Ultimate Africa
The Wildlife
Photo Safari Map
Overview
This 22-day African photo safari brings together three distinct regions, each offering different wildlife encounters and photographic conditions. Starting and ending in Johannesburg, the journey is designed to maximise time in the field across southern and eastern Africa.
We begin with eight nights in Botswana’s Mashatu Game Reserve, known for its open landscapes and strong predator sightings, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and large herds of elephants.
From there, we return to Johannesburg and continue to Kenya, spending four nights at the Shompole overnight hides—one of Africa’s busiest night hide experiences. Lions, leopards, hyenas, plains game, and owls regularly come to drink, offering close, eye-level opportunities.
The final leg takes us to Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park for five nights, where leopards, elephants, buffalo, and hippos are often seen along the Luangwa River.
Limited to three photographers in one vehicle and hosted by Wild4 owner Stu Porter, this safari offers space, excellent variety and the opportunity to learn in a small group.
Why Choose This Safari
- Only 3 photographers in a single vehicle for maximum space and flexibility
- Three countries in one journey – Botswana, Kenya, and Zambia
- Exceptional predator opportunities at all three locations
- Eye-level night photography at both Mashatu & Shompole
- Private game drives with time to stay and work behaviour
- Personal guidance from Wild4 owner and photo host Stu Porter
- Strong focus on patience at sightings & waiting for behaviour to unfold
Tour Leader
Stu Porter, owner of Wild4 Photo Safaris, has been leading wildlife photography safaris across Africa for over 20 years.
His approach centres on patience, careful positioning, and reading animal behaviour.
Throughout the safari, Stu offers practical guidance on camera use, composition, and working effectively in the field.
Learn more about Stu on the Tour Leaders Page → HERE
Location
MASHATU GAME RESERVE (BOTSWANA)
Mashatu, where the Limpopo and Shashe rivers meet, is one of southern Africa’s most rewarding private reserves. Known for its strong predator sightings, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards, it also supports large elephant herds. Open landscapes, dry riverbeds, and ancient baobabs create clean backgrounds and excellent light, while low vehicle numbers allow time and space to photograph behaviour properly.
SHOMPOLE OVERNIGHT HIDES (KENYA)
Set in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, Shompole offers a completely different photographic experience. Its eye-level underground hides are among Africa’s most productive, with wildlife coming directly to water. Lions, leopards, hyenas, plains game, and nocturnal species are regularly seen. Dramatic light, open terrain, and extended time in the hides create exceptional opportunities for close, intimate wildlife photography.
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK (ZAMBIA)
South Luangwa is one of Africa’s most authentic safari destinations, known for its high leopard density and relaxed pace. The Luangwa River attracts elephants, hippos, buffalo, and birdlife, creating constant photographic opportunities. With fewer vehicles and unhurried sightings, it’s a place where you can spend time with subjects, follow behaviour, and work scenes in a quiet, natural setting.
Photographers Per Vehicle
SAFARI VEHICLES
- Only 3 photographers in a single safari vehicle when at Mashatu & South Luangwa
- Unobstructed access to both sides of the vehicle
UNDERGROUND HIDES
- Mashatu’s Lala Limpopo overnight hide - max 4 photographers
- Shompole overnight hides - max 4 photographers
Vehicle Congestion
MASHATU (BOTSWANA)
- Very low vehicle density across the reserve
- Maximum of 3 vehicles at big cat sightings
- Most general sightings are enjoyed on our own
- Allows time and space to photograph behaviour without pressure
SHOMPOLE HIDES (KENYA)
- No game drives – all photography from underground hides
- Maximum of 4 photographers per hide
- No vehicle presence or disturbance
- Quiet, controlled environment for uninterrupted photography
SOUTH LUANGWA (ZAMBIA)
- Low vehicle density, especially away from peak areas
- Limited number of vehicles at predator sightings
- Most general game and bird sightings are on our own
- Unhurried conditions allow time to work each sighting properly
Accommodation
MASHATU LODGE (BOTSWANA)
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)
- WiFi: Available in common areas & rooms
- Airconditioning: YES
- Workspace: Desk in room
- Bathroom: Private en-suite
- Toilet: Flush toilet
- Vanity: Running water in sink
- Shower: Plumbed shower (hot water 24/7)
SHOMPOLE WILDERNESS CAMP (KENYA)
Shompole Wilderness Camp is a remote tented camp set in Kenya’s Rift Valley, offering a quiet base between overnight hide sessions.
- Style: Luxury Canvas Tent
- Power: Limited (Generator & Solar)
- Recharging: In-room (British Type G plug)
- WiFi: Available in hides & tents
- Fan: YES
- Workspace: Desk in room
- Bathroom: Private en-suite
- Toilet: Flush toilet
- Vanity: Running water in sink
- Shower: Plumbed shower (hot water 24/7)
CHIKUNTO LODGE, SOUTH LUANGWA (ZAMBIA)
Chikunto Lodge is a small, intimate camp set along the Luangwa River, offering excellent access to key wildlife areas.
