Capture the Soul of Africa: An Unforgettable Luxury Photography Safari

Join us for 12-Nights of Unparalleled Wildlife Encounters, Expert Coaching, and 5-Star Accommodations across South Africa

Three Safari’s in One Unforgettable 12-Day Adventure

April 24th - May 6th, 2026

Tired of ordinary beach vacations? Seeking an adventure that elevates your photography skills and connects you deeply with nature and culture?

Why share your safari experience with crowded vehicles and noisy groups when you can have an intimate and personalized adventure that focuses on you and your personal development?

Our South Africa Photography Workshop is an unparalleled journey designed for passionate photographers who want to maximize their time behind the lens, supporting eco-tourism initiatives that empower local communities and protect Africa’s magnificent wildlife.

⬇ 2025 SOLD OUT ⬇

Effortless Vacation: Immerse Yourself in Photography, We Handle the Details

We’re proud to partner with Finisterra Travel to offer an exclusive 12-day wildlife photography safari in South Africa!

Our safari, set in Cape Town, Timbavati and Madikwe, is designed for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, offering intimacy, exclusivity, and unforgettable game viewing. Photographers will enjoy the peace-and-quiet, free from the crowds of the Greater Kruger, while non-photographers passionate about wildlife will have unparalleled opportunities for authentic encounters.

TRIP SUMMARY

DATES: April 24th-May 6th, 2026
LOCATIONS: Cape Town, Timbavati & Madikwe
PHYSICAL RATING: EASY
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 10
COST PER GUEST: $18,995 CAD (Taxes Included)
A four-tier payment plan is available for this workshop.

Experience South Africa Through the Eyes of Local Conservationists

What sets our South Africa safari apart isn't just the stunning scenery or incredible wildlife, it's the deep connection we have with our local guides and their commitment to conservation. While many luxury lodges claim to support local communities and fall short, we’ve partnered with individuals who are actively involved in conservation projects and whose work directly benefits the communities they live in.

Our guides aren't just professional trackers, they are storytellers and passionate advocates for the land. Their knowledge of the local environment and wildlife is unparalleled, and their personal stories and experiences have opened our eyes. We’ve worked tirelessly to find lodges that embody the spirit of South Africa, ensuring the money you invest goes back into the local communities and protecting vulnerable, at-risk wildlife.

We believe this deeper connection is what makes our safaris so meaningful. It's not just about taking bucket list images, it's about understanding the delicate ecosystem and the people who protect it. Our commitment to ethical and sustainable tourism is core to our values, ensuring the animals we photograph are respected.

We offer unparalleled intimacy with wildlife through carefully curated experiences where you won't encounter multiple vehicles, ensuring an authentic and exclusive encounter. This is the experience we've designed for our guests, and it comes with a price tag that reflects our commitment to providing you with the best while making a difference. We invite you to join us on a journey that’s as impactful as it is unforgettable.

Join the hundreds of photographers who have learned the art of ethical wildlife photography through our workshops.

The Complete Safari Package

  • 4 Nights in a Luxury Camp in Timbavati

    The architect and interior designer of the lodge was inspired by traditional South African design. The lodge features a relaxed ambience, with indoor and outdoor guest spaces that flow into each other and enable both communal and private moments, suffused with an authentic bush feel.

  • 5 Nights in a Luxury Camp in Madikwe

    Suites offer luxurious accommodations, uniquely housed in custom-designed structures reminiscent of stilted treehouses. Linked by raised walkways, each suite provides breathtaking views of the surrounding riverine forest and the renowned Marico River.

  • Private Hide At A Watering Hole

    Our lodge offers an unparalleled opportunity for game viewing between our daily game drives. Whether you're aiming to get eye level with wildlife at a bustling waterhole, or simply wish to absorb the serene beauty of your surroundings—our private hide will give us the intimacy we desire.

    Our submerged photographic hide, easily accessible through an underwater tunnel from our rooms, is available 24/7 for guests. This unique feature provides an immersive experience.

  • All Meals On Safari

    We are able to accommodate all dietary restrictions! Menus emphasize farm to table ingredients, but scream fine dining also. Drinks are also included.

