Lions & Leopards of MalaMala & Mashatu
The Wildlife
Photo Safari Map
Overview
This 11-day small-group photo safari combines Mashatu in Botswana with MalaMala Game Reserve in South Africa - two of Africa’s BEST locations for big cat photography. With just three photographers sharing a private vehicle, the focus is on spending quality time at sightings.
Led by Stu Porter, alongside experienced local guides, the emphasis is on positioning, light, and understanding animal behaviour. Rather than rushing between sightings, you will spend longer with subjects, allowing natural moments to unfold.
Timed on purpose for the middle of the dry season, wildlife naturally concentrates around permanent water sources. At MalaMala, the Sand River becomes a magnet for thirsty animals, while predators often lie in wait nearby, creating exceptional opportunities for behaviour and action photography. Sparse winter vegetation, soft colours, and almost no chance of rain make this arguably one of the best times of year for wildlife photography.
Mashatu is known for its large elephant herds and regular sightings of lion, leopard, and cheetah, set within open, varied landscapes ideal for clean compositions. There is also plenty of time to photograph a rich variety of other mammals and diverse birdlife throughout the safari.
Why Choose This Safari
- Just 3 photographers, giving you maximum space and flexibility in the vehicle
- Private safari vehicle at MalaMala & Mashatu
- Minimal vehicle presence
- Timed for exceptional dry season wildlife activity
- Led by Stu Porter with practical, hands-on photographic guidance in the field
- Two of Africa’s best locations for Lions & Leopards
- Regular sightings of cheetah, spotted hyaena, and large elephant herds
- Experienced local guides focused on photographic details
- Excellent variety of other mammals and diverse birdlife throughout the safari
- Well-paced itinerary balancing productivity in the field with time for optional image reviews
Tour Leader
Stu Porter, founder of Wild4 Photo Safaris, has spent over two decades guiding photographic safaris throughout Africa.
His style is relaxed and patient, encouraging you to slow down and let behaviour develop, while providing real-time guidance at sightings and optional support with image reviews, video, and Lightroom workflows.
Learn more about Stu on the Tour Leaders Page → HERE
Location
MASHATU PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Mashatu Game Reserve lies in Botswana’s remote Northern Tuli region, covering approximately 42,000 hectares (100,000 acres) where the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers meet.
Often referred to as the “Land of the Giants,” it is particularly known for its large elephant herds and regular sightings of big cats. The combination of open plains, dry riverbeds, and sandstone ridges creates clean, uncluttered settings that are well suited to wildlife photography.
MALAMALA - SOUTH AFRICA
MalaMala Game Reserve is one of Africa’s top destinations for wildlife photography, covering approximately 13,300 hectares (32,850 acres) within the Greater Kruger ecosystem.
Renowned for its exceptional leopard viewing and strong predator presence, the reserve also offers excellent opportunities to photograph buffalo, elephant, and rhino. A mix of open savanna, woodland, and riverine habitat along the Sand River supports a wide variety of herbivores and diverse birdlife.
Photographers Per Vehicle
ONE SAFARI VEHICLE AT MASHATU & MALAMALA
- There will only be three photographers in the vehicle and Stu will ride up front with the Mashatu guide.
MATEBOLE UNDERGROUND HIDE
- The Matebole Elephant hide can comfortably accommodate our group. We will share the hide with others but only to a maximum of 8 people.
Vehicle Congestion
MASHATU (BOTSWANA)
- Very low vehicle numbers across the reserve
- Big cat sightings limited to a maximum of three vehicles
- Guides coordinate to keep sightings calm and well spaced
- Elephants, plains game, and birdlife often viewed with few or no other vehicles
- Quiet, unhurried environment with excellent space to work each sighting
MALAMALA (SOUTH AFRICA)
- Low vehicle numbers across this private reserve
- Big cat sightings managed, typically with only a few vehicles present
- Guides coordinate closely to maintain calm, well-spaced viewing
- For most other sightings, we will find ourselves on our own
- Relaxed environment with time and space to work sightings properly
Accommodation
MASHATU LODGE
Mashatu Lodge is a comfortable base within the private Mashatu Game Reserve, offering excellent access to productive wildlife areas.
- Style: Brick & Mortar
- Power: 24/7
- Recharging: In-room (South African Type M plug)
- Hairdryer: provided
- WiFi: Available in common areas & rooms
- Airconditioning: YES
- Workspace: Desk in room
- Bathroom: Private en-suite
- Toilet: Private flush toilet
- Vanity: Running water in sink
- Shower: Private plumbed shower (hot water 24/7)
MALAMALA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - MAIN LODGE
MalaMala offers a classic safari lodge experience set along the Sand River, with luxury accommodation and direct access to the most productive wildlife areas.
- Style: Brick & Mortar
- Power: 24/7 power available
- Recharging: In-room power points (South African Type M & international plugs)
- Hairdryer: provided
- WiFi: Available in rooms and main lodge areas
- Airconditioning: YES
- Workspace: Desk or table space available in rooms and communal areas
- Bathroom: Private en-suite
- Toilet: Private flush toilet
- Vanity: Wash basin with running water
- Shower: Private plumbed shower (hot water 24/7)
Weather
☀️ MASHATU (BOTSWANA)
August in Mashatu offers dry winter conditions, clear skies, and excellent light for photography. Vegetation is sparse, making wildlife easier to spot.
