Masai Mara Predator Experinece

On our recent Masai Mara predator safari our group was lucky enough to experience a once in a lifetime occurrence. A cheetah jumped onto their vehicle to scan the area for prey while the photographer were inside! 5 Years ago there was a cheetah in the Mara that use to to this regularly, she unfortunately died and occurrences like this have become very rare. It happened very close to the camp we use in the Mara, Entim. This is definitely something everyone will remember for many years to come.

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Masai Mara Predators - By Albie Venter

The nice thing about hosting Photographic safaris is that one gets to experience various regions during different times of the year. Most people flock to the Mara for the dramatic and action packed Migration. This year C4 hosted it predator safaris during February when the Mara put on a totally different face to the more familiar migration season. The first noticeable difference was the sea of tall grass waving from horizon to horizon. What at first seemed to be a photographic challenge turned out to be real blessing as the grass seeds provided superb mood to photograph the predators in.

In short we saw all three big cats as well as Spotted Hyena within the first 24 hours. Other highlights included a reliable leopard den where we managed to photograph the female every morning in superb light. Spotted Hyenas feasting on a hippo carcass which was later taken over by a pride of lions. The latter then provided more excitement as the young lions chased off the decending vultures.

But the highlight of our trip came when a female cheetah decided to use our game drive vehicle as a perch to scan for prey turning every guy in the car into a 16 year old. What an experience having one of Africa’s most charismatic predators sitting a mere arms length (literally) away from us oblivious to the excitement inside. A truly fitting apex to our predator safari. Join C4 in 2013 on our Masai Mara predator Tour.

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Lake Nakuru - By ALbie Venter

Before starting the Mara Predator Safari I met up with an old friend and regular C4 guest Jean Manson for a four day private safari to Lake Nakuru. Seeing we were headed to the predator rich Masai Mara we were more focussed on the birds of Lake Nakuru. Although focussed on the birds we did manage to catch up with three black rhinos, a couple of Lions and a Leopard during our time there. The dry, dusty conditions this time of year created stunningly dramatic moods and the sheer abundance of birds kept the shutters clicking.

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More Mahale

Mahale and Selous was an awesome trip, an experience that no one should miss. Highlights for me were most definitely the chimps, the whole experience of trekking after them and the excitement when you get to see them. The trip down to Mahale in its self was an experience. Fly camping in Selous, next to a river in the bush was another highlight, not often one gets to hear the sounds of the wild and at the same time see the stars. The accommodation was top class.
Thanks to Gregg for being a great host, and thanks to Shem and Minette for putting such a great trip together. Text and images by Margaret Olivier.

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Magnificent Mahale

C4 Images and Safaris recently returned from our first photo tour to Mahale in Tanzania to photograph the chimpanzees. Led by C4 guide, Greg du Toit, the tour exceeded everyone's expectations. Below is some feedback and images by c4 client, Anne Lecuire.

"Our group was wonderful, nice and easy and we had fun. The chimps was everything I had dream for and even more, Greg was fantastic and very patient to help me with my setting in the challenging forest, so I managed to bring home the souvenir of the baby chimps of my dream. I feel so lucky to have been part of this experience. I wanted to meet the chimps for a long time and will never forget them. Thank you."

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