Epic Blog

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa - Blue Mountains

2011-12-08T17:11:00.000+11:00

By Rich Field: To be honest I wasn’t expecting a 10 am wildlife drive through the Wolgan Valley to be too productive. There are an abundance of kangaroos and wallabies in the valley (including four albino wallaroos), but the sightings are always best in the early morning and late afternoon. I was just hoping to get an idea of the lay of the land for future excursions, and certainly not expecting to do any serious wildlife photography.

However this all changed when we reached Naglow Knoll – a small well vegetated hillock with a fantastic view of the incredible Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, as well as the valley itself.

I was walking up the hill with Ben, the head guide at Wolgan Valley, when a rustle in the bush caught our attention. I saw a flash of thick reptilian skin and thought perhaps a python might be disappearing into the bush. A second glance however showed two enormous goannas engaged in what appeared to be a fairly significant battle.

Initially I thought it might have been a mating ritual, but the length and the sheer ferocity of the battle seemed to indicate that it might have been two males fighting over territory. They would scratch, shove and bite each other, with one repeatedly tearing chunks out of the others shoulder, but neither looking like they were willing to give up any time soon. A half hour (and over 200 photos later) the pair was still going, but we needed to press on.

With glorious accommodation and facilities, phenomenal food (including a 7 course dinner with matching wines) and a great wilderness on your doorstep, Wolgan Valley Resort Spa in my opinion offers Sydney’s best weekend away!

By Pedro O’Connor: Marg and I also recently had the opportunity to explore Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa, and would like to share our thoughts.

The resort is a 3 hour drive from Sydney through stunning sandstone escarpment and large eucalypt country. The ultimate access is by helicopter via the Blue Mountains National Park with scenic views of The Three Sisters enroute. The resort is situated on 4,000 acres and is a haven for those seeking an authentic, rural Aussie experience without compromising on any luxuries.

The abundance of wallabies, kangaroos, wombats and birdlife is outstanding. Whether in a vehicle, on bicycle, horseback or on foot one can get up close to the animals.

For avid hikers the nearby forest trails offer all levels of adventure that take in several different bio climates hence markedly different vegetation and abundant birdlife.

One of Wolgan’s greatest assets is its staff, many are locals who have a great passion for their home turf and are always proud to espouse their knowledge on the’ must see and do’ activities in the region.

The resort has no age restriction making it an ideal family destination for a short break.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Zambezi Trek and Paddle - Sept 2011

2011-10-19T18:12:00.001+11:00

By Brad Horn: I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some footage of a "trek and paddle" safari I guided last month. This trip involved a couple of nights acclimatising in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe before flying into Mana Pools National Park in the Zambezi Valley. We proceeded to walk across Mana over three and a bit days covering a total of around eighty kilometres. We then had a two night "spell" and the beautiful Ruckomechi Camp before paddling back down the river over two days to the start point. There are few safaris that come close to this for adrenalin and action. The old saying, "from a vehicle you see Africa but on foot you feel Africa" never holds truer than in this case. Mindblowing!

To view some highlights of this amazing trip please click on the below video footage.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Tanzania and Rwanda - Family Safari - June 2011

2011-07-12T11:46:00.002+10:00

By Brad Horn: I recently had the pleasure of guiding a great family out of Washington DC on a safari to Tanzania and Rwanda. This was the family's third African safari with Epic, having been previously to Botswana, South Africa and Namibia. The focus of this trip was the migration in the Serengeti and the mountain gorilla's of Rwanda.

Ordinarily in the latter part of June the migration is principally in the western and lower sections of the northern corridor of the Serengeti. We hedged our bets by choosing two camps; one in the west and the other a little further north. This way we covered all bases. If the migration was more advanced than normal or lagging somewhat we would still be within striking distance. It was just as well we did as this year the migration moved north very early with only rear guard elements still in the western corridor. We did however hit "paydirt" at the more northern location, the Grumeti Reserves.

The Serengeti is such a vast expanse of wilderness and it never ceases to deliver on the game experience. To see the migration in all its glory is certainly one of the wonders of the nature and something that everyone should see at least once in their life. It is hard to comprehend the sheer mass of animals. It is even harder to capture the scale effectively on film. In addition to the million or so bleating wildebeest, all the usual suspects were in attendance; lion, cheetah, hyena, elephants, buffalo and a host of other plains-game species. One of the highlights of the trip was a balloon ride over the Serengeti's vast plains. Words can't describe how special it is silently floating above the animals.

From the Serengeti we flew onto Rwanda and embarked on two days trekking for the highly endangered mountain gorillas. With only 700 or so of these animals left on earth, they are a very rare commodity. In my experience Rwanda delivers the best gorilla experience and it certainly didn't fail to measure up. Our two days couldn't have been more different; the first was a challenging day from both a terrain and weather perspective. The gorilla family we were visiting were lodged deep in a re-entrant. Luckily we were all in good physical shape to make the most of the day. My clients were real troopers and revelled in the challenge. We were rewarded with good viewing including seeing two mothers with very young twins. It is very rare for gorilla's to give birth to twins. The second day was much easier; the weather was fine and we chanced upon the gorillas in a clearing in the forest. We spent a magical hour with a family of 13 gorillas, including the biggest silverback in the Virunga Mountains named Gahonda (weighing an impressive 220 kgs – 480Ibs) all around us. What a way to finish the safari!

To view some highlights from their amazing trip please click on the below video footage.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Botswana - Trans Okavango - New Video & Report

2011-05-25T12:09:00.003+10:00

By Brad Horn: I recently returned from an incredible safari in Botswana. This realised a long held dream to conduct a transect of the famed Okavango Delta by boat from north to south. In all my years of living in Botswana and guiding safaris there I never took the time to partake in a trans-Okavango. Well, good things come to those that wait. It exceeded all expectations and more!

The trip started in the Kalahari Desert where we spent a couple of days in a wonderful little camp called Kalahari Plains. The Kalahari has just enjoyed a fantastic wet season so the landscape was alive. I have never seen Oryx (gemsbok) in such numbers. One of the highlights was sleeping under the stars on a moonless night. The umbrella of stars is so clear in the pristine unpolluted environment of the Kalahari it is almost suffocating.

From the Kalahari we flew north into the Okavango. Talk about going from the "sublime to the ridiculous". Northern Botswana has enjoyed a double average wet season. Add to this the fact that the highlands of Angola (which supplies the majority of the water to the Okavango) have had similar rains. The Okavango is experiencing the biggest flood in a generation plus. Talk about a "sea of land and a land of water"! Prior to our boating sojourn we spent a deal of time in helicopters over-flying the delta. It is only from the air that one really gets an appreciation of the extent of floodwaters. Many a safari operator is scrambling to bund airstrips and camps. We also took time to visit the fabled Tsodilo Hills on the north-western extremity of the delta to see the famous bushman rock art. This was a very special side trip.

From the heli's it was into the boats. We didn't see another soul on the water for the next three days (until we got south towards the buffalo fence). Where else in the world can you experience such solitude these days? The game-viewing and scenery were spectacular.

To get a feel for what's in store, check out the below video. I hope it does the trip justice.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Epic Kilimanjaro Climb - February 2011

2011-03-18T17:41:00.000+11:00

By Brad Horn: Epic Private Journeys led another successful climb up Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame route. Led by Kevin Jackson the team of six experienced a variety of weather throughout the climb including periods of rain, snow, wind and sun as they progressed through the various ecosystems. The team consisted of 5 Australians from the beautiful town of Townsville on the northeast coast of Queensland.

The group was assisted by 44 local porters and guides who created an amazing experience on the mountain for the team. As we climbed through the various camps we were welcomed with an unusually low snow level that made for fantastic views. Each camp offered a different vantage point of all three volcanoes as we slowly made our approach to Barafu Camp.

Once we made it to Barafu Camp, our final camp before the summit, we were provided with unobstructed views of the summit and Mt. Mwenzi. Our team prepared for the summit with a hearty meal and an early night.

We set off for the summit at 11.50 pm with a team rally as we embarked on our long tourney into the dark. As we progressed through the night our team pushed through the urge to make stops and slowly plodded along until we all made it to Stella Point just before 5.30 am.

We spent 20 minutes sharing hot tea before continuing onto the summit. Only as short 45 minutes away, the views of the glaciers and deep into the crater are enough to keep everyone moving slowly as the sun begins to break through the clouds. As we reached 5,895 meters, and Uhuru peak, the tallest point in Africa, we were rewarded with a sunrise that rivaled any other. Our entire team made the summit and after a few images and video clips we made our way back down to the mountain to Mweka Camp for a final night on the mountain.

