Curated Journey
SOUTH AFRICA
Umlani Big 5 Safari
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Duration
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About
THE BIG 5 OF timbavati
This photographic safari takes place in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which shares unfenced borders with the world-renowned Greater Kruger National Park. This allows wildlife, especially the Big 5, to roam freely across a vast conservation area, offering you the same incredible biodiversity as Kruger, but with the exclusivity and intimacy only a private reserve can provide.
With its golden winter light, diverse terrain, and uncrowded sightings, Timbavati offers exceptional opportunities for capturing raw, authentic wildlife moments. It’s one of my favourite photographic locations, where I’ll be guiding you personally and helping you tell powerful stories through your lens.
About
ALL YOU NEED TO know
ABOUT THIS TOUR
Timbavati Game Reserve was formed in the 1950s, when a group of conservation-minded private game park owners on the western boundary of the Kruger National Park decided to pool their resources for their mutual benefit as well as that of the wildlife in the area. The individual farms were consequently joined to form a wilderness area that is today privately owned by 48 individual members.
Our eco-bushcamp, is unfenced, and nestled deep within Timbavati, offers access to prime wildlife territory without the crowds. With no day visitors or public roads, sightings are less pressured, and off-road access means you can position perfectly for the best shots, whether it’s a leopard in golden light or elephants at a waterhole.
MY PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
The key to getting the most out of any photographic safari begins before you even arrive, by knowing your camera gear well enough to use it instinctively. That said, I know modern photography can feel overwhelming at times, especially when juggling settings, techniques, and fast-moving wildlife. That’s exactly why my approach is hands-on, practical, and always supportive.
Whether you’re still learning the basics or keen to master more advanced techniques, I will be there to guide you with personalised instruction in the field. From understanding exposure and achieving sharp focus to creative techniques like panning, backlighting, and storytelling composition, you’ll get the one-on-one time you need, without feeling rushed or left behind.
And because my groups are small, there’s ample time for photo feedback sessions, editing guidance, and learning how to manage your workflow. It’s not just about shooting, it’s about growing as a visual storyteller, in one of the most inspiring locations Africa has to offer.
What to Bring – Your TIMBAVATI Photo Kit
There’s no single camera setup that works for every destination, but there are smart choices for this particular safari that will help you be ready for the moment when the action unfolds. Here are some essentials and tips to help you pack with purpose:
Must Haves
- Two camera bodies – One to shoot with, one as a backup. This helps avoid changing lenses in dusty conditions and gives peace of mind.
- Telephoto lens – A lens with a reach of at least 400mm is ideal for wildlife. If birds are a focus, even longer (500–600mm) is better.
- Wide-angle lens – Something in the 14–35mm range is great for capturing environmental shots, dramatic skies, and close-up scenes with context.
- Mid-range zoom (70–200mm) – Versatile for both wildlife and portraits, especially when animals are near.
- General purpose lens – A 24–70mm or 24–105mm zoom covers a lot of ground and is perfect for travel and cultural images.
- Spare batteries and memory cards – Bring more than you think you need. Chargers too, preferably two.
- Lens cleaning kit – Dust and smudges are inevitable.
- Copy of your camera manual – It can save the day!
- A laptop with editing software (like Lightroom or Camera Raw) – For reviewing and backing up your images, plus an external hard drive for added security.
- Small camera backpack or daypack – Weatherproof and comfortable.
Optional but Useful
- Tripod – Not always necessary for this safari, but a small, sturdy one can be useful for landscapes or low-light shots if you’re planning to do long exposures.
- Flash – With a remote trigger for creative or macro work.
- Polarizing filter – Great for reducing glare.
- Rain cover for gear – The weather can change quickly in the bush.
Lens Selection by Subject
| Subject | Recommended Lenses |
|---|---|
| Wildlife | Telephoto 400mm+, Mid-range Zoom 70–200mm |
| Birds | 500mm–600mm telephoto (fixed or zoom) |
| Landscapes | Wide-angle 14–35mm, sturdy tripod, polariser |
| Culture/People | 24–70mm, 50mm prime, mid-range zoom |
| Macro subjects | Macro lens (90–105mm), flash with trigger |
Final Tip: Travel Light, But Smart
You don’t need to bring everything you own, just the right tools for the kind of photography you want to do. If you’re unsure what to prioritize for the safari, feel free to reach out and I will be happy to advise based on your specific goals and camera system.
Your journey with me isn’t just about taking better photos, it’s about transforming how you see the natural world, one frame at a time.
INCLUDED
- Photography Workshop with Lesley
- 6 nights at Eco Camp in Timbavati
- All road transfers
- All meals during your stay
- Two Game drives daily
- Daily image review sessions and one-on-one photo tuition
- Non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks included
EXCLUDED
- Camera equipment
- International or domestic flights
- Any required visas
- Personal laptop (required for editing and image review sessions)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Medical expenses, vaccinations etc.
- Gratuities for guides and staff (at your discretion)
- Single supplement
RICH BIODIVERSITY
PHOTO opportunities
This region offers remarkable biodiversity, with thriving populations of the Big Five, a wide range of plains game, and over 350 recorded bird species. From powerful predator encounters to vibrant birdlife and everything in between, each game drive presents a rich variety of subjects for wildlife photographers.
Read More
???? What You Can Expect to Photograph
This is a list of what you likely to see, however, there are many other species not included.
Mammals & Big Game Highlights
- The Big Five: Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and white rhino roam freely throughout the reserve.
- Other Large Mammals: Giraffe, plains zebra, blue wildebeest, greater kudu, impala, waterbuck, sable antelope, nyala, and eland.
- Predators & Carnivores: Spotted hyena, African wild dog (occasionally), cheetah, caracal, and jackal.
- Smaller Mammals: Warthog, banded mongoose, honey badger, and various species of monkeys including vervet and samango monkeys.
- Nocturnal Species: Bushbaby (galago), aardvark (rare), and genet.
Birdlife & Raptors
- Bird Diversity: Over 350 bird species recorded, making this an exceptional location for bird photographers.
- Key Raptors: African Fish Eagle, Martial Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Black-chested Snake Eagle, and White-backed Vulture.
- Colourful Residents: Lilac-breasted Roller, Grey Go-away Bird, Purple-crested Turaco, and African Hoopoe.
- Waterbirds: African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, and Grey Heron frequent the waterholes and rivers.
- Unique Species: Southern Ground-Hornbill, Crested Barbet, and the iconic Trumpeter Hornbill.
- Other Notables: African Paradise Flycatcher, Burchell’s Coucal, and Yellow-billed Hornbill.
Why July–August is Excellent for Photography
- Dry Season Advantages: Vegetation is sparse, providing clear sightlines and uncluttered compositions.
- Concentration of Wildlife: Animals gather around shrinking water sources, increasing your chances for multiple species encounters in one location.
- Light Quality: Crisp, clear air enhances colours and sharpness, with beautiful golden hours perfect for dramatic wildlife portraits.
- Predictable Animal Behavior: Easier to anticipate movements and actions, enabling better planned and more dynamic shots.
Reasons to join this Photo SAFARI
GET READY FOR
AFRICA’S wildlife
✓ Led by Lesley Rochat, professional wildlife photographer & conservationist
✓ Premier Big 5 photographic safari in the Timbavati
✓ Designed for intimate encounters and behavioural photography
✓ Personalised, hands-on guidance in dynamic bushveld conditions
✓ Exceptional diversity: Big 5, predators, rare antelope, raptors, and more
✓ Small group for best position that ensures the capture
Spots are limited, start the conversation.
