Kruger National Park & MalaMala combo Photo Safari - Oct/Nov 2026
October 24th - November 06th, 2026
The Wildlife
Photo Safari Map
OVERVIEW
This immersive 14-day photographic safari is led by professional guide and photo mentor Liam Henderson, and offers exclusive access to some of South Africa’s most productive wildlife areas - Kruger National Park and the legendary MalaMala Game Reserve.
The safari begins in Johannesburg, where you’ll be met and escorted to a comfortable airport hotel for an overnight stay before flying east to Skukuza Airport the next day. Upon arrival in the Kruger, your private photo safari vehicle awaits, and the adventure begins.
You’ll spend eight full days exploring the Kruger National Park, staying first in the central region, renowned for its open savannas, mature woodlands, and concentrations of big cats, elephants, and general game. Your movements will be flexible and unhurried, allowing you to spend time with subjects and return to them for improved photographic results. From early morning departures to sunset scenes, the rhythm of your day will be guided by light, behaviour, and opportunity—not a checklist.
The second portion of your Kruger journey takes you south, where lush river systems, basalt plains, and granite ridges offer a contrasting environment. You’ll be based near the Sabie and Crocodile Rivers, prime habitats for leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife. From forested drainage lines to open grasslands, the photographic diversity in this area is exceptional.
From here, the safari transitions into its grand finale - four nights at MalaMala Game Reserve, one of Africa’s premier photographic destinations. Nestled along the banks of the Sand River, MalaMala offers unparalleled opportunities for close encounters and relaxed, rewarding wildlife photography. With off-road access and fewer vehicles, you’ll be able to spend quality time with your subjects—waiting for that perfect angle, expression, or moment.
Your journey ends with a short flight back to Johannesburg from Skukuza, marking the conclusion of what promises to be a memorable and photographically rich African adventure.
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Kruger is South Africa’s premier national park and one of Africa’s largest, spanning over 20,000 km². Bordering Mozambique, it offers an incredible diversity of mammals, birds, and reptiles, making it a dream destination for wildlife photographers.
The landscape varies from open savannas and riverine forests to granite hills and seasonal rivers, all of which provide stunning backdrops for photography.
On this safari, you'll explore Central and Southern Kruger, each offering unique habitats and photographic opportunities. Central Kruger is known for its open plains and predator sightings, while Southern Kruger features dense river systems and high biodiversity - perfect for photographing leopards, elephants, and water-dependent wildlife.
With full-day game drives, a flexible schedule, and no species checklist, your focus will be on capturing the best possible images through patient, immersive wildlife photography.
MALA MALA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
MalaMala Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s oldest and largest private game reserves, renowned globally for consistent Big Five sightings - Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo, and Elephant.
The reserve covers 13,200 hectares (33,000 acres) and has an unfenced boundary with Kruger, offering a seamless wildlife experience.
One of its standout features is 20 kilometers (13 miles) of Sand River frontage. The river serves as a vital water source and draws wildlife throughout the year, especially in the dry months, creating dynamic wildlife movements.
The accommodations are luxurious, and the hospitality is warm and welcoming. The culinary offerings are excellent, and the wildlife sightings are extraordinary.
DETAILS:
There are only 3 spaces available on this photo tour, which will take place in a private photographic vehicle. This setup ensures plenty of space for your equipment and guarantees access to both sides of the vehicle.
The photo tour will be led by Liam Henderson, who will be your guide throughout the safari.
There is no specific photographic tuition on this safari, so it is ideal for intermediate to advanced photographers who are comfortable with their photography skills. Your safari guide will locate the wildlife and position the vehicle to ensure the best light and distance for photography.
In addition to an impressive bird portfolio, you will have the opportunity to photograph the following wildlife:
Lion, Leopard, African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, White Rhino, Hippo, Spotted Hyaena, Jackal, Crocodile, Giraffe, Waterbuck, Greater Kudu, Bushbuck, Nyala, Zebra, Wildebeest, Chacma Baboon, Vervet Monkey, & Warthog.
CATERING:
For the full eight nights in Kruger National Park, this safari includes the services of a private chef, offering an exclusive and flexible dining experience that maximises your time in the field and avoids the use of public restaurants.
Breakfasts and lunches are participatory and tailored for full-day excursions. Each morning starts with a picnic-style breakfast, followed by the packing of your prepared brunch pack and a selection of snacks into your personal cooler bag. These are designed to keep you fuelled while spending extended hours out on game drives. Bottled water, tea, and coffee are also provided during the day.
Evenings are reserved for chef-prepared dinners at camp, enjoyed in a relaxed setting with selected drinks including wine, beer, and soft drinks. This private dining setup adds comfort and personal attention, rounding off each day with hearty meals and good company.
DAY 1 - Arrive JHB, South Africa - overnight City Lodge
Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, you will be met and welcomed by our meet & greet representative. You will be escorted to the City Lodge, where you will spend the night, relax, and prepare for the start of your safari adventure.
Accommodation: City Lodge O.R. Tambo
(Bed & breakfast included)
DAY 2 - Fly to Skukuza - transfer to Central Kruger
After an early breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the domestic departures terminal for your mid-morning flight to Skukuza Airport (SZK), situated in the heart of the Kruger National Park.
Upon arrival, you will be met by your private photographic safari vehicle and begin your journey northwards to the Central Kruger Region - an area well known for open savanna landscapes, large herds of general game, and strong predator activity.
Accommodation: Satara Rest Camp
(All meals & drinks included)
DAYS 3 to 5 - Central Kruger Park
Full-Days are spent out on photographic safari drives in Central Kruger
Explore and photograph the Central Kruger’s sweeping grasslands and mature Marula woodlands, home to plains game, big cats, and elephants. With a flexible schedule, the focus is on spending time with sightings and revisiting scenes to improve photographic results.
Accommodation: Satara Rest Camp
(All meals & drinks included)
DAY 6 - Move locations to Southern Kruger Park
Today you begin a slow full-day journey south, to another popular region of the Kruger. You will be stopping frequently for photographic opportunities.
The Southern Kruger region, offers lush riverine environments, rocky outcrops and dense populations of wildlife.
Accommodation: Bergendal Rest Camp
(All meals & drinks included)
DAY 7 to 9 - Southern Kruger Park
Full-Days out exploring the southern part of Kruger
The stunning landscapes of southern Kruger, especially around the Sabie and Crocodile River systems, are known for leopard sightings, elephant herds, and rich birdlife.
Accommodation: Bergendal Rest Camp
(All meals & drinks included)
DAY 10 - Transfer by road to MalaMala
Game drive on way oout of Kruger Park and then arrive at Malamala for lunch
Today you will enjoy photographing as you make your way out of the Kruger National Park. You will have a road transfer to MalaMala Main Camp. Settle into your luxury accommodation and enjoy some lunch on the deck overlooking the beautiful Sand River.
You will then head out in the afternoon to explore the reserve with your private safari vehicle and local MalaMala Ranger.
Accommodation: MalaMala Main Camp
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(Laundry included)
DAYS 11 to 13 - MalaMala Game Reserve
Enjoy morning and afternoon photo game drives with your local Malamala ranger and a private safari vehicle.
Off-road driving is permitted in some areas at MalaMala, which allows you to have close encounters with its incredible wildlife.
Accommodation: MalaMala Main Camp
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(Laundry included)
DAY 14 - Depart
Enjoy your final morning game drive at Malamala. Road transfer back to Skukuza Airport for a midday flight to Johannesburg.
You will arrive in Johannesburg in the early afternoon which will allow plenty of time to connect with your international flight in the evening.
(Breakfast 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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Liam Henderson
