- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- Accommodation
South Africa is regularly voted as one of the world’s top tourist destinations and so should it for photographic opportunities. From the game reserves of the Greater Kruger area to the shear natural beauty of Cape Town, South Africa is a true bucket list destination. Easily accessible from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia combining one of these 3 countries into an extended itinerary is as easy as it is rewarding.
Come and Live it, Capture it and Share it!
An incredible opportunity capturing Africa's majestic wildlife on a 8 NIGHTS & 9-DAYS COMBO PHOTO SAFARI, in the Greater Kruger National Park spending 1 night for an overlay in Hoedspruit, 3 nights in the Manyeleti Game Reserve which borders the boundaries of Sabi Sands, open to the Kruger and very well known for its diverse wildlife species but particularly lions and cheetah and then ending off with 4 nights in the Klaserie Nature Reserve for a change in diversity in terms of landscape and various species of wildlife that you will not potential get in the Manyeleti as frequent.
There is ample opportunities to maximize your wildlife game viewing experience and capturing Africa's unique wildlife 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 Klaserie Game Reserve reserve lies to the west of Timbavati covering 60 000ha on either side of the Klaserie River. Established in 1969 and officially proclaimed a nature reserve in 1972, Klaserie is one of the largest privately owned nature reserves in South Africa and shares a fenceless border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park.
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 Hwange National Park Zimbabwe or the Delta Khwai Moremi in Botswana before heading homebound. Let us I know what your you have in mind?
Scattered along the unfenced western boundary of the world-renowned Kruger National Park, private game reserves combine with the Kruger to establish one of the world’s largest game reserves. This incredible destination offers visitors excellent Big Five game viewing opportunities and an array of luxury safari accommodation complete with world-class cuisine, relaxing spas and private pools. Visitors can look forward to fascinating night-drive safaris, guided nature walks, and open-top safari adventures. Some of these prestigious private reserves include: Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Thornybush Private Game Reserve, and Timbavati Private Game Reserve, to name a few.
The Manyeleti Private Game Reserve shares its borders with Kruger National Park, Timbavati Game Reserve and Sabi Sands Game Reserve, forming part of a huge area of land in which wildlife roams free. It is managed by the Mnisi people, who have lived on this land for many generations. In Shangaan, the language of the most dominant tribe in the area, Manyeleti means ‘Place of Stars’ and in the evenings, when the sun’s light is replaced by that of the moon and countless bright stars, one can understand why. A dry area for most of the year, Manyeleti offers spectacular scenes of wildlife as they gather at water holes. Aside from the spectacular game viewing opportunities, the reserve also offers insight into the culture and traditions of the Mnisi people.
Situated on the northeastern edge of South Africa, Klaserie Private Game Reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. It is one of the largest privately owned reserves in the country comprising 60 000 hectares of seemingly endless plains of unspoilt African bushveld. This scenic wilderness sanctuary is home to the renowned ‘Big Five’ as well as an impressive array of wildlife including: African elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo, African wild dog, lion, leopard, and an abundance of antelope. Visitors can look forward to enjoying a variety of outdoor activities such as guided walking safaris, game drives, and thrilling wildlife tracking excursions over and above the photographic side of things. The reserve is known for its incredible birdlife boasting over 500 species including the endangered Southern ground hornbill and the white-backed vulture.
Itineraries
Day 1
KRUGER PRIVATE RESERVES
Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport and connect to Hoedspruit Airport bordering the Klaserie and Timbavati Nature Reserves open to the Kruger National Park.
An African Safari Guru representative will be waiting to welcome you to Hoedspruit and you'll be taken on a short comfortable road transfer to a nearby bush camp for an overlay
Late afternoon we will all gather and an Introduction by Pierre Bassani Photoman, photo safari guide and expedition tour leader will take place in the main lodge area.
Dinner is served under the African Skies (Weather Permitted)
Day 2
MANYELETI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Morning rise with breakfast served at the restaurant before checking out and departing to Pungwe Safari Camp.
Upon arrival at Pungwe Safari Camp a staff member will check you in and show your around camp before settling into your tented suite
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 Pungwe Safari Camp 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
MANYELETI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Early morning rise with nature calling on your doorstep 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 (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.
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.
Late afternoon/night photo safari game drive (Mid-way stop for sundowners - We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dusk first) before returning back to Pungwe Safari Camp 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
KLASERIE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Early morning rise with nature calling on your doorstep 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 (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
We checkout and depart from Pungwe Safari Camp mid-morning after breakfast to the Klaserie Nature Reserve, open to the Kruger National Park.
Upon arrival at Baobab Ridge Safari Lodge a staff member will check you in and show you around the lodge before settling into your Superior Suite.
