Kenya

Picking the Right Partner (Your Travel Professional)

The best investment you will ever make is picking the right partner.  You have two choices here: #1. Go direct to the adventure travel companies specializing in Africa or #2. Go through a licensed travel agent with African tour operator contacts (and insight).  I just wouldn’t suggest going in on your own.  There are just too many options and too many variables. Work with a travel professional that has firsthand experience (been there done that).  Check them out thoroughly (what did we do before the internet and sites like Trip Advisor?)  If you don’t know where to start, pick up a few trusted magazines like Travel and Leisure or National Geographic Traveler (or visit their websites). They all have some sort of “trip of the year” or “operator of the year” awards list recognizing the top operators in the world. Conde Nast Magazine has a similar equivalent for the agent community.  Pick up a couple magazines and make a few calls.  See how you “connect” with the tour operator or travel agent.  After all, how often do you really think you will get to go to Africa?

Questions and Answers (You Can Never Ask a Dumb Question)

Before you set out to find a tour operator or travel agent, start by asking yourself a few questions. Think carefully about your answers. Here are a few to get you thinking…

1)      How long do you think you can dedicate to the trip?

2)      Do you have a total budget in mind?

3)      Are there certain animals that are a must-see?

4)      Are there any native tribes in particular you are interested in?

5)     Are there iconic destinations you want to see (Victoria Falls, Cape Town, Dunes in

         Namibia)?

6)     How many countries do you want to visit? (Did you know there is at least one place

         where you can visit four in one day?)

7)     How many nights at each place do you prefer?

8)     What kind of accommodations are you expecting/ do you prefer? (Luxury tents, small

         lodges, large lodges, hotels, etc.)

9)     Are you prepared to fly in a small bush plane?

10)   What time of year are you hoping to travel?

You get the idea…now armed with this information, set out to find the perfect “travel partner” – either tour/safari operator direct or a travel professional specializing in Africa.

Here is a short list of questions to help get you started – add to the list what is important to you.  Keep track of who you talk with and who says what. Search for that “feeling” you get when you just know you are talking to the right person.

In no particular order (and assuming you are talking direct to the tour operator):

1)      How long have you been operating tours in Africa?

2)      What regions of Africa do you have programs?

3)      Have you been and if so where?

4)      What is your personal favorite destination within Africa?

5)      Where do you feel the best place to see the Big Five is?

6)      What is your favorite “camp”?

7)      Where should I go to interact with the real people of Africa and why?

8)      How do you choose who you work with in Africa? 

9)      Can I speak with someone that has been to Africa with you?

10)   What do I need for shots or medication? (Malaria Pills, Yellow Fever? Etc.)

Now armed with the insight and the tasks listed above, you are ready.  Make the planning every bit as fun as the entire process should be.  Build the anticipation until you eventually get on that jet to your dream vacation of a lifetime.

And when you get back, give me a call and tell me all about it. I love hearing about travels to Africa almost as much as I do heading out on my own! (By the way, in case you are wondering where I’m heading next on the African front?  Kenya and the gorillas of Uganda is my plan!!!)

Dan Austin

Visiting Africa 101: Part 1 & Part 2

Don't forget I am always here to help you plan the perfect African Safari

Oe leave a comment below with any questions you have!

The People of Africa (Diverse and Fascinating) “We are not Africans because we are born in Africa, we are Africans because Africa is born in us.”

Chester Higgins Jr.

There is no continent more blessed with the incredible beauty and sweeping diversity than that of Africa. From this diversity Africans “parented” the rest of humanity.  However, all this diversity has a tangible and intangible commonality which merges into one family!  Who hasn’t looked at a collection of photos or videos and “marveled’ at the stoic Maasai Tribe…tall, handsome and often dressed in red – a semi nomadic people located in Kenya and Tanzania. They are among the best known and recognizable African ethnic groups and are often found working the many game camps and lodges in the region.

Or who hasn’t heard of the Zulu?  The reason you have heard of them just might be that they are the largest ethnic group in southern Africa and beyond.  They are well known for their beautiful, brightly colored beads and baskets as well as other small carvings. The Zulu are practically divided in half with about 50% living in cities and engaging in domestic work and another 50% working on farms.

