African Big Cat Photography Safari

BIG CATS PHOTO SAFARI

5 DAYS /4 NIGHTS

This is a 5 day/4 night ‘African Big Cat Photography Safari’ staying at Elephant Plains Game Lodge situated in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, South Africa. 

Our lodge provides a great base for our ‘Big Cat’ photo safari. This photo safari will, however, appeal to anyone with a love for animals and nature and not just photographers.

DAY 1 –  ITINERARY

Arrive at the lodge at around 14.00 in time for lunch (on request at the time of booking).  A short meeting and briefing, prepare for the afternoon game drive which departs at approximately 16.00,  ‘Sundowner’  drinks in the bush. Return to the lodge and freshen up in time for dinner, which is served at 19-30. 

DAYS 2/4 –  MORNING ITINERARY

An early morning wake up at 5.00 with tea or coffee and traditional rusk biscuits is the order to the start of the day. Our morning game drive will start at 5.30, while on the drive which is approximate 3.5 hrs long we will break for more tea/coffee and rusks.

We return to the lodge at 9.00 for a sumptuous breakfast and for those who may want to there is an ‘optional’ bushwalk at 9.30 from the lodge.

At around 10.30 we will review the morning photos and proceed with some editing (using Adobe Lightroom) and some photographic discussion. 

DAYS 2/4 –  AFTERNOON/EVENING ITINERARY

Lunch will be served at 14.00 with a little time to relax before we head off at 16.00 for our afternoon game drive and ‘Sundowners’ in the bush. Dinner as per the previous nights will be served at 19.30

DAYS 5 –  MORNING ITINERARY

An early morning wake up at 5.00 with tea or coffee and traditional rusk biscuits is the order to the start of the day. Our morning game drive will start at 5.30, while on the drive which is approximate 3.5 hrs long we will break for more coffee and rusks.

We return to the lodge at 9.00 for a sumptuous breakfast. After breakfast checkout is at 10.00 when our ‘African Big Cat Photography Safari’ will sadly come to an end.

Note: Itineraries may be flexible and can be discussed on the day at the lodge, dependant on the weather, time of the year and other guests.

COSTS & INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS FOR THE AFRICAN BIG CAT PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI

(ZAR prices are an estimation linked to the exchange rate and the exact price will be confirmed via invoice at the time of booking)

This ‘Big Cat’ Photo Safari will run throughout the year with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 6 guests; additional non-photographers can be accommodated.

Safari Cost: From ZAR P.O.A. pp  sharing

We can accept payment via International SWIFT transfer, Credit Card or Paypal

Please be advised:  Please contact us for any single supplement requirements, together with your preferred travel arrangements, so we can advise you on the availability of your dates and open spaces on this ‘Big Cat’ Photo Safari.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• 5 days/4 nights accommodation at Elephant Plain Game Lodge
• Two game drives daily (8 drives in total)
• 3 meals daily including (tea and coffee)
• Professional Wildlife Photography Host
• Lightroom and Photography Editing Sessions
• Optional Morning Walk in ‘Big Five’ Area
• Professionally Guided Safari with Tracker

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Any flights
• Visas
• Transfers to or from Elephant Plains Game Lodge
• Bar account and minibar
• Gratuities 
• Purchases of a personal nature
• Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve gate entry fees
• Conservation and rhino levy
• Telephone calls
• Upgrade to superior accommodation (POA)
• Laundry Service

Please contact us for prices if transfers to and from ‘Elephant Plains’ are required

We regret that we are unable to accommodate children under the age of 14 on this photo safari.

SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is officially listed as one of the most biologically diverse countries on earth.  With South Africa being made up of an astonishing kaleidoscope of landscapes as well as a plethora of eco-systems.

From the arid, near-deserts on its west coast to the montane forests and subalpine zones at the top of the beautiful Drakensberg at nearly 3,500 metres above sea-level.  In the South African cape, you will find pristine beaches and the uniqueness of its Fynbos ecosystems and lest we forget the vast wildlife and birds to encounter on the rich savannahs of its north-east provinces.

