We are excited to announce our 2024 Kruger National Park Photo Safaris! These photo safaris and workshops will take place in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, one of the most famous nature and wildlife reserves in the world.

What can you see and photograph? The Kruger Park has 75% of all terrestrial bird species and 72% of all mammal species found in South Africa.  It is home to the Big 5 (lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant and leopard) and over 500 bird species. Although there are never any guarantees with wildlife, it’s very likely you’ll see quite a few of the species listed below. In fact you may see them all and then some:

Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Cheetah, Hyena, Wild Dog, Snakes, Eagles, Hawks, Anteaters, Crocodile, Giraffe, Zebra, Monkeys, Baboons, Kudu, Nyala and the list goes on and on. Browse the Image Portfolio page to get a glimpse of some of our recent safari pictures. We hope to see your images displayed in the portfolio as well!

We focus on small-group photographic safaris. While our safari vehicles can take up to 9 adults we are limiting our numbers to 6 per vehicle (including myself or the professional photographer) so as to afford you enough space to keep your equipment bag near you at all times and allow you to move comfortably with a long telephoto lens.

The goals for our safaris and workshops are threefold. First, we want you to experience Africa as it was hundreds of years ago when wild animals roamed the countryside freely and without threat from human interference. Second, we want you to fill your memory cards with as many incredible images as possible in the time we have. Third, with the help of a professional field guide and Lisl Moolman, a professional wildlife photographer, we want this safari to be a rich experience of discovery and learning.

In this workshop, we will not only help you get the shot, but we will also share tips and techniques to capture the special moments of any wildlife encounter. We’ll cover everything from the camera’s settings to creative techniques. Its also a great opportunity to learn from the skills and experience of your fellow travel companions!

We selected our professional photographer from her particular affinity to the wildlife she photographs and the emotional response her images evoke. Her unique approach makes her images stand out and often provides a different perspective on even the most mundane of topics.

We selected the field guides carefully ensuring their knowledge, skills and experience of the Kruger Park and its wildlife are second to none. They know the Park and surrounding areas intimately and they are knowledgeable about every aspect; from fauna to flora and photography. We also place a great deal of importance on their ability to relate to people and their willingness to share their knowledge and experiences.

All our guides speak fluent English.

• Field guides are THETA and DEAT registered and have a long-term association with African wildlife;

• All guides are in possession of a professional drivers’ license (PDP);

• The open safari vehicles we use are all licensed to operate in the Kruger National Park and are in excellent condition;

• Adequate Passenger Liability Insurance and General Public Liability Insurances are in place with SATIB, which is underwritten by Lloyds of London.

Finally, our home base will be the Skukuza Rest Camp. The property itself is beautiful and you can see just about every animal I mentioned on the list above within a day’s drive of the camp if you are lucky enough. Plus, the staff there are friendly and always make you feel welcome.

Our emphasis on customer care, safety and a safari with knowledgeable and professional guides, will ensure that you leave a little of your heart in Africa … and take with you memories and photos that can be shared with family and friends, whether you are an experienced traveller or a first-time adventurer.

What’s the skill level required?

This trip is suited for photographers of all skill levels. However, if you want to bring your spouse or partner along who isn’t a photographer we would be happy to have them come along as long as they help look for wildlife!!

The goal of these trips is to expand your knowledge of photography and in particular wildlife photography.

 Are the animals tame?

No. Many people think a safari in Africa is like a zoo experience. That’s not the case. There are strict rules that help ensure you enjoy the safari safely. These rules are simple and mostly common sense!

What should I bring for photo gear?

Keep in mind this is a dedicated wildlife safari, so you’ll definitely want your longest lens. Using full frame, you’ll want at least 300 or 400mm with a tele-converter, however, we HIGHLY recommend 500mm to 600mm or more. One of the super zooms is a good choice like the Nikon 180-600mm, Sigma 150-600mm, Tamron 150-600mm, or Canon 100-400mm. Should you want to rent a lens we do have access to a camera store fairly close by where you can rent a long lens for the duration of your safari. This may be a cost-effective choice as long telephoto lenses can be very expensive to buy.

We also recommend a lens with macro capability – we’re going after quite a bit of wildlife that’s anywhere from dime to dollar size. Lizards, grasshoppers, butterflies, dung beetles and other insects all make up the wildlife environment of this amazing Park. (Note – in a pinch you can certainly get by with most super zooms for macro work).

We also highly recommend taking a short wide to mid-range zoom for when that elephant is right next to the vehicle or for taking snapshots. Of course it’s always possible a good landscape or sunset opportunity will crop up. A 24-70mm would be just fine.

I always pack a second camera body to hold my 24-70mm lens. Not only does it act as a backup camera but it also helps avoid changing lenses out in the bush where it may be dusty and cause sensor dust problems!

Oh, and don’t forget extra memory cards, your charger and batteries!

What type of non-photography gear should I take?

You may want your laptop or card reader for sure – we take a TON of photos and you’ll want to offload them at night. We also recommend an additional backup device, such as an external hard drive or large memory card (I use a large SDD drive for backup and keep it safe at all times). I also find that a tripod gets in the way so I don’t usually pack one, however I do pack my monopod. What I do find helpful is to use my travel or flight neck pillow as a beanbag to help hold the camera steady while on the safari vehicle.

I highly recommend you bring a pair of binoculars along as well. I suggest an 8X or 10X at a minimum and a pair that is compact is preferable. I certainly want to encourage you not to experience the Kruger and its wildlife through the viewfinder of your camera only.

How many participants are in the safari/workshop?

As mentioned previously, in order to give you the best experience possible, we’re limiting the number of participants to no more than 6 people per vehicle including the professional photographer or myself. 

Required Documents

Weather & Clothing

Dress is casual and we recommend neutral colours as they will attract less bugs and insects and allow you to blend in with the natural surroundings. As early mornings and nights can be cool we recommend a light jacket or light fleece. Unless you have booked a walking tour boots are not necessary and comfortable walking or running shoes should be fine. Remember to bring sandals for around the camp. You may want to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellant with you and the chalets do have mosquito screens on the windows. The Skukuza rest camp does have a nice pool where one can cool off after a long day in the safari vehicle so be sure to pack a swimsuit.

Try to avoid cotton especially if it is hot and humid – it just won’t dry and it will feel hot and icky. Dry-fit style shorts and shirts work well.

Also don’t forget sunglasses, a lightweight hat and a lightweight raincoat. Also bring a small towel or ‘rain jacket’ for your camera gear.

Remember to bring your phone chargers as well. eSIM cards that will work in South Africa can be purchased in your home country.

Electricity

Southern Africa uses 220-214 50Hz AC voltage. Adapters can be purchased at most travel shops and at the airport. Also some camp sites may sell plug adapters as well. We recommend a surge protector as well.