My personal favorite might be the Himba. (Picture the tribe that uses the “red” die to color their hair and skin.)  This ancient tribe of semi nomadic herders and farmers is made up of extraordinary people who have resisted change and preserved their unique cultural heritage.  It’s hard to travel through Namibia without visiting a village of the Himba.

Okay, so that is just three of the over 500 tribes that make up the indigenous people of Southern and East Africa…but when many, if not most of us think about Africa, how can we not think about Nelson Mandela and his struggle and ultimate leadership in ending Apartheid?  A trip to Cape Town or a visit to District 6 or Robin Island will take you back and leave you thirsting for more insight about this period in African history. 

As I said early on, the people of Africa are diverse: Sheep herders, gold miners, peasants and millionaires.  It would be hard to stereotype Africa’s population and be even close.

Safari or Not To Safari (Types of Programs Throughout Africa)

Now back to the task at hand – preparing you to determine the best African Adventure for you and yours.  As I see it there are really just a few different types of African vacations. Obviously #1 is the classic African Safari.  Option #2 might be more of an “Active” African adventure, and option #3 might be a combination of the two.  There is of course a #4, sitting on a beach somewhere drinking tropical drinks with an umbrella but really, why travel all the way to Africa for what you can do in Florida or Hawaii? To this end I will spend a few minutes talking about #1, #2 and #3 (#4 I will leave to your imagination).

The Classic African Safari!  First we need to remember, Africa wrote the book on luxury camping and over the top customer service.  While it may be possible to locate a large multi-unit hotel style complex, I am just not sure where or why you would want to stay in one when much better options are available.  The “average” accommodation, if there is such a thing in Africa, is a small super deluxe permanent camp style setting.  Yes, there are permanent lodges and/or mobile camps, but for the most part you will find a permanent tent style camp.  Why tent style? Often times the “landlord” can only lease the land, so the idea is there cannot be a permanent structure.  That said, these permanent “camps” are about as far from camping as you can get: running hot and cold water, incredibly plush bedding and service beyond your wildest expectations.  Guest to staff ratios in excess of four staff to one guest is not uncommon.

These camps are often on nature conservatories or game reserves in the heart of the best game viewing possible.  I have had the pleasure of having White Rhinos visit the dinner table and Hippos brush my tent in the middle of the night. This is clearly how you can get up close and personal to the game. In my book African safaris has to be the perfect adventure vacations for couples.

One thing to keep in mind – not all camps have all game. Therefore, one must start considering what it is they really want to see.  Similar for each region, you may be able to see the Big Five for example, but it may take a few days at this camp and a few days at that one and so forth.  Each camp (and area) has its own “specialty”.

The overall experience can vary as well.  A “private” experience in Africa is quite common…this is when you and say, your family of four, has their own vehicle and guide for the duration of your stay.  The guide driver will escort you from camp to camp or region to region, always in your own vehicle.  Another option is to “fly” into the bigger camps…here you meet a group of likeminded travelers and each day load up into a “safari” vehicle (sometimes seating as many as a dozen plus) and go out for your game drives together.  After a few days you may move to another camp and meet another group.

Each camp or lodge for that matter has a different “setting”.  Each region has different vegetation and geography.  Start asking yourself questions: are you a desert person or do you prefer thick forestation, dunes or river valleys, red rocks or granite peaks, six tent compounds or more expansive forty room lodges with a hot tub?

#2 Active Adventure.  Here is the challenge, by the sheer nature of the beast (pun intended): it is difficult at best, but not impossible, to have a very active safari.  Why? Simply put, there are things out there that would be delighted to eat you and wandering around is just not a good idea.  That doesn’t mean you can’t have a day here or there of biking, rafting or horseback riding (in fact, there are some great safari options that include a little of both).  It’s easy to fit in an active day here or there. But for a truly active adventure one has to think along the lines of civilization, at least by African standards. 

