Fringe Ford| Wayanad
Unseen Paradise
Three nights and four days at Fringe Ford, a 520-acre wilderness estate in Wayanad, photographing endemic amphibians and reptiles with wildlife photographer Phillip Ross.
A 520-acre wilderness estate
Wayanad, the emerald paradise nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, connects to the wildlife corridors of Mudumalai, Bandipur and Nagarhole as part of the Nilgiri biosphere. Its high altitude and high rainfall support a wealth of amphibians and reptiles, many endemic and found nowhere else on Earth.
We base ourselves at Fringe Ford, a 520-acre wilderness property and working plantation established in 1912, which now emphasises minimal-impact cultivation alongside forest regeneration. Featured subjects include bushfrogs, night frogs, gliding frogs, tree frogs and our target species the Malabar torrent toad, plus pit vipers, cat snakes, vine snakes and geckos, and over 300 species of birds.
Phillip Ross will guide you through this rainforest, equipping you with an understanding of the life found here and the fundamentals of wildlife and macro photography.
What you come home with
With a small group and every opportunity maximised, you are sure to have an unforgettable macro photography experience. The specifics include:
- A small group, to maximise every opportunity
- Three nights and four days in the Western Ghats
- Comprehensive photography and wildlife behaviour instruction
- Special emphasis on macro photography
- Endemic amphibian, reptile and bird sightings
- Luxury accommodation and meals at Fringe Ford
- Expert guidance from wildlife photographer Phillip Ross
Four days, as they run
Day1
Arrive, check in and have lunch, followed by an orientation briefing on the estate’s wildlife and camera settings. That evening, after a presentation on macro fundamentals, we head out on a late walk targeting bush frogs, gliding frogs, tree frogs and the Malabar torrent toad, along with snakes, lizards and arthropods.
A presentation on composition and dinner close the day.
Day2-3
Mornings bring a birding and waterfall walk, photographing birds, dancing frogs, insects, wildflowers, mushrooms, snails and crabs, followed by lunch and rest.
Afternoons are given to herping, seeking out frogs and snakes, before a celebratory dinner.
Day4
A final early birding session with new perspectives, then breakfast, a final gathering and checkout at 11:00 a.m.
How much does it cost?
Individuals
INR 56,900/- per participant (Exclusive of 5% GST)Pals
INR 112,800/- for two participants (Exclusive of 5% GST)Outbacker
INR 54,900/- per Outbacker (Exclusive of 5% GST)Outbacker: Participated in at least three previous tours or workshops, conducted by The Outback Experience.
Inclusions
- Twin-sharing accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and hot beverages
- Photography learning and activities
- All entrance fees
Exclusions
- 5% GST
- Road transfers from Bangalore. We will however assist you with car pooling or booking a cab.
- Any extra meals and beverages ordered
- Airfare, if applicable
- Anything that is not expressly mentioned in the inclusions list
Payment Terms
100% payment in advance for confirmation of booking.
Payment can be made via bank transfer to our account. Please inform us of the reference number once the payment is made.
Cancellation Fees
- 10% outside 30 days before the tour
- 25% between 29 and 22 days before the tour
- 50% between 21 and 15 days before the tour
- 75% between 14 and 8 days before the tour
- 100% within 7 days before the tour
From this forest
Have questions about this tour?
We hope you’ll find your answers here.
Who is this tour for?
Anybody above the age of 18 with a passion to learn and master photography. There are no other eligibility criteria.
How do I make the payment?
We have multiple payment options available from which you may choose one as per your convenience. Details will be shared when we receive your enquiry.
How many participants can be expected to attend?
A maximum of 5 participants are expected. The Outback Experience’s USP is to provide as much individual attention and quality time to each participant as possible and thus the group strength has been kept low. We do not cater to very large groups per batch!
Where are we staying and what sort of accommodation and food can we expect?
We will be staying at Fringe Ford, a 520-acre wilderness estate and working plantation. The food served is a lavish and delicious buffet spread of local, Indian and continental delicacies.
How do I register for the tour?
Fill up the form in the enquiry section below and we’ll get back to you with all the necessary details in a jiffy.
Book now!
Please submit your details, to enrol for this event. Tell us how many participants are travelling.
Plan a customised trip
If these dates don’t suit you, we’d be happy to create a customised wildlife tour around your preferred travel dates.
Whether you choose to travel independently or with one of our photography guides, we’ll arrange the best naturalists, drivers, and accommodation to match your interests and budget. With over two decades of experience in wildlife travel, we’ll ensure you enjoy an exceptional and well-planned safari experience.