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Zimanga and MalaMala Photo Safari - July 2026

July 12th - 26th, 2026
Zimanga and MalaMala Photo Safari - July 2026
South Africa &
1 Space

TWO OF SOUTH AFRICA'S FINEST PHOTOGRAPHIC DESTINATIONS

This small-group photographic safari combines the purpose-built photographic hides of Zimanga Private Game Reserve with the predator-rich landscapes of MalaMala Private Game Reserve, offering a diverse and highly rewarding wildlife photography experience.

Designed specifically for wildlife photographers, this safari blends dedicated hide sessions, flexible game drives, and private vehicles, all led by professional wildlife photographer Stu Porter. Every aspect of the itinerary is shaped around light, behaviour, and creating strong images in the field.

Why This Safari Is Different

Dedicated photographic hides
Zimanga’s purpose-built hides allow for eye-level, intimate photography of birds and mammals in natural settings.

Flexible game drives
Both Zimanga and MalaMala offer carefully timed drives focused on light, behaviour, and photographic positioning.

Private photographic vehicles
At both Zimanga & MalaMala, private vehicles ensure optimal angles, extended sightings, and uninterrupted shooting opportunities.

Two complementary environments
Zimanga provides controlled, hide-based photography and varied species, while MalaMala delivers dynamic predator encounters and classic African safari game drives.

Professional photographic guidance
In-field instruction, camera setup advice, and creative guidance are provided throughout the safari.

What You Will Gain

By the end of this safari you will have:

  • A varied South African wildlife portfolio

  • Experience photographing from both hides and vehicles

  • Improved confidence in composition, timing, and behaviour

  • Practical field techniques applicable to future safaris

  • Guidance tailored to your photographic level and goals

 

This safari suits enthusiastic beginners through to advanced photographers using DSLR or mirrorless systems.

A Day on Safari

Zimanga & MalaMala

At Zimanga, days combine dedicated photographic hide sessions with open-vehicle game drives, allowing time to photograph a wide range of species and behaviours in carefully designed settings. Activities are timed for optimal light, with regular breaks to review images and rest. At MalaMala, photography is focused on relaxed, flexible game drives in a private vehicle, allowing extended time with subjects and careful positioning for light, background, and behaviour.

About Your Leader – Stu Porter

Stu Porter has over two decades of experience guiding and photographing wildlife throughout Southern Africa. His calm, practical approach focuses on helping photographers translate exceptional sightings into strong, well-composed images through patience, positioning, and understanding animal behaviour.

Who This Safari Is For

  • Wildlife photographers seeking variety and depth

  • Guests who value both hide-based and vehicle photography

  • Travellers preferring small groups and personalised guidance

  • Photographers wanting a refined South African portfolio
     

Non-photographers may join, but the safari is designed with photographers firmly in mind.

 

This Zimanga and MalaMala photo safari 2026 is a dedicated small-group South African wildlife photography tour, combining purpose-built photographic hides and private game drives, designed for photographers seeking variety, access, and expert guidance.

Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg – Overnight

Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg , you will be met by our meet & greet service & escorted to a nearby airport hotel for an overnight stay, allowing for a relaxed start. You will meet Stu and the other participants for dinner.

Days 2–9: Zimanga Private Game Reserve

Fly to Durban and transfer to Zimanga Private Game Reserve. Spend eight nights combining dedicated photographic hide sessions with open-vehicle game drives. The reserve offers exceptional opportunities for bird photography & large mammals, with activities carefully rotated to ensure balanced photographic access for all guests.

Day 10: Zimanga to Durban – Overnight

After a final morning activity at Zimanga, transfer back to Durban and overnight near the airport in preparation for the onward journey to MalaMala the following day.

Days 11–14: MalaMala Private Game Reserve

Fly from Durban to Skukuza and transfer by road to MalaMala Private Game Reserve. Spend four nights enjoying flexible photographic game drives in this renowned Big Five reserve, celebrated for its exceptional leopard sightings and consistent predator action. A private vehicle ensures optimal positioning for light, behaviour, and composition.

Day 15: Depart South Africa

Enjoy a final morning game drive before transferring to Skukuza Airport for your return flight to Johannesburg and onward international connections.

MEALS / DRINKS / LAUNDRY

All meals are included at both MalaMala & Zimanga

All drinks are included at both MalaMala & Zimanga

All laundry is included at both MalaMala & Zimanga

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.