iberian safari
This is a unique experience of wildlife and History, one adventure for photographers willing to tread lightly and respect the environment and the animals. I ran this tour some years ago, and may soon have news about a similar experience to share with those interested
the king’s playground
This is a unique place to watch wildlife: the Tapada Nacional de Mafra, a nature reserve just outside Lisbon, in Portugal, with a population of red deer, fallow deer, wild boar, foxes, birds of prey and many other species living in a wildlife sanctuary comprised of more than 800 hectares of a fantastic scenery.
Created by King D. João V in the 18th century as a playground for the royal family and court, and also as a hunting ground, the Tapada Nacional de Mafra is a unique legacy from the past that needs to be seen to be understood. A mix of History, nature and wildlife offering photographers multiple experiences, close to the most western point of Continental Europe and another area I cherish: the coastal stretch I call Atlantic Realm.
a photographer’s paradise
Animals roam freely within the Tapada Nacional de Mafra, so you can never be sure to find them at the same places. But during mating season deer, even the more elusive red deer, seem to care less about human presence, so there’s a chance to photograph them at close quarters. You can always see some of the animals kept temporarily in closed areas, but it’s seeing them roaming freely that really makes it interesting, as you can see and understand the animal’s behavior.
In the Spring the new piglets are born. It’s a very special time and an adventure to follow the groups of wild boars as they move to different areas, looking for food. The groups of some 20 animals do not like to be approached by humans, but a 300mm lens on a DSLR or other camera will suffice. The animals will keep their distance or simply vanish in the woods if they feel threatened. But you always have to remember that these are wild animals so they can turn on you if you get too close. Especially when the new piglets are around!
start at sunrise
Entering the Tapada Nacional de Mafra early in the day, when the Sun is climbing up on the Eastern sky, is a unique experience and the sure opportunity for some dawn pictures that will set the “spirit of the place”. This is a trip you can make in the company of others, but small groups that can move silently are best, and I find that being alone is even more rewarding in terms of photo opportunities. One has to move swiftly, following the signs of animals. Usually their groans will point you in the right direction, but you can never be sure that they will stay their ground once they feel human presence. Usually they avoid contact… and you better not dare to defy a red deer claiming territory. Or even the fallow deer, that also have their mating period from September until November.
footnote
This is the memory of a tour I created at Tapada Nacional de Mafra three years ago and that I ran for some time. Besides this adventure, and for some years and for different seasons, I created tours, some specific, like a Bioblitz in the gardens of the small guesthouse at the Tapada, to share with photographers this rich environment where History and Nature coexist. I called the Tapada “home” for most of my nature and wildlife photography, simply because it is a very rich environment. It still is, waiting for the right things to happen.
Although under other conditions now, I am still open to share my experiences of the place with those interested into a visit where the respect for the space and animals are of paramount importance. Because there is no other way to behave there. Or there shouldn’t be! I may have some more news to share here soon.