- Style: Luxury Canvas Tent
- Power: 24/7 (Solar & Generator backup)
- Recharging: In-room (British Type G plug)
- WiFi: Available in hides & tents
- Fan: YES
- Workspace: Desk in room
- Bathroom: Private en-suite
- Toilet: Flush toilet
- Vanity: Running water in sink
- Shower: Plumbed shower (hot water 24/7)
Weather
☀️ MASHATU (BOTSWANA)
June in Mashatu offers dry conditions, clear skies, and soft winter light. Vegetation has thinned, improving visibility.
Mornings are cold and crisp, while afternoons are mild and stable with very little chance of rain.
- Daytime: Mild and comfortable, typically 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F)
- Early morning: Cold, usually 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F), so warm layers are essential
☀️ SHOMPOLE HIDES (KENYA)
June in Shompole is generally dry and stable, with clear skies and excellent light conditions. Wildlife visits the water sources regularly.
Mornings are cool with soft light, while afternoons can get quite warm. There is a chance of rain.
- Daytime: Warm and pleasant, typically 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F)
- Early morning: Cool, usually 12°C to 16°C (54°F to 61°F), so a light jacket is recommended
☀️ SOUTH LUANGWA (ZAMBIA)
June marks the start of the dry season in South Luangwa, with clear skies, low humidity, and excellent visibility. As water sources begin to recede, wildlife concentrates along the Luangwa River.
Mornings are cool and fresh, while afternoons are pleasant and warm.
- Daytime: Warm and comfortable, typically 26°C to 27°C (79°F to 81°F)
- Early morning: Cool, usually 10°C to 13°C (50°F to 55°F), so warm layers are recommended
A Day On Safari
MASHATU (BOTSWANA) & SOUTH LUANGWA (ZAMBIA)
- Early morning start & light breakfast (coffee, tea, fruit, oatmeal, yoghurt)
- Depart before sunrise
- Photograph through the cool morning hours
- Spend extended time at sightings to work scenes
- Mid-morning pause for a short break
- Return to the lodge for lunch
- Rest, equipment charging & optional image review with Stu
- Afternoon tea or coffee before heading out again
- Return after sunset
- Dinner followed by optional image review with Stu
- ☀️ Sunrise: ± 06:45 am (Botswana)
☀️ Sunset: ± 17:30 pm (Botswana)
- ☀️ Sunrise: ± 06:20 am (Zambia)
☀️ Sunset: ± 17:30 pm (Zambia)
SHOMPOLE HIDES (KENYA)
- Head to the hide in the afternoon to photograph animals arriving to drink
- Remain in the hide overnight with floodlit waterhole
- Lions, leopards, hyenas, and other nocturnal species often visit
- Photograph early morning activity at first light
- Return to camp for brunch
- Rest, equipment charging & optional image review with Stu
- Return to the hide in the afternoon and repeat
- Spend two nights in each of the two hides
- ☀️ Sunrise: ± 06:30 am
☀️ Sunset: ± 18:30 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 for timelapses at the hides / shooting video
- 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
Visas are required for parts of this safari, and it is your responsibility to ensure they 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.
❖ We will provide an official itinerary and booking confirmation to support your application.
❖ We recommend applying at least 3 weeks prior to travel.
- 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.
- KENYA
> A visa (eTA – Electronic Travel Authorisation) is required for most travellers.
> Apply online via the official system: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/
> Cost: Approx. USD $30**
> Valid for single entry (typically up to 90 days)
> Always check current requirements before travel as these are subject to change without notice.
- ZAMBIA
> As of 2026, you do not need to obtain a visa before entering Zambia if you are a citizen of the USA, UK, Australia, Singapore, or Canada
> Always check current requirements before travel as these are subject to change without notice.
- 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.
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
- *** A yellow fever vaccination certificate or a doctor’s exemption letter is required for this safari as Kenya is classified as a Yellow Fever risk country. If you are aged 60+ or unable to receive the vaccine, we recommend an exemption letter.
- No strenuous walking is involved; however, guests should be comfortable sitting for extended periods in a safari vehicle
- It is your responsibility to consult your doctor or travel clinic well in advance for vaccinations and malaria advice.
FAQ
- Are there other activities at Shompole, and can I skip a night in the hides?
The main focus at Shompole is time spent in the overnight hides, which offer the best photographic opportunities. However, a scenic helicopter flight over Lake Natron and the flamingos can be arranged at an additional cost—please enquire for more details. If you prefer not to spend every night in the hides, you are welcome to stay at camp instead.
- What are the luggage restrictions for internal 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.
- What level of photography experience is required?
This safari is suitable for enthusiastic beginners through to advanced photographers. You should be comfortable with your camera, but Stu will provide guidance on settings, composition, and field technique throughout the trip.
- How much space will I have in the vehicles when on game drives?
