October 7th - 19th, 2024
Come on an unforgettable safari adventure with wildlife photography experts Daniel and Tanya in Africa in 2024! Beginning in Botswana, we’ll stay in a luxurious lodge with exclusive access to photo hides. Here, we can capture amazing animal and bird photos at eye level or enjoy a land safari.
Our trip will end at one of the most beautiful private game reserves in Africa. Our previous South Africa photo safaris have been incredibly successful with numerous leopard and lion pride sightings. The lodge we’ll be staying at is one of the best in the world for observing big cats and the Big 5. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss!
2024 South Africa Ultimate Cat NE Explorer Reunion III Travel Plans
Monday, October 7
Depart US/Canada
Tuesday, October 8 (D)
Arrive in Johannesburg (JNB). An airport shuttle is provided by the hotel. Welcome dinner and drinks this evening. Overnight Intercontinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport
Wednesday, October 9 – Saturday, October 12 (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we’ll fly from Johannesburg by private charter flights to Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana.
Mashatu Game Reserve comprises 72,000 acres of privately owned land in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve of Botswana. Mashatu and its neighbors—the Tuli Safari Area of Zimbabwe and Mapungubwe National Park in South Africa—form a vast cross-boundary conservation area to protect all living things in the region.
Though on the eastern fringes of the Kalahari Desert, the reserve is at the convergence of the great Limpopo and Sashe Rivers, making it an ideal place for wildlife to take shelter from the sun in nutrient-rich vegetation. Mashatu has a diverse landscape. Wide-open plains, grassland, riverine forests, rocky hills, marshland, and majestic sandstone ridges make it a haven to experience a variety of Africa’s magnificent wildlife.
Flora and fauna flourish in Mashatu. Over 50 mammal and reptile species, 350 bird species (including the lilac-breasted roller), and 150 tree species can be found in the area! Mashatu boasts home to the largest herds of elephants on privately owned land in all of Africa, and two more of the Big Five—namely leopard and lion—are frequently encountered here. Giraffe, eland, ostrich, and the kori bustard, each a world record holder in the animal kingdom, all reside within the reserve’s accommodating landscape. Other notable species include cheetah, aardwolf, bat-eared fox, African wildcat, honey badger, spotted hyena, and the black-backed jackal. Enjoy this video!
It’s not just the wildlife that makes Mashatu the “Land of Giants.” Its sacred Nyala-berry (or Mashatu) trees reach staggering heights of up to 30 meters tall—some of the oldest trees in the world are found here! Bizarre, yet awe-inspiring, baobab trees also dot the landscape. You will find no shortage of inspiration in this “Slice of Heaven on Earth!”
We will venture out twice daily to experience all Mashatu has to offer. Guests will rotate between exclusive photographic hides and land safaris.
Mashatu’s exclusive photographic hides provide you the opportunity to sit and photograph the animals coming directly at you, an experience not to be forgotten! The hides are specially positioned with great consideration for maximizing photographic potential, making it possible to capture unique angles and exceptional images.
Mashatu Game ReserveWe will spend four days and nights at the luxurious Mashatu Lodge. Guests will stay in supremely comfortable, spacious suites with air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms. A world-class dining experience can be expected at Mashatu. Home-cooked, flavorful traditional African fare mixed with Western dishes will be served daily. Any appetite will be satisfied with the camp’s variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade bread and pies, succulent meat dishes, and delicious desserts.
Sunday, October 13 – Thursday, October 17, 5 Nights (B, L, D, Bev, Lau)
After breakfast, depart Mashatu and take a private charter flight to Londolozi Game Reserve (with a stopover in Johannesburg to go through Customs). Here we’ll be escorted by rangers to the Londolozi Varty Camp where we’ll stay for five nights.
Londolozi Wildlife Archive
The Leopards of LondoloziDaily, we’ll head out early on safari for the best light. Dan will rotate between safari vehicles to help each guest with camera gear questions and settings. Midday, when the light is harsh, we’ll have time for workshops, downloading memory cards, or relaxing near the pool. There will be a second game drive beginning in the late afternoon until dusk. Some nights we’ll stay out late for a “spotlight night safari,” another way to view the wilds of Africa. Evening drinks and gourmet dinners.
