In the Heart of the Wild | Small Group Photo Safari | World Photo Travels | Photography Workshops, Tours and Expeditions

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☛ SPECIAL OFFER: Combine this trip with the EPIC NAMIBIA PHOTO WORKSHOP and the VICTORIA FALLS photo add-on, and receive a $500 special discount!

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FULLY BOOKED! | Please fill out the REGISTRATION FORM to join the waiting list for this trip or to be notified when we announce a similar trip for 2027 (coming soon).

Mashatu & Timbavati — Small Group Safari Into Africa’s Untamed Heart.

Timbavati delivers the drama of the Big Five in classic bushveld settings, while Mashatu offers expansive scenes, ground-level hides, and action-packed moments. Together, they make a perfectly balanced photographic journey through southern Africa.

This trip will be limited to just 4 people, which means plenty of space, flexibility, and one-on-one time in the field. We’ll have a private vehicle, expert trackers, and access to areas where you can feel the pulse of the bush — no crowds, no rush!

Timbavati — The Wild Heart of the Big Five. Next to Kruger, Worlds Apart.

Our trip starts in one of the best places in Southern Africa to photograph the Big Five — the wild and spectacular Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which lies within the Greater Kruger National Park open system.

Timbavati is known not only for its classic Big Five sightings but also for its beautiful light, dramatic backdrops, and the kind of quiet moments that make you fall in love with Africa over and over again. It’s also one of the few places where there’s a chance — just a chance — to photograph the legendary white lions.

The Timbavati Game Reserve lies within the Greater Kruger National Park open system, and offers exclusive Big Five viewing in a prime big game area, but safari rules here are different:

☛ FEATURE: Off-road for key sightings: Unlike national parks such as Kruger, where vehicles must stay on designated roads, private reserves like Timbavati generally allow for more flexibility during game drives. Guides in Timbavati are permitted to go off-road for key sightings — particularly when tracking big cats or African wild dogs. 

☛ FEATURE: Limited vehicle numbers: Timbavati has strict rules to prevent overcrowding at sightings, typically allowing no more than two vehicles at any given sighting to ensure a more intimate and less intrusive experience for the animals and visitors.

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Mashatu, Botswana — The Land of Giants. Remote, Raw, Unforgettable.

After our time in Timbavati, the journey continues in a very different but equally stunning corner of southern Africa, the Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana — the epitome of all that defines wilderness areas in Africa. This hidden gem consists of 42,000 hectares (104,000 acres) of privately owned land in the conserved wilderness area known as the Northern Tuli Game Reserve. Known as the “Land of Giants” for its large elephant herds, ancient baobabs, and wide open landscapes, Mashatu offers a unique contrast to the bushveld of Timbavati. It’s drier, more rugged, and often bathed in golden light that seems made for photography.

Here we’ll focus on dramatic action — elephants kicking up dust, cheetahs on the hunt, eagles diving — but there’s also time to slow down and work the scenes: graphic silhouettes of baobabs in layered landscapes, and clean, striking portraits.

The hides here are a highlight. We’ll have the chance to shoot from ground level, eye to eye with elephants, birds, and more — something every wildlife photographer should experience at least once.

☛ FEATURE: Private concession advantages: Like Timbavati, Mashatu operates on private land, which means we can go off-road for sightings and enjoy a much more flexible, immersive experience compared to national parks and even to Timbavati. 

☛ FEATURE: Elephant herds and giant baobabs: This region is known for its massive elephants and iconic baobab trees, which add a timeless, sculptural element to the landscape and your compositions. It’s no wonder Mashatu is known as The Land of the Giants.

☛ FEATURE: Ground-level hides and action-rich sightings: Mashatu is famous for its photographic hides — especially the underground night Lala Limpopo hide — offering unique angles and up-close encounters that simply aren’t possible from a vehicle. Combined with a strong presence of cheetahs, leopards, and lions, the reserve delivers high-impact photography opportunities.

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Itinerary

Day 1 | June 15, 2026

Arrive in Johannesburg

• Arrival in Johannesburg: Arrive in the afternoon and prepare for the start of your safari adventure.
• Convenient airport hotel: Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at our included hotel, located just steps from the terminal — perfect for a restful start.
• Evening at leisure: Join the group for an optional welcome dinner, or simply relax and recover after your long flight.
• Preceding VICTORIA FALLS and BOTSWANA & SOUTH AFRICA PRIVATE PHOTO SAFARI are also available for those looking to extend their adventure.
• For guests continuing from our Victoria Falls add-on, we will recommend a suitable flight to Johannesburg and provide further details as needed.