This was a spectacular climb with a great family, crew and team. Epic is proud of everyone and is excited to be able to share stories with those involved.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Community project - Gibaso Village, Tanzania

2011-03-11T14:55:00.005+11:00

By Rob Barbour: Bill and Vonnie Wavish came on an Epic Safari which I guided to the Ngorongoro Crater, the northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara in August of 2010. They came with a group of friends to celebrate Vonnie's 50th Birthday. Whilst at Serengeti Mara Camp in the Lamai Wedge (in the far north Serengeti) Raymond Teekishe - Conservation and Community Development Manager for AfrikaAfrika - and I gave a presentation on the efforts that AfrikaAfrika and Epic were doing in terms of conservation and community development. As a result of this discussion Vonnie and Bill made an on the spot commitment to fund the building of a teacher's house in Gibaso Village. This project was high on the development agenda of the Gibaso Village Government. The house will be in honour of Vonnie's mother and so will be known as the Colleen Bayliss School Teacher's House.

A building plan was acquired with the help of Tanzanian National Parks and the project commenced in January 2011, ably managed by Raymond Teekishe himself. Ray has been very conscious to ensure all the contracts are allocated to local village members whilst building.

We expect the project to be completed some time in late March or early April.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Gorillas, Iconic Tanzania and Chole Island (near Zanzibar)

2010-11-24T15:34:00.015+11:00

By Heather Moreau (Director, Operations): I have recently returned from an extended trip through Rwanda and Tanzania visiting a number of Epic’s key preferred properties. I was fortunate enough to start with trekking to observe the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. This was one of the most rewarding and thrilling adventures I have ever experienced! Despite having visited Africa many times before, this one hour with a band of gorillas, of which Agasha – a 200 kg male – is the head, was one of the most memorable of my life.

I then travelled to the Ngorongoro Crater, an absolute icon, where I indulged in the opulence of Crater Lodge. From there I travelled to the Grumeti Reserves (the Singita properties are stunning) and the northern Serengeti. The sheer vastness and stunning beauty of these open and expansive plains dotted with granite kopjes never cease to amaze me. The migration hadn’t quite made its way south and I was just in time to witness a crossing of the Mara River. I stayed in a traditional tented camp and loved the feeling of being connected to the bush once again – canvas, bucket showers and all the unmistakable sounds of Africa.

It was then down to the remote and contrasting Ruaha National Park, now Tanzania’s largest Park, and the land of the giant baobabs. Although much drier than the north at this time, the landscape was nonetheless as picturesque and the game viewing as good. Kigelia Camp is also a tented camp and was superb - spacious tents, great food and the staff were lovely. I then hopped over to the Selous and to Sand Rivers, which is located on a bend in the Rufiji River with open cottages raised to take in the view and allow the hippos room to move at night.

I left the dust of safari for the coast and flew to Zanzibar where I enjoyed a walking tour of Stone Town and Matemwe in the north-east for some beach time, a perfect add-on to any safari and for those wanting to take in the culture and history of the island.

Chole Island and Chole Mjini Lodge was my next stop – an untouched, pristine marine haven for diving, snorkelling and swimming with whale sharks. The local village is supported by the lodge and the village visit was a highlight of my stay. I stopped in at the primary school and saw projects being undertaken here such as boat building, still all done by hand. I finished with a luxurious night at The Oyster Bay, a beautiful boutique hotel in Dar es Salaam – before heading home.

Rwanda and Tanzania are two countries that should be put into everyone’s “top 10”.

To find out more, please contact us at epic@epicprivatejourneys.com

Wilderness adventure in Australia's remote Kimberley region

2010-11-02T12:24:00.005+11:00

Trekking, paddling and abseiling their way through the remote north-western Kimberley region of Australia, Brad Horn and his small group of like-minded adventurers have just returned from a spectacular trip. Challenging, yet intensely satisfying, they lapped up the wilderness and camped in swags each night. Of course an Epic expedition wouldn't be right without a little luxury thrown in - they finished up with an extended low level helicopter flight through the dramatic landscape.

Check out the video to get the full picture.

This adventure was designed for a group of friends all wishing to push themselves and test their mettle in a challenging environment. Please note that we can fully tailor to suit a variety of fitness levels.

Wildebeest Rescue in the Northern Serengeti

2010-10-11T17:11:00.002+11:00

For years, poaching has been a way of life (and a means of income) for some Tanzanians in the northern Serengeti region. It is due to the constant monitoring of the area and diligence from the likes of Epic's own Rob Barbour and his associates, that the wilderness is now being seen as worthy of protection.

By Rob Barbour: Ray Teekishe (our Community and Conservation Manager) and I were doing a liaison visit to the Kenyanganga and Lamai Ranger Posts in the northern Serengeti in September. Sadly we came across quite a number of wire snares. As we continued to find them and pull them up we found a young wildebeest alive and still caught in one of the vicious contraptions.

Despite its very sharp horns I managed to get a small acacia between me and its horns which allowed me to release it safely. Amazingly, its only wound was a small laceration on its lower right back leg. It was able to walk but did not appear thankful for its rescue. Ray courageously took the pictures from on top of the bonnet of the Landrover while shouting encouragement (mainly to the wildebeest).

We are picking up a lot of wire snares and cooperating with TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks). Our presence in the area and our collaboration with the local community will hopefully offer them choices other than poaching and at least discourage them to be in the Park.

For more details on the conservation efforts taking place within the Lamai Wedge region, and other areas of East Africa, please do not hesitate to contact us.

New Botswana & Zambia Video

2010-09-15T09:38:00.008+10:00

By Brad: Here is a short video taken in Botswana and Zambia, while guiding clients there recently.

It was an incredible safari with some amazing game interaction.

You will see that we enjoyed many close up encounters including witnessing a cheetah kill, a couple of wonderful sightings of the highly endangered wild dog, leopard on a kill, and numerous fantastic experiences with elephants.

Sardine Run - Great Migration of the Sea | 26 Jun - 3 Jul 2011

2010-09-01T12:00:00.000+10:00

Epic Photo School 2010, with Greg du Toit

2010-08-23T16:01:00.023+10:00

The plans for a photographic expedition had been in the pipeline for quite sometime, and last week saw the launch of the Epic Photo School. This is a brand new safari product and caters specifically for wildlife and nature photographers. The Epic Photo School functions much like a normal safari but with a few important distinctions:

The first being that you are hosted by internationally acclaimed wildlife photographer Greg du Toit (http://www.gregdutoit.com/), who guides and coaches you every step of the way. While on safari, photographers draw on Greg’s extensive bush knowledge and photographic skills, as he highlights unique photographic opportunities and shares camera settings and techniques. The second important distinction making Epic Photo School unique, are the specially designed lessons presented each day. These lessons have been created by Greg and, drawing from his years of wildlife photographic experience, are especially aimed at nature photographers. The course content is structured to contain all the necessary information required to become an expert photographer and cater for all levels of photographers from complete novices through to semi-professionals. As part of the lesson time, each photographer receives valuable feedback on their own work, allowing each to grow and develop in their own personal style of photography. Lastly, the Epic Photo School is unique in that it aims to take photographers to the best wilderness and photographic locations on the African continent.

With the completion of the inaugural Photo School just last week, this comes in hot off the press from Greg:

The Photo School kicked off in the far Northern Serengeti where we all met for the first time on the Kogatende airstrip, after flying in from various corners of the globe. The group was diverse and consisted of a couple from Sydney, Australia (he an avid photographer, while his wife was simply along to enjoy a sublime wildlife safari), a gentleman from Washington D.C., and a CSN sports photographer with an accomplished portfolio of sports images (including impressive subjects such as Tiger Woods and Rafael Nadal - need I say more). We had a guy in from the UK and with his 500mm F4 at the ready, I knew he meant business from the start. And lastly, a Kenyan born lady, now living in the English countryside, although a little nervous at first on the technical aspects of photography, soon proved to have a very artistic eye.

With the group assembled, we met our guide Alex who gave a full brief on how the migration works and where we would soon find the gnus! The base camp for Photo School lay in the far-flung reaches of the northern Serengeti in an area called the Lamai Wedge. Our comfortable mobile camp was positioned right slap bang in the middle of the annual wildebeest migration. So much so, that each night, we were lulled asleep by the moans and groans of millions of wildebeest. A strangely soothing sound I might add! What made this location so unique was the utter lack of other vehicles in the area. Every sighting we had all to ourselves with no one else around, which allowed us to photograph each scene uninhibited as we worked every conceivable angle. The migration has become a popular feature on the international wildlife calendar, and as a result it draws large crowds each year. We however, due to the camp’s excellent location, had the entire migration all to ourselves!

Our days in the Lamai Wedge began with an early 05h30 start. This meant that we were out in the field when it was still dark and most days had found a subject before the sun was up. This allowed us to photograph in the warm and golden morning light! We spent the rest of the mornings out in the field and would stop for a bush breakfast, before returning to camp at midday for lunch. After a short siesta, we met in the dining tent for Photo School. I had carefully planned a series of fun and practically relevant lessons which included the following topics: RAW vs JPEG, exposure compensation, metering, histograms, dynamic range, focus, composition, modes, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, fill flash and light. The course material is specifically designed to first provide a solid foundation upon which each photographer can build. As the Photo School progressed, the lessons moved through to intermediate levels and finally we finished with advanced topics such as fill flash. For each lesson, I drew examples from my own work and I also gave the group feedback on their own photographs taken during the morning. This feedback was always gentle but I feel very important, to allow each person in their own right as a unique artist, the opportunity to learn from their personal images and develop further their own style of photography. The lessons were relaxed and there was plenty of time for questions and comments from the group. The class took to the lessons like ducks to water and from day one we were all on the same page and photography had become our preferred language of choice!

Highlights in the Serengeti included photographing a hyena den in the golden morning light and watching the young cubs gambol about on the great plains. Another highlight for me was driving through endless numbers of wildebeest each day as we left camp and again on our return. The camp was quite literally in the middle of the Great Migration! We enjoyed photographing a crossing and again we were the only vehicle there, which was special indeed! Seeing cheetah and lion that were still attentive to our presence was also a personal highlight and an indication that the place is still wild! Photographing giraffe under a rainbow or elephant and zebra dotted across the plains, interspersed by lone tress, allowed for some excellent landscape opportunities!

After our 4 nights in the Serengeti, we flew to the other end of Tanzania and into the wild bush country of the Ruaha National Park. Kigelia Camp is a beautiful tented camp on a dry riverbed in the heart of Ruaha and was our new home. Our daily routine was similar to that in the Serengeti and the Photo School classes were held around a large and comfortable dining table made from old recycled Arab dhow wood. Personal highlights for me included dining under the stars each night and photographing the giant and ancient Baobab trees. Our photographic sightings in Ruaha included seeing a leopard lying lazily on a lateral branch of a Kigelia (sausage) tree as well as seeing a family of three cheetah. We enjoyed photographing large buffalo herds moving through the wilderness and kicking up dust! A large bull elephant walked out the forest and right up to our vehicle! Spending lots of time with the ever-comical baboons was also a highlight. On one particular day, while I was giving class, a herd of elephant walked through camp. The lesson was interrupted as we all grabbed our cameras and photographed the herd as they proceeded to feed on fallen pods within meters of us. With Photo School being designed specifically for photographers, we had our own vehicle, which allowed us to work the scenes to the best of our ability. On two occasions we sat with a pride of lion for a few hours in the late afternoon and very nearly saw a kill. This flexibility and freedom is what makes Photo School such a desirable product for photographers.

After our 4 nights in Ruaha, the inaugural Epic Photo School concluded with a slide show presentation given to the staff of Kigelia Camp featuring the ‘Best of Photo School 2010’. The show contained a diversity of work and this was testament to our early mornings, practical application and gigabyte upon gigabyte of images shot!

Looking back, it was a privilege and a joy for me to share my passion for both photography and Africa with others. The group was incredibly receptive and it was really rewarding to see the progress that each photographer made. I think the Kenyan student got over her fear of the technical side of photography and learnt that her creative eye is her greatest gift. Our Washington D.C. buddy on the other hand, came into the school with a sound technical understanding but worked hard on the creative side of his photography as we applied the various ‘rules’ of composition. The Sydneysider arrived not knowing how to use his histogram as an effective tool to gauge his exposure and safe to say that he is now a histogram guru and sunsets will never be the same again. I was very pleased to be able to work with our professional sports photographer in solving and perfecting his autofocus technique, which I am hoping will help him with his sports work back in the USA.

All in all, photography again proved to be a language that crossed all borders and the Epic Photo School provided a wonderful framework for us to capture great images, to further our photographic skills, to make new friends and to enjoy a sublime African outdoor adventure.

A special thank you to all at Epic involved in the planning of the Photo School and to the managers, guides and staff at Serengeti Mara Camp and Kigelia Camp - Thank you for putting up with our early mornings and bizarre requests! Lastly, I want to thank my newfound friends and photographers for a wonderful trip. May your horizons always be straight and your histograms bell shaped!!!

Until next time…

Best wishes,

Greg

For more information on this and Epic's many adventures, please contact us.

Great Migration - New Video & Report

2010-08-03T16:31:00.021+10:00

By Brad Horn: I recently returned from guiding a safari in Tanzania incorporating the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Mnemba Island (just of the coast of Zanzibar). I had the great pleasure of the company of three families of repeat clients who had collectively been on safari with me in Botswana a couple of years back. It presented a wonderful opportunity to rekindle friendships and also see how the kids had matured in the intervening years. In fact by my way of thinking, the greatest benefit of a family safari in Africa is that families are removed from the outside world, presenting unrivalled “family time” (given that there are no external influences to dilute the experience).

We had the good fortune of experiencing some wonderful wildlife and cultural encounters; with families it is more often than not the latter which makes the biggest impact. In my experience the people of Tanzania are very special. In the north it is of course the Maasai people who are iconic. Tall, stately and proud, they encompass a bygone era through their very simple pastoralist existence. We also had some great cultural experiences on the coast with the Swahili peoples of Zanzibar. The following “showreel” of highlights hopefully gives some insight into what I am alluding to.

On the game front the viewing was as always very productive as one expects with the northern parks of Tanzania. Among the highlights were; a lioness kill of a wildebeest, mating lion, and black rhino on the Crater floor, incredible elephant encounters on the Serengeti plains in addition to the Migration being in full movement north. Zebra and wildebeest were very much the “order of the day”.

The trip concluded with a stay on Zanzibar culminating with the beautiful Mnemba Island, a small atoll off the far north coast of Zanzibar. The lodge itself is the epitome of unparalleled rustic elegance. Some of the highlights here included night scuba diving, snorkelling with a large pod of dolphins and the hatching of a green turtles’ nest. Some of the kids also undertook an introductory dive.

All in all it was a safari to savour; great company, great game and life long memories.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Great Barrier Feast, Hamilton Island | 26 - 28 Nov 2010

2010-08-01T12:00:00.002+10:00

New Luxury Lodge, Tasmania - Saffire

2010-07-01T12:00:00.001+10:00

National Geographic - Greg du Toit exhibits his Photographs

2010-07-01T12:00:00.000+10:00

Kimberley Cruise - Special Offer

2010-06-02T12:00:00.001+10:00

Introducing Serengeti Mara Camp, Tanzania

2010-06-01T12:00:00.001+10:00

Breakfast in the Serengeti

2010-05-28T11:00:00.010+10:00

By Rich Field (private guide and animal behaviour expert): I had my best ever breakfast recently. The food was good - home made muesli, fresh fruit, muffins, yummy bacon and egg sandwiches, sausages and fresh plunger coffee. However it wasn't actually the fare that saw this breakfast rise meteoricially in my standings, instead it was the fact that I shared it with some great safari companions and around 2 million wildebeest in the middle of the vast expanse of the Serengeti.

It was our first morning and there was a sense of anxious anticipation when we had set off for our first proper drive in the Serengeti. Would we find the migration? How long would it take? Would it be as spectacular as it is portrayed?

The answers to those questions were 'Yes', 'Not long' and 'Most definitely yes'!

It is a breathtaking, awe-inspiring, mind warping spectacle. Your eyes tell you that there are wildebeest and zebra for as far as you can see, in all directions around you, but somehow it takes a little while for your mind to catch up. Yes, it is real. No, these animals haven't been placed here by Disney.

It is a spectacle on a similar scale to the Grand Canyon except with loads of movement and noise. Wildebeest grazing, walking, running, chasing each other, giving birth, nursing, and wildebeest getting eaten.

With such a food supply you would rightly expect a few predators too. We had seen a leopard and a large pride of lions the night before and on this morning we discovered one of the tricks for locating predators in the Serengeti - look for the gaps in the herd. The wildebeest will simply move away from a predator when they see one, which leaves a conspicuous hole in the sea of animals. We found a cheetah and plenty of hyenas this way. And this was all before breakfast!