Londolozi is famous for its abundant leopard population but also boasts home to high concentrations of white rhinos and lions. Herds of elephant and buffalo along with zebra, hyena, cheetah, giraffe, and a vast variety of antelope may be seen. Since it is privately owned, Londolozi is not bound by the strict rules of Kruger National Park. We can drive off-road into the heart of the bush and take guided walking safaris with their excellent team of rangers and trackers. We can stay out for evening sunsets until after dark, unlike Kenya reserves. Londolozi has two of the 17 master trackers in South Africa. With over 42,000 acres to explore, no two game drives will be the same! Londolozi has camera lenses available to rent (must be arranged prior to the tour) and grants guests access to their photography multimedia center.
Friday, October 18 (B)
Fly to Johannesburg (commercial flight) late morning. Fly home in the late afternoon or this evening, or continue on for a 3-day/night extension to Kirkman’s Kamp or Capetown.
Kirkman’s Kamp Extension Departure
October 21, 2024
Depart Johannesburg (JNB) at 5:00 pm* or later.
*On this day, the group will fly from Kirkman’s Kamp to JNB. At this time, it’s too early to schedule this domestic flight. If you elect to book your international flights before this flight is finalized, please depart JNB in the evening, just to be on the safe side. We will email you as soon as the Kirkman’s Kamp-JNB flight is finalized, likely sometime in October 2023 or early November 2023.Saturday, October 19
Arrive home (no extension).
If you have time, please read Tanya’s My First South African Experience letter about her visit to South Africa in the fall of 2013.
SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE TO SEE GUEST IMAGES FROM PAST SOUTH AFRICA TRIPS
Guest Limits
Minimum 10 Guests
Maximum 16 GuestsTrip Cost
17,000 pp, DBL occupancy
Single sup: 2,550 (limited space available)
All pricing in USD
Deposit
$4000 Per person due at time of booking
Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, or check acceptedDeposits are non-refundable. If cancellations are necessary, we require this request in writing. We will do our best to resell your space. Only if we can resell your space, we will refund (minus deposit and discounts given to sell your space). No partial refunds are possible for unused services.
Installments
July 15, 2023: $8,000 pp first installment
May 1, 2024: Final paymentCheck only for first and final installments. Please make checks payable to Natural Exposures and mail to:
Natural Exposures
810 N. Wallace, Suite E
Bozeman, MT 59715Included
- Private small group travel with Daniel J. Cox
- Accommodations for 1 night in Johannesburg and 9 nights at safari camps – exclusive
- Two private charter flights and one commercial flight as noted in the itinerary
- Welcome dinner in Johannesburg
- All game drives, max 3-4 guests per vehicle
- Meals where indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Beverages where indicated (Bev)
- Laundry services where indicated (Lau)
- Purified drinking water
- $100 credit at Londolozi to use for printing services, spa, or gift shop
- Entrance fees to all locations
- Expert rangers/trackers/guides at all locations
Not Included
- International airfare
- Miscellaneous personal expenses including alcohol, soft drinks, and laundry where not indicated
- Vaccinations
- Tourist visas
- Gratuities
- Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Airport transfers on unscheduled itinerary days
- Extra nights at lodges/hotels
Flights to Book
October 7, 2024
Depart US/CanadaOctober 8, 2024
Arrive in Johannesburg (JNB) any time of dayOctober 18, 2024 (no extension)
Depart Johannesburg (JNB) in the late afternoon or eveningOctober 19, 2024 (no extension)
Arrive homeKirkman’s Kamp Extension
October 21, 2024
Depart Johannesburg (JNB) at 5:00 pm* or later.
*On this day, the group will fly from Kirkman’s Kamp to JNB. At this time, it’s too early to schedule this domestic flight. If you elect to book your international flights before this flight is finalized, please depart JNB in the evening, just to be on the safe side. We will email you as soon as the Kirkman’s Kamp-JNB flight is finalized, likely sometime in October 2023 or early November 2023.Travel Insurance
Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance is not required for this photo tour, but we always recommend purchasing it for any trip. We recommend one or more of the following, depending on your needs:
Global Rescue
(use code natexp)Allianz Global Assistance
(use travel agency ID F203564)Terms & Conditions
Natural Exposures cannot control nor is responsible for abnormal weather, natural disasters, or any other disaster that might affect the trip. Travel insurance should be purchased to cover any missed flights or medical problems that may affect/delay your travel. National Parks have the right to change our itinerary.
