- Why we are different
- Safari Highlights
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Join us on a Thrilling and Unforgettable Nature Experience of a Lifetime
Our photo safaris maximize wildlife. Whether you are a serious photographer or just want the thrill of animal encounters in their natural habitat you will have the experience of a lifetime. Explore South African private reserves and Kruger National Park through your lens while learning and sharing with your professional wildlife photographer guide Gregory Sweeney.
The adventure of a lifetime is possible and affordable.
7 Day Wildlife Safari
Observe South African wildlife and animal behavior while on game drives and walks on private reserves and Kruger National Park. Stay in a safari treehouse camp. Find out More...
13 Day Photography Safari and Workshop
Photographers of all levels will increase the quality of their wildlife photography while experiencing the South African bush. Photographer Gregory Sweeney offeres ways to improve your images through demonstration in the field and in learning sessions. Find out More....
Contact us with a question or request for a custom safari through this website
Email us at Lion@AfricaWildSafaris.net
Or call us at (239)283-0022 EST
Notably different than other safaris
Why we are different
We are wildlife photographers
As photographers we explore and discover the best places to find and photograph the most exciting animals. We take a maximum of only 10 guests per tour and stay at small lodges in order to allow for a personal experience for each guest.
We use open vehicles with 3 tears of elevated seats. Not a glass enclosed minivan like so many other operators. Private reserves allow guests, guides, tracker to get out of the vehicle to safely appoach your subject whenever possible.
We explore the African wildlife from an exclusive and personal family owned lodge comprised of unique treehouses, not a big impersonal lodge filled with bus tourists and more comfortable than permanent tent camp since the treehouses are more like cabins.
You will visit a very special place
Situated 20 minutes from Kruger National Park, you will be staying in an area with several contiguous private game reserves. The varied conservation efforts of the reserves (white rhino, elephant, lions, buffalo, etc) and the large combined area with open range in proximity to Kruger greatly increase the quality and likelihood of encountering many of the more elusive species.
During the guided Game Drives you will be able to exit the vehicle and get up close to rhinos and elephants.
When on safari we pace ourselves for photographers and those who like to observe the animals. Your leader and local guides and trackers teach you how to read the animal's behavior and anticipate the action shots.
We spend time with the animals observing and waiting for that memorable moment rather and rushing off in a hurry in order to tick another animal off the list.
Though large animals are the attraction, the birds, trees , and small creatures are not forgotten. Our experienced guides know the best areas and times to find specific animals. When we find them, the drivers know how to position the vehicle to anticipate the best photographic angle and will follow photographers’ directions. Our vehicles are open so there is no hanging out the roof or obstructed views. We go on private reserves where it is possible to photograph all of the Big 5.
Time of year makes a difference to your experience
We visit South Africa during the change from autumn to winter. This has many advantages for our guests including the fact that this is the off season for travelers in Africa so you will have less crowds and cheaper flights. Autumn is the beginning of the dry season when less grass and undergrowth are present which means easier viewing of animals. The temperatures are lower which will ensure the animals (and the humans) can be more active – no need for closed in vehicles with AC. Dry season also means few mosquitoes and bugs to worry about.
Learn More with these Links
Get tips on preparing for a safari and photography tips
Get Information about our Wildlife Safari
Get Information about our Digital Photographer's Safari and Workshop / Boot Camp
Wildlife Adventures Twice Each Day
Your days are active as we take you to the best game viewing and photographic opportunities
Our activities will vary depending on weather, animal activity, and group interests, during each safari we treat our guests to the following activities - all right near the lodge or a short drive away.
- Game drives and bush walks on private reserves
- A unique bush safari on elephant back
- Visit private reserves with elephant and rhinoceros sanctuaries
- Big 5 Game Drive on a world famous reserve
- A full day visit to Kruger National Park
- Canyon boat ride with hippos and crocodiles
- See predators and raptors up close at an animal rehabilitation center
| More about our Wildlife Safari | More about our Photography Safari |
Visit our African Photography page with tips for preparing for a photo safari
We are about to embark on our 2009 safaris. We are very excited and look forward to telling stories and the news from our adventure in the June 2009 issue of Wild TImes
Twice a year we publish our online and email newsletter Wild Times. Read past issues below and sign up to receive our new issues Here
June 2008
December 2008
May 2009
KNP Tusker Alexander Dies of Heartattack
One of the elephants with the largest tusks in Kruger National Park (KNP) passed away on February 27, 2009 seemingly from a heartattack.
Bachelor Herds
Male African buffalo living in bachelor herds are 4 times more likely to fall victim to predators in the Kruger than those living in mixed herds. This is because bachelor herds choose to live in areas of low visibility (and consequently increased predation risk) where as mixed herds choose more open habitats. Forage quality is better in low visibility areas however, allowing males in bachelor herds to gain more weight and have increased reproductive success.
Ivory Auction
More than R67 million ($6.7 million) raised through the auction of a stockpile of 51 tons of ivory will contribute significantly towards elephant research, community, development, anti-poaching, and conservation measures. The ivory was of illegal origin and this was the first international ivory sale in a decade
Saving Spots by Adopting a Spot
The Cape Leopard Trust is making significant progress in conserving the leopard species in the Western Cape of South Africa through a number of research projects, conservation strategies and tourism initiatives. The Cape Leopard Trust’s latest sponsorship option is the Adopt a Spot program where you can adopt a spot or rosette on the leopard of your choice for R500 per year ($60). Photographs and updates about your leopard will be sent to you quarterly. To find out more visit www.capeleopard.org.za
Grub's Up
Foraging in groups is thought to be beneficial for antelope species like impala at a cost of increased competition for food. There is no change in vigilance watching for predators as the size of the group increases, but when the density of the herd increases (the same number of individuals in a smaller area) members start spending more time feeding and less time watching for predators. Will they take notice if a few individuals disappear?