saturday – morning game walk | brunch | afternoon game drive | dinner
Sunday – morning game walk | brunch | afternoon game drive | dinner
Monday – morning game drive | brunch | check out 11am

GENERAL

There is little or no mobile phone signal at Baobab Hill Bush House
Please note that you are in a wilderness area and there is no Wi-Fi available
CODP & Return Africa will not be held liable for any roaming or data charges
Baobab Hill Bush House runs completely on solar power
Whilst the house is fully equipped, there are no heavy electricity users these included: a hairdryer, laundry, microwave, heater to name a few
Please be aware that we ask that guests do not bring these appliances with them
You will be required to sign an indemnity form upon arrival, as during the game walks you may encounter dangerous animals or plant life which will expose you to significant risks

CANCELLATION POLICY

As your room and space on the workshop is secured upon your enrolment and full payment, the following cancellation policy applies. This is in accordance to the cancellation policy of Return Africa.

Cancellations can only be done one full calendar month before the workshop begins
There is no refund for cancellations within 30 days or less of departure
Only written cancellations will be accepted
25% cancellation fee incurred if the booking is cancelled after written confirmation
50% cancellation fee incurred if booking is cancelled 31 – 45 days prior to arrival
100% cancellation fee incurred if booking is cancelled 30 days / less prior to arrival

DIRECTIONS

Click on the following link to download a PDF containing directions to Pafuri – DIRECTION TO PAFURI CAMP

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

Camera: A digital SLR camera with removable lenses. A fixed-lens camera will also work but may be limiting in certain situations
Tripod: A sturdy tripod and a cable release are recommended for star trails
Zoom lenses: At least two zoom lenses are recommended, one of which is wide angle and the other medium-to-long telephoto, which should preferably have some form of image stabilisation. At least 300mm or preferably 400mm is recommended for the game drives. Nikon does a really useful 80-400mm lens and Canon a 100-400mm. For the game walks a 70-200mm and a wide angle lens is recommended.
Intervalometer or cable release: for star trails & Milky Way photographs
Computer: A laptop with editing software loaded onto it. It is recommended that you have some form of back-up, such as an external hard drive.
Cables and extras: Camera charger, extra memory cards and the camera manual. A memory card reader or computer cables to connect your camera to your laptop.
For the walks
A day pack to carry your camera equipment and water bottle
A hat to protect your face from the hot African sun, a warm jacket and lots of sunscreen
Comfortable walking shoes & safari gear and good socks
A water bottle that holds at least 1 litre of water.

For more information or to book please contact photo@codp.co.za or 086 11 74686.