By booking a trip with Natural Exposures, you agree to the following CANCELLATION AND LIABILITY POLICY
Accommodations for 2024 South Africa Ultimate Cat NE Explorer Reunion III
October 8, 1 Night
Intercontinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport
This Johannesburg airport hotel provides convenience, style, and all of the upscale facilities you’d expect from an award-winning hotel, including a spa, business center, and Quills African restaurant.October 9-12, 4 nights
Mashatu Lodge
Fourteen luxury suites lie along the camp’s perimeter and are designed to allow absolute privacy and communion with the bush and its inhabitants. Watch elephants splashing at the waterhole, listen to the lyrical melody of the woodlands kingfisher on a branch overhead, smell the grassy scent of the bushveld, touch the bark of an ancient tree, and inhale a breath of air so pure, it’s intoxicating.Each of the air-conditioned suites at Mashatu Lodge Main Camp is tastefully decorated and includes impressive black and white prints of Africa’s most beautiful animals. A double bed and an extra-large single bed, together with a seating area that includes a single day bed, comfortably accommodate guests. The ample en-suite bathroom with both bath and shower facilities and a separate W.C. complete the well-appointed suites.
A large swimming pool is a focal point where Mashatu Lodge visitors can cool down and relax between game activities. The Discovery Room is the portal through which curious visitors get a glimpse of another world – one that existed long before the appearance of man.
October 13-17, 5 Nights
Londolozi Varty Camp
Londolozi is the Zulu word for protect and means “protector of all living things.” This private reserve is situated on the Sand River in the heart of Sabi Sands Game Reserve and is world-renowned as one of Africa’s premier game lodges. This rich, wild wonderland has some of the highest recorded concentrations of white rhinos and lions in Africa and is also famous for its viewing of leopards. Londolozi is truly one of life’s treasured experiences. Each African-style chalet in the Founders Camp comes with an en suite bathroom and private plunge pool.Included:
- Accommodation
- All meals, teas, and coffee daily
- Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits, and beers
- Two game drives daily in open land rovers
- Nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers
- One group yoga class per day at Varty Camp
- Fitness room at Varty Camp
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance (transport to the nearest hospital)
- Laundry and VAT
Helpful Information for 2024 South Africa Ultimate Cat NE Explorer Reunion III
Tour Experience
As we tell many of our guests, if you want to experience Africa, do it now! The price is only increasing (rates climb 5-20% per year). There will never be more animals than there are now, and things are always changing—safety, politics, poverty, climate change—now is the time to go!
Our wildlife photography tours are not the least expensive, but we aim to do it right. If this is your only trip to Africa, we want you to experience the private reserves and their quality of service, guides, and accommodations. As the old adage goes, “You get what you pay for.”
While touring, we allow only 3-4 guests per safari vehicle. If you go with a larger company that offers lower rates, you could get stuck with up to NINE guests in a safari vehicle (we have seen this often in the field). It seems 12-16 guests on a tour offers a variety of personalities to enjoy during the trip. If a group is too small, you could get stuck with someone you don’t want to be on safari with, share meals with, etc., every day—it does happen! Photography is the main focus of our tours, but we also feel the need to have a friendly and fun group atmosphere. We think highly of our guests and feel fortunate to know most of the good people who travel with us.
The lodges on this trip are the best of the private game reserves. You could go to Kruger National Park, but since this park is open to everyone, there is the possibility of having dozens of vehicles around a leopard or lion kill. The private reserves do have some rules regarding how many vehicles can sit around a cat, however, we have never had any issues. There is a limit to the number of vehicles on each reserve where game viewing is the best. Londolozi started monitoring the leopards in their area about 25 years ago. The population has increased generation by generation. You will not be disappointed! Often we’ll do an evening game drive back to the lodge with spotlights—what an experience to see the big cats at dusk! We do not have this opportunity in Kenya due to park regulations.
Photo Safari Vehicles in South Africa
South Africa is very different than Kenya when it comes to vehicles and reserves. The safari vehicles are limited at each lodge, and the lodges are smaller and more exclusive than most lodges in Kenya. The vehicles are “tiered” with three rows of seating, two people per row equals six to eight passengers per vehicle. We have leased extra vehicles for our group with a goal to have 3-4 guests per vehicle at each lodge. The benefits of these smaller private reserves include no off-road restrictions or restricted distance from the animals. Game viewing is also limited to guests staying at their lodges only. Vehicle seating cannot be determined until we know how many people are booked on the trip. This has always been an issue in South Africa and is unavoidable at these private reserves. Please know that we will do everything in our power to accommodate each guest with as much space as possible for the duration of the trip.
When is the best time to photograph the big cats in South Africa?
Any time is good in South Africa! They have their young year-round. We’ll be visiting during the dry season before the November rains, so often we’ll encounter cats at the watering holes which will give us an extra advantage to photograph them. All of the reserves are private, so we’ll have the freedom to explore areas on and off-road.