South Africa vacations are a smorgasbord of possible activities.  Biking the Garden Route, kayaking Point of Good Hope, shark diving with Great Whites, hiking Table Mountain, etc. It may be easiest to base in one of the many hotel style properties.  There are lots of opportunities to explore the culture (think townships and Robin Island) or fine dining and wine tasting (South Africa is not to be overlooked for its own wine country). 

As with any civilized destination, the options for hotel types and quality are endless.  Everything is available from five star luxury resorts to the more affordable three start comfort hotels.  Don’t overlook Africa’s beaches – some of the best in the world! (Just remember their “season” is opposite of that in the US). 

#3 Combination. This option seems to fit the best for most adventurous souls.  Simply put, five to seven days of safari can be a lot.  As pointed out, most safaris entail a lot of “seat time”.  So how about starting with an “active” on-the-go vacation and then graduating to a safari style?  This may be easier than you think.  You see, the toughest part of an African vacation is just getting there.  Depending on where you start, this could be a 15-20 or even 24 hour flight!  But once you get to Africa it’s not all that tough to take in-country flights from one country or destination to another.  Let’s say your “hub” is Johannesburg (as it often is)…you can fly to Johannesburg and then on to Cape Town and spend the week exploring, biking, hiking, kayaking, you name it. Then, either take a commuter small plane to one of the game reserves like Sabi Sabi near Krueger National Park or fly back to Johannesburg and transfer via one of the in-country carriers like South African Airways to Windhoek to visit a wide range of camps in Namibia.  Or via Johannesburg, fly back up to Nairobi and treat yourself to a Kenya or Tanzania safari.

The options are limitless...

Dan Austin

Don't forget I am always here to help you plan the perfect African Safari

Or leave a comment with your questions below.

What you need to know not only before you go, but before you even start thinking about going!

To start our journey together I want to share an African proverb:  The people sailing in the same boat share the goal.

When one thinks of Africa, the vision is that of beauty, wilderness, wildlife, exotic peoples, romance and so much more.  Throughout history Africa’s people, its struggles and above all else its overwhelming beauty have created a romantic vision of a spectacular, yet mysterious continent.  Since those first western explorers landed on its shores in the late 1800’s, Americans have been fascinated and drawn with wonder and intrigue to this diverse and complex land.  Even today the stories and pictures that come out of Africa paint a picture of an untouched place where its people live as they have for centuries, a place where the wildlife is abundant and untamed and a place of conflict and opportunity…yet there is so much more than superlatives can describe and a ton of adventure vacation packages to discover when looking into a trip to Africa.

There is a saying in Africa….  It applies to planning your first trip as well:  “How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time!” Once you have your mind made up that you will visit this great continent, set aside the time to “study up” and educate yourself on at least the basics.  The following is just an idea and an outline of things you might want to consider and how to get started eating that elephant called Africa.

The Continent and the Five Regions of Africa (This is One Big Continent)

Of our seven continents on the planet Africa ranks number two in size, second only to Asia.  With its 11,677,791 square miles (give or take a few) you can fit all of Europe and South America within its footprint.  In fact you could fit the United States something like five times within its coastlines. That is one large land mass.  As you start thinking about the “where” keep this in mind…Picture talking to a distant relative in Europe and your response when they suggest they want to come visit for two weeks and they would like to see Maine, New York, Florida, Arizona and the California coast. You would quickly let them know that just isn’t possible! Now magnify that times five and well, you get the idea.

Africa and its 58 countries are broken up into five distinct “regions”:

o   North Africa

o   West Africa  

o   East Africa  

o   Central Africa

o   Southern Africa

North Africa is typically considered dry and arid. It is made up of eight countries or territories and not frequently thought of as a “Safari” destination.  Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, South Sudan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Western Sahara make up North Africa. North Africa is separated from the rest of Africa by the Sahara Desert to the South.  These countries create a stronger connection to the seafaring countries of Europe more so than their southern neighbors.

West Africa is bordered on the west and south by the Atlantic, to the north by the Sahara, and to the east (roughly) by Mount Cameroon to Lake Chad.   West Africa makes up roughly one-fifth of Africa and includes Liberia, Senegal, Togo, Niger, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria, just to name a few of the eighteen countries, commonly considered West Africa.  With the vast majority of its land mass as plains at less than 300 meters above sea level, it is considered “semi-arid”.

