FROM
￡3,400
GROUP SIZE
5-10
LOCATION
Timbavati, South Africa
WORSHOP DATE
1-8 August
ABOUT TIMBAVATI
Buffalos, lions, giraffes, wildebeest, impalas, baboons, cheetahs, leopards, and the rare white lion – the list of wildlife in the Timbavati Game Reserve is mind-blowing and goes on and on.
This private game reserve, adjacent to Kruger, has over 40 mammals roaming freely. Covering 75.000 hectares of bush, you will experience a more intimate and personal affair with wildlife than anywhere else. Being in a private game reserve, jeeps are allowed to go off-road – in contrast to Kruger Park where vehicles are restricted to paved roads – and get much closer to animals.
The bright white icing on the cake in Timbavati Game Reserve is the presence of the rare white lion. A crème-coloured coat, ice blue eyes; their beauty is captivating. Although born with a snow-white coat, white lions are not albinos; it is the result of a rare colour mutation. White lions are indigenous to the Timbavati Game Reserve and the earliest records of sighting them in this region date from 1938.
Beside the Big Five and dozens of other mammals, here is one exclusively for the birdwatchers among us.Get your cameras ready for the ‘Big Six’: Lappet faced Vulture, Martial Eagle; Saddle billed Stork, Kori Bustard, Ground Hornbill and Pel’s Fishing Owl. Africa’s most intriguing feather friends!
WHAT WE HOPE TO SEE
Timbavati Nature Reserve boasts some of the most diverse and unique wildlife species in Africa. Mammals you can expect to spot (apart from the Big 5) include the spotted hyena, African wild cat, wild dogs, hippos, jackals, giraffe, zebra and many more incredible land-dwelling animals.
Accomodation
* Scroll down for an impression of your accommodation and the incredible photographic hide.
Your home away from home is Shindzela Tented camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. Shindzela offers guests an authentic African wildlife experience. The eco-friendly (solar-powered) camp is the perfect place where one can feel part of the bush. Whilst there are no plug points in the guest rooms, there is a charging station with dedicated plugs and sockets for each room in the main lodge area - so charging batteries, phones and laptops is never an issue.
The safari-style tents are situated under thatch (grass-roof structures) and can be made up in either twin or double-bedded accommodation. Enjoy your morning coffee on your wooden deck or freshen up in your semi-open en-suite bathroom (shower, WC and handbasin). The camp can accommodate a maximum of 16 guests in total in 8 safari tents where you will be treated to warm South African hospitality in a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy and soak up the true African wilderness.
Shindzela camp is the perfect blend between rustic and luxury - where you truly feel like you’re living in nature and amongst wildlife, but with al the luxuries and comforts that one normaly looks forward in nature and amongst wildlife.
Itinerary
DAY 1
The safari starts in Hoedspruit where you will be met at arrivals area outside the small airport taken to a local lodge for the night. This will be the place where you will get to know everybody in your small group. Take the time to relax after your long flight and enjoy a dinner with new friends before getting a good night sleep.
* Breakfast and dinner is included - but drinks are not included in the price.
DAY 2
After a relaxed start to the day and and a hearty breakfast, we will then start the journey to Timbavati. The drive is appproximately 1.5 hours and upon arrival you’ll be welcomed and have time to settle into the lodge before regrouping for lunch and our first afternoon safari. The game drive will see us exploring and being introduced to the game reserve, and after a quick drink stop, will take us into the early evening where we’ll lookfor active predators and nocturnal wildlife. We’ll get back to camp around 19:00 to enjoy drinks before dinner shared with quality conversation.
DAY 3 - 7
Game drives start early in Africa. We’ll head out around sunrise to take advantage of first light and the ensuing morning golden hour. Our focus will be on finding the best photographic subjects and wildlife experiences we can get; from looking for the large herds of elephants, occasional birding and of course, keeping on the lookout for predators.
Having a private vehicle means the world is our oyster and we’ll decide as a groupwhat’s the best focus for each game drive. We’ll get back to camp in the mid to late morning for a delicious breakfast and some time to relax. This is also the perfect time to work with Sam on your photography and editing skills. Alternatively, the rooms are luxurious and cool, the pool is inviting, there’s a bar for drinksand don’t forget about lunch in the early afternoon - there’s certainly alot of food involved!
Our second daily game drive will see us following up any sightings or information from previous drives - making sure that we stop at sunsets for the iconic sundowners experience. Dinner will follow as usual later in the evening upon return back to the lodge.
