Botswana, Kenya & Zambia - Photo Hides & Private Game Drives - June 2027
June 01st - 22nd, 2027
The Wildlife
Accommodation
Photo Safari Map
OVERVIEW
This exceptional 22-day photographic safari, exclusively for four guests, begins and concludes in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Prepare for an immersive exploration of three remarkable wildlife destinations: Botswana's captivating Mashatu Game Reserve, offering private game drives and unique eye-level hide photography; Kenya's renowned Shompole, where four nights are dedicated to capturing the stunning light and nocturnal creatures from incredible overnight hides in the Great Rift Valley; and Zambia's breathtaking South Luangwa National Park, where private game drives will allow for extensive exploration and photography of its abundant wildlife.
Hosted by Stu Porter, this carefully crafted journey provides intimate hide experiences alongside classic safari drives in unspoiled, uncrowded locations, all enhanced by expert photographic tuition.
MASHATU PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - BOTSWANA
Mashatu, where the Limpopo and Shashe rivers meet, is a pristine 42,000-hectare wilderness in Botswana's Northern Tuli Game Reserve.
Renowned for its big cat sightings and the largest elephant population on private land, it offers an unmatched safari.
Its diverse ecosystems, from mopane veld to sandstone formations, create breathtaking landscapes. Mashatu means "Land of Giants" in the local Setswana language, and refers to its elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, some over 1,000 years old.
Mashatu features unique underground hides for eye-level wildlife photography.
Professional guides ensure intimate, unobtrusive viewing with minimal vehicle presence, guaranteeing an exclusive safari.
THE LALA LIMPOPO OVERNIGHT HIDE
We've arranged one night at the hide, dropping off at 16:00 and picking up the next morning at 09:00.
Imagine relaxing in a snug suite with ground-level windows, just two meters from a waterhole. Witness antelope, giraffes, zebras, elephants, and predators gathering to drink.
Positioned beside one of Mashatu's busiest waterholes, the Limpopo hide grants exclusive wildlife viewing.
After sunset, adjustable lights enable creative nighttime photography. If you fancy a rest, four comfy beds offer private relaxation. An infrared motion sensor alerts you to nocturnal visitors, ensuring you don't miss a moment.
A separate dining area ensures peaceful dining without disturbing the animals. Full washroom facilities, including a toilet and changing area, are provided.
The Limpopo sleep-out hide innovatively offers a ground-level safari suite, providing unparalleled views of the bustling waterhole outside your window.
THE MATEBOLE ELEPHANT HIDE
We've scheduled an afternoon and morning hide visit to experience and photograph the wildlife at different times of day.
Here's what you can expect:
-
Elephants - Witnessing elephants up close is the highlight of this experience. Watch them engage in various behaviors like drinking, bathing, and socializing, and maybe even playful interactions.
-
Other Wildlife - While elephants take center stage, the hide provides glimpses of diverse wildlife like giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, kudus, and various bird species. Keep your camera ready for unexpected encounters.
-
Unique photo opportunities - Capture intimate moments and behaviors of wildlife from a unique low-angle vantage point without disturbing their natural activities. Enjoy stunning photographs in different lighting conditions throughout the day.
-
Scenic surroundings - Set in a picturesque location within Mashatu, the Matebole Elephant Hide offers breathtaking views of the African bush, providing a serene backdrop while you await wildlife sightings.
-
Photographic assistance - Spend a full day at the hide for an educational opportunity to improve your photography skills. Stu will be available to offer guidance and assistance.
SHOMPOLE WILDERNESS - GREAT RIFT VALLEY - KENYA
Shompole, a serene wilderness in Kenya's Rift Valley, presents a unique and undisturbed safari experience.
Its stark, beautiful escarpment and sparse acacia woodlands create a photographer's paradise.
Shompole's location means it experiences dramatic variations in light, perfect for capturing stunning late afternoon and early morning photographs.
The area is a vital corridor for migrating wildlife, leading to diverse and unpredictable animal sightings.
Its eye-level hides are arguably Africa's most productive, allowing for stunning, intimate wildlife shots. The night photography sessions are particularly productive due to the fact that the area supports a healthy population of elusive nocturnal species.
This serene atmosphere, untouched by mass tourism, ensures a peaceful and profoundly personal safari experience.
SHOMPOLE OVERNIGHT HIDES
At Shompole, we'll fully immerse ourselves in the wilderness, spending two nights at each of their unique underground hides, providing four nights of extraordinary photographic opportunities.