***East Africa is where we really start talking “safari country”!  This region consists of nineteen countries and territories most commonly known for Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, Mozambique, Madagascar, (although these last two are often referenced as Southern Africa), again just to hit the highlights.  When talking “safari” Eastern Africa typically means Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.  Its stunning and scenic geography, dense vegetation and high peaks (Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya to be a name dropper), as well as Lake Victoria, the second largest fresh water lake in the world should be “must-sees” in anyone’s book.  It should be no surprise why the fabled Big Five (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard) can be found here.

Central Africa (considered by most to be a “Republic”) is considered the “core” of the continent and includes the countries, regions or states of Burundi, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda.  This is a land rich in African history as well as minerals.  Despite its significant mineral resources (gold, uranium, diamonds, etc.) the Central African Republic remains one of the poorest countries in the world and among the ten poorest countries in Africa. It should be no surprise that in no small part to the mineral wealth and the geographic “core” location, Central Africa has been a coveted territory by both African and foreign governments for centuries.

***Southern Africa (not to be confused with the country of South Africa).  Southern Africa is the southernmost region of the African continent, variably defined by geography or geopolitics. Within the region are numerous territories, including the Republic of South Africa (a successor country to the Union of South Africa); nowadays, the simpler term South Africa is generally reserved for the country in English.  In the UN scheme of things, Southern Africa is made up of five countries: South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia (my favorite), Lesotho and Botswana.  When we think or hear Africa, we are often hearing about Southern or even South Africa as it is a region rich with history, development, opportunities and struggles.  South Africa stands out as the dominant economic superpower of the region.  It can also “rival” East Africa with its wildlife opportunities.

(*** Regions commonly associated with safaris!)

Read Part 2: Visiting Africa 101- Part 2

Dan Austin

Don't forget I am always here to help you plan the perfect African Safari

When thinking of a ‘trip of a life time’ many people think of an over the top Safari to Africa!  There are several factors that come into play while you are in the research and development part of a trip.  Below you will find a list of helpful hints to aid you in your search for the perfect African Adventure.

1. Create a list of ‘must see/do’ (animal, cultural, geographical)… The first step to planning a memorable African Adventure is to create a “must see or do list”.  Are you traveling to participate mostly in game viewing or tracking the elusive black rhino or Gorillas? Are you a thrill seeker who wants to bungee jump while you feel the spray of Victoria Falls?  Do you want to climb to the top of Table Mountain or explore the wine regions around Cape Town? Or are you looking to have cultural encounter with the Masai? Listing what you really consider your ‘Must Do’s’ is a great place to start!

2 Areas you want to visit… Most people are slightly overwhelmed the first time they look at a map of Africa, and for good reason!  This huge expanse of land encompasses a variety of offerings as big as the continent itself.  Do you want to travel to mysterious Morocco to ride camels, shop for rugs, and drink tea with the locals?  Or maybe travel to Kenya on a photo safari during the wildebeest migration? Or even traverse the sand dunes and Skeleton Coast of Namibia while meeting the local Himba tribesmen.  Each area of Africa offers a unique combination of activities; all you have to do is narrow down your wish list of activities and sort out where on the continent can accommodate you!

3 Timing (When)… There are so many timing issues to take into consideration, and all are linked back to the activities that mean the most to you. The wildebeest migration is best seen in Kenya from June to August, but if you want to see babies abound, you may want to hold off until November.   For Morocco I would recommend between April to early June, or September through November as crowds are smaller and the climate is milder.  Most people believe it is best to plan a Safari during the African winter, when the vegetation is limited and the grass is dry, forcing animals to smaller areas, making game viewing easier.  However, if you are looking for birding, botany, and great weather, the African summer may better suit your needs.  Decide what you really want in a vacation and research the best times for specific activities.

4.  Level of luxury… Alright, so you have decided the what, where, and when, now we need to talk about the how!  How are you going to travel, are you looking for the 5 star luxury camping that Africa is so well known for, or are you thinking a budget trip with less lavish amenities.  Are you camping, or staying in hotels?  Your budget will either be set by the type of accommodations you select, or the accommodations you select will set your budget, either way there are a plethora of options.  A pretty reasonable starting point is about $500-$800 per day per person.  You can adjust up and down accordingly.

