South Africa: Three Trips in One
Wildlife and Landscape Photography Workshop in Cape Town, Timbavati & Madikwe
3 Locations,
1 Unforgettable Adventure!
⬇ 2025 SOLD OUT ⬇
We’re proud to partner with Finisterra Travel to offer an exclusive 12 day wildlife photography safari in South Africa!
Locations on this tour have been cherry-picked by renowned local tour operators and professional wildlife trackers to ensure we are maximizing opportunities for unique encounters during our twice daily game drives.
TRIP SUMMARY
DATES: April 24th-May 6, 2025 (12 Nights)
LOCATIONS: South Africa - Cape Town, Timbavati & Madikwe
PHYSICAL RATING: EASY
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 10
COST: $16,995 CAD (Taxes Included)
A payment plan is available for this workshop. See below for more info.
Trip Inclusions
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Daily Morning Game Drives
Explore South Africa’s natural splendour on our twice daily morning and afternoon game drives in an open 4×4 safari vehicle. Morning drives begin as dawn breaks, providing the opportunity to see predators stalking their nocturnal hunts and settling in for the day. Many animals take advantage of the cool morning hours to graze before the heat of the day.
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Daily Evening Game Drives
Our rangers share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you as you track the Big Five, as well as a variety of other wildlife. In the late afternoon wildlife can often be spotted coming down to the river to drink. Night drives can produce some unusual and rare wildlife sightings.
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3 Nights in Cape Town
We’ve arranged airport pick-up for our group and set reservations aside at a 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 between naps. *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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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All Domestic Flights Within South Africa & 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 the Radisson RED V&A Waterfront 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!
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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.
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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 or 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!
The Investment
DATES: April 24th-May 6, 2025 (12 Nights)
COST: $16,995 CAD
(Taxes Included)
Payment Plan:
A Non-Refundable 25% Deposit ($4248.75 CAD) is required to book.
Final Payment ($12,746.25 CAD) due 60 days before departure, or
2. Full Payment Upon Booking
IMPORTANT NOTES
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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 ($4248.75 CAD) to hold your spot. Final Payment ($12,746.25) 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.
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+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.
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This safari is based on double occupancy.
Feel free to sign up with your spouse, friend or friend-of-a-friend!
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For solo travellers coming without a workshop buddy, we will happily pair you up with a same-sex partner to room with.
ITINERARY
April 24 - 27th (Cape Town)
We land in Cape Town on the 24th and check into the Radisson RED V&A Waterfront 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 and personal.
April 27 - 30th (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.
April 30 - 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:
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
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
(4 Nights)
After flying from Cape Town to Hoedspruit airport, we’ll enjoy a scenic road transfer to the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, in the heart of the Lowveld region of South Africa. This area sports over 53,000 hectares of unspoiled, natural wilderness. Since its humble beginnings, the reserve is now a highly professional organization, protecting sustainable populations of endangered species, such as the black and white rhinoceros, pangolins, saddle-billed storks, southern ground hornbills, and many others.
The lack of fences between Timbavati and its neighbouring reserves (Kruger National Park, Klaserie, Balule, Umbabat, Thornybush) offers a great abundance of wildlife and exceptional photographic opportunities. Herds of African elephant, buffalo, kudu, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala, waterbuck and warthog, along with their attendant predators - lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena – can be found here. The critically endangered African wild dog and rare white lion may also be seen. The reserve is a birdwatchers’ paradise, with more than 360 bird species recorded.
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.
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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
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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.
The Main Lodge
Timbavati Suites
Madikwe Game Reserve
(5 Nights)
Madikwe Game Reserve, located in South Africa's North-West Province, is an 80,000-hectare wildlife sanctuary renowned for its Big 5 encounters. Established in 1991 on previously barren farmland, the government of Bophuthatswana transformed the area into a wildlife haven, providing local employment and business opportunities. Over 8,000 animals, including whole elephant herds and endangered species, were relocated to Madikwe as part of Operation Phoenix, making it one of the largest wildlife relocations globally.
Home to more than 60 distinct mammal species, the reserve is a sanctuary for the celebrated Big 5 - lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceroses. It also proudly serves as a refuge for endangered species, such as hippos, giraffes, African wild dogs, brown and spotted hyenas, and cheetahs. Among their most threatened inhabitants are the cheetah, wild dog, and both black and white rhinos. Beyond these, you'll encounter a myriad of other creatures, including the honey badger, cape clawless otter, serval, aardvark, baboon, porcupine, warthog, bush baby, giraffe, zebra, and aardwolf. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted to discover Madikwe is a haven for more than 350 resident and migrant bird species.
Madikwe's remarkable diversity extends to its vegetation, as well. Today, it boasts a diverse mosaic of over 45 different tree species, creating a variety of habitats that support an abundant wildlife population.
The geological processes that led to Madikwe's formation have gifted it with unique features, enhancing its natural beauty. The Thswene Tshwene Hills and the Dwarsberg Mountain Range, which form the reserve's southern boundary, offer visitors picturesque views.
So, whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a bird watcher, or simply a lover of nature's splendour, Madikwe Game Reserve promises an unforgettable experience.
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.
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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
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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.
The Main Lodge
Madikwe Tree Lodge Rooms
Packing List
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We were able to do a full month in South Africa with 9 shirts, 5 pairs of pants and one bathing suit each. We wore our heaviest clothing and hiking shoes on the plane to make space.
Each resort will have laundry service.
We packed an under-seat carry-on bag with our clothing, toiletries and a spare pair of slip-on lounge shoes (weighing under 45lbs).We also used our f-stop AJNA 37L DuraDiamond Travel and Adventure Camera Backpack as our carry-on for all cameras/lenses.
To pack this light, we used vacuum storage bags and a hand pump, found here. -
Temperatures in April and May range from 9–24 °C and there is almost no rain.
Pre-dawn game drives are crisp and require a warm hoodie or light puffer jacket, and thin shooting gloves.
The afternoons are warm, ranging from 20–40 °C.
To summarize, dress in layers.
We recommend packing long sleeve UV shirts (Eddie Bauer has great options) and thin leggings or slacks for the trip. UV clothing keeps you cool and stops you from becoming sunburnt.
Slip-on closed-toe shoes or hiking shoes are ideal for game drives. But, feel free to bring your Birkenstocks for around the lodge and pool.
Don’t forget a baseball cap or bucket safari hat to protect yourself from the sun, as our game drive vehicles don’t have roofs.
Ponchos and blankets will be provided on game drives. -
Whether you’re a Nikon, Canon, Sony or Fuji shooter, we are able to work with you. Fear not!
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Our favourite lenses for this trip are the 24-70mm, 70-200mm, 100-400mm and 150-600mm. If you have 2x extenders or a 400mm or 600mm prime lens, feel free to bring those along, too!
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Batteries tend to die at the most unfortunate times! Don’t miss out on that bucket list encounter, bring extra batteries with you. Between us, we brought 8 batteries that we charged on rotation between game drives.
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We’ll have two game drives per day, so you’ll want multiple memory cards, at a minimum of 64GB each. We shoot with 128GB and 512GB Sandisk memory cards.
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Your bucket list trip to South Africa is a great occasion to start a fresh external hard drive. You’ll be taking A LOT of images. On our 10 day trip, we captured over 26, 000 images between us. We recommend the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2 in either 2TB or 4 TB.
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In South Africa, the supply voltage is 230V. We recommend this Universal International Worldwide Travel Adapter to charge your phone/laptops.