MalaMala and Zimanga Photo Safari - July 2026
July 07th - 22nd, 2026
The Wildlife
Accommodation
Photo Safari Map
OVERVIEW
Embark on a 16-day photo safari offering two distinct experiences. The first leg begins at MalaMala, where the adventure kicks off with five days of wildlife photography from a private vehicle. Transitioning to Zimanga for the remaining nine days, the itinerary includes alternating between photo game drives and special wildlife hides, promising a diverse range of unique photographic opportunities.
Upon arrival at Johannesburg's airport, our meet-and-greet service will usher you to an airport hotel for a well-deserved night's rest. The following morning, a flight to Skukuza Airport in Kruger National Park will be followed by a 45-minute road transfer to MalaMala Main Camp.
MalaMala, with its unfenced boundary adjoining Kruger National Park, provides an intimate photographic encounter in the pristine South African wilderness. The unique privilege of off-road driving allows close proximity to the "Big 5" and other remarkable species. The Sand River, a highlight, draws animals during the mild winter, offering prime opportunities to capture resident lions and leopards.
Accommodated in well-appointed rooms overlooking the Sand River, you'll be one of three photographers in a private vehicle, led by Stu and a seasoned MalaMala ranger. Four nights at MalaMala Main Camp provide ample time to explore, observe resident animals, and adapt the itinerary based on daily photographic pursuits.
After the MalaMala leg, a domestic flight returns the group to Johannesburg for a night in an airport hotel. This interlude allows a review of captured images and introduces three new participants joining for the subsequent journey to Zimanga Private Game Reserve in Kwa-Zulu-Natal.
Following breakfast, a domestic flight to Durban precedes a transfer to Zimanga. The following nine days unfold with a blend of game drives and visits to Zimanga's renowned photographic hides. To maximize the experience, the group splits, ensuring a maximum of three participants for each activity.
The safari concludes with a transfer from Zimanga back to Durban, where a final night is enjoyed before flying back to Johannesburg the next morning, facilitating connections with international flights home.
MALA MALA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
MalaMala Game Reserve stands as one of South Africa's oldest and largest private game reserves, earning global acclaim for its consistent Big Five game viewing—Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo, and Elephant.
Encompassing an expansive 13,200 hectares (33,000 acres), the reserve boasts a unique feature—an unfenced boundary stretching 19 kilometers (12 miles) in harmony with the Kruger National Park.
A crucial element of MalaMala's allure is its 20 kilometers (13 miles) of Sand River frontage. This perennial river serves as a natural magnet, drawing wildlife to this pristine wildlife area and forming the foundation for MalaMala's unparalleled game viewing and wildlife encounters.
Especially compelling in the dry winter months, the river becomes a focal point, orchestrating the movement of wildlife from the Kruger National Park through MalaMala, creating a dynamic two-way traffic across the reserve.
The recently renovated accommodations exude luxury, complemented by the warm hospitality of the staff. Culinary delights abound with fantastic dining experiences, and the wildlife sightings are nothing short of incredible.
ZIMANGA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Nestled in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, Zimanga stands out as a pioneering reserve in Africa, specifically tailored for wildlife photographers of all skill levels. It caters to individuals seeking a deep connection with the bush and an exclusive, unhurried experience.
Spanning nearly 70 square kilometers (27 square miles) of pristine Zululand bushveld, featuring picturesque fever tree forests and rolling hills, Zimanga is crisscrossed by the Mkuze River, providing a home for a splendid array of animals and birds, including lion, elephant, leopard, and cheetah.
This diverse ecosystem offers exceptional opportunities for capturing stunning wildlife photographs.
The Zimanga experience is meticulously crafted, offering not only traditional safari game drives but also intimate encounters from a selection of specially designed photographic hides.
This unique combination is designed to fulfill the desires of wildlife photographers, creating an immersive and enriching experience that truly encapsulates the essence of the wilderness.
THE ZIMANGA PHOTO HIDES
At Zimanga, there are presently nine photographic hides, each offering unique perspectives and opportunities. Among these, the Mkhombe and Bhejane hides, named after the isiZulu words for white and black rhinos respectively, are the Bird Bath or Reflection Hides, perfect for capturing small bird photography.
The larger Lagoon hide specializes in waterbirds and crocodiles.
For large mammal photography, the Umgodi and Tamboti Overnight Hides stand out as the only hides custom-designed to accommodate such subjects.
The bee-eater hide, a mobile unit strategically positioned near white-fronted bee-eater nesting sites, consistently produces stunning results for these vibrantly colored birds.
Scavengers Hill offers an immersive experience akin to being in a wildlife documentary, while the Forest and Tower Hides were purposefully constructed to explore and capture the diverse avian life inhabiting the Fever Tree forest.
Each hide provides a distinctive setting, encouraging experimentation and innovation in wildlife photography.
DETAILS
Stu Porter will lead this photo safari.
This tour offers photographic instruction, catering specifically to beginners, yet maintaining an informal and adaptable approach that also suits intermediate and advanced photographers. Participants have the freedom to engage at their comfort level.
Our professional guides, skilled in wildlife location and adept at positioning the safari vehicle for optimal photography, ensure an excellent experience for capturing the best possible photos.