An Introduction straight after lunch by Pierre Bassani Photoman, expedition photo safari and tour leader
Depart on our late afternoon/night photo safari game drive – Mid-way stop for sundowners (We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dusk first) before returning back to Baobab Ridge 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
KLASERIE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
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 (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
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.
Depart on our late afternoon/night photo safari game drive – Mid-way stop for sundowners (We take this break dependant on the situation using the golden light at dusk first) before returning back to Baobab Ridge 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 (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 Baobab Ridge Safari Lodge on a short comfortable road transfer to Hoedspruit 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 with perhaps a visit to the iconic Cape Town and experiencing the amazing attractions on offer or connect to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls a "Natural Wonder of the World" in Livingstone Zambia before heading homebound.
- An African Safari Guru Specialist Photo Safari Guide and Expedition Leader (Hosted)
- 1 Night Accommodation at Bush Pub Inn based on single occupancy, Double Room (Partners welcome to share)
- 3 Nights Accommodation at Pungwe Safari Camp (EXCLUSIVE USE) based on single occupancy, Tented Suite (Partners are welcome to share)
- 4 Nights Accommodation at Baobab Ridge Safari Lodge (EXCLUSIVE USE) based on single occupancy, Superior Suite (Partners are welcome to share)
- Meals: Breakfast only at Bush Pub Inn
- Meals: Three meals daily at Pungwe Safari Camp and Baobab Ridge Safari Lodge
- Teas and coffee
- All photo safari activities are conducted on a private vehicle through out the safari (Exclusive use with maximum 4 pax per vehicle - rotating plus photo safari guide)
- 7 days of dedicated photographic and post procession tuition during the course of the day
- Laundry at Baobab Ridge Safari Lodge
- Manyeleti Conservation and Entrance Fees Once Off
- Kalserie Vehicle Entry Fees Once Off.
- Klaserie Conservation Fees and Levies Per Person Per Day.
- Ground transfer from Hoedspruit Airport to Pungwe Safari Camp
- Ground transfers from Pungwe Safari Camp to Baobab Ridge Safari Lodge
- Ground transfer from Baobab Ridge Safari Lodge to Hoedspruit Airport
- 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
- All premium drinks at Baobab Ridge Safari Lodge
- 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
The Bush Pub Inn has 7 en-suite rooms with separate entrances under thatched roofs, rooms are air conditioned and have tea/ coffee making facilities. The main area has a covered patio with fold away doors leading into a lounge area and a swimming pool alongside a picturesque dam. The Bush Pub Inn is suited for small groups travelling together for either pre safari accommodation or post safari accommodation . Bush Pub & Inn has a restaurant on site and is easily accessible from your chalet.
Pungwe is a small intimate authentic safari camp which brings back the essence of a true safari experience. The comfortable en-suite meru-style tents are reminiscent of days when safaris were all about the sights, sounds and smells of the bush. Pungwe Safari Camp is about the bush, the animals, the unique experiences and the subsequent regaling of these by the iconic fireside.
The 4 en-suite meru-styled tents at Pungwe offer simple elegant comfort, security, hot and cold running water for baths or showers and an exceptional feeling of truly being in the African bush. Only under canvas will you not only hear, but feel the roar of the lion, the throaty cough of a leopard and the Fiery Necked Nightjar celebrating the night.
Situated in the southern part of the 22 000 hectare Big 5 Manyeleti Game Reserve, Pungwe shares unfenced boundaries with two world renowned reserves, the Sabi Sand Reserve to the south and the Kruger National Park to the east, allowing for free movement of wildlife between the three reserves.
Baobab Ridge Lodge is a private lodge situated in the prestigious Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. It provides spacious yet affordable air-conditioned individual private suites with an open plan lounge and private terrace, offering guests beautiful bush-veld landscapes with an excellent possibility of coming face to face with the "Big 5" and bird species in their natural habitat.
This lodge is fully catered and is booked exclusively specifically for small photographic groups, ideal for seeking complete privacy and enjoying the exclusivity
The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, one of the largest private reserves in South Africa (approximately 60 000 hectares) and is part of the Greater Kruger National Park and open to the Kruger National Park and Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The private game reserve lies along the western border of the Kruger, with no fencing separating the reserve from the Kruger or the Timbavati; allowing the animals to roam freely between the private game reserves and the Kruger Park.
The game in both the Kruger and the neighbouring reserves is essentially the same, the only difference to the Kruger being the experience of driving off-road in open game viewers with professional guides and being able to get up and close for those magical photographic shots. The less known Klaserie Reserve also has fewer lodges, which means far less traffic on game drives and on sightings.
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