Are the good old days ever coming back? Generally, not, but in 5-10 years from now, these will be the “Good old’ days!” Therefore, it is time to get energized and make 2024 as great as possible!
There is no subtle fluffy way to approach this as the facts are the facts; the cost of travel seems like it is skyrocketing, but this is relative to all costs skyrocketing.
As artists, we are used to dodging and weaving the obstacles. It’s time again to become brave and creatively think outside the box. One must utilize every resource available and try something new. Most of us are creatures of comfort. We love the security of having everything in its place and flowing smoothly, which is precisely why life presents challenges that push us out and forward.
A CHANGING WORLD
Naturally, when the cost of food, gas, utilities, and every other resource we use in our daily lives rises in cost, everything else rises with it. Why are camps, safari transportation, charter bush flights, and park fees rising drastically (doubling and tripling per day)? For all the reasons mentioned above, not to mention taxes, salary increases, and interest rates. However, there is a way to offset these increases and travel like the “Good old’ days!”
What if you could utilize 20 years of logistical experience, have highly trained and experienced photographic guides that were trained by professional photographers, and save at least 20%, entirely offsetting the increases in the cost of photographic tours and safaris? You can!
MAKING PLANS
Planning photographic travel can seem overwhelming; there are a lot of details, and moving parts, and the most stressful is knowing if you are working with an ethical company experienced in the needs of photographers who you can trust. These are some of the big reasons I took the risk of investing in a ground operations company in Kenya three years ago, and now you, too, can take advantage of all that hard work!
We make all those detailed decisions very easy. We have pre-thought out many of the details and needs of photographers, from how you like to be met on arrival, if you need extra weight for your photographic gear on local flights, to the accommodations that would make you most comfortable or suitable for your photographic goals. You can easily select your budget range, the time of year you wish to travel, who and how many travel with you, and your photographic preferences. It is quick and easy because you only need to check the boxes. Check it out and give it a try!
Not sure where and when to go or what you may want to do? No worries, we’ve got you covered with our fabulous when and where page. Take a peek!
WHAT ABOUT A LEADER?
Our guides have not only been trained by top photographers and understand the importance of a few inches in positioning a vehicle in a split second for the best light, background, and composition, but they are highly educated in wildlife, flora and fauna, conservation, and culture while also delivering a top hospitality experience. They have been guiding tours on their own for years. They understand a photographer’s schedule around the light and their needs and demands. They have experience in the wildlife reserves and the most remote tribal regions.
WILL THIS REPLACE TOURS?
No. This is just another powerful tool for your resourceful toolbox. Organized photo safaris still have many great benefits for photographers, but the cost in the near future may limit the amount taken each year. Many of you have traveled together on tours for over a decade and have often made plans to travel together on the same tour. Now you can grab your photographic buddies and plan your own safari with the comfort of knowing you will have logistical experts to help you from start to finish. Your guides are experienced photographic guides, and you are working with an ethical company.
This also gives you more freedom to choose who to travel with, when, and what works with your budget. Many of you have friends and family who are not the passionate photographers you are, and this new tool lets you plan a safari with them that fits everyone’s passions. Perhaps consider including the beautiful coast of Kenya with white sand beaches, turquoise water, delicious fresh seafood, and activities to fulfill everyone’s desires.
This may become one of the strategic tools where you choose to take a special photographic trip while also planning your own, staying in your annual travel budget yet still enjoying the same amount of travel.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR TOURS/SAFARIS?
My safaris and tours will continue. My trips have always been custom-designed around my personal photographic experience across Africa. The logistics of my trips often include charter flights, setting up mobile tented camps in remote locations, exclusive use of camps, and exclusive experiences, which can be very costly with only a few people. I also have deep relationships and solid networks across Africa that can be very valuable to those traveling with me. I love designing remarkable photographic experiences and traveling with my tribe of passionate, adventurous photographers. I don’t think that will be changing anytime soon.
This is only another tool you can tap into for safaris and trips across Kenya.
‘It’s impossible,’ said Pride.
‘It’s risky,’ said Experience.
‘It’s pointless,’ said Reason.
Give it a try, whispered the heart.