    Enjoy morning coffee on the road, made with love and Amarula followed by lavish bush breakfasts. We’ll also enjoy bush picnics and dinners. Sundowners are an every day occurrence during our evening game drives, with our guides serving up your cocktail of choice.

  • Daily Morning Game Drives

    At first light, you'll set out in an open 4x4 safari vehicle for a thrilling morning game drive. Experience the magic of the bush as predators conclude their nocturnal hunts, and many animals emerge to graze in the cool, tranquil hours before the heat of the day. Our expert guides will lead you through the landscape, offering unique insights into the rhythms of the wild. Imagine the anticipation of spotting a lion or leopard, or the serenity of watching herds of wildlife silhouetted against the rising sun. Each morning promises new wonders and breathtaking photographic opportunities.

  • Daily Evening Game Drives

    As the African sun begins to dip below the horizon, join our expert rangers for an unforgettable evening game drive. You’ll have the unique opportunity to track the Big Five and a variety of other wildlife as they stir with the setting sun. Witness the dramatic spectacle of animals coming to the river to drink in the late afternoon light. As darkness falls, the bush comes alive with new sounds and possibilities, and our night drives often produce rare and unusual wildlife sightings, making each drive a unique and exciting adventure.

  • 3 Nights in Cape Town

    We’ve arranged airport pick-up for our group and set reservations aside at a high-end hotel in Cape Town so we can rest up before our safari officially begins.

    Enjoy the flavours, music and sights of Cape Town’s Table Mountain and vast beaches during our leisure time. *Meals not included.

  • Full Day South African Penguin Tour in Cape Town

    Join us on a spectacular journey into the South Western Peninsular of the Western Cape. You will experience the natural beauty of Cape of Good Hope on foot, visit an endangered African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach up close and personal, and take a journey on one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic drives. This day trip will run from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. on one of our rest days in Cape Town.

  • All Domestic Flights & Road Transfers To/From Safari Lodges

    Our first three days will find us exploring Cape Town. Once we land, we’ve arranged a shuttle for our group to our hotel. We’ve also arranged transportation to/from our hotel for our Full Day South African Penguin Tour in Cape Town.

    Our road transfers from Cape Town to Hoedspruit airport are covered, as well as our domestic flight between lodges.

    Mid-way through our safari, we’ll be travelling from Timbavati Game Reserve to Madikwe Game Reserve. All associated transportation between lodges is 100% covered!

  • Conservation Levies

    All game reserve levies will be covered. These fees preserve the wildlife heritage of each park for future generations.

    Smaller game reserves, like those we’re visiting on this trip, are at an increased risk of poaching unless rhino monitoring programs and other security measures are implemented and maintained. Conservation levies are now deemed essential to assist in the significant costs associated with these multi-layered anti-poaching measures. We love supporting family-run operations dedicated to getting the local community involved in wildlife conservation and converting privately owned land into agricultural land for conservation. Protecting the rhinos is a key factor in the ongoing success and sustainability of this initiative.

  • Individual Photography Coaching

    The core of this experience is helping you gain confidence in the field and to provide individual photography coaching. If you’re an iPhone user, amateur, seasoned photographer, videographer, or the spouse of a photography enthusiast along for the ride, you’re welcome to join us! A wildlife safari is truly for everyone!

  • One-On-One Lightroom Photo Editing

    In wildlife and landscape photography, challenges like varying weather and low light can impact image quality. With targeted editing techniques, you can reveal incredible detail and enhance your images. Our photo editing sessions at the lodge will focus on essential skills, such as reducing digital noise from high ISO settings and adding depth to your images. You’ll also learn to develop a consistent aesthetic across your portfolio, ensuring your images always look their best, regardless of shooting conditions.

Take The First Step In An Unforgettable Adventure Today

DATES: April 24th-May 6th, 2026

LOCATIONS: Cape Town, Timbavati & Madikwe

Investment: $18,995 CAD
(Taxes Included)

Payment Plan:

Non-Refundable 25% Deposit Required To Book

Final Payment Due 60 Days Before Departure. Paid in Four Equal Payments.

