Photography:
We strongly advise that if picture taking is important you invest in the best camera and lens you can reasonably afford and learn to use prior to coming on your African Safari. Wildlife in the bush is indeed wild and many species, especially antelope and most birds, often take flight when they see humans. Although visitors generally enjoy excellent game viewing, the animals are often too far away and moving too quickly for a close-up shot with a standard "point and shoot" camera. Generally speaking, however, even with inexpensive cameras, elephants and lions photograph well. Unless you are a photographer skilled in the use of various film types, we recommend bringing mostly 200 mm film. And don't forget an extra camera battery. All Wilderness Encounters camps are equipped with outlets for the charging of batteries.
Clothing:
Although we work with you to determine the most appropriate attire to bring for your particular safari, it's never a bad idea to have one or two items that would be considered "out of season." Mother Nature loves surprises! On a rare occasion we might experience heavy jacket weather in November (our summer) and hot days in June (our winter).
Although expensive "safari clothes" are certainly not necessary for your trip, natural colored clothing (browns, greens, khaki, gray) are highly recommended for bush walking.
Getting Here:
From America, South African Airlines flies directly from New York or Washington, D.C. to Johannesburg International Airport.
Delta Airlines also offers service from Atlanta to Johannesburg.
Other airlines flying into South Africa include KLM, British Airlines, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Qantas and Singapore Airlines.
Once arriving in Johannesburg you will need to travel to the Timbavati or Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, where Wilderness Encounters operates.
While some visitors enjoy driving themselves (about 5 hours) or hiring a driver, most prefer to fly from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit via SA Express or chartering a flight directly into the bush. This flight is approximately one hour long. Wilderness Encounters can arrange your 30-60 minute ground transfer between the airport or bush airstrip and the camp. Additional cost, approximately
R250.00 per person, each way. There are only two flights from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit each day. Therefore, it is highly recommended that the availability of this flight be confirmed before making an overseas flight commitment.
Be advised, coordinating overseas flights with connecting flights into Hoedspruit may necessitate an overnight stay in Johannesburg. Upon request Wilderness Encounters will gladly offer a list of possible lodging options in Johannesburg."
