The Lions of Timbavati & the Leopards of Sabi Sands
February 12 to 20, 2027
Safari in Perfect Light · Immersed in Nature · Authentic Encounters
Two of the most famous wild reserves in the Greater Kruger. Two of Africa’s most fascinating big cats. Alongside them, we observe the indescribable diversity of wildlife and immerse ourselves in the interconnectedness of the South African bush. Eight nights you will never forget.
Highlights
12
Magical Game Drives
8
Nights in Luxury Lodges
8
Top Spots for Photographers
3
Exclusive Locations
2
Experts for Photography and Photo Editing
12
Magical Game Drives
8
Nights in Luxury Lodges
8
Top Spots for Photographers
3
Exclusive Locations
2
Photography and Photo Editing Experts
Immersion in the South African Bush
The South African bush is distinct from the vast savannas of Kenya or Tanzania. Dense undergrowth, gentle hills, acacia and marula trees, and dry riverbeds define this landscape. It is an ecosystem that conceals – an elephant standing beside the track one moment can vanish within seconds. This is precisely what makes every game drive an adventure: reading tracks, interpreting sounds, and anticipating movement patterns. The tension never wanes.
Twice daily, we embark on game drives. We head out before sunrise to capture the first golden backlight as it rises over the horizon. In the afternoon, we venture out again – enjoying a legendary sundowner in the middle of the bush and observing wildlife in the shifting light until nightfall. This allows us to witness the shift from diurnal to nocturnal animals, and with luck, encounter some of the bush’s shy specialities.
Most private game reserves permit off-road driving under certain conditions, allowing us to observe exceptional sightings from close proximity – always maintaining a respectful distance, without haste, and with time for the perfect moment.
Read our article "What does a typical safari day look like?"
The Photography
Whether you are taking your first safari photos or deliberately refining your visual language, photography is the focus of this journey.
How do you stage an animal amidst the interplay of light and shadow in the bush? When is patience rewarded, and when is quick action required? Your photographer and your guide will accompany you on every game drive – ready to answer questions at any skill level.
Additionally, an image editing workshop takes place during the retreat between the two reserves: jointly evaluating the best shots from the first days, receiving concrete tips on cropping, and learning tricks to develop your top shots into images with a true "wow" effect.
The Schedule
Arrival & Immersion
The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is renowned for its lions. You may have heard of the famous white lions of Timbavati? They are not albinos but carry a specific gene that gives them white fur. Currently (as of mid-2026), there is a white lion cub approximately six months old. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for its carefree upbringing and hope that it avoids any dangers, allowing us to observe it this coming February.
Retreat
At the Summerfield Rose Retreat & Spa Boutique Lodge, we spend two days of relaxation. The stunning grounds exude tranquility and well-being; the vast plantation invites you for walks (or some exercise), and the enchanting garden is perfect for macro photography. Here, we have ample time and leisure for image editing.
Refinement & Enjoyment
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is world-famous for having the highest density of leopards and the remarkable tolerance these animals show towards vehicles. Furthermore, this area hosts some of the most exclusive safari lodges, and we will be treating ourselves to a particularly beautiful one.
> Find details about our locations here.
Guidance
You will be accompanied throughout the entire journey by Jacqueline and Danny. This allows you to benefit from different perspectives and approaches. After all, every guide has their own specialty – their preferred subjects and styles to photograph. You will thus enjoy a variety of expertise, which will be highly beneficial for developing your photographic skills.
We at Magical Photo Tours know all these photography professionals personally and have been on tour with them. Therefore, we vouch for their expertise and their genuine passion for sharing their knowledge.
> Find out more about your guides here.
Prices
Photographer in a double room: CHF 9,500 per person
Single room supplement: CHF 1,900
Discount for a non-photographing accompanying person in a double room: CHF 950
