Day by Day

Nächster Reisetermin: 30. April bis 8. Mai 2027

Optimal photo conditions for every skill level · Personally guided · Thoughtfully planned

This photo tour to South Africa brings you closer to the animals than any other: In the first half, you enjoy exclusive, 24-hour access to the Umgede Photography Hide in Balule Nature Reserve. In the second half, daily game drives in Timbavati await. This unique combination allows you to photograph African wildlife from distinctly different perspectives.

Welcome to South Africa! Your guide, Jacqueline, will warmly welcome you at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. After a transfer to the edge of the Kruger National Park, we will head straight to the lodge. Your adventure begins immediately on the way, as with some luck, we may spot our first wild animals.

Over a relaxing welcome drink, we will meet our host and the professional photographer who will accompany us for the first two days. You will also be introduced to the specifics of Antares and the Umgede Hide.

After a wonderful dinner, we will likely all find ourselves settling into the hide for the night.
We shape our days in Antares together, yet everyone is entirely free to choose their own path. Whether you spend your time in the hide, by the pool, or in the cosy lounge is up to you. Your two experts will connect with each participant individually to understand your current skill level and personal goals for the journey.

Throughout the day, you will receive situational inputs on photographic topics, ranging from technical advice to creative inspiration.

You will learn:

Fundamentals of wildlife photography

Practical tips for camera settings

Achieving correct exposure in natural light

Mastering perspective and composition

Understanding wildlife behaviour

In the evening, you face the difficult choice: join a guided game drive or stay behind in the hide.
After a morning game drive and a delightful brunch, those interested can dedicate time to our image editing workshop:

Selecting your best images

Understanding image impact

Targeted enhancements using editing software

However, ample time remains for observation in the Umgede Hide or the smaller hide near the bird bath.
With every animal sighting, your eye for subjects grows sharper. You learn to anticipate movement and capture the perfect moment. This is precisely where the difference between "taking a photo" and "learning photography" emerges.

We continue to shape our days through mutual agreement. By the evening game drive, we hope to have already enjoyed exciting visits from thirsty animals in the hide. We will certainly find time to edit some of your top shots.
Did you spend out last night at Antares in the hide? How you shape your morning is entirely up to you. At 10:00 AM, our chauffeur will pick us up.

On the way, we make a stop in the safari hub of Hoedspruit. Important to know: There is a great camera shop there ;-D but also a bookstore, souvenir shops, and cosy cafés.

After this break, we continue to Timbavati and the Kambaku Safari Lodge. From the warm welcome onwards, you will feel like part of the Kambaku family. After a short rest, we look forward to our first game drive in this new territory.

For the first two days here, we will again be accompanied by a local professional photographer. He will share insights into his working methods and provide new ideas along with creative (and, upon request, technical) inputs.

Filled with impressions and fantastic photos, we return to a wonderful, imaginative dinner. Perhaps we are quite glad that the decision between "hide or bed" has been made for us tonight!
During our time in Timbavati, two game drives are on the daily agenda, allowing us to deepen specific skills:

Nuances of wildlife photography

Advanced camera settings

Reading the light and adjusting exposure

Refining perspective and composition

Understanding wildlife behaviour

Finding your own photographic style

Thanks to our small group size, you continue to receive individual feedback – directly in the moment.

Between drives, we enjoy delicious, freshly prepared meals, the tranquility of this wonderful lodge, and simply let ourselves be pampered. There will always be time for joint editing sessions of outstanding images with expert support.
Eventually, the moment arrives for our final game drive. Once more, we will soak up the sounds and scents of the bush, experiencing every sighting with special intensity.

After a hearty brunch, we say our goodbyes and are transferred by our chauffeur to the airport. With memory cards full of beautiful images – but above all, with full hearts – we conclude our journey at Johannesburg Airport.

You will not return home with just images, but with a new, profound understanding of photography and nature. Will you already be planning your return on the flight home?

Personally Guided from Start to Finish

You are not travelling with an anonymous tour operator. Your guide is with you from the moment you arrive at Johannesburg International Airport until your departure. We also provide linguistic support: our Swiss guide translates insights from our local professional photographers and nature guides upon request. This ensures you miss no information and can focus entirely on experiencing, learning, and marvelling.

Diverse Expertise on One Journey

On every tour, you are accompanied by people who truly understand their craft: photography, natural history, and local knowledge. You benefit from multiple perspectives – not just a single voice.

Experience First, Results as a Bonus

We do not measure the success of a journey by the perfect image. However, we are convinced: those who immerse themselves in the adventure and nature return with both – with powerful photos and with moments that cannot be captured on film.

Photographic Focus at whatever Level

Beginners and experienced hobbyists travel together. Thanks to our small groups, your guides can respond individually to you, your skill level, and your goals. Our tours are therefore ideal for anyone seeking creative impulses and new inspiration. Neither top-tier equipment nor extensive prior knowledge is required – only curiosity.