By the time breakfast came around we were all fairly ravenous, but it did come as a surprise when Roland and Godwin, our local guides, simply stopped in a seemingly random spot on the plain. They offloaded some camping chairs for us and popped some table cloths on the bonnet. Within minutes the coffee was ready and we were tucking into our feast, with several hundred thousand eyes watching us intently. It was simply awesome, and definitely my best breakfast ever (with the only competition coming from the next two mornings when we did it all again)!

To start planning your next African adventure, please contact us.

Culture and Crocodiles in the NT

2010-05-10T14:47:00.019+10:00

By Marg O’Connor: “Water, water everywhere and all the boards did shrink…….” The words of the famous poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge could quite easily be used to describe the Northern Territories amazing “Top End."

I have just returned from a truly authentic Australian adventure to the World Heritage Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land that has left me in awe of the stunning landscape, rich abundance of wildlife, ancient culture of the Australian Aborigines and the truly genuine Aussie hospitality of the Territorians.

My travel companions and I were collected from our very luxurious Balinese-themed villas situated near the Darwin Botanic Gardens by our very passionate and knowledgeable guide, Sab. Sab has spent his life in the Northern Territory. He grew up on a remote cattle and buffalo station in what is now Kakadu National Park. He has lived intimately with the local aborigines his entire life, has been initiated into their clan and as a result brings an unparalleled level of experience and knowledge to his touring.

We spent our first day travelling through Kakadu visiting the Adelaide River Jumping Crocodiles. To travel in the safety and comfort of a vessel down the Adelaide River where some of the densest populations of the deadly saltwater crocodile reside was not only a nail-biting but exhilarating experience. To witness the sheer power of these ancient monsters was certainly eye-opening. Watching crocodiles launch themselves vertically two-thirds of their body length out of the water to grab a piece of meat from the end of a pole was a very timely reminder to be extremely cautious around every waterway or billabong in the Northern Territory.

We travelled from Adelaide River to the Bark Hut Inn for a delicious barramundi burger and then on to Cooinda where we enjoyed a very relaxing Yellow Waters sunset cruise. Gliding quietly along the waterways spotting birds, and even more crocodiles, we watched the sun set on a truly magnificent first day in the Territory.

While we were on the sunset cruise Sab had miraculously transformed a piece of Aussie bush into a very comfortable camp, complete with tablecloth, candles and red wine. There is nothing more enjoyable for me in life than to sit around a campfire beneath the magnificent Milky Way and Southern Cross, gazing into the flames and swapping stories.

Day two was spent travelling to several sites to marvel at ancient rock art. Once again Sab was able to provide an insight into the art that made the paintings come to life. The traditional landowners are very welcoming of visitors to their “country” to help foster a better understanding of their culture and deep relationship with the land. Our final stop for the day was at Bamurru Plains, a tented safari-style camp on the floodplains of the Mary River. To call this “wild bush luxury” is an understatement. As we sipped our drinks and snacked on delicious canapés we watched the sun set over the floodplains.

Day three saw us have an early start as we were about to experience the ride of a lifetime – an airboat ride over the floodplains to view the plethora of birdlife that reside here. The Mary River floodplains offer four distinct and very diverse habitats ranging from open reed/grasslands, melaleuca groves, carpets of waterlilies and lotus flowers to water pandanus environments teeming (and I mean teeming) with birdlife, buffaloes and, of course, crocodiles.

Morning tea was enjoyed in a fairytale melaleuca grove that was carpeted with a multitude of colourful waterlilies. A more picturesque setting could not be found. To sit quietly and take in the sounds of the birdcalls and the smell of the bush is a memory that will stay with me for a very long time.

As I sit and reflect on my adventure I take home with me a deep sense of pride that I am fortunate, not only to live in such a wonderful country, but to have been privileged to have experienced the very best on offer in the "Top End".

If you would also like to enjoy a similar adventure, please contact us and let us arrange your next holiday in Australia.

Snow Leopard dates announced | 12 - 23 Mar 2011

2010-05-02T12:00:00.001+10:00

Okavango Flood Safari | 4 - 13 Jul 2010

2010-05-01T12:00:00.001+10:00

Adventure in the Blue Mountains

2010-03-23T10:46:00.011+11:00

By Kirstie Walia: Sydneysiders and visitors alike need to do this at least once! As a first-timer, abseiling into the grand chasm of the Blue Mountains recently put my logic and trust to the test, yet I soon found myself comfortably descending 30 m over an exposed escarpment edge feeling the adrenalin and freedom only such a vast outlook can provide when your rappel starts 415 m above the valley floor!

I couldn't resist but to spin upside down and take in a truly unique view of the expansive, carpet of eucalypts! At that point, it was amazing to think that only minutes prior I had been nervous descending a wall half that size. The team was excellent and it was clear that safety was paramount.

The day continued with a trek through the canyon system’s ancient rainforest and river beds, jumping 10 m (backwards) into waterpools and finished up abseiling down the impressive Empress Falls (30 m) for a final challenge.

If you are interested in abseiling or canyoneering, either in New South Wales or overseas, please contact us for more details.

Photo School with Greg du Toit

2010-03-09T16:43:00.018+11:00

Greg du Toit has recently returned from a spectacular photographic expedition into the Serengeti. Blessed with a plethora of opportunities, he did not miss a beat and proceeded to snap another great collection. Newborn wildebeest calves, lazy lionesses, cheetah kills and hyaena clean up operations, Greg displays just some of his talents below.

Not surprisingly, Greg has received Honors in both the world-renowned BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards and the Smithsonian's Nature's Best Awards, and has been frequently published in Africa Geographic and BBC Wildlife, amongst many others.

His Serengeti gallery can be found in our website's GALLERY page, or by clicking here.

Greg's inaugural Photo School with Epic Private Journeys will take place from 6 - 15 August 2010. Please contact us for more details.

Heaven on Earth - Papua New Guinea

2010-03-09T16:35:00.010+11:00

By Pedro O'Connor: If there is a Heaven on Earth I think I found it.

Located on the north east coast of Papua New Guinea is the amazing geological region known as the Tufi Fiords. They are not glacial fiords, but riais, formed eons ago when three massive volcanoes erupted simultaneously spewing fingers of molten lava down the slopes into the crystal clear waters of the Solomon Sea. These calm water havens are home to the Oro people who still live a self subsistence lifestyle in this Peter Pan movie backdrop. The verdant, equatorial jungle marches to the ocean shore, where you can swim in the shade of forest giants at high tide, bathe beneath plunging waterfalls while on the bow of your boat and dive in the most fecund waters on the planet.

Offshore there are 2,000 individual reefs, many of which have never been dived. The biodiversity underwater is staggering; from the tiniest, most colourful nudibranchs to marauding schools of 6 ft long barracuda. A first for me after 30 years of diving was swimming in close proximity to a 12 ft albino hammerhead shark. I did not know they existed, never mind that I would be sharing the water with one that day. You cannot underestimate what one might see in PNG waters.

One of the enduring highlights for me is the local people. They are well mannered and have no agenda. They do not try to hawk anything as they have nothing to sell. What they give in abundance is a big smile and a friendly wave of the arm to make you feel at home. I took parcels of my children’s old school books and clothes to give to villagers and had one of the best days of my life interacting with the children and adults alike. You give a little and get a lot.

Although there are no roads to Tufi, there is a hidden gem to rest your head. Tufi Dive Resort, an ambience-filled lodge perched on the cliffs overlooking one of the coral fringed fiords, is stunning. The timber bungalows are very comfortable, clean, secure and ideally situated to take advantage of the tropical panorama. The service comes with a heartfelt smile. You just can't help but be warmed by the locals' genuine beauty of character. If crayfish, coconut and fresh reef fish are to your liking, you will not go hungry. The quality of the food is outstanding for a remote outpost in the wilds of this water wonderland.

We all have a Bucket List and the Tufi Fiords are causing mine to overflow, just like those volcanoes a million years ago.

To find out more about Papua New Guinea, please contact us for more details.

US Journalists praise Ruaha National Park

2010-03-01T12:00:00.003+11:00

Eastern Africa video

2010-02-02T12:28:00.010+11:00

See below, a short video from Brad's recent safari to Eastern Africa, privately guiding a family throughout the Serengeti and Ruaha National Parks over the holidays.

