Zimanga and MalaMala Photo Safari - July 2026
The Wildlife
Accommodation
Photo Safari Map
Overview
This 15-day small-group wildlife photo safari begins in Johannesburg and first explores Zimanga, before continuing to MalaMala, combining two of South Africa’s finest photographic destinations.
You’ll focus on behaviour, light, and the best backgrounds across two different environments. At Zimanga, purpose-built photographic hides provide controlled, eye-level perspectives ideal for birds and mammals, with unique close-up cheetah opportunities, while open vehicle drives add further variety. At MalaMala, flexible game drives allow extended time at sightings, with some of the best access to leopard photography in Africa, excellent lion prides, as well as the rest of the Big Five, supported by a variety of general game and birdlife around the Sand River.
This safari is carefully paced to maximise time in the field while allowing space to rest, review images, and refine technique. Led by professional wildlife photographer Stu Porter, it suits enthusiastic beginners through to advanced photographers looking to create a diverse collection of images.
Why Choose This Safari
- Combination of classic game drives and dedicated hide sessions for a varied and well-rounded photographic experience
- Time at sightings — no rushing, allowing you to work behaviour, light, and composition properly
- Zimanga’s purpose-built hides for eye-level wildlife and bird photography
- Unique close-up cheetah photography opportunities at Zimanga
- Split into two groups of 3 at Zimanga for space and flexibility across hides and game drives
- only 3 photographers in one private safari vehicle at MalaMala
- Some of the best access to leopard photography in Africa, along with excellent lion prides, elephant, buffalo & rhino
- Led by experienced wildlife photographer Stu Porter with practical, in-field guidance and image reviews
Tour Leader
This photo safari is hosted by Stu Porter, who brings over 20 years of experience leading wildlife photography safaris across Southern Africa.
His approach is calm and practical, with a strong focus on light, behaviour, and positioning, helping you make the most of each sighting and steadily improve your technique in the field.
Learn more about Stu on the Tour Leaders Page → HERE
Location
ZIMANGA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE – SOUTH AFRICA
Zimanga spans roughly 7,000 hectares (17,300 acres) and is designed specifically with photographers in mind. Its network of purpose-built hides allows for eye-level photography of birds and mammals in controlled, natural environments. These are complemented by open vehicle drives, offering additional opportunities to photograph cheetah, general game, and a wide range of birdlife across varied bushveld landscapes.
MALAMALA – SOUTH AFRICA
MalaMala covers approximately 13,300 hectares (32,850 acres) and is widely regarded as one of Africa’s premier wildlife areas. It is particularly well known for reliable leopard sightings and a strong predator presence. The mix of open savanna, riverine woodland, and the Sand River creates a diverse photographic setting, offering consistent opportunities to capture lions, leopard, and a wide range of general game in clean, natural conditions.
Photographers Per Vehicle
ZIMANGA
- At Zimanga, the group of six photographers is split into two groups of three, rotating between hides and game drives to keep the experience intimate and comfortable
MALAMALA GAME RESERVE
- Only three photographers, each with their own row of seating, accompanied by Stu and a MalaMala ranger up front
Vehicle Congestion
GAME DRIVES - ZIMANGA
- Vehicle density at Zimanga is kept very low, with strict limits in place
- Only two other vehicles allowed at a sighting, most encounters are enjoyed on your own
- Off-road driving is permitted, for better positioning and control over backgrounds
GAME DRIVES - MALAMALA
- Very low and well-managed vehicle density
- Only two other vehicles at key sightings, most sightings enjoyed on your own
- Off-road driving permitted, allowing for better positioning
Accommodation
ZIMANGA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE – MAIN LODGE
Zimanga offers a comfortable, well-designed lodge set within a private reserve dedicated to photography. The lodge allows easy access to hides and game drive areas, allowing you to move efficiently between sessions while still enjoying a high level of comfort.
- Style: Brick & Mortar
- Power: 24/7 power available
- Recharging: In-room power points (South African Type M & international plugs)
- Hairdryer: provided
- WiFi: Available in rooms, main lodge areas, and in the photographic hides
- Workspace: Desk or table space available in rooms and communal areas
- Bathroom: Private en-suite
- Toilet: Private flush toilet
- Vanity: Wash basin with running water
- Shower: Private plumbed shower (hot water 24/7)
MALAMALA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - MAIN LODGE
MalaMala offers a classic safari lodge experience set along the Sand River, with luxury accommodation and direct access to the most productive wildlife areas.