DAY 8
We’ll head out for our final game drive and have a short breakfast stop along the way before heading back to the lodge to pack up and check out. We aim to head out at about 10:00am so as to arrive back to Hoedspruit airport in time to catch noon flights, so it’s a good idea to pack the night before to save time and further enjoy your final hours at the lodge. After arriving back at the airport, we’ll say our goodbyes.
Gallery
PHOTOGRAPHY
Game drives are conducted throughout the year at optimum viewing times when game activity is generally at its peak, i.e. early morning and late afternoon into evening. The morning safari departs at sunrise, and the evening drive leaves late enough in the afternoon for guests to enjoy a bush sunset and the opportunity to view nocturnal animals after dark.
We will be utilising a private 4x4 landcruiser and field guide, meaning we have complete control and maximum flexibility to get the best photographs possible. Our photographic group will comprise of 4 - 6 guests, to ensure extra space and comfort whilst on game drive. A smaller group also means that more attentive and focused photographic guidance and tuition is possible. This includes in-the-field guidance and support, making sure you not only don’t miss a beat, but also discover new creative skills and techniques to elevate your photography.
Back at the lodge between drives is the perfect time and location to look at photo cataloging and processing. Open up your laptop and we can look for ways to further improve and streamline your editing skills in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop... or alternatively we can go over photography basics such as creative composition, the exposure triangle and freezing the action depending on your needs and wants. Your game drives will be conducted by one of the local field guides with plenty of experience and knowledge of the flora and fauna of the area. They will be the one sharing animal information to help build your knowledge and appreciation of everything you come across. This, plus photographic guidance, means you get the best of both worlds for an unparalleled photographic safari experience in one of South Africa’s best game reserves.
YOUR HOSTS
Samuel Cox
Samuel Cox is a professional wildlife photographer who has been travelling to Africa for over 25 years, half of which was focused on photographing and showcasing the natural environments and inhabitants that he so quickly fell in love with.
Sam eventually moved to South Africa and spent many years in-the-field teaching wildlife and conservation photography to international guests, volunteers and interns alike. This time gave him not only unparalleled access to the wildlife on his doorstep, but more importantly - the additional skills and longterm experience in teaching the specifics of ethical wildlife photography. This wealth of diverse, yet powerfully coupled traits, makes Sam unique amongst the crowd.
Jordi Woerts
Since Jordi first traveled to Africa, he has been deeply passionate about wildlife conservation and photography. He left city life behind to become a field guide and has spent years working in renowned game reserves.
As a dedicated wildlife photographer, he captures the beauty of nature while using guiding, storytelling, and social media as a tool to raise awareness. His mission is to inspire others to appreciate and protect these last remaining strongholds of wildlife for future generations.
With our combined experience and deep passion for wildlife and photography, we are committed to providing an unforgettable experience for our guests. Our photographic workshops are designed not only to enhance your photography skills but also to immerse you in the magic of Africa. Whether you're a beginner looking to master the basics or an experienced photographer eager to refine your craft, we’ll be there every step of the way, offering hands-on guidance, personalized feedback, and insights on how to develop your style. Beyond photography, this is a chance to connect with like-minded people, share incredible moments, and create lifelong memories. Join us for an extraordinary adventure where passion, photography, and conservation come together to create an experience like no other!
Summary
Price
￡3,200 per person sharing / ￡4.200 single supplement
Country
South Africa
Start Dates
1-8 August, 2026
Group Size
4-6
People
Meeting / Drop Off
Location
O.R. Tambo Airport, Johannesburg
Transport
All Transport Included
Focus
Camera Settings, Image Composition, Natural Light and Photo Editing
Hosts
Jordi Woerts
&
Samuel Cox
* Price in EUR approximately €3,699, depending on exchange rate.
* Price in USD approximately $4,299, depending on exchange rate.
* For more detailed information including packing list I would like to refer to the brochure.
INCLUDED
+ Local airport pickup
+ All local ground transfers
+ 1x night bed, dinner and breakfast accommodation in Hoedspruit
+ 6x nights accommodation in Timbavati
+ All meals in Timbavati
+ Water, tea and coffee in Timbavati
+ Twice daily game drives
+ Private vehicle for duration
+ Photographic guidance in-the-field
+ Editing tuition back at camp
+ All conservation fees and gate levies
EXCLUDED
- Any transport or accommodation outside of itinerary
-Dinner and drinks in Nelspruit
- Additional drinks in Timbavati and Hoedspruit
- Laundry
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance