A Photo Safari Designed For Wildlife Photographers
Current Safari Dates
1 – 8 August 2013
2 out of 6 suites available
Safari Focus
Come on an 8 day photo safari adventure with us that will bring you face to face with some of Africa’s most famous residents; The Big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo)!
Our experienced rangers and trackers will get you closer than you have ever been to all of these wild animals, as well as many other species found in the region. You will be able to take the best wildlife photographs of your life without the need for super telephoto lenses.
Safari Location
Mention the name Sabi Sabi to anybody who has had the privilege of staying there and the reaction is most likely going to be one of awe. This private game reserve is situated adjacent to the Kruger National Park, within one of the oldest and largest proclaimed private reserves in Africa, namely the Sabi Sands Wildtuin. It lies 500 km east of Johannesburg, 800 km north east of Durban and 200 km west of Maputo in Mozambique, on the same latitude as Sao Paulo and Brisbane and the same longitude as Cairo, Istanbul and St. Petersburg. There are no fences between the Kruger Park and Sabi Sands, nor are there any fences around the lodges themselves, so the game is literally allowed to roam freely from place to place.
Sabi Sabi is widely acknowledged as being the premier destination for wildlife safaris in South Africa and has been ranked in the top 10 of Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best 100 Hotels for the past three years. It has also received numerous accolades from various publications and marketing associations dealing with world travel.
Unlike photo safaris conducted in National Parks throughout parts of Africa where you’re jostling for road and viewing space with hundreds of other travellers and photographers, our Ultimate Big 5 Safari guarantees you an un-crowded vehicle that is allowed to travel off road to get you as close as possible and into the best viewing positions for photography.
Who Should Come?
You don’t have to be an expert photographer to enjoy one of these safaris, nor do you have to use Nikon cameras. We welcome all levels of photographers using any type of equipment. Remember, our trips are not based on the “workshop” models that are used by many other high profile photo safari organisers, so the environment is a lot more informal and relaxed. You’ll also find that because of this our trips are much more affordable than most of our competitors (you’re not paying for tuition, nor do you have to cover the costs of bringing your tutor out to Africa).
Click here to view a gallery of some images taken by members who came on our trip in October 2010 and here for the gallery of our 2012 trip.
If you are unable to attend the above dates, but would still like to experience Sabi Sabi at a time that is more convenient for you, we can arrange a Private Safari for you and anyone else you might wish to travel with. Just email us.
Accommodation
There are four lodges in Sabi Sabi and we have secured exclusive use of Little Bush Camp, which is the smallest and most secluded of the four. It is made up of 6 thatched luxury suites, each of which has its own private viewing deck overlooking the Msuthlu riverbed.
There is a filtered swimming pool just on the other side of the river, easily accessible via a footbridge, an outdoor boma where we will be dining each evening, plus there is a centrally positioned lounge and bar where we will be able to relax inbetween game drives, as well as conduct informal photography chats and daily image reviews on a projector.
All suites at Little Bush Camp are equipped with:
- Air-conditioning
- Fans
- Hairdryers
- In-suite safes
- Telephone
- Mini bar
- Inside and outside shower
Power sources are (220v) and international adapters are available. Dietary requirements can be accommodated, subject to prior notification. Tap water is perfectly safe to drink and bottled water is also provided in each suite. Click here to read more about the camp and its facilities and see additional photos on the Sabi Sabi website.
Game Drives
Sabi Sabi is home to the Big 5, as well as Cheetah, African Wild Dog and hundreds of species of animals, birds, insects, reptiles and plants (including rare and endangered species), so you can expect very close encounters with all the wildlife on offer at Little Bush Camp. If you’re already salivating at the prospect of photographing leopards and lions up close and personal in their natural environment, we encourage you to take a look at the daily recorded sightings by the Sabi Sabi rangers. These regularly updated web pages will give you an idea of the frequency and intimacy of game encounters you are likely to experience on this trip.
All game drives are conducted in open Land Rovers under the supervision of highly skilled and trained field guides, as well as Shangaan trackers. The Land Rovers have three rows of elevated benches, which can seat up to three people per row. However, as this is an exclusive trip you will either have an entire bench to yourself, or you can share a bench with a spouse or travelling partner (see pricing for more info on how this will work). There are two game drives daily – each lasting approximately three hours – centred on prime viewing times (early morning and late afternoon / evening). Inexperienced photographers will be able to travel in the same vehicle as the tour leader and owner of Nikongear.com, namely Dallas, who will gladly offer advice and expertise in helping you to get the perfect shot.
For an alternative exciting adventure guests can opt for a mid-morning walking safari which reveals a totally different perspective of the bush. The walk, accompanied by an armed ranger, is approximately two hours long.
Basic Itinerary
Day 1 – arrive in Johannesburg and meet up with fellow travellers at the Tladi Lodge in Sandton. In the evening we have a welcome braai (BBQ).
Day 2 – fly from Johannesburg to Nelspruit, near the Kruger Park and transfer to Sabi Sabi Little Bush Lodge (± 2 hour scenic road trip) – book into lodge – lunch – relax – evening game drive – dinner
Days 3 to 7 – morning game drives – breakfast – walking safari – lunch – relax or socialise in bar / pool – evening game drives – dinner – optional photo reviews & critique sessions
Day 8 – morning game drive – breakfast – checkout of Little Bush Camp – transfer to Nelspruit airport – flight to Johannesburg or join tour extension.
Typical Daily Programme
(Timings subject to seasonal changes)
05h00: Early wake up and morning tea/coffee
05h30: Morning safari
08h30: Breakfast
Walking Safari (after breakfast)
13h00: Lunch
16h30: Afternoon tea
17h00: Afternoon/evening safari
20h00: Return from safari
20h30: Dinner
Pricing
ZAR40,000 per person sharing (R13,000 single supplement)
Convert these prices to your own currency using the converter in the sidebar of the site.
What’s Included?
Luxury Accommodation in Johannesburg & Sabi Sabi, Little Bush Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea, Dinner (this may vary depending on the group)
Selected beverages & SA house wines
2 game drives per day (flexible times)
Optional walking safaris (after breakfast)
Return airfare from Johannesburg to Kruger Park International Airport
All transfers between airports and lodges
What’s Excluded?
International flight to and from Johannesburg
Telephone calls
Internet connectivity
Laundry
Imported and premium brand alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Staff Gratuities*
* Whilst they are not mandatory, gratuities for the game rangers, trackers and lodge staff are appreciated. Guidelines on the amounts to tip at the end of your stay are available in the room booklets at the lodge.
Book Your Place
Send an email to bookings@photographers.travel
On receipt of your email we will send you an official booking form that will need to be completed, together with details on how to pay the deposit, as well as our standard terms and conditions.
We look forward to adding you to our growing family of Safarians!