5.  Length of your stay… Another factor for budgeting is of course the time you are committing to your trip.  Are you traveling for a 10 day focused adventure, or a three month extensive excursion.  How much ground do you want to cover and how much time is necessary to undertake your itinerary?  Maybe you only have a certain amount of vacation days to consider, or maybe you have a little more flexibility.  Usually the most expensive part of an African trip is the airfare to the continent, so make sure you plan a trip that incorporates just want you want while you are there!

6. Drive overland vs. flying. Another factor to consider during the budgeting stage is if you are interested in land or air transfers (this affects both monetary budgeting, as well as time management).  Both have pro’s and con’s!  While land transfers are usually more cost effective, and give you more opportunity for game viewing, they add hours of transit to a trip, and may not be the best option, especially if you are trying to see a lot with limited time.  Flying however adds cost but saves time.  Would you rather be in a car for 6 hours traversing miles and miles of uninhabited wild lands, or skip the drive and fly from point to point and continue on with dedicated activities?  Most trips usually end up with both, so stay open to advice and consider what you really want to accomplish on your trip.

7. Family or not… Maybe you have a family and are looking for a trip that is suitable to all ages.  Maybe you have raised your family and are not interested in traveling with other people’s children.  Maybe you have no kids and want an adult only trip.  Either way, there are trips and tours for you!  You can join other families and meet new people with similar interests, you can opt for a kid friendly activities and accommodations, or you can look for more adult oriented programs.  Either way, do not be afraid to speak up to make sure you add on to the right trip!

8.  Choosing a tour operator… So you have a few things narrowed down, the what, where, when, and how’s…  This leaves us with who!  Who is going to help you, if anyone?  There are tour operators scattered all over the place and most are filled with detailed, firsthand knowledge of traveling in Africa!  Use them!  They can even help you while you are narrowing down your wish list.  There are operators that deal with daily activities all the way to planning the entire multi-day excursion.   There are tour operators that have created the best itineraries for each area, or operators that can help you build your perfect custom trip! Really the sky is the limit with what is out there, do a little research to find the operator that best suits your travel style. Refer to http://www.austinlehman.com/choosing-a-tour-operator-pages-477.php for some additional tips and tricks for picking a Tour Operator.

9. What is included in the price? While you are talking to your agent or tour operator you need to ask what is included in the price.  If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.  A few extra costs to consider are: flights to and from your host city, internal flights or transfers, are meals included, are activities all inclusive or ala carte?  A great deal can spiral out of control if you arrive in Africa and find out that every activity will cost you extra!

10 Africa here you come… You have done it!  You have made the lists, consulted the professionals, and found the perfect African experience!  Now all you have to do is go!  Remember to take lots of photos, write down what you do every day (you will be amazing at how quickly the details will start to blur), and soak it all in!  Enjoy the fruits of your labor, and relish in the knowledge that with a little preparation you have created the trip of a life time!

Now all you have to do is book that African Safari vacation that you’ve always dreamed of… For more information, please visit our African Safari vacation’s page.

Your friendly travel expert,

Mindy Vanderhoof

Dan Austin lending a hand in Africa

Inspired by the news of Austin-Lehman winning the Global Vision Award for “corporate innovation” for our work with Wheels Of Change in Montana and WOCMontana’s continued success bringing mobility to communities in Africa. ALA is proud to announce the launch WOC International, a worldwide effort to help the people of Africa gain access to mobility and create a better life for all in local communities. As an organization, WOC International is helping to form the foundation for change in Africa, driven by the simple belief that a bicycle can make a difference!

Bike workshop in Ngoma, Namibia

The Facts:
A bicycle; one of the simplest transport technologies, affordable and can be maintained anywhere in the world with minimal tools and spare parts. Yet for millions of low income people a new bicycle is financially out of reach. Meanwhile, in the western world we discard thousands of bicycles every year. When a bicycle is donated, the possibilities are endless and the math becomes simple. In the hands of a healthcare worker, they can cover four times the ground than on foot. Girls are 70 percent more likely to attend school if their household owns a bicycle, the shipping container the bikes are sent in become a working and sustainable bike shop providing jobs in the communities.