Passport and Visas
We will be visiting two countries during this trip, so be sure that your passport is valid for the time required by each country and also that you have plenty of blank pages in your passport for entry. We are not responsible if you do not meet the entry requirements for the trip!
A passport with at least six months’ validity is required for Botswana. Passports must be valid for at least 30 days after your date of departure from South Africa.
Botswana does not require a visa for stays less than 90 days. A visitor visa will be issued at the port of entry in South Africa for those staying 90 days or less.
You will need multiple blank pages in your passport. Currently, South Africa requires two consecutive empty visa pages per entry (not including endorsement pages), and we will enter South Africa twice on this trip. Botswana requires three or more unused pages; one blank page per entry.
For the latest updates on entry requirements for US citizens, please visit the US Bureau of Consular Affairs website for each country.
Vaccinations
It’s always best to make sure you’re up to date with your routine vaccinations and to check in with your doctor or a medical professional ideally 4-6 weeks before travel. Recommended (but not required) are:
- Routine such as MMR, DPT, Polio
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Rabies
South Africa and Botswana require proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you’re traveling from/transiting through a country where yellow fever is endemic/WHO-designated yellow fever countries. For South Africa specifically, you should obtain the shot at least ten days before arrival.
Despite traveling during the dry season, Malaria prevention is suggested.
Flights Included
- Johannesburg, South Africa to Mashatu (private charter)
- Mashatu to JNB (customs) to Londolozi (private charter)
- Londolozi to JNB (commercial)
Luggage
For international flights there are usually no problems with luggage allowance; you just pay extra if needed. We highly recommend camera gear is carried onto the plane with you, so make sure to bring a bag that is within the carry-on size allowance. It will most likely weigh more than allowed, so if possible keep your carry-on away from the ticketing area when checking in to avoid having them weigh it or give you any hassles. All personal luggage needs to be in “duffel-like” bags whether it is with or without roller capabilities. Make sure all of your bags have name tags on them, please!
Domestically, we’ll be flying on small commuter or commercial planes which will have luggage allowances (25kg per guest). Upon arrival and departure into South Africa, it is suggested to use TSA locks or plastic wrap for your luggage. Keep all prescriptions, camera chargers, and valuables in your carry-on.
Camera Gear
Closer to the tour departure, Daniel will give each guest a call to say hello and see if you would like any guidance on what camera gear to bring. We’ll also include a list of camera gear Daniel will be bringing in the itinerary that we’ll send out pre-trip. The lodges may have lenses available to rent. Please inquire with us if you would like to reserve a lens at a lodge, and we will send you the details. There will be plenty of room on the safari vehicles for your camera bags.
Currency
The currency unit in South Africa is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents making up one Rand (R1). Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Changes. Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, and their affiliates are widely accepted.
In Botswana, the currency is the Botswana pula (BWP, symbol P). You won’t need to exchange money for Mashatu. MasterCard and Visa are accepted for pula transactions while American Express is accepted when paying with ZAR.
Gratuities
All tipping can be put on credit cards for guides, trackers, and lodge staff if you prefer. We will provide you with tipping suggestions for each lodge.
Have a question?
Have a question about this tour? We're happy to answer any queries you may have.
Testimonials from Natural Exposures' Explorers
"Jim and I want to thank you both for one of the best trips we have ever had to Africa. Everything was really wonderful - the camps, the whole schedule, the group (loved meeting all of the folks on the trip) and of course, the animals were Over The Top (especially the sloth bear, joke) . Thanks again to both of you for all of your hard work to make the trip an incredible journey."
Jim and Lynne Edwards, California
"I loved my Bhutan trip two years ago, but South Africa exceeded the Bhutan trip by orders of magnitude. It was worth waiting 55 years for!!! The leopard in the tree over my head gave me that wilderness experience I'll never forget. It was amazing to just be a part of. Thanks again for an incredible trip!!! A trip of a lifetime that I will never forget; a 55 old dream that finally came true...."
Tom Dietrich, Wyoming
"Anyone who joins you on the Mala Mala - Londolozi photo safari is in for a treat. What an incredible itinerary. Doug and I spent our first safari at Mala Mala and saw our first leopard there. And Christmas in Londolozi. Wow! Tom Emri and the Varty couple Shan and Dave were wonderful. We both came home with loads of very special photos and memories. We only wish we could join you on your tour. Bummer! I know you and your fellow photographers will not be disappointed."
Jan Baldwin
