Ultimate South Africa Photographic Safari
This tour consist out of two portions. A Cape Town and surrounding area and a Safari portion at a Big Game Reserve.
Cape Town is a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast, on a peninsula beneath the imposing Table Mountain. Slowly rotating cable cars climb to the mountain’s flattop, from which there are sweeping views of the city, the busy harbour and boats heading for Robben Island, the notorious prison island that once held Nelson Mandela.
Vineyards of the Cape Winelands and breathtakingly beautiful mountains surround the city. Its coastline is rugged and wild but every here and there the rocky coastline gives way to the most beautiful sandy beaches. Fauna and flora flourishes in this area. The ecosystem or better known as the Cape Floristic kingdom supports about 9,600 recorded plant species. Seventy percent of them are found nowhere else on the planet. Marine birds and mammals are also fairly common and could be seen any time of the year.
Cape Town and surrounding areas is a magical place and a traveller's dream come true. Be prepared to be blown away by its sweeping vistas, rugged coastline, beautiful colourful birds, magnificent flowers and trees, friendly people, marvellous food around every corner, arts and crafts and so much more.
A short two hour flight will take us to Hoedspruit where we will depart in a shuttle mini bus and drive to the first lodge less than an hour away. The safari portion will take place in three distinct regions. Olifants West Game reserve, Balule Nature reserve and the renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve which all forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Unfenced borders between these parks offer the visitor unrivalled opportunity to witness and photograph the sought after African Big 5 in their natural environment. The Greater Kruger eco system is in excess of 2 Million hectares of unspoiled African bush and host more than 500 species of birds and nearly 150 species of mammals.
Olifants West and Balule Game reserve offers easy access while immersing you in a world of wilderness. The landscapes are constantly changing and are characterized by its mix of savanna grasslands, woodlands, and riverine forests. The mighty Elephant’s river flows through both reserves and is home to the most iconic African animals and a plethora of birdlife. Here, open landscapes, rich biodiversity, and a commitment to eco-tourism converge to create an unforgettable African safari experience.
The Sabi Sands is renowned for its spectacular wildlife sightings in all shapes and sizes, but it is the opportunity to photograph Lion and Leopard up close and personal that sets the Sabi Sands apart from other game reserves. Other wildlife sightings might include African Elephant, Rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, Cheetah, African Wild Dogs, Spotted and Brown Hyena and several other game species.
Your safari experience is further enhanced by the use of skilled trackers and rangers that have unparalleled knowledge about the areas and animals that you may encounter. Each safari vehicle will seat 6 or 7 guests and will maximize your chances of getting great photographs.
The Lodges offers luxurious accommodation with air-conditioned rooms and you will have the opportunity to indulge yourself in true African Cuisine while staring into the fire in the traditional Leadwood boma. Above, the African sky will light up to be the most spectacular starry sky that you would ever lay your eyes on. Africa is a magical place and is truly special for both the photographer and the non-photographer.
So sit back, relax and take it all in while exploring this incredible wild place.
Cape Town area highlights will include:
Wine tasting at some of the best cellars in the world.
Magnificent nature all around.
Opportunity to witness and photograph birds and flowers that could not be found anywhere else in the world.
Stunning landscapes with rugged coastlines and beautiful white sandy beaches.
A visit to the famous Table Mountain National park.
Photographing the endangered African Penguin.
Delicious food and local beers/wines.
Shopping to your heart's content.
Spectacular sunsets.
Safari highlights will include:
Close encounters with the African big five.
Phenomenal bird watching.
Outstanding photographic opportunities, both in the day and at night.
Quality time at each sighting.
Lots of general game species around with an abundance of babies for this time of year.
Bush walks.
Chance to witness an African thunderstorm.
Delicious food in a great location.
Luxury accommodation with air-conditioning in each room.
Tour information:
This tour is open to anyone 12 years and older.
Rates are based on double occupancy but single rate supplement can be discussed.
Date: 1 - 14 March 2026
Size of group: 6-10 persons
Cost: CAD 12 995 pp sharing + Taxes
Payment: 25% non refundable deposit to secure your spot. Remainder is due 120 days before travel date.
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Day 1: Arriving in Cape Town and checking in at Guest Farm.
Day 2: Late start to ensure ample time for resting after the long flights and exploring a nature reserve and wine farm nearby.
Day 3: Get up early and depart for Cape Point (a mountainous and very scenic landform that runs north-south at the extreme southwestern tip of the African continent ). Explore Boulders beach and observe the African penguin colony. Scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak will have you grasping for air.
Day 4: Hopefully it is a clear day as we will be visiting Table Mountain, One of the new Seven wonders of the world. Down in the V& A Waterfront you can visit the Two Oceans Aquarium and shop till you drop at the hundreds of curio shops. Late in the afternoon we will board a yacht and watch the sunset to the west. Excellent views of Table Mountain can be enjoyed as the whole mountain is illuminated by the setting sun.
Day 5: This day will all be about tantalizing your taste buds as we explore some fine cuisine, wine and cheese tasting, chocolate, ice cream, craft beer, biltong, droë wors etc.
Day 6: Departing for Hoedspruit Airport and transfer to first lodge in Balule Game Reserve. After lunch and a little siesta, it is time for the first safari experience. We will be driving around the reserve in search of the animals and stop whenever we see anything interesting. Our guide will stop at a special spot for a well-deserved sundowner. After a nice cold one we set out to find some crepuscular and nocturnal animals with a spotlight. Back at the lodge a scrumptious dinner will be served around a campfire under the clear African Skies.