Day 2 | June 16, 2026

Johannesburg » Timbavati

• Scenic transfer to Timbavati: Early breakfast followed by a 6-hour drive through diverse landscapes on the way to the private reserve.
• Stay at Kambaku Lodge: Our accommodation is a boutique-style lodge with thatched chalets, offering a warm, relaxed atmosphere and classic bush comfort right in the heart of Timbavati.
• Lunch and downtime: Settle in and enjoy a welcoming lunch upon arrival before heading out for your first safari experience.
• Afternoon game drive: Our introduction to Timbavati’s rich wildlife — a chance to begin spotting the Big Five in golden afternoon light.
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Meals: Full Board

Day 3-4 | June 17-18, 2026

• Two full days in Timbavati: Time dedicated to immersive wildlife exploration in one of South Africa’s premier private Big Five reserves.
• Morning and evening game drives: Filled with wildlife encounters and exceptional photo opportunities in soft, golden light.
• Classic Big Five territory: Excellent chances to photograph lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo — with fewer vehicles at sightings.
• Midday at the lodge: Reserved for relaxation — review your images, rest in your chalet, or enjoy the tranquil bush setting.
• Off-road access for exclusive sightings: Timbavati’s private status allows guides to go off-road for key sightings, enhancing both proximity and photographic potential.
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Meals: Full Board

Day 5 | June 19, 2026

Timbavati » Mashatu

• Scenic transfer to Mashatu: Early breakfast followed by a picturesque 5.5-hour journey, with changing landscapes as we cross into Botswana.
• Luxury lodging at Tuli Safari Lodge: Set on the banks of the Limpopo River, this 4-star camp features spacious, elevated tented suites with wrap-around decks and open-plan interiors — blending classic safari charm with modern comfort. Relax by the pool tucked among giant rocks or stargaze from the lodge’s elevated deck.
• Arrival and lunch: Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxed lunch and settle into your surroundings before the evening’s activities.
• Evening game drive: Our first opportunity to explore the wildlife-rich landscapes of Mashatu in golden light.
• Lala Limpopo underground hide: Depending on the schedule, we may also spend a night in this specialized night hide — designed for close-up, low-light photography with studio-quality lighting.
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Meals: Full Board

Day 6-8 | June 20-22, 2026

Mashatu — The Land of Giants

• Three full days in Mashatu: All days are dedicated to exploring this exceptional reserve, offering a rich blend of game drives, hide sessions, and downtime to immerse yourself in the landscape.
• Morning and evening game drives: Each day begins and ends with golden light and active wildlife — ideal for photographing big cats, elephants, hyenas, and more in their natural habitat.
• Lala Limpopo underground hide: Spend time in this specially designed photographic hide, where eye-level views and studio-quality lighting offer rare, intimate perspectives — especially for nocturnal species and waterhole scenes.
• Matabole hide sessios: Positioned at a waterhole in open terrain, this hide provides excellent golden hour photography of elephants, birds, and antelope in beautiful, warm natural light.
• Flexible midday hours: Time to rest, review images, or explore the lodge grounds — with occasional surprise sightings around camp.
• Varied habitats, diverse opportunities: From open plains to riverine forests, Mashatu’s landscapes support a wide range of species and moments — from cheetah chases to birdlife in flight.
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Meals: Full Board

Day 9 | June 23, 2026

Mashatu » Johannesburg

• Sunrise game drive in Mashatu: Start your day early with a memorable morning safari, capturing wildlife in the soft dawn light.
• Transfer to Johannesburg: After the game drive, embark on your journey back to Johannesburg, with arrival expected around 6:00 p.m.
• Evening arrival and trip conclusion: Upon arrival in Johannesburg, the trip officially concludes. Overnight accommodation is recommended but not included, allowing flexibility based on travel plans. Clients may choose to fly home after 21:00 (9:00 p.m.) or stay overnight for convenience.
• Accommodation options: Choose between the City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo Airport—ideal for travelers with early flights, offering convenience and comfort just minutes from the terminal—and The Hyde Hotel Rosebank, a stylish urban option in Johannesburg’s vibrant Rosebank district, perfect for those wanting to explore the city or enjoy a more upscale stay.
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Meals: Breakfast

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Weather & Clothing

Expect pleasantly cool to mild weather typical of southern Africa’s dry winter season. Days are usually sunny with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s °F (18–24 °C), while early mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, sometimes dropping into the 40s °F (5–9 °C).

Layered clothing is key: think lightweight, breathable fabrics for daytime game drives, paired with warm jackets or fleece for dawn and dusk outings.

Neutral earth tones or camo patterns are recommended to blend into the natural surroundings. Avoid bright colors, whites, and blacks, as they can startle wildlife or attract unwanted insects.

Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection, plus sturdy walking shoes or boots for comfort during lodge walks and hide visits.

Difficulty Level: Easy

This trip is suitable for most travelers with a basic level of mobility. Wildlife viewing is done primarily from open safari vehicles, with only short walks required around the lodges and hides. There are no hikes or physically demanding activities planned.

Do note that game drives involve extended periods on bumpy, unpaved roads, which can be tiring for those with back or joint sensitivities.

Early mornings and long days in the field may also require some stamina, but there are regular breaks and ample time to rest between activities.

Important Insurance Information

Cancellation, medical, and repatriation insurance is compulsory for this trip and must be arranged by the client. We strongly recommend that clients also obtain insurance covering emergency travel and accommodation, lost baggage, and similar contingencies.

Because this photo safari visits remote destinations, participants are also required to purchase emergency evacuation insurance.

Included in Your Safari Package

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*Meals not included on Day 1; only breakfast included on Day 9.

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Terms of Payment

Please register for this workshop using the form below. A deposit payment of $3000 is required upon booking. We will send you payment instructions for a deposit payment upon registration. The remaining balance is due January 15, 2026.

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