Shipping container that will be turned into a bike shop

Get Involved:
It’s simple! Donate a bike. Change a life. 100% of all donations, cash, equipment and materials go directly to the recipient communities in Africa. To date, over 10,000 bicycles have been shipped overseas and 26 bike shops have been established and maintained. Their latest shipment just landed in Kenya and is on it’s way to Nairobi. Every little bit helps, whether you are donating a bike, donating money, or even starting up your own chapter of Wheels of Change. Please visit www.wocinternational.org and donate today! Become a fan of WOC International on Facebook or on Google + and get news about their current efforts.

For more information on WOC International please email Dan Austin at dan@wocinternational.org

Thanks,

Austin-Lehman Adventures

We’ve all shot impala, right? Whether at the zoo or in the field, their giant ears, Cleopatra-like eyes, long triangular faces and attractive coloring make them irresistible. I shot this small herd in the Sabi Sabi Private Game Preserve (on the edge of Kruger National Park) while on Austin-Lehman Adventures South Africa trip last year and the antelope alone in the acacias a half dozen years before in Kenya.

It will sound odd, but I’m always reminded of my times photographing butterflies with a macro lens when I’m glassing an antelope and composing the scene. Their similarity of habit is remarkable momentary, almost absolute stillness, lulling you into taking those dangerous extra seconds just to look at these beautiful creatures before taking your shot then WHOOSH, they’re gone. That’s what happened with the butterfly below (taken on ALA’s Costa Rica adventure trip in the butterfly house we visited). Had I waited a split second longer I’d have missed the shot!

The thrill of catching that first good snap of an animal or insect is palpable, and in truth I never tire of shooting the same things. But that same level of satisfaction does not extend to the resulting photographs. That is, after a while my shots of these immobile lovelies begin looking the same, even after altering the angle, the composition, the background colors and lighting – all the many variations we all make to a subject when we’re striving for a novel look or feel. What’s left to capture?

Ah, in my opinion this is one of the most creative moments in photography, the instant not of executing the photograph (usually an easy enough thing to do) but the more difficult job of deciding what it is that you want to capture long before the camera is in your hand. Most of us travel photographers (you and me, everyone who travels and takes a picture now and again) never even consider this question until the moment is upon us, until the antelope are staring back or the butterfly lights on a flower nearby. This is understandable. Without really thinking about it we buy a camera before a trip, toss it into our pack, and when something looks interesting we take a snap. We’ve recorded what we see. The trip is our subject and we’ve just preserved a bit of it for ourselves and for others back home. There’s not a thing wrong with that. Not a thing until you notice that all your pictures are looking somewhat the same.

That’s when you begin doing what I listed above changing compositions, backgrounds, colors, lighting. If you still are feeling that you’re missing something, maybe it’s time to work at putting motion into your shots. It’s not a static world out there, after all, especially if what you’re trying to record is an adventure tour.

Now, there are a number of ways to put motion into photographs, and due to space considerations I’ll discuss just one at present pan-blurs. But I’ll mention the easiest of all before we get to panning that of just keeping your camera still when the antelope or butterfly races off, but tripping the shutter as it does. The results most often aren’t worth keeping, and if you were (or still are) shooting film you’d hesitate at the waste. But if it’s only pixels you’re burning, why not?

Here’s a butterfly (also taken in the Costa Rica butterfly house) that fluttered past my lens while I was standing still, camera to my eye and trained on a leaf where I’d seen two others light for few seconds. I was hoping for a third, and was pre-focused and composed. Then, suddenly, this fellow comes fluttering past. He or rather, she, as I soon discovered was headed to the curled frond at the very bottom of the photo. As I watched, amazed, she laid an egg! I had snapped as she descended, holding the camera as still as I could (notice that some of the leaves are in focus). What I love about this lucky snap is that we get to see what the human eye cannot the fast-beating colorful wings and those delicate legs, poised for a landing like a NASA moon rover descending to the surface. I didn’t get the shot I was after, another immobile, in-focus snap that would have looked much like the others I’d already taken. But I did get something just as interesting as those which let us count the hairs on a butterfly’s back.