Greg du Toit Photographic School | 6 - 15 Aug 2010

2010-02-01T12:00:00.006+11:00

Christmas in the Serengeti

2010-01-12T17:22:00.019+11:00

By Brad Horn: I have just returned from a wonderful month on safari in East Africa. The wonders of Africa never cease to amaze. We were treated to some extremely special experiences; incredible wilderness, superb game and spectacular cultural interchange. I trust the photos below give some inkling into what transpired.

My safari was split into two trips; the first a family safari taking in both Kenya and Tanzania, and the second an odyssey, with some fantastic clients, through the best Tanzania offers. Some of the highlights included:

Horse-riding at Ol Donyo Wuas (Chyulu Hills) under the magnificent backdrop of Kilimanjaro
Witnessing a cheetah kill in the Maasai Mara
Searching for whalesharks and sailing dhows on Chole Island
Visiting the coastal village of Matapwili; the reality of life in a rural Tanzanian setting
An "up close and personal" experience with elephants in both the Serengeti and Ruaha
Visiting an authentic Maasai village on the periphery of the Serengeti
A last day leopard in the Selous.

Most importantly though, my personal highlight was spending time with wonderful people; family, clients and the fantastic people of East Africa. I truly feel blessed for the privilege of doing what I do. For those of you that have been to Africa, you know what I mean. For those that haven't, what wonders await!

If you wish to learn more of my trip, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kangaroo Island Dreaming

2009-11-16T14:10:00.021+11:00

By Pedro O'Connor: Kangaroo Island - the name alone should make any fair dinkum traveller want to go and tick off their bucket list. There is no other location in this wide brown land that shoulders the responsibility of living up to the most recognised of all Australia's endemic wildlife, like Kangaroo Island.

For an island that is little over 100 miles (160 km) long and 50 miles (80 km) deep, this destination is one of massive contrast that warrants a place on every visitor's must see and do hitlist when visiting Australia. Often described as Australia's Galapagos, it is deserving of the title; the spontaneous wildlife encounters when driving around this patchwork of quaint communities and national parks, are astounding.

On the serene North Coast, the rolling green hills with towering gum trees lining the roadside provide the keen photographer with quintessential Aussie scenery, possibly including a cute koala nestled in a nook and chomping on the leaves. A scurrying echidna or a soaring wedge-tail eagle are common sights. If secluded relaxation is what you are looking for, you need go no further than the Cliff House at Snelling Beach. (See the image below, taken from inside the living area).

If you'd rather the wind in your face, then head to the rugged south coast. Pounding ocean swells smash against towering cliffs topped with stunted wild flowers. These stark contrasts exude a raw beauty. The beaches here have no footprints; they are pristine with water of intense clarity and immense energy. When staying at the impeccably appointed Southern Ocean Lodge, like I had the pleasure to recently, you have this all on your doorstep.

It is revitalising to spend time here in nature's cathedral; I am going back next Sunday, even if it is only in my mind.

Please contact Pedro for more details, and to discover more Epic experiences on "KI" and throughout Australia.

Kilimanjaro Climbers Sponsor Students

2009-11-06T14:43:00.013+11:00

By Rob Barbour: Below you will see images of Matipwili Secondary School and its students in rural Tanzania. These children would ordinarily not have been afforded a secondary education if it weren't for the generosity of recent climbers of Mt Kilimanjaro with Epic.

These climbers made the summit for another charity, the Humpty Dumpty children's charity in Australia (see Brad's blog post below), but their philanthropy didn't stop there. They are now sponsoring underprivileged children to receive a secondary education at various schools adjacent to the Kisampa Private Conservation Area in coastal Tanzania.

Through Kisampa's Tuende Pamoja Trust Fund (Tuende Pamoja means: Let's move forward together in Kiswahili), we have facilitated the sponsorship of children who would normally not have the means to go to secondary school because they are orphaned, from non-working single-parent families, or are deemed 'poorer than poor' (as decided by their own communities).

A secondary education in Tanzania costs USD 250 per child, per year, for five years at a government school. This includes their school fees, any accommodation allowances, food, a uniform, a pair of shoes and a solar light to study by at night as there is no electricity in the village.

Through the Tuende Pamoja Trust Fund, over 100 children are currently sponsored at three different secondary schools – all due to the generosity of clients coming to Tanzania. Epic has played a leading role in helping us attract some of this sponsorship, such as the Humpty Dumpty climbers.

If you would like more information about the schools and students supported, or indeed if you would like to become a sponsor, please contact us.

Epic Zambezi on Channel 7's Weekend Sunrise

2009-09-21T11:32:00.025+10:00

Click here to view Simon Reeve's report from Epic Private Journeys' recent "Epic Zambezi Trek & Paddle" expedition, as featured on Australia's Channel 7 Weekend Sunrise.

More information regarding this Epic exclusive can be found in Brad's July blog entry.

(Channel 7 - Weekend Sunrise - Sunday, 20 September 2009)

Humpty Dumpty Foundation - Kilimanjaro

2009-09-17T19:07:00.027+10:00

By Brad Horn: Rob Barbour and I recently returned from guiding another climb of Kili. This time around we had a great group of Australians climbing for a fantastic charity endeavour called Humpty Dumpty. Of the 23 clients that attempted the summit all were successful. We were blessed with the best weather I had experienced on the mountain. Our summit night was crystal clear and perfectly still. Further it coincided with a full moon. The sunrise from Stella Point was spectacular. I have attached a couple of pictures below.

After the climb some of the group extended onto the Serengeti for a short safari. We spent 3 days in a luxury mobile camp just south of the Mara River. It was an action packed few days. The migration was in full swing gravitating north. We were fortunate to see a crossing of the river by a large herd of wildebeest. We also saw a plethora of lion, hyena, elephant and buffalo and picked up quality leopard and cheetah sightings. The beauty of the far north of the Serengeti is that is rarely busy, unlike the Maasai Mara to the north and the central and southern parts of the Serengeti. We pretty much had the migration to ourselves, save for the odd other vehicle here and there. All in all it was a fantastic few days.

Climb of Kilimanjaro - Video

2009-07-30T16:20:00.017+10:00

Click on the image below to view recent footage taken by Brad on his Epic ascent of Kilimanjaro. For more information on climbing the world's tallest free-standing mountain with Epic Private Journeys, please contact us.

Epic Kilimanjaro

2009-07-30T15:39:00.013+10:00

By Brad Horn: Talk about going from the sublime to the ridiculous! A day after coming off the Zambezi I was on the slopes of Kilimanjaro with a small private group of six clients – 3 women and 3 men aged from their early 30’s to late 50’s. Dr Rob Barbour, one of my African business partners, joined to assist with guiding the climb. There is no better hand than Rob’s to guide you up the mountain. A medico by trade, Rob spent many years as the doctor to Australia’s elite Special Air Service Regiment.

We climbed via the Machame Route over 6 nights/7 days. In my experience this is far and away the best route up the mountain for a variety of reasons; firstly it allows good time for acclimitisation without spending too much time on the mountain. Secondly it is widely considered the most scenic route commencing in the west and finishing in the east. Finally there's less traffic than other routes given that any climb via Machame needs to be fully supported. To that end we have a dedicated camp and crew of staff and porters supporting us, physically AND mentally!

We were blessed with the most amazing weather conditions of any of my summits of Kili; a perfect clear, still and relatively warm summit night. I am proud to report that all 6 climbers summited with no incidents. I'm also proud to report that our record of success with clients on Kili over the years stands in excess of 90%.

Well that's it for me for the moment. I am off again next week for another climb. This time we have a much larger group heading up Kili for the sake of a charity for children’s hospitals, based out of Sydney, called “Humpty Dumpty”. I will let you know how we fare in once we get back.

The very best to you all,
Brad

Epic Zambezi Trek & Paddle

2009-07-30T14:43:00.015+10:00

By Brad Horn: I have spent the past month guiding back to back safaris in Africa; one a walking and canoeing safari on the mighty Zambezi River and the second a climb of Kilimanjaro.

I rate this as one of my very best safaris ever; a truly incredible experience. It had everything; adventure, adrenalin, amazing game and a huge range of activities and challenges. We specifically hand crafted this trip (which incidentally is an "Epic” exclusive product) to deliver the ultimate African adventure experience. All of the clients who took part in this trip rate it as THE best safari they've been on.

