LEARN THE BASICS
LEARN THE BASICS OF WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
Join Rhulani Safaris and acclaimed published photographer, Armand Grobler on our 3 Night Basics of Wildlife Photography workshop in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park.
This safari combines tranquility, authenticity and photography to give our guests an unforgettable African experience. On this big cat safari, you’ll come nose-to-nose with some incredible animals. With the guidance of Armand Grobler – acclaimed wildlife photographer and author – who will assist you in learning the basics of wildlife photography in an enjoyable and productive environment.
Armand Grobler has been in the industry for over 10 years, having already worked on various short films in the Sabi Sands and Okavango Delta, as well as publishing a high quality coffee table book titled, Photo Safari Kruger. His publication have been praised internationally with recognition in various newspapers, articles, magazines and more! Armand will assist you with improving your wildlife photography through his experience and knowledge in an environment that is both enjoyable and productive.
This photographic workshop is designed for people who are not yet confident with their camera skills and would like a quick lesson with practical application on how to take those spectacular postcard quality images.
ABOUT THE BASICS OF WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
The Manyeleti Game Reserve, known as ‘Africa’s best kept secret,’ lies in the midst of some of South Africa’s most prominent and renowned game reserves – the Sabi Sands, Timbavati and Kruger National Park.
Being unfenced with these reserves, the Manyeleti also boasts a great deal of wildlife, including the iconic ‘Big Five,’ with a particularly high density of lions. This makes it the perfect place to see and photograph some South African big cats.
Sightings of the rare African wild dog and cheetah are also more frequent than the neighboring reserves, and the ever changing vegetation keeps all naturalists intrigued.
Named ‘Place of the Stars,’ by the local Shangaan people, it is this very reason that it captives those privileged enough to experience it. The solitude is almost deafening. And the feel of ‘old Africa,’ almost overpowering as you drive through pristine – almost untouched – wilderness. Manyeleti is truly a magical place kept hidden from the eyes of the world.
SAFARI LOCATION
Buffelshoek Tented Camp, where we host our Basics of Wildlife Photography Workshops, is an en-suit, semi-luxury, permanent tented camp located in the southern parts of the reserve close to the Kruger Park and Sabi Sand borders.
There are few places that rival the scenery around Buffelshoek, and during the dry months you can expect to see regular visitors to the local water hole including elephants, zebras, giraffes, and lions.
The camp is unfenced, providing guests with a truly wild experience and you will be escorted to your room by your guide.
The most memorable of experiences is when a lion was chased up a tree in camp, joining us for a romantic dinner under the open skies!
The camp is solar-powered, and guests are able to charge cameras, laptops, phones and other appliances at the main lodge (there are no power points in the rooms).
The Big Cat game drives are completed in an open-top safari vehicle, perfect for big cats photography and guests can enjoy a breathtaking view across the African plains from the top veranda.
2023 BASICS OF WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI DATES
Workshops are not scheduled safaris and can be booked at your convenience. Price quoted below is based on 2 people for 3 nights/ 4 days, please contact us about Group or Family Bookings as well as Private Safaris should you like a private vehicle.
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS – WHAT TO EXPECT?
Our Big 5 Kruger photo tours are based on finding African big cats, with a particular focus on the leopard, of which we enjoy regular sightings of. For more information on what a photo safari entails, check out our blog post.
However, other animals in Sabi Sands that you can expect to see on your safari include the following:
- Lion
- Leopard
- Elephant
- Rhino
- Buffalo
- Hippo
- Crocodile
- Giraffe
- Zebra
- Spotted Hyena
- Birds (owls, raptors and lbj’s)
- Occasionally sightings of African Wild Dogs, Civets, Genets, African Wild Cat, Cheetah, Honey Badger
WHAT EQUIPMENT TO BRING
I always say, ‘Bring what you can,’ because you never know what situation you may find yourself in and must therefore be as ready as possible.
However, this isn’t always possible and therefore I have written from my experience what the best set of equipment includes.
It is important to remember that the vehicle is open (doesn’t have a roof) and therefore I would always suggest a camera and lens cover for possible rain or bad weather (THINK TANK products are fantastic for this!).
We also get in close proximity to the wildlife during our photo safaris, particularly the cats who have become habituated to the vehicles. And with the off-roading ability, we can maneuver the vehicle according to the situation.
For this photo safari, I would suggest the following:
- DSLR/ Mirrorless Cameras – film photography is not recommended.
- Lenses
- 70-200mm f/2.8 (my go-to lens)
- 100-400mm (most frequent lenses on safari)
- 400mm f/2.8 (optimum for close-ups)
- 150-600 f/5.6-6.4 (also provides a great range without having to switch lenses)
- Flash Speedlights (with flash bracket)
- Magmod Flash Magnifier
- Bean bags (can be organized prior to safari)
THIS PACKAGE OFFERS THE FOLLOWING
Rhulani Safaris offer some of the best Kruger photo safari tours and our big cat safaris offer the experience of a lifetime. From accommodation to photographic workshops, here’s everything included and excluded in our Kruger cat photography workshop.
INCLUDED
- 3 Nights Accommodation at Buffelshoek Tented Camp
- Meals
- House Drinks (Juice, Water, Coffee’s and Tea’s)
- Selection of Local Beers, Wine and Spirits
- Art of Wildlife Photography Workshops (Experienced Photographers)
- Basics of Wildlife Photography Workshops (Novice Photographers)
- 6 Game Drives (3 Morning & 3 Afternoon/ Evening)
EXCLUDED
- Flights
- Transfers (can be organised)
- Staff Gratuities
- Alcoholic Beverages Not Specified
PHOTO WORKSHOP ITINERARY
Each day of your Big Cats photo safari has been designed to offer you the best experience. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take some magnificent pictures of African cats and other wildlife that you can show off to friends and family.
DAY 1
- 13:30 Meet at Buffelshoek Tented Camp
- 14:00 Lunch and Safari Briefing
- 16:00 Afternoon/ Evening Game Drive
- 20:00 Dinner
DAY 2-3
- 05:30 Wakeup call and morning coffee
- 06:00 Morning Game Drive
- 09:00 Breakfast
- 11:00 Art of Wildlife Photography Workshop
- 13:00 Basics of Photography Workshop (Private Sessions)
- 14:00 Lunch
- 16:00 Afternoon/ Evening Game Drive
- 20:00 Dinner
DAY 4
- 05:30 Wakeup call and morning coffee
- 06:00 Morning Game Drive
- 09:00 Breakfast
- 10:00 Departure
Times may vary slightly depending on season*