So that’s one way to put motion into your photos holding very still, pre-focused on a spot (or on the creature itself) and snapping as the action of entrance to the scene or exit from it occurs. This, of course, requires a quick trigger finger and luck, but if it was too easy it wouldn’t be any fun.

Pan-blurs, in comparison, are far more fun, for instead of just standing still and tripping a shutter you are going to swing your lens with your subject as it passes. How clearly and cleanly you smear the background colors across your resulting photograph while keeping your main subject in focus depends upon how fast and how smoothly you make that swing and what shutter speed you’ve chosen (Pan-blurs can be taken even with point-and-shoots which don’t allow you to change your shutter speed, though you will of course sacrifice that element of creativity). Faster shutter speeds will put the moving subject into greater focus, and blur the background less. Slower shutter speeds will reduce the focus of both, giving your canvas a more impressionistic look. Here are two examples from the cross-Iowa Ragbrai ride, attended that year by a mere 8500 or so riders. What a lotta lycra to photograph!

In the first shot, the cool-looking blue-shoed, red-jerseyed cyclist’s face, arms, and hands are in near-perfect focus, while everything else in the picture says exactly what I was seeing as I shot it action. My shutter setting was 1/100th, and I obviously lucked into a nice, even swing of the zoom-telephoto lens I was using (Note: Some internally stabilized lenses have a special setting to help steady your lens as you pivot with the subject). Though one can pan (rotate) with any moving object (cars, horses, joggers), I prefer bikers because of the feet, spokes, and tires which are moving at different speeds and directions from the cyclist, resulting in blurs all their own.

In contrast, the second biker has not a single in-focus point anywhere in the picture. I snapped this rider at a 1/60th shutter speed, but when shooting pan-blurs the speed of the subject is as determinative of the result as is your shutter setting. Part of the fun of pan-blurs is that you don’t know what you’ve captured until you look at the picture on your computer screen, for even the largest of back-of-the-camera screens are too small to provide the necessary overall view. Practice will of course give you a better guess at what you’ve shot, but if you’re after a mix of pan-blur effects you should employ multiple shutter settings and alter the speed of your pivot.

As you can see in the shots, the background of a pan-blur is of great importance. Trees, a picket fence, a row of tall bushes or a high cornfield, all will be interesting when blurred. Other riders are an especially good background, and if they’re in different colors and riding at somewhat different speeds you’re doubly blessed. Choose your background, decide upon the spot where you’ll trip the shutter as your moving subject comes along, and focus for that spot. Pre-set your exposure (both shutter and aperture) for the lighting conditions, or choose shutter-priority alone (as I prefer, thereby letting the camera select the aperture according to the lighting present when your subject appears). Plant your feet firmly and practice the swinging motion, rotating just your upper torso as you do.

Another option is to use auto-focus, so that you can shoot before or after your pre-determined spot if things look good to your eye. And don’t stop your panning action after you’ve clicked the shutter, especially if you’re shooting at 1/30th of a second or slower. Sticking with that long, smooth glide of the lens will increase your chances of getting what you want.

Your best pan-blurs will probably be those you get when planning ahead, as I’ve done on adventure tours when pedaling hard for a minute to break from my fellow riders, then jumping off my bike at what looks to be a good location and hurriedly setting up before the others pass. But this is a technique that can be employed on the fly with a momentarily still subject as well, if you’re ready for it.

Take your best still shot of whatever it is that you’re expecting to bolt (like that antelope herd above), then quickly change your shutter speed to something slow enough to blur the background, and wait for them to speed off. Their pretty heads and erect ears will be in focus, while their flying hooves and taut leg muscles as well as the grass and trees in view will show the motion you’re wanting to pan.

In future Photo Corners we’ll discuss other ways to put action into pictures. Until then, enjoy perfecting your panning technique!

