Rietvlei photography

[Geurt]

Entering Rietvlei Nature Reserve on special arrangement.

We are currently negotiating with Rietvlei Nature Reserve Management in order to enter Rietvlei Nature Reserve at the suggested time of 05:00 during the summer months Saturday’s only. There is however a few formalities we would need to adhere to in order to get this approval/concession.

• The main Gate will only be opened for the Wildlife Photographer at 5:00
  • The following dates have been agreed upon: Saturdays only
    • 10 Nov 2007 to 8 Des 2007 Gates open at 05:00
    • 15 Dec 2007 to 5 Jan 2008 Gates open at 05:30
    • 12 Jan 2008 to 26 Jan 2008 Gates open at 05:00
  • We have agreed with Rietvlei Nature Reserve these times for Nov 2007 to Jan 2008. Rietvlei Nature Reserve management indicated that we could negotiate gate opening times from Feb 2008 onwards at the end of Jan 2008 – This will depend on the amount of visitors.Main gate will close in the afternoon at normal Reserve times.
• All Wildlife Photographers must have a valid seasonal visitors card. If you want to make use of this concession. No Wildlife Photographer will be allowed without the visitor’s card. No cash transactions will be conducted during this time. This visitor’s card can be obtained from Rietvlei Nature Reserve during office hours only. Add value provided to the holder of the seasonal visitors card. This card allows the Wildlife Photographer to enter the park for a period of 6 months – and is not limited in the amounts of visits to the park. The card is issued per person. Truly value for money. For more information contact Rietvlei Nature Reserve on (012) 345-2274
• All the normal visitors rules will apply – only visitor’s roads must be used - and stay on the road. No littering. No speeding.
• Gate will only be opened for pre-arranged visitors - must be more that one Wildlife Photographer (car).
• We have to provide a list of names, central co-ordinator Eric Landsberg. This list must also be supplied to Rietvlei Nature Reserve management. For the interim I will fulfil the co-ordination role, the above mentioned information must be email or SMS to me as mentioned above. Eric email : info@wildlife.co.za or SMS 082 784 6277.
• Any individual behaving inappropriately will be excluded from entering the Park during these concession times. (Remember this is an concession form Rietvlei Reserve Management)

We must remember that this is a concession Rietvlei Nature Reserve Management are willing to extend all nature enthusiast/wildlife photographers. Preserve the park and adhere to the normal park rules in order to gain on the privilege provided.

Eric Landsberg

[Eric Landsberg]

Come on ODP members nobody at Rietvlei this morning 05:00 !!!!!!!!

[N.M.]

Come on ODP members nobody at Rietvlei this morning 05:00 !!!!!!!!

They're not serious enough about Wildlife Photography! If you're serious about getting good pictures, be there at 5.00 or fuel the fires of mediocrity

[andreklopper]

sorry only saw this post now...

and my USM motor on my 400mm is in for replacement. and the 50mm will just not cope

As soon as I get it back I'll be there... Sad to have a season ticked and not being able to use it...

[Eric Landsberg]

From this Saturday Rietvlei will open from 05:00 not only to valid seasonal card holders, but also for day visitors. Payment at the gate.

[TheUnforgiven]

Awesome! Thanks for the heads up on this Eric. I just phoned to check what days they will be closed over the festive season and the guy i spoke to was unaware of any concession to open earlier... Nonetheless, i'll be at the gate at 05:00 on Saturday.

[bomtek]

This Saturday being the 22nd? If so, count me in.

[bomtek]

So were on for tomorrow at Rietvlei 05:00??

[TheUnforgiven]

Sorry, Terry, i only saw this now. I went and i see from your gallery that you did too. We must have bumped into each other there...

So were on for tomorrow at Rietvlei 05:00??

[bomtek]

Ya, maybe hey I bumped into Eric whilst driving around too. Didnt see any ODP stickers so didnt stop anyone else either. Was there from 05.00 to 9.30 or thereabouts. Bumped into plenty along the way. Saw a cat on the Ghwarrie road and thought it might have been Cheetah (was at a distance) but according to Eric theyre no longer in the park
Must have been a smaller cat than what it looked.

Almost got my hopes up hehe!!

Next time we must all meet for coffee at the main gate!!!!

[Chris Vermeulen(JTS)]

I will wait till I have the correct glass ... maybe next year

[bomtek]

whats the correct glass JTS?? Saturday I stopped 3 meters from three Rhino, Zebra were practically brushing the side of the bakkie and macro work abounds whereever you go
Ive got a 70-200f4l - lets do a lens swap for the day

[bomtek]

As a matter fo interest, what is the cost of a season ticket?

[Chris Vermeulen(JTS)]

whats the correct glass JTS?? Saturday I stopped 3 meters from three Rhino, Zebra were practically brushing the side of the bakkie and macro work abounds whereever you go
Ive got a 70-200f4l - lets do a lens swap for the day

Well I received my stuff only on the 30 Nov 07. I have 40D, Speedlight 580 II Flash and one lens, the Canon EF 100mm F2.8 macro ... So if you still want to swop then its fine

Chris

[Chris Vermeulen(JTS)]

As a matter fo interest, what is the cost of a season ticket?

Yes thats a good question ?

[TheUnforgiven]

Good idea re the coffee, Terry. I was there from just before 06:00 to 14:30.
Does anyone know where the fish eagles nest or where their favourite fishing spot is? I heard them but couldn't find them. I checked out every tree along every drop of water, but to no avail. I started thinking they don't really have fish eagles, just big speakers that play a fish eagle call every now & then... I asked the dude at the gate on my way out, but he directed me to the yaucht club gate to get a fishing permit. "Yes we have fishings"... When i tried explaining to him that i was actually looking for birds, he looked so confused, i think i may have hurt him...
I'm keen to get a season ticket - i'm determined to find those fish eagles...!

[TheUnforgiven]

If i'm not mistaken, it is between 250 & 300 bucks.

As a matter fo interest, what is the cost of a season ticket?

[bomtek]

Taken Saturday - 600mm f4L wouldve suited me nicely

And yes JTS, I know you have a 100mm Macro hence me saying lets do the swap for the day - Id like to try the 100mm macro because Im keen on buying one

[Piet Venter]

Saw a cat on the Ghwarrie road and thought it might have been Cheetah (was at a distance) but according to Eric theyre no longer in the park

Spoke to a ranger this morning. The cheetahs are being kept temporarily in a boma to give the lambs/calves a chance to grow a bit. They will be released again.

[bomtek]

Thanks Piet