Along with an impressive portfolio of birds, you will also have an excellent chance to see and photograph the following:
Lion, Leopard, African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, White Rhino, Hippo, Spotted Hyaena, Jackal, Crocodile, Giraffe, Waterbuck, Greater Kudu, Bushbuck, Nyala, Zebra, Wildebeest, Chacma Baboon, Vervet Monkey, & Warthog.
DAY 1
Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. Overnight.
Your safari begins with a meet & greet at the airport and you will be escorted to an airport hotel within walking distance of the arrivals hall.
You will stay for 1 night in Johannesburg at CITY LODGE O.R. TAMBO
(Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
DAY 2
Fly from Johannesburg (JNB) to Skukuza (SZK). Road transfer to MalaMala Main Camp
After breakfast, depart on the 11am domestic flight to Skukuza airport inside the Kruger National Park.
Our group will be met at Skukuza Airport. Road transfer to MalaMala Main Camp.
You will stay for 4 nights at MALAMALA MAIN CAMP in a luxury en-suite room.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 3
Morning, afternoon & evening photo game drives in MalaMala Private Game Reserve
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
DAY 4
Morning, afternoon & evening photo game drives in MalaMala Private Game Reserve
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
DAY 5
Morning, afternoon & evening photo game drives in MalaMala Private Game Reserve
Enjoy relaxed and flexible photography.
DAY 6
Short morning game drive. Road transfer to Skukuza Airport. Fly back to Johannesburg and overnight
Enjoy your final morning game drive at MalaMala. Road transfer to Skukuza Airport for a midday flight back to Johannesburg.
You will spend a night in Johannesburg at the same airport hotel. For the Zimanga section, three new participants will join the group. We will all meet for an introductory dinner and casual briefing on what to expect at Zimanga.
You will stay for 1 night in Johannesburg at CITY LODGE O.R. TAMBO
(Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
DAY 7
Fly from Johannesburg (JNB) to Durban (DUR). Road transfer to Zimanga
After breakfast, depart on the 10am domestic flight to Durban's King Shaka Airport
Our group will be met at the airport. Road transfer to Zimanga to arrive for lunch.
You will stay for 8 nights at ZIMANGA in luxury en-suite rooms.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 8
Whilst at Zimanga, the group will be split into two groups of three. Each group will get to do the same activities. These will be a mix of game drives in an open safari vehicle as well as visits to the famous hides of Zimanga.
Morning and afternoon activities based on a roster designed by the rangers at Zimanga.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 9
Photographic activities at Zimanga
Morning and afternoon activities based on a roster designed by the rangers at Zimanga.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 10
Photographic activities at Zimanga
Morning and afternoon activities based on a roster designed by the rangers at Zimanga.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 11
Photographic activities at Zimanga
Morning and afternoon activities based on a roster designed by the rangers at Zimanga.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 12
Photographic activities at Zimanga
Morning and afternoon activities based on a roster designed by the rangers at Zimanga.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 13
Photographic activities at Zimanga
Morning and afternoon activities based on a roster designed by the rangers at Zimanga.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 14
Photographic activities at Zimanga
Morning and afternoon activities based on a roster designed by the rangers at Zimanga.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
(All laundry included)
DAY 15
Final morning activity at Zimanga then road transfer back to Durban for an overnight stay in a hotel.
Each group will enjoy their final activity at Zimanga, after which we will check out and drive back to Durban for an overnight stay.
(All meals included)
(Local drinks included)
DAY 16
Depart for the airport after breakfast and fly back to Johannesburg, connect with your international flight home.
After a delicious final breakfast together, we will all fly back to Johannesburg. You will then connect with your international flight home.
Stu, along with the group who arrived for the Zimanga section, will continue on to MalaMala to complete their four-night stay there.
STEP 1 - PLEASE READ OUR BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
We first recommend that you read and become familiar with our booking terms & conditions, which can be found on this page, under the PRICES box.
STEP 2 - GET IN TOUCH
Get in touch with us to confirm that there are still spaces available on the photo safari that you are interested in. Click on the “ENQUIRE NOW” button above.
STEP 3 - AWAIT A REPLY FROM US & THEN CREATE YOUR CLIENT ACCOUNT
Once we confirm with you that there is space available, and you would like to join the safari, we will send you a direct link via email. Follow this unique link to sign up to our CLIENT AREA. After you have registered with your name, email address and a password of your choice, you will then be asked to complete our online booking form.
STEP 4 - COMPLETE A BOOKING FORM
As soon as we receive your completed booking form/s (1 per participant) then you will be required to send us the deposit to secure your place on the safari.
STEP 5 - SEND YOUR DEPOSIT
Deposits can be paid via credit card, PayPal or international bank transfer. We will notify you as soon as your deposit arrives. Places on the safari will only be confirmed once we have received both a completed booking form and deposit payment.
STEP 6 - FINAL BALANCE PAYMENT
As soon as your booking form and deposit are with us, we will update your CLIENT AREA to display the outstanding balance amount. This amount will be due 90 days before the start date of the safari.
- Tour Leader
-
Stu Porter