Without a doubt, any visitor to South Africa will be captivated by its constantly changing landscapes and the warm friendly people one encounters.  All this goes towards making up, what can only be described as, experiences one will never forget and want to keep coming back for more of the same.

This applies particularly for those who wish to capture and record their experience no matter what photographic genre, as South Africa remains a primary destination for experiencing a Big 5 wildlife safari, with our specialist Kruger Park Safaris and tours.  Phenomenal birding and nature photography where the enthusiast can lay witness to the annual bird migration which takes place annually. Read more about South Africa

GENERAL INFORMATION

‘BIG CAT’ PHOTO SAFARI – ELEPHANT PLAINS GAME LODGE –  SABI SAND PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Sabi Sands Game Reserve is the ultimate South African safari destination, the most famous private game reserve of all.  The 62,500-hectare reserve is found adjacent to South Africa’s flagship Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand offers a safari experience found nowhere else in the world. Game viewing possibilities are simply unparalleled.

The ‘Sabi Sands’ is in particular well known for its amazing leopard sightings. The most elusive animal of the Big 5 is frequently spotted when going on a game drive in the reserve. As such, Sabi Sands offers the ultimate photographic safari one can think of. You can be certain to return home with some absolutely stunning pictures and memories.

EQUIPMENT HIRE

To make the most of the opportunities that arise while one of our ‘African Big Cat Photography Safaris’ it is advisable to have suitable camera equipment, some of which we have detailed below.  We can help you with any equipment requirements, just follow the link, should you want to hire camera equipment. 

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT 

During the Spring/Summer months (rainy season) of October to April in the Lowveld, natural pools of water in the bushveld lure animals away from waterholes and the bush is dense and it’s often difficult to spot animals. The dry season or the winter months of May to September are the best times to visit the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The vegetation will thin out, making it easier to spot wildlife congregating around water sources.

OTHER GENERAL SAFARI INFORMATION

• It should be noted that the Sabi sand Private Game Reserve is located within a low-risk Malaria area, guests are advised to seek medical advice from your own doctor in this respect.
• Please read our Safari Safety and Etiquette to ensure you have an enjoyable and trouble-free safari experience with us.
• There is free wifi access and mobile phone reception at Elephant Plains Game Lodge. (Main Lodge Building Only)

WHAT TO BRING ON SAFARI

• Mornings and evenings in an open safari vehicle are cold to cool (even in the summer), bring a fleece and a windbreaker jacket
• Rain jacket, hat, cap or beanie
• Sunblock
• Binoculars (can be hired, please advise at time of booking)
• Spare batteries for your camera
• Torch
• Camera/video camera & flash

LENS RECOMMENDATIONS

Due to the diversity of opportunities at the reserve, it is recommended lenses covering the following focal length: Wide-angle 24mm – telephoto up to 600mm

Recommended:

• Wide-angle 24 – 70mm
• Mid-range telephoto 70 – 400mm
• Long telephoto 400 – 600mm

To ensure all guests who book travel destinations through us have a memorable experience we ask you to read and fully understand our Payment Terms and Conditions, Copyright & Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.   If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact us

If ‘Big Cat’photography is not for you but you still want the excitement to photograph Africa’s Big 5 and a plethora of birds and mammals on a game drive in the African bush, or some of the other great wildlife destinations around the world then why not look at the following tours and safaris we offer:-

Alaska Wildlife Tour (Boat Based)
Bears of Katmai (Alaska)
Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge (South Africa)
Uganda Gorilla Trekking
Hamiltons Tented Camp (South Africa)
Zimanga Birding & Wildlife Safari (Exceptional Hide Photography)
Kruger Birding and Wildlife Photo Safari. (South Africa)

PS: Don’t forget to catch up with our Safari Buddies Blog, read interesting posts about our nature and wildlife tours. Have you read our post on What is Eco-Tourism or Bird Migration – (Part 1) to Southern Africa? Why not subscribe to our quarterly journal  Safari Buddies to be sure you are first to receive into your inbox all our latest tour and safari news, new tour destinations, discounts, photography tips and tricks and travel news.