Exsus Blog

Arriving at work with sopping wet feet, getting drenched by inconsiderate buses, and narrowly missing impalement by those giant golfing umbrellas…

We’re definitely not enjoying the rain at the moment. But, as Somerset Maugham illustrates in his brooding tale Rain: precipitation elsewhere in the world can be beautifully evocative.

EMERALD SEASON IN BOTSWANA

Botswana's Emerald Season (December to March)

With sultry black storm-clouds looming over the dust-cleared plains, vibrant green vegetation, and a glorious array of birdlife displaying their breeding finery, Botswana’s rain season is an absolute treat for photographers. Plus, if you don’t mind donning the waterproofs, it’s  a cheaper time of year to go.

THE RAIN FILLED LENCOIS MARANHENSES

Sand Dunes at Lencois Maranhenses (at their most full July - September)

For part of the year, this region of Brazil appears to be nothing but an endless desert. However, when the rains come, the water mixes with the minerals in the sand and transforms the dunes into surreal blue and green lagoons. Pretty tempting for a dip, we think you’ll agree – and whilst you’re at it, you may well ponder how on earth the fish got there!

RAINFOREST SHOWERS IN COSTA RICA

Costa Rica Rainforest

There’s nothing quite like a tropical rain shower: a rumble of thunder stopping the jungle in its tracks, before the cacophony of croaks and hums returns. Costa Rica’s rainforest naturally enjoys showers all year round, but not enough to prevent you from wobbling over rope bridges, hanging out in tree houses, and flying over forest canopies on South America’s largest zip-wire.

THUNDERSTORMS IN THAILAND

We’re rather partial to the odd thunderstorm in Thailand. As you sit in a tinsel-clad restaurant by the beach, the purple skies are disrupted by dramatic flashes of lightning and delicious bursts of warm, tropical rain (particularly good during the water festival Songkran, when you get absolutely soaked anyway!) And when the power cuts out for a few minutes? No problem – the laid back Thais just light a few candles and crack open some Chiang.

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The athleticism of a leopard as it takes down its prey…a mud-splattered elephant fresh from a wallow… or simply the sublime quality of light in the African bush…

Whatever you’re trying to capture (and whatever your level of experience) glorious Kaingo camp in Zambia enjoys some of the best photographic opportunities on the continent. Crouched in the most game-rich area of South Luangwa, the camp’s owners Derek and Jules have been immortalizing their privileged surroundings for over 15 years. Here we share their expert advice for the perfect photography safari (Jules became hooked after her first one, and we reckon you will too!)

Location
Game density and access are the most important factors when choosing the location of your photography safari. Wonderfully wild South Luangwa ticks both of these boxes – and, with a prevalence of leopard and lion stalking the grasses – you can’t beat it for sheer drama. As well as this, the backdrop will be washed with a magical mixture of lights: clean and pretty during the green season, and moody and dusty later on.

Wonderfully Wild and Game Rich South Luangwa

Hides
You’ll want to photograph more than big cat encounters, and this is where Kaingo’s collection of purpose-built hides come in. From these you’ll get close enough to wildlife to make your spine tingle, whilst capturing their natural behaviour.

Observing Animals from the Hides at Kaingo

Drives
Landrovers are best for getting close to large game and big cats, but it’s definitely worth going on a private game drive. Without other safari-goers (who inevitably get impatient!) you can wait as long as you like for the perfect shot – and when that snoozing leopard finally climbs down from the tree, the driver can move the vehicle to the ideal vantage point.

Photographing Large Game from 4x4s

Equipment
Jules and Derek have tested out pretty much every piece of equipment there is, but one of the most interesting ones they recommended is the angle-finder. Used by the famous wildlife photographer, Andy Rouse, the vehicle-mounted contraption allows you get eye level with game as opposed to looking down on them. A photo looking up at an elephant, for example, makes a fully immersive composition.

Heading out with Kainga for some night-time photography

Stay longer!
You won’t need much persuading, but the longer your photography safari lasts, the more chance you’ll have of bagging that once in a lifetime shot. There’s nothing worse than hearing “you should have been there last night” so Derek and Jules recommend that guests stay 8 – 10 days at least.

Bashful Subjects: Wallowing Hippo at South Luangwa

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Where’s the coolest place on Earth you’ve ever been to see a movie?  We’re guessing none could come close to the new outdoor cinema set up for a new film festival in Thailand called Film on the Rocks Yao Noi. This incredible venue, named the Archipelago Cinema, sits floating on top of the water, tucked away in an idyllic bay and is surrounded by an amphitheatre of stunning rock formations and jungle plants.

Using recycled materials, the viewing raft is anchored to the bottom of the lagoon and is covered in large cushions for lounging out and watching some amazing videography curated by the actress Tilda Swinton. We’re already looking forward to what additions are to come for the festival next year!

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Today is World Malbec Day, and there are plenty of wine stores in the UK who’ll be raising a glass to celebrate. However – as any wine-buff will agree – the best place to savour Argentina’s finest is in sun-soaked Mendoza. Mingling with the Andean mountains, the conditions here produce a velvety and fruitful nectar, totally distinct from its French ancestor. So, if you want to cogitate over a glass in style, choose from our heady mix of luxury wine lodges.

Mendoza Vineyards

Cavas Wine Lodge

It’s worth staying here for the views alone: drifting off for a post vino-nap on your private roof terrace, or snuggling up with a glass by the wood-burning fire.

Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza

Antucura

It’s probably the daily dose of Malbec that makes the hosts at Antucura so warm and friendly – either way, we love the gracious welcome you get here, and feeling of being in someone’s home.

Antucura, Mendoza

Club Tapiz

Foodies will have no questions as to the provenance of food and wine here – picking a basket of their own grapes in the morning, and soaking up the process at the olive oil factory.

Club Tapiz, Mendoza

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