Lions & Leopards of MALA MALA - August 2023
OVERVIEW
This photo safari begins in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is spent exclusively at the world-famous MalaMala Private Game Reserve, one of the Kruger area's biggest and best private reserves.
Our main goal will be to track down and spend quality time with wild Lions and Leopards. MalaMala consistently proves to be one of the best places in the world to see these cats and offers unrivalled photographic opportunities. We will also have the chance to go in search of the predators after sunset. The skills of night photography and how to capture the nocturnal world will be explained by Stu, offering unique experiences and different photo opportunities.
Eleven days will allow plenty of time to relax and settle into a routine. Morning, afternoon and evening game drives will be on offer and we will explore all areas of this fantastic reserve.
We have timed this safari to coincide with the dry season. The reserve's showpiece, the beautiful Sand River, acts as a magnet, drawing in a variety of thirsty herbivores. The resident predators respond to this by never venturing far, as they know their prey will come to them.
Off-road driving is allowed at MalaMala and will enable us to follow the animals or re-position the vehicle to get a better angle for light and backgrounds. Even though our focus will be on spending time with the cats, we will still have plenty of time to photograph the rest of the wildlife that call MalaMala their home.
From Johannesburg, you will fly to Skukuza Airport, where Stu will meet you. You will then embark on a 45 min road transfer to MalaMala.
Ten nights are enjoyed at Mala Mala.
At the end of the safari, you will fly from Skukuza Airport back to Johannesburg, arriving mid-afternoon. You will have plenty of time to connect with your international flight home.
MALA MALA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
MalaMala Game Reserve is one of the oldest and largest private game reserves in South Africa. It is world-renowned for offering consistent Big Five game viewing (Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo & Elephant).
The reserve is 13 200 ha (33 000 acres) and shares a 19 km (12 mile) unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park.
Importantly, MalaMala has 20 km (13 miles) of Sand River frontage. This perennial river acts as a magnet for animals in this pristine wildlife area and is the foundation of MalaMala's unrivalled game viewing and wildlife experience.
The river is a natural drawcard, especially in the dry winter months. The wildlife moves from the Kruger National Park, across MalaMala, to the river and back again, resulting in two-way traffic across the reserve.
The recently renovated rooms are luxurious, the staff are lovely, the food is fantastic, and the wildlife sightings are incredible.
DETAILS
This small group photo safari allows for maximum flexibility in the field. Packed breakfasts are enjoyed at one of the many scenic viewpoints in the reserve, and this enables us to spend maximum time out in the field and the freedom to let the wildlife and the situations we find them in dictate the daily pace.
There will only be three photographers on this exclusive photo safari. You will have plenty of space for equipment and guaranteed access to both sides of the safari vehicle.
Stu Porter will lead this photo tour.
Photographic tuition and guidance will be offered on this safari, making it ideal for beginners. However, the informal and flexible nature of the tuition also makes it perfect for intermediate and advanced photographers who can choose to engage in as much or as little as they feel comfortable with.
Stu will work together with a professional and experienced MalaMala ranger familiar with the resident Lions and Leopards and where to look for them. Together, they will position the vehicle for the best photographic results.
Along with an impressive variety of birds, you will also have an excellent chance to see and photograph the following:
Lion, Leopard, African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, White Rhino, Hippo, Spotted Hyena, Jackal, Crocodile, Giraffe, Waterbuck, Greater Kudu, Bushbuck, Nyala, Zebra, Wildebeest, Chacma Baboon, Vervet Monkey, and Warthog.
DAY 1
Fly from Johannesburg (JNB) to Skukuza (SZK). Road transfer to Mala Mala Main Camp
If your international flight arrives this first day you need to make sure you can link with the domestic flight to Skukuza that departs at around 11 am.
If you are concerned you might miss the flight to Skukuza we recommend you arrive a day earlier and stay for one night in an airport hotel. We can help arrange this for you.
You will be met at Skukuza Airport. Road transfer to Mala Mala Main Camp. Arrive in time for lunch.
You will stay for 10 nights at MALA MALA MAIN CAMP in a luxury en-suite room.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
DAY 2
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Mala Mala Private Game Reserve
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
DAY 3
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Mala Mala Private Game Reserve
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
DAY 4
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Mala Mala Private Game Reserve
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
DAY 5
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Mala Mala Private Game Reserve
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
DAY 6
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Mala Mala Private Game Reserve
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
DAY 7
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Mala Mala Private Game Reserve
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
DAY 8
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Mala Mala Private Game Reserve
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
DAY 9
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Mala Mala Private Game Reserve
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
DAY 10
Morning & Afternoon photo game drives in Mala Mala Private Game Reserve
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
DAY 11
Short morning game drive. road transfer to Skukuza Airport. Fly back to Johannesburg. Connect with your international flight home.
Enjoy your final morning game drive at Mala Mala. Road transfer to Skukuza Airport for a midday flight back 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.