Wildlife Photograhy Trip in South Africa

Itinerary – South Africa Wildlife Photography Tour

This is a general itinerary for the South Africa wildlife photography tour and may be adjusted according to weather conditions, wildlife activity and other local factors.

Day 1: Cape Town Wildlife Photography – Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Meet your expert photography guide, Benjamin Smail, and local tracker, Max, at Cape Town International Airport before collecting our Toyota Fortuner vehicles. We begin our South Africa wildlife photography tour at the world-renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, one of the finest places in the country to photograph birds, reptiles, butterflies and spectacular native flora. Covering five of South Africa’s six major biomes, it provides an excellent introduction to the country’s incredible biodiversity.

Lunch will be at the garden restaurant, with an optional late-afternoon visit to Table Mountain if time and conditions allow. We then continue to our beachside accommodation in Langebaan for dinner.

Days 2–3: Caracals, Birds & Wildlife Photography in West Coast National Park

We make early starts to maximise the best photographic light and our chances of finding one of the Cape’s most sought-after predators: the elusive caracal. Other mammals regularly encountered include bontebok, red hartebeest, eland and ostrich. We’ll photograph from purpose-built hides overlooking lagoons and waterholes, where flamingos, spoonbills, weavers, storks and waders often approach at close range. This is also one of South Africa’s premier locations for the endangered black harrier.

On Day 3, after another morning in the park, we travel towards Simon’s Town, stopping at Intaka Island, one of Cape Town’s top urban bird photography sites. Here we search for kingfishers, the secretive little bittern and many of the 120 bird species recorded in the reserve, alongside Cape dwarf chameleons, Cape skinks and angulate tortoises.

Day 4: Cape Town Pelagic Wildlife Photography – Albatrosses, Whales & Dolphins

Today we board a privately chartered pelagic boat for a full-day seabird photography adventure. Albatrosses, giant petrels, Cape gannets and numerous other oceanic birds are possible, while whales and dolphins are regularly encountered offshore. We return to Simon’s Town in the evening.

Day 5: African Penguin & Caracal Photography – Cape of Good Hope

An early departure takes us into Cape of Good Hope National Park, where we search for caracal, ostriches, red hartebeest, Cape hyrax and tortoises amid dramatic coastal scenery. Later, we visit Boulders Beach to photograph its famous colony of endangered African penguins, often at remarkably close range.

Day 6: Cape Endemic Bird Photography – Rooi Els & Harold Porter

Where the Kogelberg Mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean, Rooi Els offers some of the best bird photography in the Cape. We target regional endemics including Cape rockjumper, the striking orange-breasted sunbird and the long-tailed Cape sugarbird. After lunch at Harold Porter Botanical Garden, we continue photographing birds, reptiles and the region’s exceptional flora.

Day 7: Hermanus Whale Photography & Journey to Oudtshoorn

We begin with a whale-watching excursion from Hermanus, one of the world’s premier whale photography destinations. Southern right whales, humpback whales and resident Bryde’s whales are all possible, along with dolphins and seabirds. Afterwards, we drive to Oudtshoorn and our game lodge accommodation.

Day 8: Meerkat Photography, Swartberg Pass & Karoo Safari

An early start brings unforgettable opportunities to photograph habituated meerkats as they bask in the morning sun—perfect for both telephoto and wide-angle images. We then cross the spectacular Swartberg Pass, renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery, before arriving at Karoo National Park.

Time permitting, we enjoy an afternoon safari searching for lions, black rhinoceros, gemsbok and Cape mountain zebra.

Day 9: Karoo National Park Wildlife Photography & Night Safari

With morning and night game drives, today showcases Karoo National Park at its most active. Spotlit evening safaris can reveal remarkable nocturnal wildlife, while daytime offers chances to photograph lions, Verreaux’s eagles, black rhinoceros, klipspringers and, with luck, caracal or aardwolf.

Days 10–11: Aardvark & Nocturnal Wildlife Photography in the Khoisan Karoo

Following a final morning drive in Karoo National Park, we continue to the Khoisan Karoo Conservancy for sunset, night and morning safaris. This outstanding wildlife photography destination offers opportunities for aardvark, aardwolf, Cape fox, African wildcat and other nocturnal mammals.

During the day, you’ll have the opportunity to rest or walk around the area. You may encounter eastern rock sengi—a type of elephant shrew—along with blue crane, blue korhaan and double-banded sandgrouse.

Day 12: Final Khoisan Karoo Safari & Transfer to Odendaalsrus

After one last morning safari in the Khoisan Karoo, we drive to Oldendaalsrus for our overnight stay before continuing north.