Each afternoon, we’ll photograph the animals as they approach the waterhole in the soft, late light.
Nights are spent inside the hides, with comfortable beds to rest on. We will take turns "on watch" for sightings, ensuring no moment is missed. The hides feature on-site restrooms, and all meals and beverages are provided for convenience.
We will stay to photograph sunrise and the animals that come down for their early morning drinks. We return to camp for a delicious brunch.
You’ll then have ample time to review your images and rest before we return to the hides in the late afternoon.
Each hide’s distinct location promises diverse wildlife encounters and unparalleled photographic experiences, guaranteeing a truly immersive and rewarding safari adventure.
Here's what you can expect:
-
Diverse Wildlife: Expect Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Impala, Warthogs, Elephants, and varied birdlife at afternoon and morning drinks.
-
Nighttime Creatures: Nocturnal sightings may include Lion, Leopard, Hyena, Honey Badger, Civet, Jackal, Caracal, and Genet.
-
Unique Angles: Capture low-angle, undisturbed wildlife shots in varying light.
-
Scenic Setting: Enjoy the picturesque location with Shompole Mountain as a stunning backdrop.
-
Photo Guidance: Stu will provide photographic assistance and tips.
SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK - ZAMBIA
South Luangwa National Park delivers a remarkable sense of peace, a true immersion in untamed Africa.
Staying for five nights in a small, intimate camp right on the riverbank is a major highlight, offering constant access to the vibrant ecosystem and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities right from your doorstep.
Another key feature is the park's exceptional leopard population; with few other vehicles around, guided drives often lead to fantastic, unhurried encounters with these elusive predators.
Finally, the proximity to the Luangwa River itself ensures spectacular photographic moments with its abundant hippos, crocodiles, Elephants and diverse birdlife, all enjoyed in a peaceful atmosphere.
Here's what you can expect:
-
Diverse Wildlife: Expect Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Impala, Warthogs, Elephants, Lion, Leopard, and a vast array of colourful birdlife.
-
Scenic Setting: Enjoy the stunning location on the edge of the river bank
-
Photo Guidance: Stu will provide photographic assistance and tips.
DETAILS
Led by Stu Porter, this photo safari offers personalized photographic guidance, catering to all skill levels.
With a focus on beginners and flexibility for intermediate to advanced photographers, Stu will work with our professional guide to expertly position the safari vehicle for optimal photography.
DAY 1
Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. Overnight.
Your safari commences with a meet-and-greet at the airport, followed by an escort to an airport hotel conveniently located within walking distance of the arrivals hall.
Stu will meet you and the other members of the group for a welcome dinner.
You will stay for 1 night in Johannesburg at CITY LODGE O.R. TAMBO
(Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
DAY 2
Fly from Johannesburg (JNB) to Polokwane (PTG). Road transfer to Mashatu - Tuli Safari Lodge
Following breakfast, fly on a domestic flight to Polokwane.
Upon arrival, our group will be greeted at the airport, and a 2.5-hour road transfer will take us to the Botswana border. We cross over and head straight to Mashatu where we will arrive at Tuli Safari Lodge for lunch.
You will stay for 4 nights at Tuli Safari Lodge in luxury en-suite rooms. One of the nights will be spent in the special overnight hide)
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 3
Morning and afternoon game drives in a private safari vehicle - Tuli Safari Lodge
We'll depart early to enjoy the sunrise in the wilderness, followed by a midday rest at the lodge before our afternoon photographic adventure.. returning just after sunset.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 4
Limpopo overnight hide - Mashatu Game Reserve
Today begins with an early morning game drive to capitalize on optimal light. After a midday break at the lodge, we journey to the Limpopo overnight hide. Here, we'll photograph animals visiting to drink throughout the afternoon and into the night. Equipped with beds, a kitchen, and washroom facilities, this experience promises to be a highlight of your Mashatu stay.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 5
Morning at the hide, return to the lodge and then afternoon game drive - Tuli Safari Lodge
We'll dedicate the prime morning light to the hide, eagerly awaiting wildlife visitors. Then, a midday break at the lodge precedes our final afternoon drive exploring the area around Tuli Safari Lodge.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 6
Final morning drive before we depart for Mashatu Lodge where we will stay another 4 nights
We will have a final morning photo shoot at the Lala Limpopo hide, before relocating to Mashatu Lodge, arriving in time for lunch. We will enjoy an afternoon and sunset drive in our new surroundings
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 7
Morning & afternoon game drives - Mashatu Lodge
We'll depart early to enjoy the sunrise in the wilderness, followed by a midday rest at the lodge before our afternoon photographic adventure.. returning just after sunset.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 8
Morning game drive & afternoon photo session at the Matebole Elephant hide - overnight at Mashatu Lodge
Depart early to explore the area, return for a midday break, then enjoy an afternoon photo session at the Matebole hide, photographing at eye-level.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 9
Morning & afternoon game drives - Mashatu Lodge
We'll depart early to enjoy the sunrise in the wilderness, followed by a midday rest at the lodge before our afternoon photographic adventure.. returning just after sunset.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 10
Enjoy the Matebole Hide on our final morning at Mashatu. Depart for Polokwane then fly to Johannesburg - overnight at City Lodge
Our final morning at Mashatu is spent at the Matebole Elephant Hide.
