Kruger National Park & MalaMala Photo Safari

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Kruger National Park & MalaMala Photo Safari
in the Moremi Game Reserve - Okavango Delta Botswana © Stu Porter African Photo Safaris
Mike Tilley-02

Tour Leader:

Mike Tilly

Itinerary details

  • Tour Info
  • Itinerary
  • Booking Procedure

Tour Info

OVERVIEW

Join professional guide and photographic mentor Mike Tilly on this immersive 14-day photographic safari through two of South Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations – the Kruger National Park and the renowned MalaMala Game Reserve.

Your journey begins in Johannesburg, where you’ll be welcomed and transferred to a comfortable airport hotel for your overnight stay. The following morning, you’ll fly east to Skukuza Airport, the gateway to Kruger. From there, your private photographic safari begins in earnest.

Spend eight unforgettable days exploring the vast and wildlife-rich landscapes of Kruger National Park. Your first base is in the central region, celebrated for its expansive savannas, mature woodlands, and concentrations of predators, elephants, and general game. With a flexible, unhurried schedule, you’ll be free to follow subjects, return to compelling sightings, and focus on quality over quantity—guided by the light, animal behaviour, and photographic opportunity rather than a species checklist.

Next, head south to a region defined by its rich river systems, basalt plains, and granite outcrops. Based near the Sabie and Crocodile Rivers, you’ll encounter habitats ideal for photographing leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and a wealth of birdlife. The area’s ecological diversity offers an inspiring backdrop for creative photography.

The safari culminates with four nights at MalaMala Game Reserve, a premier destination for wildlife photographers. Located along the Sand River, this exclusive reserve offers exceptional photographic access, including off-road privileges and minimal vehicle pressure, allowing for extended time at sightings to capture the perfect shot.

Your adventure concludes with a short return flight from Skukuza to Johannesburg, ending what promises to be a truly memorable and rewarding photographic experience.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Kruger is South Africa’s flagship national park and one of Africa’s largest protected areas, spanning more than 20,000 km² and bordering Mozambique. It is home to an extraordinary variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles, making it a top destination for wildlife photography.

The park’s terrain ranges from open grasslands and riverine forests to granite koppies and seasonal rivers—each offering unique photographic opportunities.

This safari explores both the central and southern regions of Kruger. Central Kruger is known for its wide-open plains and predator-rich woodlands, while Southern Kruger features dense riverine vegetation and a high density of wildlife. From leopards and elephants to waterbirds and hippos, each day brings fresh opportunities in ever-changing light and settings.

With a private vehicle, full-day game drives, and a relaxed itinerary, you’ll have the time and freedom to pursue creative and immersive wildlife photography.

MALA MALA GAME RESERVE

MalaMala is one of South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious private game reserves, famed for its consistent Big Five sightings and exceptional photographic opportunities.

Covering 13,200 hectares (33,000 acres) and sharing an unfenced boundary with Kruger, the reserve offers seamless wildlife movement and incredible biodiversity. A defining feature is its 20 km (13 mile) stretch along the Sand River, which draws wildlife throughout the year—especially in the dry season—creating dynamic and rewarding encounters.

With limited vehicle numbers and off-road access, you’ll enjoy close, unhurried interactions with wildlife. Luxurious accommodations, outstanding hospitality, and delicious cuisine round off an experience designed for comfort and photographic success.

TOUR DETAILS

This exclusive photographic safari is limited to just 3 participants, each guaranteed ample space in a private photographic vehicle—ideal for managing gear and accessing both sides of the vehicle.

Your guide throughout the tour is Mike Tilly, an experienced field guide and accomplished photographer with a deep understanding of wildlife behaviour and photographic light. While formal instruction is not included, Mike will assist with vehicle positioning and offer guidance where needed, making this tour ideal for intermediate to advanced photographers.

Wildlife highlights may include:
 Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, African Wild Dog, Elephant, White Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Spotted Hyena, Hippo, Crocodile, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Jackal, Kudu, Nyala, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Warthog, Baboon, Vervet Monkey, and a wide variety of bird species.

CATERING

During your eight nights in Kruger, you’ll be accompanied by a private chef, ensuring a seamless and personalised dining experience that maximises your time in the field and avoids public restaurant facilities.

Each day starts with a light picnic-style breakfast, followed by prepared brunch packs and a curated selection of snacks packed into individual cooler bags—ideal for long days on game drive. Bottled water, tea, and coffee are provided throughout the day.

Evenings are spent enjoying chef-prepared dinners back at camp, served with a selection of beverages including wine, beer, and soft drinks. This tailored approach ensures comfort, nourishment, and a relaxed social atmosphere at the end of each day in the bush.

ITINERARY – 14-DAY PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

Led by Mike Tilly

DAY 1 – Arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa

Upon landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport, you will be welcomed by our meet-and-greet representative and escorted to the conveniently located City Lodge at the airport. Settle in, relax, and prepare for the photographic journey ahead.

