Overview
Just the name of the Greater Kruger sets the pulses racing when it comes to anticipation as this huge ecosystem in eastern South Africa is among the top photographic safari destinations on the continent. It is in our opinion also one of the very best places to photograph probably the most sought-after of the felines too – leopard – and this is why we continue to return here at this time of year with them as our primary focus.
We will once again be working with our local guide and colleague Albie Venter and have booked for our exclusive use one of the best bushcamps in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve for what promises to once again be an outstanding experience. All the so-called Big 5 species (we’ve seen them all in one day in the past) are here as well as cheetah and even wild dogs so we will certainly achieve a very varied portfolio in this dry season, one that offers so much in terms of habitat as well as species. Leopards will be our main priority throughout though and with the opportunity to work after the sun has gone down too on night drives we will be looking to capture a diverse portfolio during what will be a full-on safari.
Itinerary Open +Close -
Day 1: We will look to catch our overnight flights from the UK to Johannesburg – full details/recommendations for this will be advised nearer the time.
Day 2: On arrival in Johannesburg, we will catch a short domestic flight to Hoedspruit, situated on the edge of the Greater Kruger and from where we will transfer to our very comfortable bush camp base, which is exclusive for our use for the entire trip. We should be in time to settle in and enjoy a first afternoon game drive that afternoon and evening.
Days 3 – 8: The Timbavati Private Nature reserve, where the rustic and charming Walkers River camp is based, offers the full array of wildlife that you would expect from this exceptional area for a photographic safari, with all of the so-called “Big 5” to be found here as well as cheetah and wild dogs. The region is probably best known though for its higher-than-average density of leopards and although we will of course work with all photographic opportunities, this magnificent feline will be our main priority for the duration of the trip. Being a private reserve, we are not restricted to working between sunrise and sunset and so the opportunity to work after the sun has gone and look to capture some nocturnal images using torchlight add a very different dimension to the opportunities of the trip. The highly disciplined management of sightings here means that all encounters should be of the highest and most intimate of quality.
The pattern of our days will be similar throughout, with early morning wake-up followed by a morning game drive and returning to camp for a late breakfast/brunch, a rest in the sunny middle of the day and then an afternoon drives through to sunset with night drives on our return to camp.
With the services of renowned local guide Albie Venter for the duration of our time here we can be sure of the best possible encounters and photographic opportunities.
Day 9: After a final morning drive, we will transfer to Hoedspruit once more for our return domestic flights to Johannesburg and from where we will catch our overnight flights back to Europe.
Day 10: We arrive home in the morning, after our overnight flights.
What our customers say
“I liked the liberty we had in being able to stay after dark and enjoyed the night drives. I think this was nailed down pretty well to be honest, we had adequate time to rest up in the afternoon too.”
“The vehicles used were well equipped and comfortable. Drivers were well experienced too.”
“It exceeded my expectations! The number of individual leopards and sightings was amazing. I got a few images that had been on my wish list ticked off! Everyone involved in running the trip from Natures Images to the local staff made it really special.”
“Yes, we had opportunities in morning light, daylight, evening light and by torch light, meaning a varied portfolio of images.”
“It met my expectations in full. We had some excellent opportunities in good light and settings for Leopards and the bonus of some wild dogs hunting. In and around these sightings the Lions, Elephants, Zebra, Rhino etc also provided some lovely photographic encounters“.
“I wanted to expand my portfolio of Leopard images in particular and I was really pleased with what I achieved“.
“I enjoyed the locations at which we stopped for morning coffee/evening ‘sundowners’ drinks“.
“The trip was spot on. The routine and daily rhythm worked really well and made the most of the best light in the mornings and evenings“.
“The accommodation was very clean, spacious and comfortable with plenty of hot water. It was also good to have the whole camp to our group. The staff were good“.
“Mark gave some useful reminders on light and settings at some locations“.
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