
Luxury Wildlife Photography Safari in South Africa
Join Us for 12-Nights of Incredible Wildlife Encounters, Expert Guiding, and 5-Star Accommodations
Three Trips in One Unforgettable 12-Day Adventure
April 24th - May 6th
Imagine waking up to the sounds of the African bush: birds calling, lions roaring, and hyenas laughing in the distance. You reach for your camera just as the first light of dawn dances across the savannah. From the comfort of your luxury suite, an elephant strolls by your balcony, and you realize this isn’t just a vacation, it’s a dream come true!
Why settle for crowded safari vehicles and noisy groups when you can immerse yourself in a more intimate, luxury experience, designed exclusively for you and your journey as a photographer?
Our South Africa Photography Workshop is an extraordinary opportunity for a small group of passionate photographers to immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes, capture stunning wildlife, and experience Africa in a way few others ever do. This isn’t just a trip: it’s a meaningful journey that supports eco-tourism, empowers local communities, and protects Africa’s most majestic creatures.
And the wildlife? It will leave you speechless!
Effortless Vacation: Immerse Yourself in Photography, We Handle the Details
We’re excited to partner with Finisterra Travel to bring you an exclusive 12-day wildlife photography safari in South Africa! This unforgettable journey takes you to the breathtaking destinations of Cape Town, Timbavati, and Madikwe, offering an experience tailored for both photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
For photographers, our private jeeps provide the peace and quiet needed to focus on capturing stunning images. No crowds. No distractions. For wildlife lovers, the safari promises incredible, up-close encounters that are as authentic as they are unforgettable. With a perfect blend of intimacy, exclusivity, and world-class game viewing, this adventure is designed to create memories that will stay with you forever.
TRIP SUMMARY
DATES: April 24th-May 6th
LOCATIONS: Cape Town, Timbavati & Madikwe
PHYSICAL RATING: EASY
GROUP SIZE: Limited to 10 to ensure an intimate and personalized experience
PRICING: Four Equal Payments of $4,748.75 CAD (Taxes Included)
Where Wildlife, Culture, and Conservation Unite
What sets our South Africa safari apart isn’t just the breathtaking scenery or incredible wildlife, it’s the deep, meaningful connections we’ve built with local guides who dedicate their lives to conservation. While many luxury lodges make claims about supporting communities, we’ve gone further by partnering with individuals actively involved in conservation projects that directly benefit their communities and protect Africa’s most vulnerable wildlife.
Our guides are more than professional trackers, they’re storytellers, advocates, and stewards of the land. Their knowledge of the local environment and wildlife, paired with their personal (often humorous) experiences, provide a perspective that goes far beyond the surface. We’ve carefully selected lodges that embody the true spirit of South Africa, ensuring your investment directly supports local communities and conservation efforts.
This deeper connection is what makes our safaris truly meaningful. It’s not just about capturing bucket-list images, it’s about gaining a profound understanding of the delicate ecosystem and the people dedicated to protecting it.
By limiting the number of vehicles and crafting intimate experiences, we provide our guests with authentic, exclusive moments that go beyond the ordinary.
Over the years, we've had the honour of inspiring photographers to discover the beauty and importance of ethical wildlife photography through our workshops.
The Complete Safari Package
-
4 Nights in a Luxury Camp in Timbavati
Inspired by traditional South African design, the lodge offers a relaxed ambience where indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly flow into one another. Guests can enjoy a perfect balance of communal and private moments, all infused with the authentic feel of the African bush.
-
5 Nights in a Luxury Camp in Madikwe
The suites offer luxurious accommodations, nestled in custom-designed structures inspired by stilted treehouses. Connected by raised walkways, each suite boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding riverine forest and the iconic Marico River.
-
Private Hide At A Watering Hole
Our lodge offers a unique opportunity for game viewing, even between daily drives. Whether you’re hoping to capture eye-level shots of wildlife at a bustling waterhole or simply want to soak in the serene beauty of your surroundings, our private hide offers the perfect balance of intimacy and connection to nature.
Accessible through an underwater tunnel directly from your room, our submerged photographic hide is available 24/7. This one-of-a-kind feature allows you to immerse yourself in the wildlife experience like never before.
-
All Meals On Safari
We cater to all dietary restrictions, ensuring every guest enjoys a memorable culinary experience. Our menus celebrate farm-to-table ingredients while delivering the sophistication of fine dining. And yes, drinks are included!
Start your mornings with coffee on the go, infused with love—and a splash of Amarula—before indulging in lavish bush breakfasts. Savor bush picnics and dinners under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the wild. Each evening game drive is capped off with sundowners, where our guides serve up your cocktail of choice, making every sunset a celebration.
-
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 spectacleof 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 lightcan 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:
Four Equal Payments of $4,748.75 CAD (Taxes Included)
Payment Schedule:
$4,748.75 CAD Deposit
(First Payment) Due:
February 2025
Second Payment Due:
September 11, 2025
Third Payment Due:
November 10, 2025
Final Payment Due:
January 10, 2026
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