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As the largest national park in Africa, the South African Kruger National park is host to eight hundred birds, mammals, fish, amphibians and reptiles. It the perfect place for wildlife filming enthusiasts and those who enjoy amateur cinematography. Below are some simple tips that you need to keep in mind when making preparation to visit this wonderful park.
Choose Video Filming Equipment Carefully:
While there are many opportunities to film nature in Kruger National Park, filming should be done in the right manner and using the right equipment. That being said, a lot of time should be spend looking for the right gear for filming. For instance, high quality digital camcorder is great for people who film wildlife as a hobby. The camcorder should be light, sturdy with or without advanced features. On the other hand, professionals who film nature to make TV productions will have to purchase an HD camcorder, DVCAM or 3 CCD chip DV camcorders.
Timing Is Critical
The best time for filming depends on the animals a person wants to film. To get the timing right, some research should be done prior to the park visit to find out the behavior and patterns of the animals in question. However, generally speaking, the most suitable time to capture animals in action is either very early in the morning or at midday. Since predators come out very early in the morning, the best time to capture them on film would be at dawn. If you want to film leopards, cheetahs, lions, hyenas or wild dogs, you should be ready with gear just before sunrise. However, if you do not manage to capture these animals at dawn, you can catch them at the waterhole at midday. Most animals go to the waterhole for a drink at noon.
While timing is an important aspect of filming nature, it is important to have your camera with you at all times since wild animals can be unpredictable. Most fascinating wildlife scenes are usually captured at unexpected times and the circumstances are usually very unusual.
Finding The Best Location For Filming wildlife
One of the best places for filming is the area surrounding Crocodile Bridge. If you intend to film elephants, lions and rhinoceroses, you will have better luck at the Gesanftombi Dam. Another excellent location is the S25 Crocodile River lane. On one side of this road, you will spot dozens of hippopotamuses at the Hippo pool. On the other size, you will see elephants and other game at the Geisenga water hole. If you are after large cats such as leopards, you should visit the area surrounding the Biyamati Bush Camp. The Olifants, Sabie and Luvivhu rivers are the best spots for filming different bird species.
General Wildlife filming Tips:
A lot of patience is required of any person who wishes to film wildlife. This is because, he or she may have to remain in the same spot for more than one hour before they can see any wildlife. Another reason for patience is that animals do not have a defined timetable of activities, their actions are driven by instinct and urges such as thirst and hunger.
A lot of caution should be exercised by all the visitors to Kruger National Park or any other game reserve for that matter. This is because, there have been incidents in the past where filmmakers and photographers have been attacked by wild animals due to negligence. No one should go out into the wild on their own, regardless of their experience. If a wild animal seems irritated by your presence, you should not move any closer. That being said, rangers are usually assigned to visitors when they visit the park.
Conclusion:
Kruger National Park is great for filmmakers and photographers who are after a wide variety of wildlife. The park is expansive and has great spots for amateurs and professionals to film nature. All you need when filming nature is the right gear and patience. Be ready at all times to capture those perfect shots.
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Source by Kevin Railsback
