OUR LOCATION
Buffalos, lions, giraffes, wildebeest, impalas, baboons,, 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 mammal species roaming freely. Covering 75.000 hectares of wilderness, 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 National Parks where vehicles are restricted to paved roads – and therefore you are able to get much closer to animals for more intimate and diverse photography.
Timbavati is famous for its density in wildlife and boasts great opportunities to see the Big Five - lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino. Beside the Big Five and dozens of other mammals, Timbavati is also great 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!
Timbavati is a truly great and wild location - the perfect place to settle in, adjust to nature and develop one's skills with a camera.
Area Info
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Timbavati shares open borders with the famous Kruger National Park, allowing animals to free-roam
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Timbavati is home to the rare white lion
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An action packed location that isn't too far from civilisation, meaning only a short 45min flight and 1hr drive from Johannesburg.
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Utilising an eco-conscious camp, we make sure our presence in the wilderness has a minimal impact on the flora and fauna of the area.
PHOTOGRAPHIC OPPORTUNITIES
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 vehicle(s) will comprise no more than 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.
WHAT WE HOPE TO SEE
The Big Five...
Lions, being the proverbial Kings of the Jungle, sit at the top of the food chain, and they really are a magnificent sight to see in the wild. The lions in Madikwe Game Reserve were originally introduced from Namibia’s Etosha National Park, with more recent additions introduced from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park to expand the gene pool.
The African Elephant is the largest living terrestrial animal, and it’s one that you may not even need to leave your Madikwe Game Reserve safari lodge to see. There are over 900 elephants in the reserve (a very high density), and herds are known to visit lodge watering holes to bathe and drink.
The reserve is home to both black rhino and white rhino (although pedants will tell you that the latter aren’t technically part of the Big Five). You’ll have to look twice to spot the difference: the white rhino is larger and has a square lip that helps it to graze; while the black rhino is smaller and has a pointed lip for pulling leaves off plants. Black rhinos are also notoriously bad-tempered.
Buffalo are well represented in the reserve, with more than 800 of them roaming the plains. Two things to know about buffalos: they can be aggressive if they feel threatened; and they’re quite susceptible to disease… so don’t get too close.
Leopard, meanwhile, are the smallest of the big cats and are very hard to (forgive us!) spot. They tend to be elusive, solitary beasts, and a sighting is a very rare event.
A HANDS-ON WORKSHOP
Master your camera
Understanding how shutter speed, aperture, and ISO work together to capture the perfect shot, even in challenging conditions.
Focus like a pro
Techniques for capturing moving wildlife, from the fastest predator to the most serene grazing animal.
Frame the shot
Composition tips that help tell a compelling story through a single image, creating photographs that go beyond the ordinary.
Own the light
Learn how to keep photographing during challenging lighting conditions - from shooting into the sun, the fading light of dusk and utilising a spotlight at night
Animal knowledge
Gain a deeper connection by learning about the behaviours of the creatures you’re photographing, and understanding how to anticipate their movements, ultimately leading to more compelling and unique shots.
Backup like a pro
Backing up and cataloging your pictures is essential - learn how to do this in a quick and efficient way that won’t interrupt your photography enjoyment
Post-processing basics
Guidance on editing images to enhance their natural beauty, without overprocessing them. Understand the difference between RAW / JPEG and the true power of minimal editing can do.
What’s needed?
Each participant will need to bring their own camera gear, laptop and necessary cables / attachments / adaptors. It’s also advised to have Adobe Lightroom Classic pre-installed to get the most benefit out of this workshop
Learn at your own pace
The aim is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their experience level or equipment, has a chance to learn and grow as a photographer without unnecessary pressure – and to have plenty of fun during the process!
ACCOMMODATION
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, but with al the luxuries and comforts that one normaly looks forward to on holiday.
ITINERARY
Day one
After landing at Eastgate airport in Hoedspruit you will be met at arrivals and meet Sam, Jordi and get to know the rest of your group. From here we will be transported via private minibus to the Timbavati, a mere few minutes away.