- Style: Brick & Mortar
- Power: 24/7 power available
- Recharging: In-room power points (South African Type M & international plugs)
- Hairdryer: provided
- WiFi: Available in rooms and main lodge areas
- Workspace: Desk or table space available in rooms and communal areas
- Bathroom: Private en-suite
- Toilet: Private flush toilet
- Vanity: Wash basin with running water
- Shower: Private plumbed shower (hot water 24/7)
Weather
☀️ ZIMANGA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE (SOUTH AFRICA)
July is typically dry and cool, with clear skies and minimal rainfall. Thinner vegetation improves opportunities on game drives.
- Daytime: Pleasant, typically 22°C to 26°C (72°F to 79°F)
- Early morning: Cold, usually 6°C to 11°C (43°F to 52°F), warm clothing is recommended
☀️ MALAMALA (SOUTH AFRICA)
July is mid-winter, with dry, stable conditions and clear skies. Vegetation is thinner, improving visibility, while wildlife concentrates around the Sand River and remaining water sources. Light is soft and consistent, particularly in the mornings and late afternoons.
- Daytime: Mild and comfortable, typically 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
- Early morning: Cold, usually 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F), so warm layers are essential.
A Day On Safari
ZIMANGA GAME DRIVE SESSIONS:
- Early morning tea/coffee before departing on game drive
- Photograph through the cool morning hours, focusing on behaviour and soft light
- Return to the lodge around 11:00 for brunch
- Midday at leisure: rest, recharge gear, or optional image review with Stu
- Late lunch before afternoon session
- Afternoon game drive with only 3 photographers per vehicle
- Drives often extend into the evening for low-light and nocturnal opportunities
- ☀️ Sunrise: ± 06:30 am
☀️ Sunset: ± 17:20 pm
ZIMANGA HIDE SESSIONS:
- 2 x overnight session per person (afternoon session & morning session included)
- Floodlit waterholes with alarm systems to alert you to approaching wildlife
- Return to the lodge after morning photo session
- Single-session hides include: scavenger hide, small bird hide & lagoon hide
MALAMALA GAME DRIVES:
- Light breakfast before departure (coffee, tea, fruit, yoghurt, muffins, cookies)
- Head out before sunrise during the cooler early hours when wildlife is most active
- Spend extended time at sightings, allowing behaviour to unfold naturally
- Mid morning stop for continental breakfast out in the field
- Return to the lodge around midday
- Time to rest, recharge batteries, or an optional image review with Stu Porter
- Afternoon tea or coffee before heading out again
- Afternoon game drive
- Return to the lodge shortly after sunset
- Dinner, followed by optional image review with Stu
- ☀️ Sunrise: ± 06:30 am
☀️ Sunset: ± 17:20 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:
- 15 to 24mm f2.8: Great for wide angle images f2.8 lenses are very helpful in low light in the hides
- 70–200mm f/2.8: Again, a wider aperture will be very helpful in low light
- 300mm up to 500mm (prime or zoom): Essential for distant wildlife and predator action
ACCESSORIES:
- Binoculars recommended
- Beanbags are provided at MalaMala
- Tripods and Gimbals are provided at the Zimanga hides
- Bring your own empty beanbag for photography from the Zimanga vehicle (they can be filled at the lodge) - optional
- 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
It is your responsibility to ensure that any VISAS (if applicable to you) 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.
❖ If needed, we can provide an official itinerary and booking confirmation to support your application.
❖ We recommend applying at least 3 weeks prior to travel.
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
- No strenuous walking is involved; however, guests should be comfortable sitting for extended periods in safari vehicles and in photo hides
- It is your responsibility to consult your doctor or travel clinic well in advance for vaccinations and malaria advice
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate OR DOCTORS EXEMPTION letter is required if arriving from, or transiting through, a yellow fever country: eg KENYA
- Travellers arriving directly from non-risk Yellow Fever countries are not required to provide proof
FAQ
- Do I need prior photography experience to join this safari?
No. This safari is suitable for enthusiastic beginners through to advanced photographers. Stu provides practical, in-field guidance to help you build confidence, refine technique, and make the most of each sighting.
- What makes this safari different from a typical game drive experience?
This safari is designed specifically for photographers. You’ll combine flexible, unhurried game drives at MalaMala with dedicated hide sessions at Zimanga, allowing you to work scenes properly and focus on light, behaviour, and composition.
- What is it like in the overnight hides at Zimanga, and do I need any special items?
