7 Feb till 11 Feb 2018
This is a five day trip based from Port St Johns on the Wild Coast of South Africa and focuses on natural beauty and surrounds while also incorporating local culture and people.
The Wild Coast is one of the most beautiful parts of the world and experiencing it through the lens of a camera is humbling and inspiring.
Day One
Departure Port Elizabeth at 8am
Brunch/Lunch in East London
Detour to Lusikisiki Road (road of a thousand turns) for late afternoon / sunset shots over the mountains and valleys.
Port St Johns Arrival at approximately 7pm.
Supper, briefing and sleep at Ferry Point Lodge.
Day Two
A sunrise shoot from a small airfield on top of a mountain overlooking the Umzimvubi river mouth. Boerie Roll breakfast and coffee/tea supplied
Walk through Port St Johns town for street shots
Lunch at Fish Eagle Restaurant alongside the river
A model shoot inside the old, run down Cape Hermes Hotel
Free Time / Photo Comparisons and lessons learned
Supper at Ferry Point Lodge
Day Three
Breakfast at Ferry Point
A hiking trail photographic walk to one of the waterfalls in the area through sub tropical jungle type growth
Lunch at a small private restaurant
Free Time / Photo Comparisons and lessons learned
A sunset river boat ride up the Umzimvubu River
Supper at Ferry Point
Night shots of town across the river
Day Four
Breakfast at Ferry Point
A trip along the coast to Poenskop, an idyllic coastal spot further north
Picnic lunch on the beach
A visit to a local kraal to experience their culture and get those special moment shots
Free Time / Photo Comparisons and lessons learned
Supper at Ferry Point
Day Five
Breakfast at Ferry Point
Departure around 8:30am
Lunch in East London and arrival in Port Elizabeth around 5pm
Equipment Needed
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera and for most work, landscapes, street and nature you will need Mid rage lenses : 18-55, 24-70, 16-85 or even a really wide 10-24.
If you have a 35, 50 or 85 prime lens this would be a bonus for the model shoot inside the hotel as well as getting some super portrait shots at the kraal visit.
A longer range like a 55-200, 70-300 or 70-200 will be handy for more discreet shots in the Port St Johns town walk, as well as getting shots of the abundant bird life.
Butterflies and other insects are in abundance so a macro lens would come in handy as well if you have one.
Single speedlight - if weather becomes dark and damp, this might be needed for model shoot, kraal portraits and waterfall walk through the forest. I have however done all these spots before with natural light only. If you have a trigger/transceiver bring it along.
Filters do help for coastal shots so if you have an ND filter bring it along.
Lastly, do remember to bring your swimwear as well will be enjoying a swim in the natural pool below the waterfall.
I could recommend for instance a 24-70 f2.8 to get top notch images in the waterfall walk etc but one of the purposes of these tours is for users to get to know their own equipment. And I will be very honest when I say that in my opinion, if you have for instance a Nikon D3200 with and 18-55 kit lens you will get super shots - if you get your settings right. Having as I do, top notch equipment does make it easier - but that is all - it makes it easier to get the perfect shot. There is no reason why everybody should not get them other than experience and knowing their equipment.
Transport, Accommodation and Meals
Transport is via a Mini Bus.
Accommodation is normally booked at Ferry Point Lodge and they supply our meals as well. It is slightly rustic accommodation in cottages of two or three rooms, that sleep 4 to 6 people so be prepared to share or pay a slight premium. Very friendly, accommodating hosts. For those that want a little more upmarket there are a few venues close by, that we can recommend. You simply pay the difference.
Price per Person
R5500 - Per Person all inclusive at full booking of 10 people
If 8 People are booked on the trip, price is R6500 and if 6 people are booked price is R8500.
Extra costs - Lunch on trip to and from PE/Pt St Johns. Two lunches had at restaurants.
Own drinks, refreshments and spending money
