Mana Pools, Zimbabwe... with Michael Francis — July 31 - August 5, 2013 This adventure is an optional addition to the Chobe/Mala- Mala trip as requested by several trip participants. During the dry season, Mana Pools National Park has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the continent. The park is located on the southern side of the Lower Zambezi River downstream of Lake Kariba and Victoria Falls. Mana Pools is one of the best places in Africa to see wild dogs. Species commonly seen in the park include elephant, hippopotamus, leopard, buffalo, greater kudu, zebra, eland, impala, bushbuck, lion and crocodile. We will do walking safaris as well as canoe, and game drive on this trip with Professional Guides. Just think photographing elephants from ground level!! Accommodations will be at Little Vundu Camp. A traditional luxury tented camp situated in the heart of the park. At present I am limiting this trip to 5 photographers but I may be able to expand a bit depending on demand. Your guides will endeavor to cover all aspects of the African bush and use their local knowledge of the park that you visit to concentrating on the animals, the birds, the vegetation, and the regions ecology. Mana Pools covers a section of the Middle Zambezi Valley. During the summer months, shortages of food and water force the animals back towards the Zambezi - a prime time to game view by canoe, foot and vehicle. From a canoe and on foot you will experience the thrill of approaching close to elephants and other wildlife. Sign up now for the photographic opportunity of a lifetime! Our Itinerary... July 31 On arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa you will connect with your scheduled inter-Africa flight to Harare, Zim- babwe. Transfer by scheduled charter flight to Mana Pools National Park. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and driven to camp. There is a luggage limit of 44lbs (20kg) per person on the charter flight so pre -pack in soft-sided luggage accordingly. August 1-4 Mana Pool National Park covers a section of the Middle Zambezi Valley, extending from the Zambezi River in the north to the escarpment in the south. The Zambezi Val- ley is a western extension of the Great Rift Valley. The pools of Mana are lakes that mark former courses of the Zambezi. They are refilled by the swollen river during the rains and ar e home to populations of hippo, crocodiles and birds. During the winter months, shortages of food and water force the animals back towards the Zambezi River. This is prime time to game view. ZIMBABWE 2013 Wildlife is excellent in the area, and there is diverse game activities offered, including wildlife-viewing drives in 4x4 vehicles, boats, canoes, and fishing. Daily nature walks are available with a professional guide. Kudu, zebra, impala and waterbuck can be seen on the surrounding plains, and elephant take advantage of the plentiful Albida (Ana) trees in the area. Predators including lion, wild dog, leopard, and cheetah, are often sighted, and large concentrations of buffalo can be found along the river’s edges. Bird watching tends to be very good, with the river att racting large numbers of waterbirds. Little Vundu is a traditional luxury tented camp is situated in the heart of Mana Pools National Park. The intimate camp offers a personalized service for the discerning adventurer who wants a real bush experience. The five en suite tents are nestled in a grove of sausage trees and tall ebony trees and overlook an inlet of the Zambezi River . The bathrooms are open-air with flush toilets and bucket showers. The dining room is across a picturesque channel linked by a foot bridge, it is shaded by the acacia trees that Mana Pools is famous for. The elephants especially stop by to feast on the pods which are an important part of the animal’s diet. The activities are varied, walks, drives, canoeing and fishing. The activities are planned to fit you and what -ac tion is going on in the bush at the time, so you get to experience the best out of what is happening in Mana Pools. August 5 You will game view en route to the airstrip and connect with your scheduled charter flight to Harare. On arrival you will connect with your scheduled inter-Africa flight to Johannesburg. Trip Details... Dates: July 31 - August 5, 2013 Cost: $5,295 Price includes double room accommodations, meals and in-country flights, air fare not included. Please contact us for availability. Deposit: $1,000 About Your Guide... Michael H. Francis is a full time internationally pub- lished wildlife and scenic photographer whose 500,000 plus images express his admiration for all of nature. Mike brings his background as a biologist and entomologist to his photos which show extraordinary mammal, bird, reptile and insect behavior as well as striking and beauti- ful images. Mike is a member and former president of the North American Nature Photography Association and a member of The Outdoor Writers Association of America. He has been published in over 35 single photog- rapher books including Elk Country, Mule Deer Country, Yellowstone Bears in the Wild, Into the Wind … Wild Horses of North America, Bison for Kids, Yellowstone Memories, and many more. Mike’s credits also include thousands of images published in a broad variety of magazines and books including Sports Afield, Audubon, Field and Stream, Outdoor Life, Ranger Rick, Natural History, Outdoor Photographer, and National Geographic Books. His images are also published in hundreds of calendars, post cards, greeting cards, mugs and even on the sides of Frontier Airline planes. ZIMBABWE 2013 In addition to taking photos throughout the world Mike leads photo tours to Alaska, Africa, Yellowstone, Texas, North and South Dakota and other locations. He enjoys sharing his love of wildlife with experienced and begin- ner wildlife photographers of any age. His insights into animal behavior and broad experience make for a rich photography tour experience. .