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Mashatu and Kings Camp - Hides Safari
USD $11,500 / per person sharing
10 days
14th - 23rd July 2026 - SOLD OUT
Join Panthera Photo Safaris on an unforgettable 9-night photographic adventure split between two of Southern Africa’s premier wildlife destinations: Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana and Kings Camp in South Africa’s Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
This safari is built for photographers of all levels, with expert guidance from professional wildlife photographers Lance van de Vyver and Villiers Steyn. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your portfolio, this trip offers the ideal balance of exclusive access, personal instruction, and incredible wildlife opportunities.
5 Nights at Mashatu Game Reserve
In July, Mashatu offers crisp winter light, dry riverbeds, and dense wildlife activity around water sources—perfect conditions for photography. You’ll have exclusive use of safari vehicles and guaranteed sessions in their iconic photographic hides.
What’s included at Mashatu:
• 5 nights accommodation at Mashatu Lodge
• 1 morning session per person in the Matebole hide
• 1 afternoon session per person in the Matebole hide
• 1 overnight session per person in the Lala Limpopo sleepout hide
• Exclusive-use game drive vehicles for our group
• Guidance from Lance and Villiers on every drive and hide session
4 Nights at Kings Camp, Timbavati
Timbavati is known for big cats, white rhinos, large elephant bulls, and open woodlands—making it a top destination for dramatic, intimate portraits of wildlife.
What’s included at Kings Camp:
• You’ll have full-time access to the Kings Warren photographic hide, giving you a unique perspective at a popular waterhole
• Optional 2x game drives per day
• Use of the Kings Camp Photo Studio, where you’ll receive help from Lance and Villiers to choose, edit, and professionally print your favourite image from the trip.
Why should you choose this tour?
Private access to three world-class photographic hides
Enjoy exclusive sessions in two of Mashatu’s premier hides—Matebole and Lala Limpopo—designed by photographers for photographers. These underground hides allow for unique, eye-level perspectives of wildlife and are among the best in Africa for capturing close-up moments with elephants, birds, and more.Unlimited time in the Kings Warren Hide
At Kings Camp, you’ll have unrestricted access to the Kings Warren Hide throughout your stay. Strategically placed near a well-frequented waterhole, it offers incredible photographic opportunities from dawn to dusk—without ever leaving camp.Abundance of Species
You can expect to encounter species such as elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhino, wild dogs and various antelope species, along with a rich variety of birdlife, including bee-eaters, kingfishers, and raptors.Small group, big focus Departures
We keep our group sizes small to ensure you get plenty of one-on-one time with your guides, allowing for personalized tuition both in the field and in post-processing sessions. Whether you need help with settings, composition, or editing, we’ve got you covered.Expert-Led Experience
Your guides, Lance van de Vyver and Villiers Steyn, are highly experienced wildlife photographers and safari leaders. Their combined knowledge and enthusiasm will elevate your photography, while their relaxed approach makes the experience both fun and educational.Quick Facts
Countries
Botswana and South Africa
Group Size
8 guests / 2 vehicles
Starting Point
Pont Drift Border
Per Person Sharing
10 days USD $11,500
Per Person Single
10 days USD $14,950
SADC Rates
SADC Rates do apply. Please contact us for more info.
Photographic Highlights
This trip offers thrilling big cat photography, elephants up close at toe-level from hides, and golden light scenes featuring iconic species like leopards, lions, and buffalo. From action-packed waterhole moments to intimate predator encounters, every game drive and hide session delivers powerful storytelling opportunities.
Day 1: Pont Drift
You will arrive at Pont Drift Border crossing before 1 o'clock to meet with Lance and Villiers and clear customs. Once we have cleared passport control, we will be met by a member of the Mashatu team who will drive us across the border, where we will clear customs on the Botswana side.
Once completed, we will then be transported on an open vehicle through to Mashatu Lodge, where we will check into our suites, receive a short briefing from the Mashatu team, and enjoy a high tea.
From here, we will head off on our first Matebole hide session, searching for great photographic opportunities.
After the hide session (approximately 3.5-4 hours), we will return to the camp to freshen up before enjoying a drink in the bar and dinner in the boma.
Day 2: Matebole Magic
Day two starts off with a coffee and light breakfast at the lodge, featuring fresh fruit, cereals, and yogurt to accompany your hot cup of coffee or tea.
We then depart before dawn from the lodge to be in the Matebole Hide around sunrise.
This will be the second of our exclusive hide sessions, where we will photograph elephants, birds and many other mammal species that come down to the water to drink. Tea and coffee will be available in the hide if needed.
After approximately 4 hours, we will return to the lodge for a brunch, swim in the pool and a rest before the next high tea and our first afternoon game drive.
In the afternoon we depart on our first game drive, where we once again head out in search of good photographic sightings, stopping for many species along the way. After enjoying a sundowner stop, we will return to the camp once again to freshen up before heading to the bar and boma for dinner.
Day 3: Game Drives in Mashatu
Day three starts off once again like day two, with a coffee and light breakfast at the lodge before heading out on a game drive.
The afternoon session will also be a game drive.
Day 4: Lala Limpopo + Game Drives
Day four begins with a game drive in the beautiful Land of the Giants. We will head out in search of wildlife during the best light before returning to the camp for brunch
In the afternoon half of the group will spend the night in the Lala Limpopo sleepout hide, while the other half enjoys a game drive.
Day 5: Change over
Day five the group in the sleepout hide will enjoy the morning session photographing animals that come to drink in the beautiful morning light. The game drive group will have their last game drive in Mashatu.
In the afternoon the two groups will swap over. Those who have not been in the Lala Limpopo hide yet will stay the night, and the group that comes out of the hide will go on game drive.
Day 6: Botswana to South Africa
Day six we finish off with our last hide session and game drive respectively, before having one last brunch at the lodge. We then pack our bags and say goodbye to Mashatu.
From Pont Drift Border we will be collected by our shared road transfer and driven to the Timbavati. The drive time is approximately 6 hours.
After checking in to Kings Camp, you will have time to relax in your rooms or visit the Kings Warren hide at your leisure.
Day 7 to 9: Kings Camp
Days seven to nine you will enjoy your choice of game drives in the Timbavati Game Reserve, or spending slower paced mornings in the Kings Warren hide. After around 3 hours the game drives will return, and breakfast will be served. Guests will have the choice to spend the rest of their day relaxing, sitting in the hide, or even making use of the Kings Camp Photography Studio (which has a great view of the waterhole and hide).
In the afternoons you may also choose to venture out on game drive, or try your luck in the hides to see what animals come to visit. The hide is also accessible into the night (although there are no beds).
Day 10: Departure
Day ten is sadly our final day, but not before one last hide or game drive. After breakfast we will pack our things and catch a transfer to Hoedspruit airport for onward travel.
