Saturday, May 16, 2015

Zakuoma Photo Safari

In the African country of Chad, lies one of nature’s best kept natural secrets, Zakouma National Park (ZNP). Over 350 000ha of untamed, untraveled, unfenced and untouched wilderness is what makes Zakouma the perfect destination for the adventure photographer. Here birds exist in flocks of thousands, buffalo, antelope and elephant move in herds of hundreds and lion’s continue to roam the open plains just as they have since the beginning of time.
Tourism in Chad has been virtually nonexistent up until recent times, which is why ZNP as a travel destination has remained off the radar. This unique attribute is what enticed C4 photo guide and naturalist, Kyle de Nobrega to explore the destination in search of a wild untouched piece of Africa. Kyle was blown away by the abundance of all things wild ZNP had to offer and more so as a photographer, he was challenged by unfamiliar scenario’s that pushed the distinctive moulds African wildlife photography is so often associated with. The result was excellent photography and an abundance of creative opportunities.
We have specifically scheduled this safari to run at the end of ZNP’s dry season, when huge flocks and herds gravitate towards to the remaining pockets of water situated in the marshes and rivers. Along these water courses waterfowl gather on mass, with herds of Tiang, Lelwels Hartebeest, Defassa Waterbuck, Olive Baboon, buffalo and Kordofan Giraffe coming to the water almost all the time. Lion are very common and hunt the buffalo and other antelope as they come to the pools of water. One of the highlights has to be the enormous flocks of quelea that cloud the sky by day, as they dodge the hundreds of predating kites – a scene to behold.
On this Safari, you will be treated to the unique opportunity to explore the reserve and photograph by foot as well as by vehicle. Back at Camp Nomade, which is set up in the most productive areas of the season, one is treated to a North African style tented camp including all the essentials needed to relax and take refuge from the heat of the day.
2016 will mark the first year of tourism for Camp Nomade and Zakouma National Park. C4 Photo Safari’s cannot wait to share one of Africa’s wildest destinations with our fellow wildlife photographers.
Make sure you do not miss this opportunity to see one of Africa’s untouched Gems.
You can view everything you need to know about this safari on our website here:
A large herd of Central African Buffalo
 
Camp Nomade from the air

Lion's on a buffalo kill

Dinning under the stars

Post dinner camp fire

The Riguek flood plain in front of the camp

The freedom of photographing on foot

Our first sighting of the waterfowl congregations, viewed 5 minutes after arriving in ZNP

One of SNP's greatest marvels, flocks of quelea and predating raptors

Deffasa Waterbuck

An afternoon spent photographing quelea's at the colony

A bull elephant photographed on foot near the airstrip




Text By: Ruth Nussbaum
Photographs By: Kyle de Nobrega
 

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