MEERKAT ENCOUNTER, OUDTSHOORN SOUTH AFRICA
AFRICA
August 2027

Best of South Africa

Photography Tour

[ OVERVIEW ]

This may be our most variety-packed photography tour yet! We begin in Capetown, with visits to Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope and more. At West-Coast National Park we see one of the world’s great widflower displays. After a visit to the winelands we visit an ostrich farm, and enjoy a sunrise encounter with a meerkat colony. At Khoisan Karoo conservancy we head out at night for a nocturnal safari to spot the very rare “Shy 5.”

And of course no South African tour is complete without a visit to a Kruger private reserve. We finish on a high with four nights in the Manyaleti, with daily game drives to see all the wildlife Africa is most famous for: Lions, Elephants, Zebras, Giraffes, Hippos, Cheetahs, Zebras…the list goes on, plus more birdlife than you ever imagined!

Experience Details

Trip Duration

18 Days

Pricing

$10,800 twin share

$4550 single supplement

PRICES ARE IN AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS

August 14th - August 31st 2027

Next Dates

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A giraffe stands tall among a group of zebras in a savanna landscape with sparse trees and a clear blue sky.
A cheetah walking through tall grass in a natural habitat.
Three elephants are playing in a waterhole in a savannah, surrounded by trees and bushes.
Two meerkats standing upright on a patch of soil with green plants in the foreground and background.
A colorful hummingbird with iridescent green and red feathers perched on a bright orange flower in a lush green garden.
A black and white penguin with pink patches on its face stands on the sandy shore near the water's edge.
Young elephant walking through tall dry grass in a natural habitat.
A bird with brown and blue feathers perched on a branch with green leaves, mid-flight with wings extended, against a clear blue sky. 
[ HIGHLIGHTS ]

Your Guides

Andrew Goodall

Andrew is a career nature photographer with over 40 years’ experience. He has hosted photography tours all over outback Australia, and overseas destinations including Africa, India, New Zealand and more. As a patient and encouraging teacher, he is the perfect travel companion, able to ensure you bring home photos that do justice to the adventure!

Pierre Duval

Pierre is the owner of multi awarding winning tour company Guiding The Wild (formerly Bushbaby Safaris). After building a stellar reputation as an tour guide in Africa, he now also runs tours to far-flung destinations including Antarctica, India, Galapagos and more. Pierre and Andrew have built a great friendship and shared many adventures together.

Itinerary Highlights

■

  • Arrival in Capetown, airport transfer to hotel

  • Table Mountain

  • Cape of Good Hope

  • Boulders Beach penguin colony

  • Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

  • West Coast National Park Wildflowers

  • Excelsior Wine Estate with wine blending experience

  • Ostrich farm guided tour

  • Sunrise Meerkat Encounter

  • Cango limestone caves

  • 3 nights at Khoisan Karoo conservancy

  • “Shy 5” nocturnal safaris, in search of Aardvolf, Aardvark, Porcupine, Bat-Eared Fox and Black Footed Cat.

  • Daytime viewing of ancient rock art, wildlife safaris at Khoisan Karoo

  • Flight to Johannesburg and Africa Sky hotel

  • Flight to Hoedspruit, transfer to Manyalete private reserve (part of greater Kruger National Park)

  • 4 nights at Mantobeni Honeyguide lodge, with daily morning and afternoon game drives.

  • Return to Johannesburg / Airport Transfers / End of tour

WILDLIFE

We are visiting wild animals in their natural environment; no particular sighting can be fully guaranteed. But species you are likely to see on this tour include:

Elephant / Giraffe / Zebra / Hippopotamus / Lion / Cheetah / Leopard / Hyena / Meerkat / African Penguin / Rhinoceros / Springbok / Impala / Eland / Wildebeest / Waterbuck / Porcupine Bat Eared Fox / Aardvark / Aardvolf / Black Footed Cat / Baboon Vervet Monkey / Ostrich / Hornbill / Vulture / Lilac Breasted Roller and dozens of other bird species.

A vulture perched on a tree branch against a clear blue sky.

FAQs

Do I need to be an expert photographer to join a tour?

1

Our tours are to be enjoyed by people of any experience level. Some people come on a tour to learn more about photography; others come with years of experience. As a photographer/teacher, Andrew is there to help whenever you need tips and advice, and equally happy to keep out of your way and let you keep shooting if you don’t.

Can I bring my non-photographer spouse or partner?

2

ABSOLUTELY! It’s fairly typical on any tour to have one or two people who are not photographers. Some take photos on a smartphone, some bring binoculars…some come simply to enjoy the adventure. The things we see, and the experiences we share, will be enjoyed by everybody - whether you have a camera in your hand or not.

What’s the difference between a photography tour and a regular tour?

3

On a regular tour, people are happy to see something, tick it off the list, and move on. There is very little interest in waiting for the ‘perfect moment’ to get a great photo. On tours like this, a photographer can feel rushed and frustrated, as the rest of the group is ready to move on while you still want to take photos. On our tours, we specifically seek out great photo opportunities, and spend as much time as it takes for everyone to get the shot. You also know you are travelling with like-minded people, so we all have plenty in common!

Are African safari tours safe?

4

YES! Our guides and drivers are very experienced in understanding the wildlife - they will get you close to the action but never put you in danger. Most of the accommodation is in large and fairly luxurious lodges, but many tours will also include a stay in a tented camp. These are no ordinary tents! You may hear some animals at night but your safety is assured as long as you stay inside….until you hear the breakfast call!

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