Days 13–15: Big Five Wildlife Photography in Pilanesberg National Park

We spend the final three days exploring Pilanesberg National Park, one of South Africa’s finest safari destinations.

Morning and afternoon game drives maximise the best light for wildlife photography while offering chances to encounter the Big Five, both African rhinoceros species, cheetah, African wild dog, brown hyena and an impressive diversity of birds. Between drives, there is time to relax or continue photographing around the lodge. Our private chef prepares dinner each evening.

Final Day: Pilanesberg Safari & Rhino Photography at Rietvlei Nature Reserve

After a final morning safari in Pilanesberg, we travel to Rietvlei Nature Reserve for excellent opportunities to photograph black wildebeest, red hartebeest, white rhinoceros and blesbok before arriving at Johannesburg Airport at approximately 17:30.

By the end of this wildlife photography holiday, you’ll return home with memory cards full of extraordinary images, which might include whales, dolphins and African penguins, as well as lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, meerkats, caracals and countless birds, reptiles and landscapes—all captured alongside an experienced photography guide and knowledgeable local tracker.

Room Options & Conditions

This trip is available from £6,995 per person on a shared-room basis. The single-room supplement is £995.

• Shared twin room for one person: You will share a room with another participant of the same gender in separate beds. If we cannot find a suitable roommate, you will be required to pay the single-room supplement applicable to this trip.
• Double or twin room for two people: This option is ideal for couples or two friends travelling together. Please specify when booking whether you would prefer one double bed or two separate beds.
• Single room for one person: You will have sole use of a room, and a single-room supplement of £995 applies. In some cases, you may have sole use of a twin or triple room; the same supplement applies for sole occupancy.

Practical Information – South Africa Photography Trip

Participants Meeting

To help you prepare for the trip, we organise a participants’ meeting so you can get to know your fellow travellers and have the opportunity to ask any questions.

Accommodation

We stay in lodges, hotels and B&Bs throughout the trip. We do not use tents. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. Bookings are based on a shared twin room with separate beds, but a single room is available at an additional cost.

Physical Demands

This is not a particularly strenuous trip, but you should be comfortable with longer periods of sitting. We travel regularly, with some days involving several hours in the vehicle. We make frequent stops and, where necessary, have lunch en route. During game drives we also stop periodically to stretch our legs. In some parks, we also photograph on foot.

Tipping

As a guideline, allow approximately £10 per safari day for tips.

Flights

This trip does not include international flights. Once there are sufficient participants for the trip to go ahead, you will receive an email with advice on which flights to book. If you prefer, we can assist you with booking. At the time of writing, Air France offers the most practical flight times and operates in partnership with KLM.

Local Transport

Transport in South Africa is by one or two spacious hire vehicles. There are no domestic flights. Game drives are conducted as much as possible in private safari vehicles, ensuring plenty of space to move around and photograph comfortably.

Recommended Photography Equipment

• Camera(s), including video capability if desired
• Lenses from wide-angle to telephoto (minimum 400mm) + optional extender(s)
• Laptop and cables (including USB)
• External hard drive / SSD (ideally two)
• Tripod / monopod
• Remote shutter release (wired or wireless)
• Beanbag / camera support bag
• Sufficient batteries + chargers
• Enough memory cards + card reader
• Camera manual
• Torch / headlamp
• Optional flash
• Spare batteries (for flash, remote controls, etc.)
• Good camera bag (check hand luggage size restrictions)
• Rain covers for equipment (optional)
• Lens cloth
• Blower for dust removal
• Filters (polarising, ND, graduated, etc.)
• Universal travel adapter (and possibly a multi-plug extension)

Climate and Clothing

Daytime temperatures average around 20–25°C, while at night they drop to around 10–15°C. We recommend dressing in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions, especially during night drives.

Bring windproof and waterproof clothing for boat trips. Sturdy walking shoes are useful for safaris, while flip-flops or sandals are ideal at the lodge. Also bring a cap, sunscreen and lip balm.

Vaccinations

For the most up-to-date information on required or recommended vaccinations, please consult official UK travel advice for South Africa: GOV.UK – South Africa Health Advice.

Passport and Visa

For travel to South Africa, you need a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your date of arrival in South Africa. Please ensure it is valid well beyond your planned return date in case of any changes to your itinerary. At the time of writing, no visa is required for UK citizens, but please check official South African government advice before departure to confirm this remains the case.

We wish you an unforgettable experience – Let Nature Talk.