The hides feature a front quiet shooting area with chairs and gimbals on tripods, where patience is essential as you wait for wildlife to approach the water. Beds are available here for resting. A rear section includes a restroom and small kitchen, with all meals provided. Hides are air-conditioned, fitted with high-quality photographic glass, and sensors alert you to approaching animals. We recommend bringing a black balaclava and black tape to minimise reflections from your face and camera gear onto the window. A dark jacket is also recommended, as well as warm socks for colder nights.
- Will I have enough space for my gear?
Yes. At MalaMala, only 3 photographers share the vehicle, each with their own row of seating. At Zimanga, the group is split into two groups of 3, ensuring space and comfort in both hides and vehicles.
- Will there be opportunities for image review and feedback?
Yes. Informal image reviews are available during downtime, offering practical feedback to help you improve your photography throughout the safari.
- Are there luggage restrictions for this safari?
Yes. Many safaris include flights with luggage limits. We allow for a total of 35kg (77 lbs) per person, including camera gear, using soft bags only (no hard suitcases).
- What wildlife might I see on this photo safari to Zimanga and MalaMala?
�� ????????? ��
- ➤ ZIMANGA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE (SOUTH AFRICA) - MAMMALS - July
• Lion
• Leopard
• Cheetah
• Spotted Hyena
• Black Rhino
• Elephant
• White Rhino
• Giraffe
• Plains Zebra
• Blue Wildebeest
• Nyala
• Impala- ➤ ZIMANGA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE (SOUTH AFRICA) - BIRDS - July
• African Fish Eagle
• Giant Kingfisher
• Pied Kingfisher
• Malachite Kingfisher
• African Jacana
• African Spoonbill
• Black Crake
• Three-banded Plover
• Grey Heron
• Purple Heron
• Golden-breasted Bunting
• Blue Waxbill- ➤ MALAMALA (SOUTH AFRICA) - MAMMALS - July
• Leopard
• Lion
• African Wild Dog
• Spotted Hyena
• Black-backed Jackal
• Elephant
• Cape Buffalo
• White Rhino
• Plains Zebra
• Blue Wildebeest
• Impala
• Greater Kudu- ➤ MALAMALA (SOUTH AFRICA) - BIRDS - July
• African Fish Eagle
• Martial Eagle
• Bateleur
• White-backed Vulture
• Lilac-breasted Roller
• Saddle-billed Stork
• Yellow-billed Stork
• Southern Ground Hornbill
• Brown-hooded Kingfisher
• Grey Go-away-bird
• Red-billed Hornbill
• Crested Barbet
Summary
This South Africa photo safari is a 15-day small-group wildlife photography tour combining Zimanga’s purpose-built photographic hides with MalaMala’s predator-rich game drives.
Designed for photographers who value patience, interesting animal behaviour, and careful positioning, it offers a balanced mix of controlled hide photography and private game drives.
With 6 guests at Zimanga (split into two groups of 3) and just 3 photographers at MalaMala, along with expert guidance from Stu Porter, this safari provides the time, space, and access needed to achieve meaningful images of African wildlife.
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
Days 2–9: Zimanga Private Game Reserve
Fly from Johannesburg to Durban and transfer by road to Zimanga Private Game Reserve. Spend eight nights combining dedicated photographic hide sessions with open-vehicle game drives. Zimanga is renowned for its exceptional bird photography, diverse mammal species, and purpose-designed hides that allow for intimate, eye-level imagery.
8 nights spent at ZIMANGA MAIN LODGE
→ All meals included
→ Drinks included
→ Laundry included
Day 10: Zimanga to Ballito – Overnight
After a final morning photographic activity at Zimanga, transfer by road to Ballito on the KwaZulu-Natal coast for an overnight stay ahead of the international journey home.
1 night spent at COCO DE MER LODGE
→ All meals included
→ Drinks included
→ Laundry NOT included
Days 11–14: MalaMala Private Game Reserve
Fly from Durban to Skukuza (via Johannesburg) and transfer by road to MalaMala Private Game Reserve. Spend four nights in luxury accommodation with photographic game drives in one of Africa’s most celebrated Big Five reserves. With a private vehicle dedicated to photography, time is focused on positioning, light, and behaviour, offering outstanding opportunities to photograph leopards, lions, elephants, and other iconic species.
4 nights spent at MALAMALA MAIN LODGE
→ All meals included
→ Drinks included
→ Laundry included
Day 15: Fly from Skukuza back to JHB & Depart home
After a final morning game drive at MalaMala, return to Skukuza Airport and fly back to Johannesburg. You will arrive in the mid-afternoon, allowing plenty of time to connect with your international flight home.
→ 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
-
Stu Porter
