Photo Safari Kruger National Park - Lukimbi Safari Lodge

KRUGER PARK PHOTO SAFARI

5 DAYS /4 NIGHTS

This 5-day Kruger park photo safari gives you a chance in 5 days to photograph a plethora of Africa’s game, including the Big 5 in their natural habitat, all while staying and relaxing at Lukimbi 5 star Safari Lodge in the Southern Kruger National Park.  The remoteness and exclusivity are what makes Lukimbi Safari Lodge all the more special.

WHAT TO EXPECT

On this photo safari we cater for photographers of all abilities, however non-photographers or videographers, spouses/travel companions will also have fun on this safari.  The wildlife we will encounter will appeal to anyone with a love for animals and nature. You can keep up with all our news, discussion and tour offers by reading our blog.

THE LODGE

Lukimbi Lodge is well situated with wonderful views over the pristine bush and looking over the seasonal Lwakahle River.  There are 14 air-conditioned classic suites and 2 premier suites.  The classic suites are big enough to accommodate families and all have stunning river views.  The premier suites are very spacious, ultra-luxurious with separate dining areas, private plunge pools and are available at an extra charge (please enquire at the time of booking).

DAY 1 – AFTERNOON/EVENING

Arrive at the lodge in time for a delectable buffet lunch or for afternoon refreshments (no arrivals later than 15h00) and a short briefing by Tony.

Around 16.00 the afternoon game drive departs into the early evening with the trained local guide and tracker.  Always a special treat and part of the afternoon drive are sundowners, drinks in the bush, out of the vehicle and in Big 5 territory.  The ranger and tracker will, of course, ensure your safety.

Returning to camp, there will be time to freshen up and join other guests at the bar or relax in one of the stylish lounges, before that inviting dinner is served in the dining room or the fire lit boma.

After dinner, you have the choice to try out some night photography around the camp.

DAYS 2 – 4 – MORNING ITINERARY

After a very early morning wake up call and after an invigorating hot beverage, it’s time to embark on the first game drive of the day.

Early mornings are the best time for animal activity and photographing in soft golden light.  After our morning game drive, it will then be time to head back to the lodge for a well-deserved breakfast.

After breakfast, you get the opportunity to choose any of the other activities on offer at the lodge (a bushwalk or a workout in the gym) or if preferred, sit and go over your morning’s photographs as a group or with Tony. Also between drives, you get the chance to enjoy the swimming pool or relax on your private deck.

If you really want to spoil yourself, perhaps a relaxing massage in the health spa could be an option.

DAYS 2 – 4 – AFTERNOON / EVENING ITINERARY

After a bit of personal time and a sumptuous lunch served on the open-air dining deck; and in summer once the heat of the day has faded a little, it will be time for the afternoon/evening drive.

Keeping to a similar format to the first day – the drive will be broken for that welcome sundowner, followed by the early evening game viewing and plenty of photographic opportunities, returning to the lodge once darkness falls.

DAY 5 MORNING ITINERARY

The last day of the safari, and the last opportunity to shoot those last few photographs; so no time to sleep late, the early morning game drive gets off just as it starts to get light, before sunrise, so we have the best opportunities to capture the morning light and then as the sun rises it’s time for that last buffet breakfast back at the lodge before checking out.

Check out by 10:30 am at which time the safari ends.

COSTS & INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS

(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 Kruger park photo safari will run throughout the year with a minimum of 4 guests and a maximum of 6 guests.

Safari Cost : From 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 safari.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• 5 days – 4 nights accommodation at a premier lodge
• Three meals per day, teas and coffees
• Two game drives daily with ranger and tracker and professional wildlife photographer
• Safari Walk
• Photographic tuition

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Flights.
• Transfers to and from the lodge (Transfer rates are available on request depending on origin)
• Gratuities
• Telephone calls
• Items of a personal nature
• Purchases from the curio shop
• Beverages and alcoholic drinks
• Treatments at the Spa
• Kruger National Park entrance fees

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

• Full day bush walks in the Kruger National Park (by prior arrangement). No children under the age of 16 allowed.

CHILDREN

• Lukimbi Safari Lodge is a family-friendly lodge and children from the age of 2 are welcome at the lodge with special children’s activities on offer.
• Children under the age of 3 are not able to take part in the open vehicle safaris. Families with children who wish to go on game drives would either be on a vehicle with another family or they would need to book a private vehicle.
• Children above the age of 14 are welcome to join the overall photographic package with tuition.

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 is outstanding, where the birding enthusiast can lay witness to the annual bird migration which takes from around Early September through to around mid- April each year. Read more about South Africa

GENERAL INFORMATION

THE LODGE

From the central reception area, where there is also a well-stocked curio shop, a staircase leads you down into one of the lounges (where wifi access is available) and from there the dining area, bar and onto the patio.

The lodge’s pool area gives guests the opportunity to cool off on those hot sunny days.

The height of the lodge above the river provides a viewing point with a feeling of safety, giving you the opportunity, between game drives to sit and relax and watch the birds and animals that might pass close by.

Lukimbi is dedicated to giving our guests a genuine and informative African experience in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.  The lodge is well known for its fine dining and meals are served indoors or outdoors.  There is a well-stocked wine cellar which can also host an ‘intimate’ special occasion dinner.

The lodge has a spa for relaxing treatments; a well-equipped fitness centre and a library.  Babysitting services are also offered.

OTHER GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION

As photographers with all levels of experience are welcome on this photo safari, it will be conducive to learning from one another and we include the instruction that will suit everyone’s photographic needs, as we focus on photographing in the field.  We spend most of our time and effort on photographic activities and capturing images.

In the field, should you need or require any instruction or tuition on how best to capture stunning images we are there to guide you with our professional wildlife photographer and qualified guide Tony Sparkes, along with the local guide and tracker on the vehicle; so your photographic and animal sighting success is almost guaranteed.

To make the most of this photo safari you are advised to bring a laptop and card reader as well as enough external storage for the photo sessions as well as the editing software you are most comfortable with. Tony uses Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop CC, Tony will share his workflow and basic processing techniques with you in informal discussions during the safari tour.

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
• Spare batteries for your camera
• Torch
• Camera/video camera & flash (for wildlife photography a 300 – 400mm lens is ideal but there are opportunities for wildlife images for all sizes of lenses.
• Should you wish to hire any camera equipment or binoculars for your trip then we can assist, you can enquire here
• Your camera’s instruction/user manual

OTHER THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Please read our Safari Safety and Etiquette.
• Discretionary gratuities for ranger and tracker are recommended at USD $5 to $10 per person per day.
• Discretionary gratuities for lodge staff are recommended at USD $10 to $15 per person per day.
• Any discretionary gratuities for guides, rangers, trackers and trip leaders should be paid out in cash.
• Note: That some of the Lodges/Safari camps will only accept cash for private purchases. (Please confirm at the time of booking)
• Although most safari lodges offer complimentary internet access, connections are unreliable and or can be extremely slow.
• Special dietary requirements can be accommodated if sent through beforehand.  Please contact us with such requests

Finally to ensure all our guest have a memorable wildlife experience with us we ask you to read and fully understand our Payment Terms and Conditions, Copyright & Disclaimer and Privacy Policy

PS: Don’t forget to catch up with our blog, read interesting posts about our wildlife tours, wildlife and nature.  Why not join our Safari Buddies family to be sure you are first to receive into your inbox all our latest tour and safari news, new tour destinations, discounts, photography and travel tips, tricks and news.