In brief, we began with two nights in Hwange National Park. The aim was to acclimatise and shakedown for the walk component of the trip as well as indulge in some traditional safari viewing. We were rewarded with some great game sightings including cheetah, elephant, buffalo and a baboon show that had us in stitches one chilly morning. From Hwange we flew through to Chikwenya on the eastern side of the legendary Mana Pools National Park to commence our walk. Ask any African guide worth his salt and they will agree that there are few places in Africa that come close to Mana. It offers one of the most spectacular walking environments; a wide alluvial floodplain wooded with beautiful winterthorn (albida) trees, bordering the mighty Zambezi which is upward of a kilometre wide in parts. On the opposite side of the river is a range of mountains which form a breathtaking backdrop. It was through this amazing setting that we had the privilege to walk and canoe for six magical days.

The walk involved a traverse of 70 kilometres or so from the eastern to the western edges of the park. We were supported all the way by our own dedicated camp and crew, complete with the trimmings of comfy beds, warm bucket showers, a full bar and big Bob, Zimbabwe's own Masterchef! The camp was a wonderful retreat after the rigours of the day. Our campsites were located in stunning wilderness areas inaccessible to other operators. Each day we covered between 15 and 20 kilometres. We spent three nights on the trail before spending our fourth night basking in the extraordinary luxury of the new Ruckomechi tented camp. The camp's new location is incredible, as per the below picture. After our night of pampering at Ruckomechi we then took on the river and spent two days canoeing back down to the Chikwenya side of the park.

The river is a truly unique experience and environment. Our game encounters were many and varied. The highlights included bagging some great tiger fish and bream, numerous elephant and hippo encounters, one of which was very much up close and special (see below)! This experience will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Probably the highlight for us was the sighting of a pangolin on day 2. For those that don’t know this is considered the “holy grail” of African game-viewing. Guides can go through their whole life without seeing one of these. The pangolin is an "armoured" animal that nocturnally feeds on ants. Think something like an armadillo I guess in appearance. It is the rarest of the rare. Speaking of rare experiences we also encountered wild dogs and had the privilege of watching them hunt impala.

We plan to offer 4 departures next year; one in June, two in July and one in September. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you are interested in coming with us.

Northern Exposure, Queensland

2009-05-15T10:32:00.023+10:00

By Pedro O'Connor: The "Best Job in the World" was recently won by an excited young Englishman. He has no comprehension just how amazing his next 6 months of living on the Great Barrier Reef is going to be. I have been fortunate to grow up with the reef as my playground and I am still blown away every time I spend a day on the water after 40 plus years.

I was privileged to have the opportunity to show off my backyard of Port Douglas, the Daintree Rainforest and Lizard Island to a small group of clients. The flight over the Ribbon Reefs, en route to Lizard Island, puts into context the immensity of the reef system, yet it is not until you place you head underwater that you start to comprehend its complexity. Descending onto Lizard Island, the undisputed gem in the crown, one client declared the main beach at the lodge as "the best I have ever seen" ... and there are 23 more like it scattered around the island!

Ranked as one of the top 5 dive sites in the world, you can’t miss the Cod Hole. My Brazilian friend (who had never snorkelled in her life) could not believe her eyes and stayed mesmerised by the natural splendour of the diversity of marine life. She was in a trance-like state for some time after! After a quick flight back to Port Douglas we lounged in luxury on a 72 ft yacht at Low Isles, while enjoying sunset drinks and some of the best and freshest seafood on the planet. Juxtaposing nicely, we then ventured to a typical Aussie pub for the weekly Cane Toad Races. Our illustrious leader from Los Angeles was fortunate to be drawn as a jockey but was pipped at the post and came in second after many anxious moments and laughs.

We 'hunted' and 'gathered' with local aborigines, and visited a world of tropical fruits of all colours, shapes, sizes and flavours unknown to most people. A sensory delight in so many ways, this is a must see on any North Queensland itinerary. As the ultimate refresher we then drift snorkelled down a pristine rainforest stream, floating through a wonderland of natural beauty.

I could continue to wax lyrical but I believe the email I received today from my new Texan friend says it all – “The landscape, water and wildlife are some of the most incredible I have ever seen. But far more important than that I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting some of the most wonderful people in the entire world. I can't even put in to words how much I appreciate the kindness that was shown me during my visit and have to tell you that in all my travels, because of each of you, this was by far the best. I look forward to working with you, and most especially to our next visit." I rest my case – come see for yourself!

If you would like more information on the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, or Port Douglas and its surrounds, please contact Pedro O'Connor.

Hiking the Bay of Fires, Tasmania

2009-05-04T16:58:00.019+10:00

By Kirstie Walia: I have just returned from guiding a small group of clients through the Bay of Fires in Tasmania. Our principle destination was the wilderness paradise of the north-eastern coast, where we trekked alongside the Mt William National Park and into the spectacular Bay of Fires, over four days. Preceded by a luxurious overnight at the recently refurbished colonial Quamby Estate (just outside of Launceston), we were briefed, kitted up and driven to the starting point of our trek; the very top right hand corner of Tasmania. Heading south we covered between 9km and 11km on the first two days. Although that may not sound a lot to most active sorts, it is worth noting that this is primarily on sand, sometimes over boulders and through heath-land, and carrying a 10kg pack – not something one does every day. Saying this, if one is of reasonable fitness, the walk is broken into manageable segments and frequent stops are made for drinks, food and chocolate (and I seriously thought I would lose weight on this trip…).

We were blessed with magnificent autumnal weather, incredible clear skies, turquoise waters and bright rolling surf every day. The first night on the trail is spent at a semi-permanent eco-camp nestled behind sand dunes, just off the beach. While simple, it is effective and surprisingly comfortable. The second and third nights are at the Bay of Fires Lodge, an architecturally significant and awarded eco-lodge, inaccessible by road. The third day is spent kayaking through the peaceful Ansons River. Our young professional guides and lodge manager amazed us throughout, with their knowledge and commitment to the environment, and in the kitchens with enormous home-cooked meals, ranging from steaks, to fresh bread, home-cooked pies and desserts. Our nights dropped to near-freezing, however thermals are recommended whenever you travel, as is good quality sun protection to prevent glare from the beach. Packs and rain jackets are provided.

I then spent two days with Doris White (Virtuoso VAST Board Member) visiting Cradle Mountain and its surrounds. From here, we can arrange participation in the Overland Track - a fantastic hut-to-hut trek over six days, staying at private huts away from the public path, fully guided and catered, complete with heaters and bedding.

Walks run from October to May each year. For more information on either of these treks, please contact Kirstie.

Botswana - The Months Less Travelled

2009-05-04T16:53:00.016+10:00

By Kirstie Walia: During March and April, water is nearing its peak in the Okavango Delta and this year’s run-off from Angola has been particularly high. Naturally you would expect game sightings to be limited as there is plenty of food and water to go around, however you might just be pleasantly surprised.This is one of the biggest floods in many, many years.

I recently returned from a magnificent trip into the Delta: Travelling at this time of year one is privy to a different Africa – the wildlife is not as desperate or combative for food, which makes for a more relaxed game viewing experience. The Delta at its most beautiful, with plenty of animals to peacefully observe. Game aside, the greenery stretched for miles as we took to the air to transit between camps. Some hops were short and I wished for longer air time to further imprint this unique world image into my mind.

Being at the end of the official “wet” (rainy) season meant that we were graced with several sightings of young game. Delta animals will wait for the first rains to drop their young, to ensure that there is enough food and water to see them through their first tough months. Breeding herds of elephants instinctively gathered around the newest addition when they heard our boat or Land Cruiser put-put by. Gangly young giraffe stayed glued to their mother’s side in search of the next tasty acacia thorn tree, baby hippo found their footing in the muddy banks. Just delightful.

After enjoying the water-based activities of Xigera camp, we were also blessed with quite a show. Right beside the airstrip, a female leopard sprung atop a termite mound and sat, carefully changing position as she thoroughly surveyed her environs.

The ‘moral’ of this letter is that it doesn’t have to be middle of the dry season for you to visit Botswana. Whether a first time visitor or a returning traveller, you will be just as impressed by this ever-changing wilderness. Either way, I am sure that you will depart, like me, with the desire to return again and again.

Green Season in the Ruaha

2009-05-04T11:52:00.014+10:00

By Rob Barbour: I was recently in Ruaha with some clients from England, staying at Kigelia Camp. Although it was still considered green season I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of wildlife which seems to be resident there all the time. These lions were found on an overcast day sunning themselves out in the open after a chilly night.

We had a wonderful siting of a young female leopard in a baobab tree who was also very relaxed. From her lofty vantage point looking out over the Mwagusi Sand River she had a perfect view of everything around her, whilst catching the warmth of the early morning sun.

