I am excited to announce that I will be leading two incredible photo tours in 2012… in July I will be taking a group to the Pantanal in Brazil and in October-November I will be taking a group around Madagascar (see below for an overview of each trip). To run the tours, I have partnered with Steppes Discovery, a fantastic UK travel company that prides itself on organising ethical wildlife holidays.

Both trips have been specifically designed with photographers in mind and all levels of photographic ability are welcome. If you are looking to improve your photographic skills, I will be on hand to provide expert tuition and give you helpful hints and tips. If you are already a proficient photographer, this is your chance to travel with a group of like-minded people, and of course to take some fantastic photographs. During the trips I will try to impart as much of my knowledge as possible… I will be happy to critique images and discuss anything from gear to photographic techniques and online marketing to Photoshop.

The Pantanal: Monday 2nd July – Tuesday 10th July 2012

£2,995 per person in twin share accommodation.

The Pantanal is a vast wetland area, most of which lies in Brazil. It is the world’s largest wetland and a renowned wildlife hotspot. The landscape is open and this makes it possible to see creatures that are usually very hard to find in the dense rainforest that covers much of South America – this includes animals such as jaguars, giant anteaters and tapirs. Everywhere you look you will also find caimans which provide a wealth of photographic opportunities. Finally, the Pantanal is famed for its incredible diversity of bird species.

I have been to the Pantanal three times and I have seen and photographed many of the unique species that can be found there. I now invite you to join my Pantanal photo tour so that you can experience and explore this unique ecosystem for yourself.

During the tour we will visit two locations, which will allow us to photograph a cross-section of the region’s flora and fauna. The two lodges we will be staying in are comfortable and ideally located to explore the wetlands. The group size is small, just 8-10 people, and at all times we will be accompanied by expert naturalist guides.

If you would like to read more about my experiences in the Pantanal, please check out the following posts: The Pantanal Revisited, Caiman under Stars & Caiman by Moonlight.

Madagascar: Saturday 27th October 2012 – Thursday 8th November 2012

£3,395 per person in twin share accommodation.

Madagascar is an enchanted island inhabited by strange and exotic creatures. The island split away from mainland Africa around 160 million years ago and its subsequent isolation created a laboratory in which creatures could evolve into weird and wonderful forms. Madagascar is now home to 5% of the world’s plant and animal species, of which more than 80% are found nowhere else on Earth. This country will overwhelm you with its abundance and diversity of photographic subjects.

During the tour we will visit three strikingly different habitats, each with their own compliment of unique flora and fauna. First we will visit the towering rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia in search of the largest of the lemurs, the Indri. We will then travel to the desiccated spiny forests in the south of the country, in order to photograph the iconic ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas. Finally, we will head to the spectacular Avenue of the Baobabs and Kirindy Reserve in search of creatures such as Madagascar’s largest carnivore, the bizarre Fossa, and the smallest primate on Earth, Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur. Throughout the trip we will have the opportunity to photograph a variety of other lemur species and a spectacular array of birds. We will also be looking to hone our macro skills on a multitude of colourful chameleons and exotic geckos.

The tour dates have been chosen specifically as it is the best time of year to photograph animals such as fossas, lemurs with their young and many of the cold-blooded animals. The group size is small, just 8-10 people, and at all times we will be accompanied by an expert local wildlife guide.

If you would like to read more about my experiences in Madagascar, please check out the following posts: Wildlife of Madagascar, Madagascar’s Lemurs & Madagascar’s Amazing Geckos.