Sabi Sand Big Cat
Photo Safari
Sabi Sand Big Cat Photo Safari
Experience the magic of the Sabi Sands
Join Rhulani Safaris on the ultimate Sabi Sands Photo Safari, a 7-day adventure designed for wildlife photographers passionate about Africa’s iconic big cats. Renowned as one of the best locations in the world to see leopards in the wild, the Sabi Sands Game Reserve offers unparalleled opportunities to photograph big cats in their natural environment. Led by Armand Grobler, a professional wildlife photographer and author with over a decade of experience, this safari combines expert photography guidance with the luxury of Elephant Plains Game Lodge.
Explore the Legendary Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Nestled within the Greater Kruger Park ecosystem, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve is a wildlife photographer’s paradise. Famous for its high density of leopards, the reserve is also home to an abundance of lions, hyenas, wild dogs and plenty of other iconic African wildlife such as hippo, giraffe and more. Its unfenced boundaries with South Africa’s Kruger National Park allow wildlife to roam freely, creating endless opportunities for capturing authentic moments in the wild.
The reserve’s savanna bushveld landscape, with its mix of open plains, acacia thickets, and riverbeds, serves as a breathtaking backdrop for spectacular images. Whether it’s a leopard lounging in a tree or a pride of lions on the hunt, Sabi Sands never fails to deliver awe-inspiring encounters.
Highlights of the Safari
• Big Cat Photography Focus: Capture stunning images of leopards, lions, and other predators with guidance from Armand Grobler.
• Photographic Vehicle: With a maximum of 6 guests per safari, allowing for adequate space and a window seat for all photographers.
• Luxury Accommodation: Stay at Elephant Plains Game Lodge, featuring en-suite, air-conditioned Rondavels and exceptional South African cuisine with WiFi in rooms and lounge area’s.
• Expert Photographic Workshops: Participate in group workshops and one-on-one tutoring to refine your skills. Armand Grobler is renowned for his artistry and shares his photo tips on not only capturing the best possible image, but also his secrets of ‘painting with light.’
• Exclusive Wildlife Experiences: Sabi Sand Private Nature Reserve is internationally known for its big cat sightings, of which we expect to see on nearly every game drive.
• Wild Encounters at the Lodge: With leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs frequently visiting the lodge, the adventure doesn’t stop when the drives end.
New for 2026: Extended 6-Night Safari Experience
2025Photographic Tours
May 19 – 23 (Full)
June 9 – 13 (Full)
June 25 – 29 (Full)
August 4 – 8 (Full)
September 8 – 12 (Full)
October 20 – 24 (Full)
November 3 – 7 (Full)
Cost: USD$ 2 435.00
2026Photographic Tours
June 21 – 27 (2 Rooms Available)
August 9 – 15 (3 Rooms Available)
September 20 – 26 (Provisionally Full)
October 4 – 10 (3 Rooms Available)
October 20 – 26 (Full)
Cost: USD$ 3 445.00 // Group Booking Discount Available.
Please note: SADC Rates Available (T’s and C’s Apply). Ask us for Current Specials running on selected trips. Minimum of 4 guests is required for the safari to commence. Maximum of 2 solo traveler’s per booking. Ask us about our Rhulani Loyalty Card for discounted rates. Photo safaris include Private Photographic Vehicle for our group of 6 guests.
Why Choose Rhulani Safaris?
• Led by a Renowned Photographer: Armand Grobler shares his extensive experience and passion for big cat photography to help you achieve stunning results.
• Luxury Meets Authenticity: Enjoy modern comforts at Elephant Plains Game Lodge while staying immersed in the wild.
• Small Group Focus: With a maximum of 6 guests per vehicle, you’ll have plenty of space to capture the perfect shot.
• Unparalleled Wildlife Density: Sabi Sands is South Africa’s premier destination for big cats and iconic African wildlife.
Book Your Sabi Sands Photo Safari Today
Whether you’re an experienced wildlife photographer or a first-time safari-goer, the Sabi Sands Photo Safari promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of South Africa’s big cat territory. Reserve your spot today and start planning the photographic adventure of a lifetime!
Spaces are limited, so don’t wait to secure your place on this incredible safari.
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)
OUR SABI SANDS SAFARI PACKAGES OFFER THE FOLLOWING
Our photo safaris offer the experience of a lifetime. From luxury accommodation to delicious meals, here’s everything included and excluded in our South Africa photo safari packages.
Included
- 6 Nights Luxury Accommodation at Elephant Plains Game Lodge
- 12 Game Drives in Private Photographic Vehicle (Max. 6 Guests)
- Rhino and Conservation Levies (R310 per person per night)
- Specialist Wildlife Photographic Host and Guide
- All Meals
- House Drinks (Including Tea’s and Coffee’s)
- Sundowner Drinks
- Bush Coffee
- Bushwalk
- Art of Wildlife Photography Workshop and Tutoring
- WiFi
Not Included
- Transfers (can be organised upon request)
- Flights
- Staff Gratuities
- Alcoholic Beverages (can be purchased on site)
- Items of Personal Nature
- Items Not Specified
Sabi Sand Big Cat Photo Safari Itinerary
With a keen focus on getting the most out of your photographic safari, we have tailored this safari to give you adequate opportunities to photographic the African Big Cats while also expanding your skills through our daily photographic workshops.
Day 1
13:30 Arrive at Elephant Plains Game Lodge
14:00 Lunch and Safari Briefing
16:00 Afternoon/ Evening Game Drive
20:00 Dinner
Day 2-6
05:30 Wakeup call and morning coffee
06:00 Morning Game Drive
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Bushwalk (optional)
11:00 Art of Wildlife Photography Workshop
14:00 Lunch
16:00 Afternoon/ Evening Game Drive
20:00 Dinner
Day 7
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*
Proudly Partnering With
Why you say? Canon often positions itself as a brand that delivers high-quality, reliable cameras with exceptional image quality, advanced technology, and user-friendly features, aiming to “delight you always” by capturing your most precious moments with precision and clarity; essentially, “Capture your story, perfectly.”.
Awards We Won
Timbavati Big Cat Safari named BEST VALUE ESTABLISHMENT based on consistent and excellent rates offered to our guests.