I was also very happy to come across these 5 adult dogs as it has been a while since they have been sited. They were not the prettiest or healthiest dogs I have seen but, none the less, wild dogs.

We also had great sitings of both lesser and greater kudu and the usual congregations of elephant. One bull elephant (with exceptionally thick tusks and the same degree of confidence) seems to have taken a liking to our camp area and was drinking from my shower bucket on more than one occasion! To find out more about Kigelia Camp, please see our previous posting entitled "Fantastic New Camp in Tanzania" (Sept 08).

A Taste of Tasmania

2009-03-04T08:58:00.015+11:00

Do you want to step back in time and take life at a relaxed pace? Then Tasmania is the place to do it. The sparse population ensures there is ample opportunity to get away from the madding crowds with little effort. Think miles of endless beaches with nobody on them. The local people are super friendly and have great civic pride, which is evident in the many beautifully restored townships; the majority of which date back to the early 1800’s when indentured convict labour was exploited to build the colony of Van Diemans Land.

Much of Tasmania remains untouched by human habitation and huge tracts of wilderness are World Heritage listed. Some of the treks within the National Parks are world class and cater to the “Sauvignon Shufflers”, those folks who enjoy the challenge of a hard hike during the day yet demand their luxuries at night. The freshness of the local produce and quality of the island’s wines are a match made in heaven if the guests' accolades are anything to go by.

I took the opportunity on this occasion to reconnoitre the best locations for a ‘Tassie Devils’ Harley Davidson ride later this year. I hit the road running and scouted out scenic routes that showcase the island's classic beauty, intriguing history and pubs with plenty of interesting characters. All of these are in abundance within a short ride of each other on this postage stamp sized island.

Get your motor running and get down here! For more details, please contact Pedro O’Connor.

In Search of the Elusive Snow Leopard

2009-02-13T09:26:00.024+11:00

The elusive snow leopard, an animal Ian Johnson has always dreamed of trying to find! In December Ian flew to the Jammu Kashmir Province of India; this is the extreme northern part of the country bordered by Tibet, China and Pakistan.

A friend, Dr Raghu Chundawat, who is the former director of the Snow Leopard Trust, had invited Ian to visit. He is the world’s leading authority on snow leopards in this remote part of the world, having studied them for nearly ten years.

An hour’s flight from New Delhi took them to Ladakh in Leh, easily accessible by all major airlines. They spent two days acclimatising at the ancient city’s altitude of 9,800 feet (nearly 3,000 metres) using the time to visit the white washed 'Gompas', Buddhist monasteries. This period of acclimatisation was imperative for the trekking ahead - at a variety of altitudes ranging from 9,000ft to 19,500ft (2,740m - 5,940m).

The tracking trek for the shy and rare snow leopard began in Hemis National Park. The exclusive expedition consisted of Dr Chundawat as Expedition Leader, their own Chita tracker and mountain guide, two camp staff and a chef, plus donkeys and ponies.

Over the next 5 days the group trekked and searched numerous spectacular valleys, crossing many frozen rivers protected and blessed by Ladakhi prayer flags. They also visited remote Ladakhi homes where the hot butter tea breathed life back into their chilled bodies. Temperatures reached minus 15 degrees Celcius (5 F) at night and most days were around minus 5 C (23 F). This was unusually warm for December, which accounted for little snow in the valleys; usual temperatures are between -10 and -25 C (14 to -13 F). The beauty of doing this trek in the middle of winter is you have this entire area to yourself, plus it holds the best chances of spotting the snow leopard.

Ian and Dr Chundawat were treated to many spectacular sightings of Bharal or Blue Sheep and Ladakh Urial on steep knife-edge cliffs - these are the snow leopards favourite prey. Golden eagles, Bearded and Griffon vultures were also ever present, scouring the slopes and valleys for any sign of a kill. It was not to be on this trip, with plenty of fresh signs of both Tibetan wolf and snow leopard every day. These ghostly predators remained but shadows in the night... Ian cannot wait to go back to resume the search in this magnificent mountainous region - Ladakh: "The Land of High Passes”!

Epic Private Journeys is offering one privileged departure per year, with Dr Raghu Chundawat as Expedition Leader. For more details, please contact us for more details.

Canyoneering in Arizona

2009-02-12T09:06:00.015+11:00

Brad Horn and Kevin Jackson (Epic’s “Man in the Americas”) recently completed a canyoneering expedition in the wilds of Arizona.

Canyoneering is Epic’s latest offering in the US and this trip was designed as a showcase for a select few high powered Travel Agents. Programmes are customisable and can be tailored to suit any group and duration, ranging from one day to multiple nights.

What an experience! We spent our time in a place called Waterhole Canyon, a slot canyon just south of Page. It's one of the last tributaries to Lower Glen Canyon before the Colorado River emerges at Lee's Ferry. Words can’t do justice when describing the exhilaration of canyoneering; large rappels, sheer walls, the reddest sandstone and inordinate scrambling over the canyon floor. The images below hopefully paint the picture.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for more details.

Groote Eylandt - A Fisherman's Paradise

2009-02-10T11:51:00.013+11:00

The warm tropical waters that brew cyclones at the start of the monsoon season in far northern Australia make for hot fishing action. Pedro spent a few days recently at Escape Sportfishing and Wilderness Lodge on remote Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory. He came home smiling after catching some prize fish.

The eco-friendly, tented safari camp comprises 12 twin share tents each with en suite, air conditioning and feather-soft beds that ensure you sleep well after a long day hauling in fish. The fishing philosophy is one of catch and release, but invariably a sample reaches the dinner table. The mouth watering delights of fresh coral trout, red emperor or Spanish mackerel will be sure to please the most discerning palate.

An amazing amount of research has gone into selecting the best boats, tackle and specialist guides for this remote location. A fleet of 26 ft Haines Hunter Prowlers, which are powered by 450 hp and cruise at 40 knots, allow guests to travel to all points of the island. The convoluted coastline provides numerous sheltered bays that are ideal for salt water fly fishing; the rewards include huge trevally, giant herring, barramundi, queenfish and even sailfish in the drier months of October – December.

A fleet of ATVs allows clients to explore the back roads and pristine floodplains of the island. A strong indigenous culture flourishes and evidence of thousands of years of habitation can be clearly seen in the galleries of aboriginal rock art. The freshwater creeks, which are spring fed from New Guinea, offer safe swimming and superb lunch time locations.

For anyone who wants to catch the biggest fish of their lives, this is the place to visit.

Please contact us for more details.

Exceptional Lion Kill Footage

2008-12-17T12:46:00.015+11:00

Taken by Brad on a recent safari in Botswana, we offer you a snippet of this footage showing the battle between a pride of lions and two buffalo.

Turn away if you're squeamish, but if you like to see the real life action of the bush, it's worth it!

Please contact us to start planning your next trip to Africa.

Close Call for Legadema

2008-10-20T14:37:00.015+11:00

Brad recently returned from guiding a former US Ambassador and their friends on a safari to Botswana, Zambia and South Africa. The trip started in Cape Town and ended at Singita, with stops at Victoria Falls and Mombo Camp in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The game-viewing was spectacular. Undoubted highlights were the West Pride at Mombo killing a buffalo and a couple of encounters with the legendary Nat Geo leopard, Legadema and her cubs. On one occasion Legadema and her cubs had a close call with a troop of baboons. She and the cubs took refuge in some dense bush and thereafter under one of the game-drive vehicles. This was a lucky escape as baboons have been known to kill leopard cubs when the opportunity presents.

Below is a small selection of pictures taken by one of the group, Ginny Edlavitch. These were taken with her small “point and shoot”. Talk about “up close and personal...”.

Please contact us to discuss your next African adventure.

Fantastic New Camp in Tanzania

2008-09-25T17:40:00.020+10:00

Brad Horn has just returned from safari in Tanzania and Kenya. At the end of his travels he visited a fantastic new camp in Ruaha National Park which is due to open in the very near future. For those that don’t know, Ruaha is one of the jewels of East Africa. Located in the south of Tanzania, Ruaha is as far off the beaten track as it gets and superlatively wild. Indeed in Brad’s view it is one of Africa’s best kept secrets. Ruaha is a unique transition zone where East and Southern Africa species of fauna and flora meet against a dramatic topographical backdrop; massive granite outcrops, elephant-battered baobabs in prolific numbers, brilliant ochre-red earth, pale russet grasses and parched tentacles of wide sand rivers.