Day 7 Morning game drive: You will be woken up by one of the guides well before sunrise. Coffee and rusks will be served before we depart on the early morning game drive. Animals are most active during this time, and we will try and capitalize on that beautiful morning light. We return to the lodge around 9 am and will be served a hearty breakfast. You may enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure around the pool or simply in your room with a good book.
Days 7 Afternoon and night drive: After a late “high tea” we once again depart on a game drive. This is a good time as animals starts to move and feed again. Since every game drive will be different from the last, there is always something new to see and experience. If there is no sightings we will stop again for a sundowner and just enjoy the setting sun across the magnificent African horizon. After the search for some nocturnal creatures, we once again enjoy a delicious meal under the African sky.
Day 8 Morning: Repeat of Day 7 morning routine . After breakfast we depart for the Sabi Sands Game reserve.
Day 8 Afternoon: Arrival at lodge in Sabi Sands and depart for afternoon Game drive later in afternoon. The Sabi Sands is all about predators and hopefully soon you will experience your first close up encounter of a Leopard or the stark stare of a lion piercing your soul. Everything will be new and excited as we explore around the huge reserve. Back at the lodge we all gather around the bar for a well-deserved Gin&Tonic while exchanging some stories of your first game drive in the remarkable Sabi Sands. A scrumptious meal will be served in the boma around a crackling campfire, under the dim light of a camp lantern.
Day 9-11 Morning drives: Once agian you will be woken up by one of the guides well before sunrise. Coffee and rusks will be served before we depart on the early morning game drives. We return to the lodge around 9 am and after breakfast you can either participate in a morning bush walk or just lay next to the pool. Animals frequently drink form the waterhole right in front of the camp.
Days 9-11 Afternoon and night drives: Typically speaking the afternoon safari begins lazily, with the heat of the day still lingering in the air. We set out once again around 3:30 - 4 p.m. Majority of the wildlife will be resting. Lions will be sprawled in the shade, leopards hidden in cool branches, elephants swimming or bathing in mud wallows or waterholes, even the ever-present impalas will be resting in the shade. This is a time of observation and of anticipation. But slowly, something begins to change. As the shadows turns long we drive around searching for big cats and other predators, hopefully catching them as they start to prowl for food.
Day 12 Morning: Last game drive in Sabi Sands and departure to Olifant’s West game Reserve.
Day 12 afternoon: By now you should be familiar with how things work in the bush. You are not a stranger anymore to viewing wildlife in their remarkable environment, but there is still a high level of anticipation and excitement as the wheels rolls out the driveway in search of new adventures.
Day 13 Morning and afternoon game drive: Last full day off game drives, iconic African sunsets and spectacular wildlife in their natural environments. As the African sun dips over the horizon for the last time on you Ultimate South African experience, you feel a deep connection to something so raw and so beautiful.
Day 14 morning: The final morning of your safari begins with a different kind of stillness. It’s not the hush before dawn, but it’s the quiet ache of knowing this is your last drive. As you say goodbye to the staff, the guides, the trackers, to the land itself, you’re not really leaving. You're simply stepping away, knowing that some goodbyes are only temporary. Because no one ever visits Africa just once. Africa changed you and you now have marvellous memories etched in your heart.
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Breakfast every morning
Eight suppers
Eight lunches
5 Nights luxury accommodation in Cape Town
2 Nights luxury accommodation in Olifant’s West game reserve.
4 nights at luxurious Game lodge in Sabi Sands
2 Nights luxury accommodation in Balule Game reserve.
All activities mentioned in Itinerary.
Shuttle services between all activities.
Shuttle services to and from Airports.
All game drive activities.
All bush walks.
Domestic Flights (Cape Town to Hoedspruit and from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport)
Return flights from Calgary Airport.
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All Alcoholic drinks
Telephone calls
Gratuities and purchases of a personal nature.
Laundry
Canned and bottled beverages that are not stipulated above.
Extra excursions not stipulated.
Meals not stipulated above.
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No skills required.
Some moderate hiking can be expected but majority of activities is at your own pace.
No camera or photography experience required but basic understanding of your camera will yield better photos. I will also be available to help you master some of your settings.
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please find it hereT&C
FAQ
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Local knowledge of some of the best places, restaurants, wineries , tourist attractions etc to visit. I'm also proud to team up with some of the best shuttle services, guesthouses and game lodges to make your stay as memorable as possible.
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A complete packing list will be send out closer towards the departure date.
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We will be in a low risk malaria area and it is recommended to take pills 24 hours before we enter that region. Your local Doctor will be able to tell you what type of pills to get. Although the risk is low it is still better to prevent than to cure.
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Absolutely. You just need to be smart about certain things. I will send out more information later regarding safety tips. We will only partake in activities if it is safe to do so. The majority of activities will be in high population tourist attraction areas where the necessary security will be in place.
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Yes, the animals are not there to hurt anybody but sometimes they can be a little bit curious. Rest assured though that working with top level guides and rangers that understand animal behaviour is the key to safety. If animals approach the vehicle it is more often than not just out of curiosity and with no intention to harm or damage anything. We will not put you in dangerous situations just for the sake of a photo. After all the animal's welfare are top priority and there is no exception to this rule!
