South Africa Safari Photo Workshop
- 9 Days
From $8,895 - Interests
- Birds, Wildlife
- Activity Level
- Easy
- Group Size
- 6–9
Photograph South Africa’s wildlife at Zimanga Private Game Reserve from world‑class hides and small‑group game drives.
This workshop is built for photographers who want more than a standard safari.
On this private reserve in South Africa, we combine two of the most rewarding ways to photograph wildlife: purpose-built photographic hides and small-group game drives designed specifically for image-makers. That means quiet time at water level with wildlife coming to you, plus mobile opportunities in the field when the light is right and the animals are moving.
From elephants, rhinos, and big cats to kingfishers, bee-eaters, and oxpeckers, this reserve offers exceptional diversity in a setting that makes photography the priority. With expert local support, overnight hide access, and room to work in the vehicles, this workshop gives photographers the chance to slow down, watch behavior, and make stronger images in one of Africa’s most exciting wildlife destinations.
We will also be hosting a photo workshop in Zimanga in 2028.
Highlights
- World-class photographic hides – Photograph wildlife from purpose-built hides designed specifically for photographers, including exclusive overnight hide access when conditions allow.
- Small-group game drives – With a maximum of four photographers per vehicle, you have more room for gear, cleaner shooting angles, and more personal instruction in the field.
- Exceptional wildlife diversity – From elephants, rhinos, and big cats to kingfishers, bee-eaters, and oxpeckers, this private reserve offers a broad range of wildlife subjects every day.
- Teaching that matters in the moment – This is not just about where we go. It is about how we help you make the most of the opportunity. We work with you on light, behavior, timing, composition, and image selection throughout the trip.
- A private reserve built for photography – A place where photography is not an afterthought. The reserve, vehicles, hides, and pace of the workshop all support photographers’ needs.
- Luxury, comfort, and strong access – Return each day to a comfortable lodge with excellent food, a beautiful setting, and close proximity to the wildlife opportunities that make this trip special.
What You'll Learn
- Hide photography techniques – Use patience, timing, and careful observation to create stronger wildlife images from purpose-built hides.
- Anticipate behavior – Read animal posture, expression, and movement so you can prepare for a more compelling photograph before the action unfolds.
- Create cleaner wildlife images – Improve composition and reduce distractions, whether you are shooting from a hide or from a safari vehicle.
- Handle changing light – Work with shifting morning and evening light to make stronger exposure and creative decisions in the field.
- Post-processing – Choose your strongest images and refine them so your final safari portfolio feels clean, intentional, and more powerful.
Your Guides
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Kevin Pepper
Jun 8–16, 2027 -
Kevin Lisota
Jul 8–16, 2027 -
Mindy Huston
Jul 8–16, 2027 -
James Begeman
Jun 8–16, 2027
Activity Level
You must be able to get in and out of the safari vehicle unaided with your camera gear.
This tour has an activity level of Easy. Read more about the Activity Levels for our trips.
Itinerary
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This tour offers opportunities to photograph wildlife. We'll maximize our chances of encountering wildlife, but we want to remind you that we don't control wildlife and cannot guarantee encounters with particular species. Itineraries for wildlife trips are subject to change based on wildlife activity.
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Day 1: Arrival in Durban
Arrive at King Shaka International Airport (DUR) before 3:00 PM on this day. Air travel delays are possible, so please consider arriving early, possibly the day prior. We don't want you to miss out on trip activities. Airport transfer is included on arrival.
Tonight, we will meet to prepare you for our safari. This experience is a unique blend of world-class hide photography and game drives for the Big 5. We will prepare you for night hide photography and familiarize you with this private game reserve.
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Day 2: Depart for lodge and first game drive
This morning, we will drive through the South African countryside to our luxurious safari lodge. After a quick welcome and check-in, we will head straight into our first game drive. With a maximum of four photographers per vehicle, there will be ample space for gear and stunning shots.
We end the day with a group dinner under the stars, sharing stories and preparing for the days of photography ahead.
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Day 3–8: Game drives and hide photography
Each day offers a mix of experiences: golden-hour game drives in specially outfitted photo vehicles, quiet moments in state-of-the-art photographic hides, and sessions in its famous overnight watering hole hides.
You’ll find yourself face-to-face with an extraordinary range of species. One moment, you’re tracking a cheetah sprinting across the savannah; the next, you’re watching a kingfisher on a reed. This private reserve delivers Africa’s iconic wildlife, including the Big 5.
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Day 9: Final game drive and depart for Durban
We will have one final, abbreviated game drive at sunrise before breakfast. After breakfast, we will begin our private transfer back to Durban Airport.
Departure from King Shaka International Airport (DUR). Book your departing flight no earlier than 4:00 PM on this day. Airport transfer is included on departure.
Accommodations
We spend seven nights at the main lodge, where comfort and location work together beautifully.
The lodge offers air-conditioned luxury suites, views over the Mkhombe Valley, and close access to the nearby Tamboti overnight hide. In a workshop like this, where mornings, evenings, and hide sessions can be full and immersive, it matters to have a comfortable place to rest, review images, and recharge between outings.
This is a safari experience that combines serious photography with a high level of comfort.
Why Travel With Us
Our small-group trips are designed for photographers, with guides who know the best locations and offer instruction to help improve your photography. Read more about why you should travel with us.
Dates & Prices
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Jun 8–16, 2027$8,895 USD Per PersonDouble Occupancy$1,950 USDSingle SupplementRegister1 female share availableGuides: Kevin Pepper, James BegemanGroup Size: 9Payment Terms: Deposit: $2,500 USDBalance Due: Feb 8, 2027
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Jul 8–16, 2027$8,895 USD Per PersonDouble Occupancy$1,950 USDSingle SupplementGuides: Kevin Lisota, Mindy HustonGroup Size: 6Payment Terms: Deposit: $2,500 USDBalance Due: Mar 10, 2027
All of our standard Terms & Conditions apply. Be sure to read our Cancellation Policy.
What's Included
- Single occupancy lodging. Double occupancy is available for couples.
- Double occupancy lodging. Single lodging is available with payment of a single supplement fee.
- Availability of single rooms is limited.
- All transportation during the tour.
- Airport transfers at arrival/departure.
- All meals, soft drinks, water, and snacks during the tour.
- English-speaking local guides.
- Evenings in the overnight photo hides.
- Wi-Fi available throughout lodge.
- All permits and entry fees.
- Instruction, guidance, and image reviews from our expert photography guides.
- Personal pre-trip phone consultation.
What's Not Included
- Airfare to and from destination, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Passport and visa fees, if applicable.
- Travel medical & evacuation insurance (required).
- Trip cancellation insurance (optional but recommended).
- Gratuities for local guides & crew.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Any accommodations or meals before or after the tour dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
Prepare for Your Trip
Please review our photography travel resources, including know your camera and our camera gear list, to help you plan your trip. Before your trip, we’ll contact you with more detailed gear recommendations specific to your trip.
Also, get a head start on your workshop learning experience with our wildlife photography tutorials.