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Big Cats of Africa
Tented Camp Photo Safari
Upcoming Departures
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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]
Single Supplement: +$1,250.00
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Deposit: $3,500.00
Start/End
Johannesburg, South Africa / Johannesburg, South Africa
Length
8 Days/7 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 1 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 7 Guests
Highlights
- Some of the Best Big Cat Photography in Africa
- Reliably photography lions, leopards & cheetahs
- Photographic safari via custom 4x4 vehicles
- Massive variety of African Wildlife
- Southern Africa's largest private game reserve
- Small Groups
- Top-notch meals, luxurious safari "camps"
- Learn from & shoot alongside a seasoned pro
- Expert local wildlife tracker!
If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:
Where in Africa can you reliably photograph not just one but all three species of big cats - lions, leopards and cheetahs?
The African Continent is massive & several places come to mind & are certainly possible. These include the Serengeti & Masai-Mara regions of Tanzania & Kenya as well as the low lying regions of Kruger National Park in South Africa and Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Chobe and Moremi areas. All of these have great potential however none have the perfect storm of environmental factors necessary to reliably and almost always be able to photograph all three species in just one short trip.
Cheetahs tend to avoid densely wooded areas as they aren’t able to reach their top speed when seeking prey. Leopards are hard to find most places but especially so in open grassland environments. Lion populations are dwindling across the continent and as of the time of this writing only occupy about eight percent of their historic range.
On our special 'Big Cats of Africa' photography safari, lions, leopards & cheetah are generally seen daily, not just one species but all three! Zebra, giraffe, and herds of African elephants also roam the expansive plains on our journey through the heart of the African wilderness however the focus (no pun intended) of this trips is BIG CATS. Lots of them!
Exciting, awe inspiring? Oh yes. An African Safari dedicated to photographing the most incredible feline predators on the planet, hand-crafted for YOU by your expert photo guides at Backcountry Journeys.
As with several other of our photo safari itineraries, our Big Cats of Africa safari will take us to Mashatu, a wild & diverse 72,000-acre game reserve in Botswana. Here we join with our expert wildlife trackers who know the wilds of Mashatu like the back of their hands - after all they live here, they grew up here & they know the land intimately - which means they know where to find the lions, cheetahs & leopards during any month of the year - and take you right to them! Unlike many of the crowded National Parks elsewhere in Africa, the cats tend to be relaxed here around safari vehicles. The region features two large rivers (the Majale and the Matebole) so in addition to lion & cheetah it is not unusual to have more than two leopard sightings on a single game drive.
If you are on the hunt for beautiful, full-frame & close-up photos of African big cats - this is your trip!
Lions, leopards and cheetahs (all three) are seen on the Mashatu Game reserve just about every day of the year. Even during the wet season when cat sightings can be difficult elsewhere due to thick vegetation, Mashatu can deliver big-time. Leopards are not easy to see anywhere, but at Mashatu you can more or less bet on it.
In addition to lion, leopard, cheetah, other predator species such as Black-backed jackal, African wildcat, bat-eared fox and spotted hyena are easily & often photographed at the preserve. The reason? Mashatu is a vast, ungated wilderness area surrounded only by more wildlands including the Northern Tuli Game Reserve and Kruger National Park in South Africa. The vast herds are able to roam far and wide, untrammeled by the hand of man.
Due to extensive conservation efforts through eco-tourism, rather than hunting, this gem of a sanctuary was created where animal populations could grow with minimal human interference which has resulted in massive increases in their populations.
After spending your days photographing big cats (both on-road & off) - return each night to your well appointed safari-style “camp,” where you’ll find camaraderie with your fellow photographers under the starry African skies. The private tents themselves are spacious, comfortable and large enough that there’s no need to duck to get around. Each is mounted on a raised platform and has its own private en-suite facilities.
Botswana, and in particular the Mashatu Game Reserve remains one of the greatest spectacles on the continent of Africa for big cat photography, so come join BCJ on this once in a lifetime odyssey. It’s remote, seemingly limitless wilderness is vast and untrammeled by the hand of man.
Our meticulous scouting, expert local wildlife guides and world-class logistics mean that you're in good hands when it comes to finding & photographing the greatest & most diverse population of feline predators on planet Earth!
The African Continent is massive & several places come to mind & are certainly possible. These include the Serengeti & Masai-Mara regions of Tanzania & Kenya as well as the low lying regions of Kruger National Park in South Africa and Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Chobe and Moremi areas. All of these have great potential however none have the perfect storm of environmental factors necessary to reliably and almost always be able to photograph all three species in just one short trip.
Cheetahs tend to avoid densely wooded areas as they aren’t able to reach their top speed when seeking prey. Leopards are hard to find most places but especially so in open grassland environments. Lion populations are dwindling across the continent and as of the time of this writing only occupy about eight percent of their historic range.
On our special 'Big Cats of Africa' photography safari, lions, leopards & cheetah are generally seen daily, not just one species but all three! Zebra, giraffe, and herds of African elephants also roam the expansive plains on our journey through the heart of the African wilderness however the focus (no pun intended) of this trips is BIG CATS. Lots of them!
Exciting, awe inspiring? Oh yes. An African Safari dedicated to photographing the most incredible feline predators on the planet, hand-crafted for YOU by your expert photo guides at Backcountry Journeys.
As with several other of our photo safari itineraries, our Big Cats of Africa safari will take us to Mashatu, a wild & diverse 72,000-acre game reserve in Botswana. Here we join with our expert wildlife trackers who know the wilds of Mashatu like the back of their hands - after all they live here, they grew up here & they know the land intimately - which means they know where to find the lions, cheetahs & leopards during any month of the year - and take you right to them! Unlike many of the crowded National Parks elsewhere in Africa, the cats tend to be relaxed here around safari vehicles. The region features two large rivers (the Majale and the Matebole) so in addition to lion & cheetah it is not unusual to have more than two leopard sightings on a single game drive.
