- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- Reviews
- Booking
- FAQ
- Accommodation
Come and Live it, Capture it and Share it!
8 nights & 9-days photo safari combo, in the Greater Kruger National Park spending 1 night for an overlay in White River, 3 nights in the famous Sabi Sands Game Reserve which is open to the Kruger and very well known for its leopards and then ending off with 4 nights far down south in the Kruger National Park on a PVT Concession for a change in diversity in terms of landscape and various species of wildlife that you will not potential get in the Sabi Sands as frequent.
There is ample opportunities to maximize your wildlife game viewing experience and capturing Africa's Big Cats and more with the African Safari Guru's lead photographer and expedition tour leader, Pierre Bassani Photoman, who has over 30 years experience in the photographic industry and who will be your photo safari guide for the duration of your trip .
WE’VE DONE THE RESEARCH FOR YOU ALREADY
When taking these three factors into account below, finding the right lodge can make a significant difference to your overall photo safari experience! But finding the right lodge can be time consuming and the good news is we’ve done the research for you having visited lodges all around Southern Africa timelessly and making sure you do not go home empty handed.
3 IMPORTANT ASPECTS THAT DETERMINE THE QUALITY OF YOUR PHOTO SAFARI
1. The Lodge
Quite simply some lodge’s have better wildlife than others. As a general in South Africa the best game viewing lodges are in the east (around Kruger National Park) but there are a few notable exceptions.
2. Your Safari Guide
Guides can be instrumental to your photographic experience, their understanding of light, vehicle placement and animal behaviour can make a tremendous difference to your experience.
3. Fellow passengers
If you’re paired with non-photographers, they can influence the amount of time you spend at sightings, your start and finish tour times and the amount of space you have for camera gear
The Sabi Sands is a 65 000ha privately owned game reserve that shares a +-60 km fenceless border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Together these areas make up South Africa’s highest density of big game. Very importantly for photographers the wildlife has become habituated allowing extraordinary close encounters particularly of the elusive leopard.
Understandably this premier destination comes at a premium price but the dedicated photo safaris here offer some of the best wildlife photography opportunities not just in South Africa but all of Africa we believe!
NB. We are a local Southern Africa Travel Destination Expert Company, going on 2 decades in the tourism industry, we would love to be of assistance to add-on to your itinerary experience with perhaps a visit to the iconic Cape Town and experiencing the amazing attractions on offer or connect to either the Delta Khwai / Moremi in Botswana or Hwange National Park Zimbabwe and finishing off with the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls (A Natural Wonder Of The World) before heading homebound. Let us I know what you have in mind?
Sandwiched between Mozambique and the Mpumalanga area of the Drakensberg, the Lowveld is renowned for it subtropical climate, abundant wildlife, and ancient history. This area encompasses a number of spectacular game reserves including the world-famous Kruger National Park, vast farmlands, and the popular Panorama Route. This area serves as an excellent base from which to explore the Kruger. Visitors can explore the old gold rush town of Barberton, enjoy the city lights of Nelspruit and stay at a variety of comfortable country lodges.
The most famous private game reserve of all, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, adjacent to South Africa's flagship Kruger National Park, a premier wildlife viewing safari destination and was the first-ever private nature reserve established in South Africa. The landscape features 65 000 hectares of savannah-covered land interspersed with watering holes, dry river beds, Lowveld woodlands, and the perennial Sabie River and seasonal Sand Rivers.
This spectacular wildlife reserve offers exceptional game viewing opportunities with frequent sightings of the renowned Big Five especially the elusive leopard with the opportunity of also viewing zebra, giraffe, the odd cheetah and a variety of antelope species. Visitors can enjoy excellent wildlife viewing, dining under the stars, guided bush walks and enjoying a stay in some of South Africa’s most luxurious safari lodges. There are no fences between Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve, so wildlife roams freely in a huge natural environment.
The southern area of South Africa’s most famous game reserve, the Kruger National Pak, is separated from lush farmland by the Crocodile River, a popular area to spot crocodiles, playful hippos and thirsty wildlife. The game viewing area is known as the ‘Southern Circle’ and is renowned for its rhinos and lions, with different prides boasting an array of different hunting techniques and behaviours to observe. Near the Hippo Pool, visitors can view ancient San rock paintings. The Southern Kruger offers incredible game-viewing opportunities and magnificent landscapes covered in African bushveld and savannah.
Itineraries
Day 1
LOWVELD
Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport and connect to KMIA Nelspruit Airport where an African Safari Guru representative will be waiting to welcome you to Nelspruit.