Upon arrival you’ll be welcomed and have time to settle into the lodge before regrouping for lunch and our first afternoon safari to get fully introduced to the magic of Timbavati. We’ll get back to camp around 19:00 to enjoy some drinks and dinner shared with quality conversation..
Day two
We’ll head out at sunrise to take advantage of first light with a focus on finding the best photographic subjects and wildlife experiences we can get. We’ll get back to our lodge in the mid / late morning for a delicious breakfast and some time to relax.
At noon we will meet for our first workshop session and end in good time to enjoy lunch and to prepare for our second game drive.
Mid / late afternoon will see us following up any sightings or information from previous drives - making sure that we stop at sunset for the iconic sundowners experience. Dinner will follow as usual later in the evening upon return back to the lodge.
Day three - six
Every day will follow the same pattern; heading out at first light on game drive and returning back to camp for breakfast and relaxation.
Workshop tuition will be available at noon, but there will be plenty of time to edit photos, have some one-on-one tuition and of course don’t forget to utilise the photogrpahic hide! Afternoon game drive follows a light bite to eat and then dinner is prepared when we get back in the evening.
On our final evening, we will do a small presentation after dinner to showcase to everyone the amazing photographs you have captured and created during your stay. This is a time not only to reflect back on the experiences you’ve shared, but also in celebration of the growth in your creative and technical skills as a photographer;
Day seven
We’ll head out for our final game drive and exploration of Timbavati before returning back for breakfast. We aim to head out at about 10am so as to arrive back at Eastgate airport for early afternoon flights, so it’s a good idea to pack the night before to save time and further enjoy your final hours at camp.
After arriving back at the airport, we don’t believe in goodbyes so we instead say “See You Next Time” and depart ways.
SUMMARY
For more detailed information, please download the brochure via the button above
Price
£3,400 per person sharing / £4,400 single supplement
Meeting / Drop-off Location
Eastgate airport,
Hoedspruit
Location
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa
Transport
Ground transfers included as per itinerary
Start Date
2 - 8 August,
2026
Focus
Camera settings, image composition, natural light and photo editing
Group Size
5 - 10
Participants
Hosts
Samuel Cox
&
Jordi Woerts
INCLUDED
+ Airport pickup from Eastgate airport, Hoedspruit
+ Local ground transfer to and from Timbavati
+ 6x nights accommodation in Timbavati
+ All meals, tea, coffee and water
+ Twice daily game drives
+ Exclusive use of two photographic guides
+ Private vehicle for entire duration
+ Photographic workshop tuition
+ In-the-field guidance and assistance
+ All conservation fees and gate levies
EXCLUDED
- Any transport or accommodation outside of itinerary
- Drinks from the bar
- Laundry
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
YOUR HOSTS
Having two photographers host a wildlife photography workshop brings a wealth of benefits, offering participants diverse perspectives, varied teaching styles and personalized attention. With two guiding the group, attendees can receive tailored advice based on their individual skill levels and interests. The dual approach also allows for more hands-on support in the field, as one photographer can focus on technical aspects and creative composition whilst the other works on animal behaviour and vehicle positioning for the best angles. - ensuring a well-rounded and enriched learning experience. Plus, it fosters a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging participants to learn from both instructors and each other.
Samuel Cox
Owner and Photographic Tour Guide
Behind the banner of RAW Photographic is Samuel Cox, a professional wildlife photographer who spent many years in the field living in South Africa and teaching wildlife and conservation photography to international guests, volunteers and interns alike.
This gave him not only unparalleled access to the wildlife on his doorstep, but more importantly - the skills and years of experiences in teaching the specifics of ethical wildlife photography. This wealth of diverse, yet powerfully coupled traits, makes Sam unique amongst the crowd.
Jordi Woerts
Collaborative Photographic Tour Guide
Jordi is a photographer with years of experience as a field guide in the Greater Kruger of South Africa By guiding guests on safaris, sharing captivating content on his social media platforms and using storytelling as a tool, Jordi strives to inspire others to take part in conserving these vital strongholds of wildlife.