Mornings are cold and crisp, while afternoons are mild and comfortable with virtually no chance of rain.
- Daytime: Mild and pleasant, typically 23°C to 26°C (73°F to 79°F)
- Early morning: Cold, usually 4°C to 9°C (39°F to 48°F), so warm layers are essential
☀️ MALAMALA (SOUTH AFRICA)
August at MalaMala falls in the dry winter season, with clear skies and good visibility as vegetation thins across the reserve.
Early mornings are cool, warming up into comfortable afternoons, with stable conditions and no rainfall expected.
- Daytime: Mild and comfortable, typically 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F)
- Early morning: Cool to cold, usually 6°C to 10°C (43°F to 50°F), so layered clothing is recommended
A Day On Safari
MASHATU
- Light breakfast before departure (coffee, tea, fruit, yoghurt, oatmeal)
- Head out before sunrise during the cooler early hours when wildlife is most active
- Spend extended time at sightings, allowing behaviour to unfold naturally
- Short mid-morning stop for tea or coffee, depending on activity
- Return to the lodge for brunch
- Time to rest, recharge batteries or have a n optional image review with Stu
- Afternoon tea or coffee before heading out again
- Afternoon game drive
- Return to camp shortly after sunset
- Dinner, with the option for an informal image review with Stu
- ☀️ Sunrise: ± 06:25 am
☀️ Sunset: ± 17:40 pm
MALAMALA GAME DRIVES:
- Light breakfast before departure (coffee, tea, fruit, yoghurt, muffins, cookies)
- Head out before sunrise during the cooler early hours when wildlife is most active
- Spend extended time at sightings, allowing behaviour to unfold naturally
- Mid morning stop for continental breakfast out in the field
- Return to the lodge around midday
- Time to rest, recharge batteries, or an optional image review with Stu Porter
- Afternoon tea or coffee before heading out again
- Afternoon game drive
- Return to the lodge shortly after sunset
- Dinner, followed by optional image review with Stu
- ☀️ Sunrise: ± 06:20 am
☀️ Sunset: ± 17:35 pm
Gear List
CAMERA BODY:
- 24 megapixels or higher recommended for this wildlife photography safari
- Two camera bodies strongly recommended – backup if one fails and avoids changing lenses in the field
- Mirrorless or DSLR cameras are suitable
LENSES:
- 24mm f2.8: Great for wide angle images f2.8 lenses are very helpful in low light
- 70–200mm f/2.8: Again, a wider aperture will be very helpful in low light
- Up to 500mm (prime or zoom): Essential for distant wildlife and predator action
ACCESSORIES:
- Binoculars recommended
- Small travel tripod recommended if you have space
- Spare batteries and memory cards
- Laptop (recommended) for image review
For more in-depth guidance on what to bring we are happy to discuss your setup via Zoom or email.
VISA
It is your responsibility to ensure that any VISAS (if applicable to you) are in place before departure.
Regulations can change, so we recommend checking official government websites prior to travel.
❖ Passport must be valid for 6 months after travel with a minimum of 4 blank pages.
❖ If needed, we can provide an official itinerary and booking confirmation to support your application.
❖ We recommend applying at least 3 weeks prior to travel.
- SOUTH AFRICA (The safari begins & ends in South Africa)
> Most nationalities (including USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada) do not require a visa for short tourist visits (typically up to 90 days).
> Entry is granted on arrival.
> Always check current requirements before travel as these are subject to change without notice.
- BOTSWANA
> Most nationalities (including USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada) do not require a visa for short tourist visits (up to 90 days).
> Entry is granted on arrival.
> Always check current requirements before travel as these are subject to change without notice.
Travel Insurance
- All guests must have travel insurance in place prior to departure
- Your policy should cover medical emergencies, delays, and photographic equipment
- Trip cancellation cover is recommended for added protection
- Some insurers require this cover to be arranged soon after your deposit is paid
- For full details, please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions for details of what happens if you have to cancel.
Medical
- This safari does not involve strenuous activity, but you should be comfortable spending extended periods in a safari vehicle and in hides
- It is your responsibility to seek medical advice from your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance, including vaccinations and malaria prevention
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate / doctors exemption letter is required if you are arriving from, or have recently transited through, a yellow fever risk country (ie Kenya)
FAQ
- What level of photographer is this safari suited for?
This safari suits a wide range of photographers, from enthusiastic beginners to experienced shooters. Basic camera knowledge is helpful, but in-field guidance from Stu will help you improve quickly.
- What are the luggage restrictions on flights?
Internal flights have strict luggage limits. Main luggage is limited to 20kg (44 lbs) per person, plus 15kg (33 lbs) for camera gear. Bags must be soft duffel or roller-style. Please note that ** HARD SUITCASES ARE NOT PERMITTED. Keeping weight within limits is essential for safety and compliance.