Accommodation: City Lodge O.R. Tambo
Included: Bed & breakfast

DAY 2 – Flight to Skukuza & Transfer to Central Kruger

After breakfast, you’ll be accompanied to the domestic terminal for your mid-morning flight to Skukuza Airport, located within Kruger National Park. Upon arrival, your private photographic safari vehicle will be waiting to transfer you north to the Central Kruger region—an area famed for its open savannas, large herbivore herds, and predator activity.

Accommodation: Satara Rest Camp
Included: All meals & drinks

DAYS 3–5 – Photographic Safari in Central Kruger

Spend three full days exploring the iconic Central Kruger landscape. The region’s expansive grasslands and mature Marula woodlands support abundant plains game, elephants, and the park’s famous big cats. Your flexible schedule allows for extended time at sightings and return visits for enhanced photographic opportunities.

Accommodation: Satara Rest Camp
Included: All meals & drinks

DAY 6 – Transfer to Southern Kruger

Today, enjoy a slow and scenic transfer south through Kruger, with ample time to stop for photographic opportunities along the way. The southern region offers contrasting scenery, including rocky hillsides, dense woodlands, and lush river systems teeming with wildlife.

Accommodation: Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
Included: All meals & drinks

DAYS 7–9 – Southern Kruger Safari

Immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of southern Kruger, especially near the Sabie and Crocodile Rivers—prime areas for leopard photography, elephant herds, and exceptional birdlife. Your full days are dedicated to game drives, with your private vehicle offering the flexibility to focus on light, behaviour, and composition.

Accommodation: Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
Included: All meals & drinks

DAY 10 – Transfer to MalaMala Game Reserve

Begin the day with a final Kruger game drive before exiting the park and continuing by road to MalaMala Main Camp. Enjoy lunch on the deck overlooking the Sand River, settle into your luxurious accommodation, and head out on your first afternoon drive in this exclusive private reserve.

Accommodation: MalaMala Main Camp
Included: All meals, local drinks & laundry

DAYS 11–13 – MalaMala Game Reserve

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives with your dedicated MalaMala ranger and private vehicle. With off-road access and fewer vehicles, MalaMala allows for intimate wildlife encounters and exceptional photographic opportunities. Capture dramatic scenes in golden light and spend uninterrupted time with key subjects.

Accommodation: MalaMala Main Camp
Included: All meals, local drinks & laundry

DAY 14 – Departure

Begin your final day with a morning game drive at MalaMala, followed by a road transfer back to Skukuza Airport for your midday flight to Johannesburg. You’ll arrive in the early afternoon with plenty of time to connect with your outbound international flight.

Included: Breakfast

Booking Procedure

Step 1 – Review Our Booking Terms & Conditions

Before proceeding, we kindly recommend that you familiarise yourself with our Booking Terms & Conditions, available on this page beneath the Prices section. This will provide important information regarding payments, cancellations, and responsibilities.

Step 2 – Make an Enquiry

Contact us to check availability on your preferred photographic safari. Simply click the “Enquire Now” button above to get in touch. We’ll confirm whether space is available and answer any initial questions you may have.

Step 3 – Await Confirmation & Create Your Client Account

Once we confirm your space, we’ll send you a personalised email with a unique link to register in our Client Area. Use this link to set up your account by entering your name, email address, and a password of your choice. After registering, you will be prompted to complete our secure online Booking Form.

Step 4 – Complete the Booking Form

Each participant is required to complete a separate booking form. Once submitted, you’ll be ready to proceed with the deposit payment to secure your place.

Step 5 – Submit Your Deposit

Deposits may be paid via credit card, PayPal, or international bank transfer. We will notify you as soon as the payment is received. Please note that your booking is only confirmed once we have received both your completed booking form and the deposit.

Step 6 – Settle the Final Balance

Once your booking is confirmed, your Client Area will display the remaining balance due. The final payment is required no later than 90 days prior to the safari start date.

DEPOSIT:
SINGLE:
SHARING:

USD $3,000 p/p
USD $11,950 p/p
USD $11,650 p/p

Included

  • Meet & Greet at JHB Airport
  • 1 night at City Lodge JHB (breakfast)
  • Return flights ⎋ JHB to Skukuza
  • 4 nights at Satara Camp (all meals & drinks)
  • 4 nights Lower Sabi Camp (all meals & drinks)
  • Return road transfers ⎋ Skukuza to MalaMala
  • 4 nights at MalaMala Main Camp (all meals, drinks & laundry)
  • Park entrance fees
  • Professional local guide
  • Private safari vehicle
  • Bottled water on game drives

Not-Included

  • Visa fees
  • International flights
  • Laundry when in the Kruger park
  • Lunches, dinners, drinks & laundry when in JHB City Lodge
  • Travel & equipment insurance
  • Tips for camp staff & guide