Kigelia Camp is a seasonal mobile camp ,aptly named for its situation among a grove of sausage tress (Kigelia Africana). Comprising 6 rustically elegant tents, the camp is situated on the Ifuguru sand river, at the heart of “game central”. Brad had lions kill a warthog one evening immediately behind his tent. Needless to say a very noisy night with the squabbling and roaring. Kigelia is a great addition to Ruaha which, up until now, has seen a dearth of upmarket options in the “game hotspot” of the park.

Pregnant Cheetah Kill

2008-09-09T14:58:00.010+10:00

Following his trip to the Ruaha, Rob made his way to Kenya and Tanzania with a New York family. They travelled to the Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater, Sasakwa Lodge Grumeti Reserves in the northern Serengeti, and then went on to Mnemba Island on Zanzibar.

In the Mara they witnessed the wilderbeest migration, by hot air balloon, as it started to head south into Tanzania to follow the rains. They also had an excellent sighting of a female white rhino and her calf.

One of the highlights of the trip, for both Rob and his clients, was being patient enough to wait and finally watch a heavily pregnant cheetah stalk and then kill a Thompsons Gazelle at Sasakwa. See below an image of her as she maintains the throat hold to kill the gazelle prior to quickly eating it before any other predators (lion or hyena) become aware of her presence and try to steal it away from her.

The other images were taken on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater where Rob was lucky enough to capture a flock of Crested Cranes as they took flight in the early morning against the dramatic back drop of the Crater wall. You will also note some flamingos and one lonely wilderbeest. The other photograph is of a line of zebra as they slowly and carefully came down towards a water hole to drink, stopping intermittently to test the air for lion. The Crater is certainly a special place for its concentrated wildlife, incredible scenery and light.

Best Lion Sighting - Ruaha, Tanzania

2008-09-08T17:49:00.016+10:00

Rob Barbour, Epic's partner in East Africa, has just returned from four days in the Ruaha National Park, Tanzania – staying in the new Kigelia Camp. He had some fantastic game sightings, particularly in the early mornings. As the park becomes drier animals are moving towards the Greater Ruaha River in numbers. Rob's group saw herds of 20 elephant on a regular basis, lovely greater and lesser kudu, buffalo, plenty of plains game and fantastic lion sightings too. On one early morning game drive they came across six young lions drinking at the confluence of the Mwagusi Sand River and the Greater Ruaha. After watching them drink they drove on and heard a lot of roaring. They zeroed in on a large male trying not to share a young giraffe with six lionesses. As they watched, so did two black backed jackals. The large male then had to defend his carcass against another male who came close, a lioness and five 6 -7 month old cubs. Once they had left the kill site, they saw two other large male lions crossing the road, just 2 km away.

The following morning at dawn Rob came across six young cubs about 1 km from camp. They were on their own and were very playful in the early morning light as they waited for Mama to come back from her night’s hunting. According to Rob: "This would have to be my best lion sighting for a while."

Western Australia - Kimberley

2008-08-11T13:25:00.033+10:00

Pedro O’Connor, Epic’s Australian Inbound Manager, has just returned awe struck after 11 days in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia. The Kimberley is the size of California and has a population of only 38,000 people with one sealed road that traverses this expansive wilderness area.

Out there everything is BIG – the distances, the endless night skies, the massive Boab trees, the ancient granite gorges, the prehistoric crocodiles and best of all the fair dinkum Outback personalities. The extreme nature of the climate and countryside has honed characters as tough as an Argyle Diamond. Fortunately these folks have opened their doors to discerning travellers wanting to obtain a feel for life in the Australian bush.

The choice of experiences is varied depending on your specific interest. A great introduction to this vast wilderness is a half million acre cattle ranch where you can catch a prize fighting barramundi, watch saltwater crocodiles lazing on sandbars and observe mobs of kangaroos grazing - all simultaneously. This is nature at its finest. If it is remoteness you seek then a ‘far away’ bay where there are no roads may fit the bill. A low level flight over the endless river deltas before joining the sculptured coastline makes one realize that you have removed yourself from modern day society. The 17,000 year old Bradshaw (aboriginal) rock paintings will also help to emphasize this fact.

Thankfully you do not compromise on the modern day trappings of a comfortable bed, superb dining and wines accompanied by a large helping of mind blowing scenery. The exclusivity and stunning colours of the sunsets over this ancient land are just a taste of the indelible experiences you take away from an Epic journey into this region. Hopefully the photos will whet your appetite to visit this area before Baz Luhrmann’s “Australia” which was set here, causes a gold rush.

Please contact Pedro for more details.

Botswana Safari

2008-07-01T18:55:00.036+10:00

Brad Horn and Ian Johnson have just completed a fantastic safari guiding an extended family of clients to Vumbura Plains and Mombo Camps in the Okavango Delta (Botswana). These are two of THE most sought after camps in Africa; the game-viewing is second to none and the camps themselves the epitomy of luxury in the wilderness. On top of that the camps are located in private concessions enabling an exclusive experience.

A vast array of game was encountered, ranging from lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino, hippo, giraffe and a host of other plainsgame species. In all they saw in excess of 60 different lions throughout their stay, the bulk being at Mombo where three sizeable prides reside in the area. One of these, the Western Pride, took up residence close to camp for the duration of the stay. They watched it in action on a number of occasions hunting zebra and impala. On the second night the pride was actually resident in camp. Brad and Ian could see the eyes of the lions reflecting from their torches while walking to their tent after dinner. The lions then proceeded to harrass a herd of buffalo in between the main area and tent one. Although unsuccessful in their endeavours the presence of the lions made for an action packed night. On dawn they took up a chorus to notate their territory in front of tent two. Needless to say a wake-up call was not required that morning!

The other highlight of the trip was seeing a mother leopard and her two cubs on a number of occasions just north of camp. The mother, known as Lagadema, has been the subject of a National Geographic documentary "The Eye of the Leopard" shot by noted wildlife filmakers Deryck and Beverly Joubert. On the last day Lagadema killed an impala and hoisted it in a tree. She and her cubs then proceded to feed throughout the afternoon.

Below are a few photos that Ian took. Enjoy!

Please contact us for more details.

Tanzanian Family Adventure

2008-07-01T18:42:00.022+10:00

Ian Johnson, prior to joining Brad in Botswana, completed a safari to Tanzania with a family of Bostonians. This trip touched on all the icons including Lake Natron, Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti, the Selous Game Reserve and the idyllic island of Mnemba off Zanzibar. It provided a wonderful mix of habitats, game and culture. An undoubted highlight, amongst the many, was the Maasai experience in the Natron area. Here we visited a Maasai manyatta way off the beaten track. This experience is a far cry from the normal contrived encounter that the ordinary tourist undertakes. Another obvious highlight was the migration in the Serengeti. The luxury mobile camp was expertly situated amidst the central body of the migrating wildebeest.

See below a selection of Ian's photos.

Kokoda Trail

2008-07-01T18:31:00.020+10:00

In April, Brad Horn undertook a crossing of the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea. A superb trek into the heartland of New Guinea, the trail holds a very special place in Australian military history. This is where the Japanese drive south was halted in 1942 and the myth of Japanese invincibility obliterated. Covering 96 kilometres of pristine rainforest, the track covers arguably some of the most rugged and wild jungle in the world. It is a demanding endeavour with, in excess of, 10,000 metres of uphill. The group covered the track in quicker than usual time taking five and a half days, as opposed to the normal eight. What struck Brad most, apart from the military significance, was the pristine nature of the rainforest and the incredible culture encountered. New Guinea of course is a treasure trove of ancient culture. The natives that inhabit the track are living the subsistence existence of their forebears. The location of some of the villages on the track is incredible. Perched high on hillsides they offer magnificent views over deep re-entrants and valleys below.

Kokoda is very much recommended for those wanting to experience something totally different and test their physical limits at the same time.

Tiger Kill in India

2008-06-30T18:24:00.061+10:00

In March, Brad and Ian guided some clients on a short tiger safari in Bandhavgarh National Park. They spent five days on elephant back "hunting" tigers. They were very fortunate to see some extraordinary action including mating tigers on a couple of occasions AND A KILL! Yes, indeed. A tigress killed a spotted deer (chittal) not 15 metres in front of their elephant. For the initiated you will know that this is extremely, extremely rare. What was most striking was the acute sense of hearing of the tiger. She was actually preoccupied at the time hunting a samba (a medium sized deer) when the chittal moved in the leaf matter. No sooner had the chittal stood up when the tigress locked on and covered the 40 metres or so, that separated the two, in a couple of seconds. Needless to say the "coup de grace" was delivered swiftly. Unbelievable!