Upon arrival at Muluwa Lodge you will be welcomed well a staff member show around the lodge and settles you into your Luxury Tented Suite
Mid-day after lunch an introduction by Pierre Bassani Photoman, lead photo safari guide and expedition tour leader
Dinner is served under the African skies (Weather permitted)
Day 2
SABI SAND PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Morning rise to a beautiful sunrise over the granite boulders with breakfast at the Main Lodge
We depart for the Sabi Sand game Reserves mid-morning.
Upon arrival at Idube Safari Lodge, a staff member will check you in and then show you around the lodge before you settle into your Safari Chalet
Late afternoon/night photo safari game drive with a Mid-way stop for sundowners - We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dusk first before returning back to Idube Safari Lodge by night fall
Pre-dinner drinks – sit around the boma fire or bar while you socialise and talk of your amazing wildlife sightings and wildlife images with dinner served under the African skies (Weather permitted)
Day 3-4
SABI SAND PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Early morning rise with nature calling on your doorstep and meeting up at the main lodge with Pierre Bassani Photoman, guide and tracker for some coffee/tea and rusks before departing from camp on our morning photo safari experience as the sunrises for that superb golden light and when the wildlife are generally active with a Mid-way morning coffee/tea break - We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dawn first before returning back to the camp +-3-4 hours later for a well-deserved breakfast (depending )
In-between game drive activities Pierre Bassani Photoman will be at the main lodge to host a 1-hour image review and group editing sessions. For this to be truly effective you will need to have your own laptop with the latest version of an editing programme installed and updated of which we recommend Adobe Lightroom.
Depart on our late afternoon/night photo safari game drive with a Mid-way stop for sundowners - We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dusk first before returning back to Idube Safari Lodge by night fall
Pre-dinner drinks – sit around the boma fire or bar while you socialise and talk of your amazing wildlife sightings and wildlife images with dinner served under the African skies (Weather permitted)
Day 5
SOUTHERN KRUGER
Early morning rise with nature calling on your doorstep and meeting up at the main lodge with Pierre Bassani Photoman, guide and tracker for some coffee/tea and rusks before departing from camp on our morning photo safari experience as the sunrises for that superb golden light and when the wildlife are generally active with a Mid-way morning coffee/tea break - We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dawn before returning back to the camp +-3-4 hours later for a well-deserved breakfast
Depart from Idube Safari Lodge and upon arrival at Lukimbi Safari Lodge a staff member will check you in and show you around the lodge before settling into your Classic Suite.
Depart on our late afternoon/night photo safari game drive with Mid-way stop for sundowners - We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dusk first before returning back to Lukimbi Safari Lodge by night fall
Pre-dinner drinks – sit around the boma fire or bar while you socialise and talk of your amazing wildlife sightings and wildlife images with dinner served under the African skies (Weather permitted)
Day 6-8
SOUTHERN KRUGER
Early morning rise with nature calling on your doorstep meeting up at the main lodge with Pierre Bassani Photoman, and our dedicated field guide for some coffee/tea and rusks before departing from camp on our morning photo safari experience as the sunrises for that superb golden light and when the wildlife are generally active with a Mid-way morning coffee/tea break - We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dawn before returning back to the camp +-3-4 hours later for a well-deserved breakfast
In-between game drive activities Pierre Bassani Photoman will be at the main lodge to host a 1-hour image review and group editing sessions. For this to be truly effective you will need to have your own laptop with the latest version of an editing programme installed and updated of which we recommend Adobe Lightroom.
Depart on our late afternoon/night photo safari game drive with a Mid-way stop for sundowners - We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dusk first before returning back to Lukimbi Safari Lodge by night fall
Pre-dinner drinks – sit around the boma fire or bar while you socialise and talk of your amazing wildlife sightings and wildlife images with dinner served under the African skies (Weather permitted)
Day 9
END OF ITINERARY
Early morning rise with nature calling on your doorstep meeting up at the main lodge with Pierre Bassani Photoman, and our dedicated field guide for some coffee/tea and rusks before departing from camp on our morning photo safari experience as the sunrises for that superb golden light and when the wildlife are generally active with a Mid-way morning coffee/tea break - We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dawn before
returning back to the camp +- 3-4 hours later for a well-deserved breakfast.
Bid farewell and depart from Lukimbi Safari Lodge on a short comfortable road transfer to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for your connecting flight back to OR Tambo Int. Airport and homebound
Suggested Add-ons - If you are interested in our selection of add-ons, chat to our travel planner or mention it in the enquiry form.
