South Africa Overdrive!

Under the heading of: It's All Good, there has been a lot of interest in my South Africa trip 

September 25-October 07, 2016 

with optional pre-extension Sept 17-26 to the fabulously diverse Cape Region.

Red-billed oxpecker on impala 

So much so, that we are considering adding another vehicle, which would open up another five spots, for a total of 12 participants on the trip.

Thing is, we don't want to add another vehicle unless we get at least two more people to sign up.

Once you start looking at African safaris, it's hard to beat the price of this one. And I can brag a little and say that between Leon Marais, our flint-eyed guide, and the ever-curious and always engaged Science Chimp, we won't miss much, from the python on the limb to the leopard in the grass to the kite circling high overhead.

Thick-billed weaver, making a masterpiece with nothing but his mouth and feet. You try doing that.

Click this link for the Holbrook page. There you can download a PDF of the itinerary, get all your questions answered, and most importantly, sign yourself up for the adventure of a lifetime.

 Respond at the Holbrook page by 

Monday, June 1, 2015

 to secure your place on this incredible journey with me.

Yellow-rumped tinkerbird (a kind of barbet, or small toucan), with spiderweb. I was whistling to him and he was talking back. We had a moment.

Giraffe and kudu. I would like to see this with you.

Thank you for your interest. 

All photos by Zick.

Promise this is the last teaser/torture I'll do.

Zick In Africa! Wanna Come Along?

  Zick's going to South Africa in September!

The trip runs from September 25-Oct. 7, 2015, with an optional pre-extension September 17-25 to South Africa's fabulous Cape region for penguins and killer botanizing. 

Everybody's gabbling about it!

Wild helmeted guinefowl 

There will be very large, dangerous mammals, safely viewed via open Land Rover

Cape buffalo. Peter Lawson says they look at you like you owe them money.

and there will be birds, birds, birds! Some of them on large mammals, some not.

Red-billed oxpecker on giraffe

There will be small, colorful birds

Red bishop, taking nest weaving material

many small drab uncolorful birds for the more avid amongst us

 Sabota lark

and lots of large breathtaking birds

Martial eagle

including the heaviest flying bird on the planet

Kori bustard, which, at almost 40 pounds, takes quite a runway to become airborne.

Jackal buzzard, the Dark Continent's redtail.

There will be many squeeworthy moments.

Vervet monkey baby, gettin' all Science Chimpy back at me

And who better to experience them with than the Science Chimp herself?

Red-billed oxpecker fledgling, being fed by a parent on its movable feast. What you can't hear in this tranquil photo is me, firing questions at our incomparable South African guide Leon Marais, about where oxpeckers nest (tree cavities) and how in the world they manage to settle down long enough to lay eggs and raise a brood while their food source walks hundreds of miles away. Ahh, South Africa. You are a treasure box of beauty and inquiry.

Here's our man on the ground, Leon Marais of Lawson's Nature Tours, with killer guide Mana N'tuli. You will be in the best and most knowledgeable hands. I'm there for color and comic relief. 

You've read this blog long enough to know that we're going to get just as excited about dung beetles and tortoises as we are elephants and marabous. Bring your long lens, your curiosity, your cool khaki field clothes, and your eyes and curious minds. I'd love to spend some time with you discovering the amazing wildlife, varied landscapes and splendor of South Africa!

September 25-October 7, with optional pre-extension to the Cape region Sept. 17-25

Hate to be pushy, but I've been so busy with book finishing (almost there!) and spring stuff (see prior posts) that I've let publicizing this trip go too long. If you're interested, by all means save your space by signing up soon, or at least checking in with Holbrook at the link below.

Click here for a full description of the trip, including itinerary, pricing and more photos!