Two Reserves,
One Epic Story.
Uncover South Africa's Hidden Gems

To maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities, this safari adventure is split between two distinct locations: Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and Madikwe Game Reserve. Each reserve offers a unique ecosystem with diverse species, ensuring a richer and more varied photographic experience.

Safari Essentials:
What You Should Know Before You Go

  • All workshop fees and dues are non-refundable.

    You have the option to make your workshop payment in full upon booking, or paying a 25% Non-Refundable Deposit to hold your spot. Final Payment is due 60 days before departure.

    If unforeseen circumstances arise, participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant within their own personal network.

    IMPORTANT: Failure to pay by the payment due date means forfeiting your deposit and fees to date, and your spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant.

    ACCEPTANCE: Once your request is accepted, we will provide you with a link to our secure payment portal to pay your deposit and sign waivers.

  • +INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE TO/FROM SOUTH AFRICA

    All participants will be responsible for their own International airfare or applicable travel to Cape Town (our first safari stop) and departure flight from Johannesburg. We and our travel partners can assist you with booking your flights to ensure all road transfers to/from lodges align with our group. We’ll be picking you up at the airport so you won’t need a vehicle rental.

    +TRAVEL INSURANCE

    Health Insurance is Mandatory. Trip cancellation recommended. For our Canadian friends, we recommend Manulife Insurance for general liability. Photographers might also consider Front Row Insurance or Arthur J Gallagher Canada Limited for equipment coverage of items valued at more than $5000 per item.

    +MEALS IN CAPE TOWN

    Cape Town is known for it’s incredible food and we can learn so much about a place by trying new things. We’ll be able to explore local restaurants of our own choosing.

    +SPA TREATMENTS

    Between tours, guests are able to enjoy spa treatments at the lodges at their own expense.

    +GRATUITY FOR STAFF & FIELD GUIDES

    Our tour operators are small business owners and it is generally customary to leave a tip at the end of your stay.

    USD or African Rand are the accepted currencies in South Africa.Please, see each lodge’s tipping suggestions listed below in each of the lodges descriptions. Each has their own payment structure.

  • This safari is based on double occupancy.

    Feel free to sign up with your spouse, friend or friend-of-a-friend!

  • For solo travellers coming without a workshop buddy, we will happily pair you up with a same-sex partner to room with.

Timbavati Reserve: A Sanctuary for Endangered Species and Abundant Wildlife

After a scenic road transfer from Hoedspruit airport, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve offers 53,000 hectares of unspoiled wilderness in the Lowveld region of South Africa.

This reserve is dedicated to protecting endangered species such as the black and white rhinoceros, pangolins, saddle-billed storks, and southern ground hornbills. The lack of fences between Timbavati and its neighbouring reserves allows for a great abundance of wildlife, including herds of African elephant, buffalo, kudu, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala, waterbuck, and warthog, as well as predators like lion, leopard, cheetah, and hyena.

The critically endangered African wild dog and rare white lion may also be spotted, and there are more than 360 recorded bird species, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.

Luxury Camp in Timbavati

Located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The architect and interior designer of the lodge was inspired by the Timbavati setting of this luxury South African safari lodge to create a relaxed ambience with indoor and outdoor guest spaces that segue into each other, and enable both communal and private moments suffused with an authentic bush feel.

  • The lodge features six chalet-type suites, making it ideal for exclusive-use bookings for groups of friends. The sense of place comes through strongly, with the colour palette in each room inspired by the purple and green hues of local birds and plants. Although guests are always conscious of where they are, no stone is left unturned in the quest for comfort and luxury, with each suite featuring both indoor and outdoor showers, a private verandah ideal for romantic candlelit dinners, a mini bar and a bath.

    +Aircon

    +Fans

    +Mosquito Nets

    +Bath

    +Indoor Shower

    +Outdoor Shower

    +Hairdryer

    +Mini Bar

    +In-Room Safe

    +Wi-Fi

    +Room Comms Radio

    +Laundry Included

  • Below is a guideline for tipping at this lodge, quotes in African Rand.