If you are on the hunt for beautiful, full-frame & close-up photos of African big cats - this is your trip!
Lions, leopards and cheetahs (all three) are seen on the Mashatu Game reserve just about every day of the year. Even during the wet season when cat sightings can be difficult elsewhere due to thick vegetation, Mashatu can deliver big-time. Leopards are not easy to see anywhere, but at Mashatu you can more or less bet on it.
In addition to lion, leopard, cheetah, other predator species such as Black-backed jackal, African wildcat, bat-eared fox and spotted hyena are easily & often photographed at the preserve. The reason? Mashatu is a vast, ungated wilderness area surrounded only by more wildlands including the Northern Tuli Game Reserve and Kruger National Park in South Africa. The vast herds are able to roam far and wide, untrammeled by the hand of man.
Due to extensive conservation efforts through eco-tourism, rather than hunting, this gem of a sanctuary was created where animal populations could grow with minimal human interference which has resulted in massive increases in their populations.
After spending your days photographing big cats (both on-road & off) - return each night to your well appointed safari-style “camp,” where you’ll find camaraderie with your fellow photographers under the starry African skies. The private tents themselves are spacious, comfortable and large enough that there’s no need to duck to get around. Each is mounted on a raised platform and has its own private en-suite facilities.
Botswana, and in particular the Mashatu Game Reserve remains one of the greatest spectacles on the continent of Africa for big cat photography, so come join BCJ on this once in a lifetime odyssey. It’s remote, seemingly limitless wilderness is vast and untrammeled by the hand of man.
Our meticulous scouting, expert local wildlife guides and world-class logistics mean that you're in good hands when it comes to finding & photographing the greatest & most diverse population of feline predators on planet Earth!
What's Included
- All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
- All transportation during the workshop
- All lodging during the workshop
- All permits and park fees
- Professional photography guiding and instruction
- Wildlife tracker(s)
- Gratuity for service staff and driver(s)
What's Not Included
Flights to and from Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB)
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance (required) - see plans here.
Trip Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Travel Day) (D)
Arrive in Johannesburg in the evening. After clearing customs, you will be met by your trip leader and transferred to your hotel. Meet and greet dinner along with orientation this evening.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Today we will transfer to Mashatu, a privately-owned preserve that will be our home for this trip! Mashatu is a true hidden gem, a throwback to Africa of yesteryear yet combined with luxury. The diverse landscape of the preserve includes wide open plains, grassland, riverine forests, rocky hills, marshland, and majestic sandstone ridges. Perfect for photographing all three big cat species. This afternoon we will have our first game-drive in Mashatu.
Days 3 - 6 (B,L,D)
The next four full-days will be dedicated to game drives in Mashatu – which features some of the best big cat photography in Africa as well as massive elephant herds & unique photographic blinds. Aside from game drives we will have access to world-class wildlife “hides” which allow for incredible close-ups.
Afternoons and evenings in-between drives will be spent at our stunning safari camp. We'll also have the opportunity for night drives in search of our feline friends!
Day 7 (B,L,D)
We’ll awake early on our final morning at Mashatu and take advantage of the soft light of morning to make some final images on one final game drive. Following our game drive, we’ll pack up and depart for Johannesburg, where we should arrive in the early evening.
We will have a farewell dinner in Johannesburg, South Africa before departing either late this evening or the next morning. For anyone departing the next day, we will have rooms for you to stay in overnight.
Day 8
International flights home.
Day 1 (Travel Day) (D)
Arrive in Johannesburg in the evening. After clearing customs, you will be met by your trip leader and transferred to your hotel. Meet and greet dinner along with orientation this evening.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Today we will transfer to Mashatu, a privately-owned preserve that will be our home for this trip! Mashatu is a true hidden gem, a throwback to Africa of yesteryear yet combined with luxury. The diverse landscape of the preserve includes wide open plains, grassland, riverine forests, rocky hills, marshland, and majestic sandstone ridges. Perfect for photographing all three big cat species. This afternoon we will have our first game-drive in Mashatu.
Days 3 - 6 (B,L,D)
The next four full-days will be dedicated to game drives in Mashatu – which features some of the best big cat photography in Africa as well as massive elephant herds & unique photographic blinds. Aside from game drives we will have access to world-class wildlife “hides” which allow for incredible close-ups.
Afternoons and evenings in-between drives will be spent at our stunning safari camp. We'll also have the opportunity for night drives in search of our feline friends!
Day 7 (B,L,D)
We’ll awake early on our final morning at Mashatu and take advantage of the soft light of morning to make some final images on one final game drive. Following our game drive, we’ll pack up and depart for Johannesburg, where we should arrive in the early evening.
We will have a farewell dinner in Johannesburg, South Africa before departing either late this evening or the next morning. For anyone departing the next day, we will have rooms for you to stay in overnight.
Day 8
International flights home.
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
More Trips Like This
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Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
UNPARALELLED
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Explore over 100 worldwide photo tours and workshops tailored to photographers of all skill levels, from iconic U.S. National Parks to Africa's untamed savannahs.
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We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.
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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Testimonials From Our Customers
Julie K.
"I have traveled with Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) several times over the last 4 years to Glacier NP, Costa Rica (2x), Smoky Mountains NP, Joshua Tree, Zion and Bryce NPs, and most recently to Alaska.
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
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Scott S.
"BCJ provides an outstanding experience for photographers of all levels of experience/expertise. Each day's excursion is well planned-out and the guides always have a back-up plan if the weather is less than cooperative.
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
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Katherine P.
"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
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Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024