SABI SAND Photographic Safari - 7 Days
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is situated in the southwestern corner of the world-renowned Kruger National Park in South Africa and consists of an incredible 65 000 hectares of pristine wilderness. It is one of the most prestigious game reserves in South Africa and specially famous for incredible leopard and lion sightings.
The park's name comes from the Sabie River on its southern boundary and the Sand River flowing through it. Sabi Sand shares a non-fenced boundary of 50 km (31 miles) with the Kruger National Park to its east which allows wildlife to traverse from one area to another freely. Among the various private reserves in Sabi Sand we chose Elephant Plains for this photographic safari . . . Great location, great accommodation, great service and extremely professional guiding
Your safari starts at the Arathusa airstrip where your Fedair domestic flight will land. From here you will be transferred to Elephant Plains Game Lodge
A typical day in Elephant Plains will include and early morning Game Drive ( 3.5 hrs min. ) followed by a hearty brunch. Then it’s time relax until lunch time or meet with Mario who will be available during this time to discuss photo techniques and review images. Lunch at 14:00 and then some more time to relax, work on images or meet again with your safari leader for more photography talk . At approximately 15:30 we will depart on our evening game drive until the sun goes down. At our return to camp dinner will be ready to finish off a perfect day.
This photographic safari accommodates a maximum of 6 photographers in 1 vehicle which is completely open so having 2 photographers per row will not be a problem to get good angles from both sides without the other photographer being in the way. After sunset we will still be out looking for night opportunities. In this case the use of spotlights will be needed.
Safari Facts
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Led by Mario Moreno
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Max number of participants : 6
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Use of 4x4 open safari vehicle
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Off-road driving permitted
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Non photographers welcome
Photographic Highlights
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Sabi Sand's Predators
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Incredible Leopard sightings
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A chance to photograph white rhinos
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Over 350 Bird species
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Amazing Kruger scenery
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Johannesburg International Airport where you will be met by Mario and transferred to Fedair for your domestic flight to Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Upon landing at Arathusa airstrip you will be transferred on a 4x4 vehicle to Elephant Plains Game Lodge. On arrival after a 30-40min game drive check in followed by lunch. At around 15:30 you will leave on the first game drive of this safari. It will last around 3,5 hours depending on last minute photo opportunities. Dinner will be served at around 20:00 after enjoying drinks at the bar.
Day 2-6
Each day begins with an early morning coffee before going out on our morning drive. Depending on sightings we will return around 09:30 for a hearty and well deserved breakfast. After breakfast you will have the morning to relax in the lodge, photograph resident birdlife or participate in a casual photographic workshop to discuss darkroom techniques, workflow and review images with Mario. Lunch will be served at around 13:30 after which you will have more time to relax in the comfort of your room or in the common areas. During this time Mario will be available for any photography related questions or 1 on 1 meetings. At around 15:30 we leave on our afternoon Game Drive in search of the “ Perfect Moment “ until the sun goes down and only then we will return to the Lodge for dinner and comment the day’s sightings enjoying your preferred drink.
Day 7
We leave before sunrise on our last early morning Game Drive which should last no less than 3.5 hours. Return to the lodge at around 09:30 to enjoy a late but hearty breakfast. Check-out and transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport where you will connect with your International flight back home
Dates & Prices
May 2024
USD 3,975.00 per person sharing
USD 750.00 single supplement
AVAILABLE
September 2024
USD 3,975.00 per person sharing
USD 750.00 single supplement
AVAILABLE
May 2025
USD 4,100.00 per person sharing
USD 750.00 single supplement
AVAILABLE
September 2025
USD 4,100.00 per person sharing
USD 750.00 single supplement
AVAILABLE
Included
Not Included
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Domestic flights Johannesburg-Sabi Sand-Johannesburg
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6 nights Full Board in Elephant Plains Game Lodge
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All meals and selected beverages
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All park and conservation fees
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2 Game Drives daily ( morning and evening )
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Use of 4x4 open safari vehicles with guides
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Bottled water during Game Drives
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Photographic guidance and workshops
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International flights to Johannesburg
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Travel Insurance
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Medical Insurance
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Visa fees if applicable
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Tips for lodge staff and guide
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Extra hotel nights before or after safari