    Guide: R400 - R450 per day, per room
    Tracker: R300 - R350 per day, per room
    Butler: R150 - R200 per day, per room
    General Staff: R400 - R500 per day, per room

    Consider budgeting $350USD for tipping at this lodge for the week.

    Envelopes will be provided in each room to separate tips, and all tips will be collected on the last day of your stay.

Madikwe Reserve: A Biodiversity Hotspot.
Home to the Big Five and 350+ Bird Species

Madikwe Game Reserve, a remarkable 80,000-hectare wildlife sanctuary in South Africa's North-West Province, was established on former farmland in 1991 through a major wildlife relocation known as Operation Phoenix.

Today it is home to the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceroses) and over 60 mammal species, including endangered species like hippos, giraffes, African wild dogs, and cheetahs, as well as more than 350 bird species.

The diverse landscape features over 45 tree species, the Thswene Tshwene Hills, and the Dwarsberg Mountain Range, offering an unforgettable experience for wildlife and nature lovers.

Luxury Camp in Madikwe

The Treehouse Suites offer luxurious accommodations, uniquely housed in custom-designed structures reminiscent of stilted treehouses. Linked by raised walkways, each suite provides breathtaking views of the surrounding riverine forest and the renowned Marico River. The collection of 8 Treehouse Suites seamlessly integrates into the sprawling canopy of verdant foliage, providing an excellent vantage point for birdwatching.

The Main Lodge, boasting both indoor and outdoor dining areas as well as open-concept lounge and bar spaces, sets the stage for a truly authentic and inspired safari experience.

    • A spacious, open-plan bedroom, which can be configured with either King or Twin beds

    • An en-suite bathroom, featuring a large free-standing bath

    • A private in/outdoor shower area

    • A personal safari bar, mini bar fridge and a Kalahari Cooler, stocked with a delicious selection of coffees, teas and treats

    • A private viewing deck area with superb views into the beautiful surrounding bushveld

    • Air-conditioning and ceiling fans

    • Eco-friendly Afriearth amenities

  • Below is a guideline for tipping at this lodge, quotes in African Rand.

    Guide: R400 - R450 per day, per room
    Tracker: R300 - R350 per day, per room
    Butler: R150 - R200 per day, per room
    General Staff: R400 - R500 per day, per room

    Consider budgeting $350USD for tipping at this lodge for the week.

    Envelopes will be provided in each room to separate tips, and all tips will be collected on the last day of your stay.

Luxury Photo Safari:
Tailored to the Rhythm of the Wild

April 24 - 27th (Cape Town)

We land in Cape Town on the 24th and check into our hotel for three nights. Here we’ll rest up and enjoy a Full-Day tour of the Cape of Good Hope and Boulder Beach to witness South Africa penguins up close.

April 27th - May 1st (Timbavati)

We’ll fly from Cape Town to Hoedspruit Airport, taking a scenic road transfer to our lodge in Timbavati Game Reserve.

On our first day, we’ll settle into camp and enjoy an evening game drive before dinner.

May 1st - May 6th (Madikwe)

We’ll drive for four hours, taking the scenic route from Timbavati to Madikwe Game Reserve.

On our first day, we’ll settle into camp and enjoy an evening game drive before dinner.

Rough Safari Itinerary:

Our itineraries are designed to be flexible, allowing us to take advantage of spontaneous wildlife sightings as they arise.

5 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. - Early Morning Game Drive (Light Snacks)

10 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. - Luxurious Bush Breakfast

12:00 p.m. - 2 p.m. - Free Time. Learn Photo Editing with Jesse and Susan, or enjoy the various amenities at the lodge.

2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Gourmet Lunch

4 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Evening Game Drive (Sundowner Cocktails and Light Snacks)

7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. - 5-Star Dinner

Are You Ready for Daily Game Drives and Intimate Wildlife Encounters?

This is our fourth year running this incredible South Africa photography workshop, and we’ve fine-tuned the experience to offer the best possible locations and encounters. We can't guarantee this specific itinerary will be offered again in 2027.

Don’t miss your chance to join this exclusive adventure. Spaces are limited to 10 participants to ensure a personalized experience

BC Reg 70260