There are not words enough to describe the perfection of this afternoon. Today we traveled from our hotel in Stellenbosch to Ant’s Nest lodge in the Waterberg. We flew from Cape Town to Johannesburg and were picked up by our driver, Tefo, to continue the rest of the way in a van.

During the drive we had a very interesting conversation regarding HIV and AIDs in Africa. Growing up, what I largely remember about Africa is the AIDs problem and how terrified I was of it. I had to know whether or not it was something that also concerned Carmin, as she grew up in South Africa. She said it absolutely had been something that scared her! From our conversation I discovered that all of Africa suffers from the HIV and AIDs problem and that it was particularly prevalent along the trucking routes through the continent. Many African cultures regarded wearing a condom as emasculating for men and the idea of discussing HIV as taboo, which made the infection spread much more quickly. Tefo told us that there is a newspaper writer and a radio host that both are open about their HIV infection and encourage discourse regarding the issue. Also, it is required that you be blood tested before you get a job and every two years thereafter.

After driving for around four hours, we arrived at Ant’s Nest. Carmin has found us the most amazing place to stay. I am blown away by the rustic magnificence and tranquility of the lodge.
Our hosts, lodge managers Peter and Helen, are very welcoming and engaging. As soon as we arrived we discovered that Carmin had reserved the entire place for us as it is rented on an exclusive basis. I felt like I was in a reality TV show for a moment because we were sent to look at all the different rooms, everyone had to pick one. Dan and Dennis’s rooms were chosen quickly, and Carmin told me to pick whichever room I wanted. I wound up with an amazing suite!

All of the rooms here have thatched roofs that smell wonderful like sweet hay. The attention to detail in decorating is incredible. Dennis asked about the room dÃcor and we were told that Tessa (one of the owners) decorated them in a Kenya theme as she is from there. I kept pacing from living room to bedroom to bathroom completely speechless.

Upon our arrival we’d decided to go on an excursion in the jeep to view animals. After tea and chocolate cake, we headed out and it was not long at all before we had our first sighting a cluster of zebras. They’re so beautiful! We all thought they were posing for Dennis. I think they may be my favorite safari animal so far. We also spotted impala (much smaller than I imagined), warthog, blue wildebeest and kudu on the drive.

Everyone kept having to shoosh me! It was so exciting to see these animals in their natural habitat. We are also lucky to have arrived after the first heavy rains of the season so the grass is young and bright green. Impalas have the ability to become pregnant but not give birth right away holding their babies inside themselves until conditions are just right. Due to the abundance of grass after the long dry season, the impala just started giving birth, so there are tons of little ones running around! As we drove along, despite the fact that Dan taught me what to look for in animal spotting, I was busy staring far into the distance at the beautiful green, tree-covered hills and blue sky with sparse puffy white clouds when I heard Carmin telling us there was something on our left.

Three incredibly tall giraffe heads extended over the trees and bushes where they had been eating. I felt so oblivious for not even noticing them at first. They were so remarkable! There were two females (cows) and one male (a bull). We hopped out of the jeep at Peter’s suggestion and tried to get a little closer. It wasn’t long before they ran away at full speed but even that was a lovely sight.

The sun was getting low in the sky, and as we rounded a bend and came into a clearing, I noticed lawn chairs set up for all of us, including a table with drinks and snacks. We were able to watch the sunset and relax with a gin and tonic. Carmin said Gin and tonics are the quintessential old-time African drink because the gin contains quinine which drives mosquitoes away.

Dinner this evening was served outside at the lodge. The star filled sky, unpolluted by city lights, was our backdrop. Midway through dinner our hosts heard snorting from beyond the courtyard. Four white rhinos had wandered over and were pulling up the grass to eat. It was so unreal! We were so close to them we could clearly see their heavily textured skin and big, jutting horns! Dinner was absolutely delicious as well stuffed peppers as an appetizer, beef fillet with chunky fried potatoes and sweet beans as the main course, and a chocolate torte with ice cream and raspberry sauce. Everything was complemented by a cabernet sauvignon/shiraz blend from the Stellenbosch wine region we’d visited the day before. I am so looking forward to another day at the Ant’s Nest. Tomorrow morning we’re heading out on horseback to see more animals!