- How long are the road transfers on this safari?
- The road transfer from Polokwane to Mashatu is approximately 3.5 hours, including the border crossing into Botswana.
- The road transfer from Skukuza Airport to MalaMala is approximately 45 mins
- What makes MalaMala and Mashatu special for photography?
Both reserves are known for consistent big cat sightings, low vehicle density, and the ability to spend extended time at sightings, allowing you to photograph behaviour rather than just quick encounters.
- What wildlife might I see on this photo safari to Mashatu in Botswana and MalaMala in South Africa?
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- ➤ MASHATU (BOTSWANA) - MAMMALS - August
• Lion
• Leopard
• Cheetah
• Brown Hyena
• Spotted Hyena
• Black-backed Jackal
• Elephant
• Giraffe
• Plains Zebra
• Blue Wildebeest
• Greater Kudu
• Impala- ➤ MASHATU (BOTSWANA) - BIRDS - August
• Crimson-breasted Shrike
• Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill
• Kori Bustard
• Secretarybird
• Martial Eagle
• Tawny Eagle
• Bateleur
• White-backed Vulture
• Burchell’s Starling
• Red-billed Quelea
• Shaft-tailed Whydah
• Northern Black Korhaan- ➤ MALAMALA (SOUTH AFRICA) - MAMMALS - August
• Lion
• Leopard
• Spotted Hyena
• African Wild Dog
• Black-backed Jackal
• Elephant
• Cape Buffalo
• White Rhino
• Giraffe
• Plains Zebra
• Greater Kudu
• Impala- ➤ MALAMALA (SOUTH AFRICA) - BIRDS - August
• Lilac-breasted Roller
• African Fish Eagle
• Saddle-billed Stork
• Yellow-billed Stork
• African Spoonbill
• Martial Eagle
• Bateleur
• White-backed Vulture
• Southern Ground Hornbill
• Woodland Kingfisher
• Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill
• Burchell’s Starling
Summary
This Mashatu and MalaMala photographic safari is a small-group African wildlife photography tour led by Stu Porter.
With just three photographers in a private vehicle, the focus is on time in the field, careful positioning, and capturing natural behaviour.
Combining Botswana’s Mashatu with South Africa’s MalaMala, this safari is particularly well suited to photographers looking to build strong portfolios of lions and leopards, along with elephants, other mammals, and diverse birdlife.
Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg – Overnight
You will be met at OR Tambo International Airport and escorted to your airport hotel for overnight accommodation
1 night in JHB at CITY LODGE HOTEL
→ 19:00pm group dinner & drinks included
→ Laundry NOT included
Days 2–5: Mashatu - Mashatu Lodge
Fly from Johannesburg to Polokwane and then drive 3.5 hrs to Mashatu. Explore the central areas of Mashatu.
4 nights spent at MASHATU LODGE
1 afternoon session at the Matebole Elephant hide
→ All meals included
→ Drinks included
→ Laundry included
Day 6: Retun to JHB for an overnight
After our final morning photo session we will drive back to Polokwane and then fly to JHB for an overnight stay.
1 night in JHB at CITY LODGE HOTEL
→ 19:00pm group dinner & drinks included
→ Laundry NOT included
Days 7-10: MalaMala Private Game Reserve
Fly from Johannesburg to Skukuza and transfer by road to MalaMala Private Game Reserve.
4 nights spent at MALAMALA MAIN CAMP
→ All meals included
→ Drinks included
→ Laundry included
Day 11: Retun to JHB & depart
After a final morning game drive at MalaMala, return to Skukuza Airport and fly back to Johannesburg. You will arrive in the mid afternoon with plenty of time to connect with your international flight home.
→ Breakfast & lunch included
STEP 1 - PLEASE READ OUR BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
We first recommend that you read and become familiar with our booking terms & conditions, which can be found on this page, under the PRICES box.
STEP 2 - GET IN TOUCH
Get in touch with us to confirm that there are still spaces available on the photo safari that you are interested in. Click on the “ENQUIRE NOW” button above.
STEP 3 - AWAIT A REPLY FROM US & THEN CREATE YOUR CLIENT ACCOUNT
Once we confirm with you that there is space available, and you would like to join the safari, we will send you a direct link via email. Follow this unique link to sign up to our CLIENT AREA. After you have registered with your name, email address and a password of your choice, you will then be asked to complete our online booking form.
STEP 4 - COMPLETE A BOOKING FORM
As soon as we receive your completed booking form/s (1 per participant) then you will be required to send us the deposit to secure your place on the safari.
STEP 5 - SEND YOUR DEPOSIT
Deposits can be paid via credit card, PayPal or international bank transfer. We will notify you as soon as your deposit arrives. Places on the safari will only be confirmed once we have received both a completed booking form and deposit payment.
STEP 6 - FINAL BALANCE PAYMENT
As soon as your booking form and deposit are with us, we will update your CLIENT AREA to display the outstanding balance amount. This amount will be due 90 days before the start date of the safari.
- Tour Leader
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Stu Porter