We will then transfer by road to Polokwane (approx 2hrs 30 mins). Meet the 17:45 flight back to Johannesburg (approx 55 mins).
We will spend the night at the City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo Airport, reflecting on our sightings on the first of our three legs of the journey.
DAY 11
Fly JNB to Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta Airport, overnight at Tamarind Tree Hotel.
After breakfast we will all fly as a group to Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Kenya where we will be met and transferred by road to the Tamarind Tree Hotel for an overnight in Nairobi.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
DAY 12
Road transfer to Shompole Wilderness Camp - PM photoshoot & overnight in the hide
After breakfast, we will be met by our transfer vehicle and drive the 2.5 hrs through the Rift Valley to reach Shompole Wilderness Camp for lunch.
After lunch, we will check into our tents and rest before heading to one of the two overnight hides in the late afternoon.
Over the next 4 nights, we will divide our time equally between the two night hides at Shompole.
We will typically arrive for a late afternoon photoshoot at the hide.
We will then spend all night in the hide, photographing the nocturnal animals that come to drink.
In the morning, we will photograph the first few hours of the day when the light is at its best.
We will return to the camp for brunch, a hot shower and a good rest in your en-suite tent at the camp.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
DAY 13
PM, NIGHT & AM photo sessions at the hides with a midday break - Shompole
Morning photo shoot at the hide, return to the camp for brunch and a rest, then we head back to one of the hides for an afternoon & overnight photo shoot.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
DAY 14
PM, NIGHT & AM photo sessions at the hides with a midday break - Shompole
Morning photo shoot at the hide, return to the camp for brunch and a rest, then we head back to one of the hides for an afternoon & overnight photo shoot.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
DAY 15
PM, NIGHT & AM photo sessions at the hides with a midday break - Shompole
Morning photo shoot at the hide, return to the camp for brunch and a rest, then we head back to one of the hides for an afternoon & overnight photo shoot.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
DAY 16
Depart Shompole, drive back to Nairobi and overnight at the Four Points Sheraton in Nairobi
We enjoy a final morning photo shoot in the Shompole hide and then return to camp for breakfast. After breakfast, we will travel back to Nairobi, where we will overnight, preparing for our early departure to Zambia the following morning.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
DAY 17
Fly from Nairobi to Lusaka in Zambia and then fly to Mfuwe. Transfer to Chikunto lodge.
Depart on the 07:25am flight out of Nairobi to land in Lusaka at 09:10am. Transfer to the flight to Mfuwe. We will be met at Mfuwe airport and driven to the lodge for a late lunch and afternoon drive in the South Luangwa National Park.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
DAY 18
South Luangwa - overnight at Chikunto Lodge
We'll depart early in our private safari vehicle with local guide to enjoy the sunrise in the wilderness and a full morning of photography. We will return to camp for a midday rest, before setting out on our afternoon photographic adventure.. returning just after sunset.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
DAY 19
South Luangwa - overnight at Chikunto Lodge
We'll depart early in our private safari vehicle with local guide to enjoy the sunrise in the wilderness and a full morning of photography. We will return to camp for a midday rest, before setting out on our afternoon photographic adventure.. returning just after sunset.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
DAY 20
South Luangwa - overnight at Chikunto Lodge
We'll depart early in our private safari vehicle with local guide to enjoy the sunrise in the wilderness and a full morning of photography. We will return to camp for a midday rest, before setting out on our afternoon photographic adventure.. returning just after sunset.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
DAY 21
South Luangwa - overnight at Chikunto Lodge
We'll depart early in our private safari vehicle with local guide to enjoy the sunrise in the wilderness and a full morning of photography. We will return to camp for a midday rest, before setting out on our afternoon photographic adventure.. returning just after sunset.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
DAY 22
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.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks 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
-
Stu Porter