NB. We are a local Southern Africa Travel Destination Expert Company, going on 2 decades in the tourism industry, we would love to be of assistance to add-on to your itinerary experience with perhaps a visit to the iconic Cape Town and experiencing the amazing attractions on offer or connect to either the Delta Khwai / Moremi in Botswana or Hwange National Park Zimbabwe and finishing off with the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls (A Natural Wonder Of The World) before heading homebound. Let us I know what you have in mind?
- An African Safari Guru Specialist Photo Safari Guide And Expedition Leader (Hosted)
- 1 Night Accommodation at Muluwa based on single occupancy, Tented Suite (Partners are welcome to share)
- 3 Nights Accommodation at Idube Safari Lodge based on single occupancy, Safari Chalet (Partners are welcome to share)
- 3 Nights Accommodation at Lukimbi Safari Lodge based on single occupancy, Classic Suite (Partners are welcome to share)
- Meals: Dinner, bed and breakfast at Muluwa
- Meals: Three meals daily at Idube Safari Lodge and Lukimbi Safari Lodge
- Teas and coffee
- All photo safari activities on a private vehicle through out the safari (Exclusive use with maximum 6 pax per vehicle - rotating plus photo safari guide)
- 7 days of dedicated photographic and post procession tuition during the course of the day
- All internal ground road transfers to safari lodges
- Sabi Sand entrance fees once off.
- Sabi Sand Rhino Conservation Levies Per Person Per Day.
- Kruger Park Conservation and Entrance Fees Once Off.
- Suggested Add-ons - If you are interested in our selection of add-ons, chat to our travel planner or mention it in the enquiry form.
- Items of personal nature.
- All drinks
- Spa treatments.
- Curios purchases
- Gratuities for Drivers/Lodge Staff/Lodge Guides
- ****Important is to organize travel and medical Insurance****
- Passports and Visas where applicable to travel whereby guests need to see your nearest Embassy
- International and Domestic flights (Internal) and related taxes that may occur.
- Industry and Lodge Rates can change without prior notice beyond our control due to unforeseen government taxes. This will not affect clients who have paid the full package balance.
- Everything not mentioned as per inclusions
- Check-in is from 13h00-15h00
- Check-out is at 10h30
- Suggested Add-ons - If you are interested in our selection of add-ons, chat to our travel planner or mention it in the enquiry form.
No Details Found
Muluwa Lodge is ideally situated in the Mpumalanga Lowveld region of South Africa, boasting incredible views out and over the valleys and mountains of the area. The view, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, as well as a wonderful array of “plains” game species that graze close by creates a wonderful “Serengeti” type ambience.
Located just 10 minutes’ drive from Kruger International Airport (KMI), and 4 hours from OR Tambo Interntional Airport, between the small artistic town of White River (10 minutes’ drive to the north), and the larger city of Nelspruit/Mbombela (20 minutes’ drive to the south). We are a 35minute drive from the “Numbi” Kruger Park entrance.
This unique location provides the perfect base for relaxation, and exploration of some of Southern Africa’s most precious natural attractions, including the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the Blyde River Canyon and the scenic and historical – Panorama Route
Idube is situated in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, adjoining the Kruger National Park in South Africa. This world renowned reserve is known for conservation efforts, particularly in protecting rhino. The reserve is also extending its efforts to the community on the borders of the Sabi Sands, Mpumalanga, in uplifting and improving their conditions, as well as their understanding of the value of the reserve for the future. Idube is proud to be part of these good works. Idube Game Reserve traverses approximately 10 000 hectares of wildlife area and is home to the big 5 animals, as well as a large variety of other animals. A great draw card for guests is the leopards, which are seen frequently. The lodge has been refurbished and the gazebo was added as a great chill out area for relaxing and enjoying the view on 3 sides. All bedrooms now have Wi-Fi, as do the entertainment areas.
The lodge has 8 comfortable Safari chalets, 1 Leadwood suite with plunge pool and 2 x Luxury Makubela suites with plunge pools. Set amongst green lawns and shady trees. In between drives, guests can enjoy the pool and the hide.
Lukimbi Safari Lodge is a stunning luxury safari lodge situated in the easily accessible southern portion of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. The lodge boasts the most beautiful view along the bank of the Lwakahle River. Accommodation is provided in Classic Suites, Premier Suites and Family Suites. Every room and living space was designed around the view, while latticed ceilings filtering the sun’s dappled light, casting ambient shifting shadows as the sun moves across the sky. The pool area is a place of serenity, right on the bank of the river. It includes multi-levelled relaxation decks as well as a children’s paddle pool.
Related Trips
There are no reviews yet.