The safari is limited to just three photographers in a single vehicle, plus Stu as your host. This gives you plenty of room for gear, easy movement, and access to both sides of the vehicle for clean shooting angles.
- What wildlife might I see on this photo safari to Botswana, Kenya & Zambia?
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- ➤ MASHATU (BOTSWANA) - MAMMALS - June
• Lion
• Leopard
• Cheetah
• Brown Hyena
• Spotted Hyena
• Black-backed Jackal
• Elephant
• Giraffe
• Plains Zebra
• Blue Wildebeest
• Greater Kudu
• Impala- ➤ MASHATU (BOTSWANA) - BIRDS - June
• 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- ➤ SHOMPOLE (KENYA) - MAMMALS - June
• Lion
• Leopard
• Spotted Hyena
• Striped Hyena
• Caracal
• Serval
• African Civet
• Black-backed Jackal
• Elephant
• Giraffe
• Plains Zebra
• Blue Wildebeest- ➤ SHOMPOLE (KENYA) - BIRDS - June
• Verreaux’s Eagle Owl
• Spotted Eagle Owl
• African Scops Owl
• Three-banded Courser
• Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse
• Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark
• White-bellied Go-away-bird
• Somali Ostrich
• Rosy-patched Bushshrike
• Yellow-necked Spurfowl
• Grey-headed Silverbill
• Northern White-crowned Shrike- ➤ LUANGWA (ZAMBIA) - MAMMALS - June
• Leopard
• Lion
• Spotted Hyena
• African Wild Dog
• Side-striped Jackal
• Elephant
• Cape Buffalo
• Thornicroft’s Giraffe
• Crawshay’s Zebra
• Hippopotamus
• Puku
• Impala- ➤ LUANGWA (ZAMBIA) - BIRDS - June
• Lilac-breasted Roller
• African Fish Eagle
• Saddle-billed Stork
• Yellow-billed Stork
• Open-billed Stork
• Goliath Heron
• Grey Heron
• Malachite Kingfisher
• Pied Kingfisher
• Woodland Kingfisher
• Grey-headed Kingfisher
• Southern Ground Hornbill
Summary
This Botswana, Kenya, and Zambia photo safari is a small-group wildlife photography journey led by Stu Porter.
From Mashatu’s predators to Shompole’s overnight hides and South Luangwa’s river systems, it offers a well-paced mix of classic game drives and intimate hide experiences.
With only three photographers in one vehicle, the focus is on space, positioning, and time in the field.
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
→ Breakfast included
Days 2–4: Mashatu - Tuli Safari Lodge
Fly from Johannesburg to Polokwane and then drive 2.5 hrs to Mashatu. Explore the southern areas of Mashatu.
3 nights spent at TULI LODGE MASHATU
→ All meals included
→ Drinks included
→ Laundry included
Day 5: Mashatu - Lala Limpopo Sleepover Hide
Morning game drive as usual, then depart in the afternoon for the sleep out hide, where you will spend the night.
1 night at the LALA LIMPOPO SLEEPOUT HIDE
→ All meals included
→ Drinks included
→ Laundry included (at the lodge)
Days 6-9: Mashatu - Mashatu Lodge
After our final morning drive we move to our second lodge at Mashatu. We have also secured one am visit to the Matebole Hide during our stay
4 nights spent at MASHATU LODGE
→ All meals included
→ Drinks included
→ Laundry included
Day 10: 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
→ Breakfast included
Day 11: Fly to Kenya for an overnight
Fly JNB to Nairobi, met at the airport and transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay
1 night in NAIROBI at TAMARIND TREE HOTEL
→ 19:00pm group dinner & drinks included
→ Laundry NOT included
→ Breakfast included
Day 12-15: Shompole Wilderness hides
Road transfer to Shompole Wilderness Camp.
4 nights in SHOMPOLE at SHOMPOLE WILDERNESS CAMP - (2 night hide sessions in each of the 2 hides)
→ All meals included
→ Drinks included
→ Laundry included
Day 16: Drive back to Nairobi for an overnight stay
We enjoy a final morning photo shoot in the Shompole hide and then return to camp for breakfast. After breakfast, we depart Shompole, drive back to Nairobi for an overnight stay.
1 night in NAIROBI at FOUR POINTS SHERATON
→ 19:00pm group dinner & drinks included
→ Laundry NOT included
→ Breakfast included
Day 17-21: Zambia - Chikunto Lodge
Fly from Nairobi to Lusaka in Zambia and then fly to Mfuwe. Transfer to Chikunto lodge.
5 nights in SOUTH LUANGWA at CHIKUNTO SAFARI LODGE
→ All meals included
→ Drinks included
→ Laundry included
Day 22: Fly to JHB & depart home
On our final day we will fly from Mfuwe back to Lusaka and then to Johannesburg - connect with your international flight home
Game drive out of the South Luangwa National Park, with photography en-route. Fly from Mfuwe at 12:20 to Lusaka. Depart for JHB at 14:15, to arrive in JHB at 16:15. This will allow 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
