OUR LOCATION
The location for our Framing Africa workshop takes place in the majestic Madikwe Game Reserve. This is a stunning wildlife sanctuary located in the North West Province of South Africa, near the border with Botswana.
Spanning over 75,000 hectares, it is one of the country’s largest private game reserves. Madikwe is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos—along with a rich array of other animals, birds, and plant species. Unlike many other reserves, Madikwe is malaria-free, making it an ideal destination for those looking to experience the African bush in comfort and safety.
Area Info
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Madikwe is a four-and-a-half our drive from Johannesburg
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Madikwe is a malaria free location
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Madikwe comprises old agricultural land that has been rewilded and is a stunning example of conservation success
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Madikwe is home to a large and varied array of animals including the Big Five plus cheetah, the African wild dog, aardwolf and brown hyena
PHOTOGRAPHIC OPPORTUNITIES
Madikwe offers countless photographic opportunities and potential, especially for that of unique landscape opportunities with it’s dual ecotone habitat. Elephants, rhinos and buffalos in these landscapes offer excellent wide angle opportunities, whislt predators such as lions, cheetah and wild dog will keep you on your toes and snapping away to capture all the action.
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 a maximum of six 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.
The endangered African wild dog is also a delightful and exciting sighting to have - especially when hunting and on the move, simply trying to keep up with them is an adventure in itself1
Cheetahs are also quite popular in the Madikwe game reserve, preferring open grasslands for their high-speed hunting techniques and often found sat atop termite mounds to better scan the horizon.
Plus it's needless to say there's also an abundance of general game that are found at every turn in the reserve and include impala, wildebeest, zebra, warthog, giraffe, kudu, eland, springbok, gemsbok, klipspringer, steinbok, duike and many, many more.
Madikwe is also great for potential sightings of the elusive brown hyena, their more common relatie the spotted hyena, black backed jackels, honey badger, wildcats and potentially even caracal and serval too!
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.
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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
In the spirit of oasis and sanctuary, The Last Word Madikwe is a completely unique lodge experience. Twice daily games drives to track the Big Five are an obvious favourite, but the true difference is to be found right at the lodge itself.
The house pours on to green and tranquil gardens which flow to the ancient waterhole just meters from the lawn’s end. It is a place most of the animals visit daily and one can see large interactive herds of elephant, lions, leopard, buffalo, dogs, white and black rhino, and many more just by relaxing in a garden seat enjoying a drink or snack. Madikwe’s original underground hide steals right up to the waterhole where aspiring photographers can catch the shot of a lifetime. Birdlife is abundant and although you will see many different species while out on game drive, many love to visit the inviting garden area and will often join you for breakfast. And it’s malaria free.
All Classic Suites are contained in the house just meters from the public areas and are appointed in traditional African decor. All are en-suite and have separate showers and bathtubs. Each also has its own private patio, air conditioning, work desk and many luxurious amenities. Rooms average at 45m² or 484 square feet.
PHOTOGRAPHIC HIDE
The first and original underground hide built in Madikwe! An incredibly exciting way to view all species of animals and birds as they come to drink at the edge of the floodlit waterhole. Photographic opportunities are endless irrespective of whether you’re using your phone’s camera or state of the art equipment. Have the awe-inspiring opportunity to watch elephants pass by close enough to touch, to watch them drink at an arm’s length away or to be splashed by a mischievous youngster. The roof of the hide is just above ground level is reinforced and can carry the weight of any elephant that may wander across the top.
The Underground Hide is accessed from a path within the lodge garden, or from the swimming pool, so guests can safely walk along the walkway and into the tunnel without being seen by the animals and in complete safety. This is one of the most unique qualities of what makes this Madikwe Photographic Safari so special; the varuation of game viewing opportunities. Spend the morning and afternoons on game drives where we track and find animals, and then take some time to see what animals come to you whilst you sit patiently with your camera.
The hide is open 24/7, meaning if you’re able to stay awake in the later hours, you may be treated to some nocturnal visitors or perhaps some thirsty predators. However, the star of the show is when elephants and buffalos come to drink; there’s nothing like being so close to such large mammals, especially from such a low perspective - it’s humbling and offers incredible photographic potential.
ITINERARY
Day one
After landing in Johannesburg you will be met at arrivals and transported to a local guesthouse / hotel. Here you will meet Sam, Jordi and get to know the rest of your group. Take the time to relax after your long flight and enjoy a dinner with new friends before getting a good night sleep.
Day two
After a hearty breakfast we will start the journey to Madikwe. The drive is appproximately 4 - 5 hours, but there will be a short break midway for a coffee / leg stretch. We aim to arrive in Madikwe just after noon.
Upon arrival you’ll be welcomed and have time to settle into the lodge before regrouping for high-tea and our first afternoon safari to get fully introduced to the magic of Madikwe. We’ll get back to lodge around 19:00 to enjoy some drinks and a beautiful dinner shared with quality conversation..
Day 3
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 a light bite to eat 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 four - seven
Every day will follow the same pattern; heading out at first light on game drive and returning back to the lodge 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 eight
We’ll head out for our final game drive and exploration of Madikwe before returning back for breakfast. We aim to head out at about 11am so as to arrive back O.R. Tambo airport for mid / late afternoon, 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 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
£3,950 per person sharing / £4,950 single supplement
Meeting / Drop-off Location
O.R. Tambo airport,
Johannesburg
Country
South Africa
Transport
All local transport
included
Start Dates
26 July - 2 August, 2025
15 - 22 April, 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 O.R. Tambo airport, Johannesburg
+ All local ground transfers
+ 1x night in Johannesburg
+ Dinner, breakfast and local drinks in Johannesburg
+ 6x nights accommodation in Madikwe
+ All meals and local drinks in Madikwe
+ Twice daily game drives in Madikwe
+ Private vehicle for entire duration
+ Photographic workshop tuition
+ In-the-field guidance and assistance
+ All conservation fees and gate levies
+ Drop off at O.R. Tambo airport, Johannesburg
EXCLUDED
- Any transport or accommodation outside of itinerary
- Lunch in Johannesburg
- Premier drinks in Johannesburg and Madikwe
- 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.
