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TRIP DETAILS
All-Inclusive Lodge-Based Photo Safari
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Start/End
Start: Johannesburg, South Africa at 5 pm
End: Johannesburg, South Africa at 7 pm on Day 7
End: Johannesburg, South Africa at 7 pm on Day 7
Group Size
Limited to 8 Guests
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TRIP OVERVIEW
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Some of the Best Big Cat Photography in Africa
- Huge herds of African Elephants
- 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
Botswana remains one of the greatest countries on the continent of Africa for wildlife photography. It’s remote, seemingly limitless wilderness is vast and untrammeled by the hand of man. Lions, leopards, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, and herds of African elephants roam the expansive plains of this land-locked country situated between South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Explore the wilds of an Africa that remains in a time gone by.
Our ‘Botswana: Land of Giants’ tour will take us to Mashatu, a picturesque and privately owned 72,000-acre game reserve, where we’ll spend six days photographing a wide-array of wildlife found inside the preserved wilderness. Mashatu means “land of the giants,” which is a reference to the huge trees that dominate the landscape.
Mashatu will provide Backcountry Journeys photographers a more serene and exclusive experience as we enjoy its sanctuary to the largest herds of elephant on the continent. Picture yourself, and your camera, so close to those elephants that you feel as if they might be breathing down your neck.
While on our game drives we’ll have the opportunity to photograph the world’s tallest mammal, the giraffe; the world’s largest antelope, the eland; the world’s largest bird, the ostrich. The biodiversity of wildlife here is incredible. Three members of the ‘Big Five,’ namely the leopard, the lion, and the elephant are found here, and are complemented by some lesser well-known, but interesting, species, including the aardwolf (or “earth wolf”), the bat-eared fox, the African wildcat, the honey badger, the spotted hyena, and the black-backed jackal. Cheetah’s roam far and wide on the landscape of Mashatu and this is likely the best safari on the planet for big cat photography.
Birders will delight as Mashatu is home to more than 350 bird species including the enchanting lilac-breasted roller, and the Kori Bustard, which is not only the largest flying bird native to Africa, it is also the national bird of Botswana.
Return each night to your choice of either a luxurious safari-style “camp,” where you’ll find comradery with your fellow photographers under the starry African skies, or, to your lodge room designed for absolute privacy.
Either choice will offer luxurious amenities and incredible accommodations. If your idea of becoming “one with nature” is an outdoor shower under the stars, the Tent Camp is for you. If the luxury of air conditioning is something you can’t live without, choose dates with lodge availability.
If wildlife photography is your passion then a trip to ‘The Land of Giants’ with Backcountry Journeys needs to be on your list. Our meticulous scouting, camp selection, and world-class logistics leave no stone unturned in creating the most memorable travel experience to the continent of Africa.
Our ‘Botswana: Land of Giants’ tour will take us to Mashatu, a picturesque and privately owned 72,000-acre game reserve, where we’ll spend six days photographing a wide-array of wildlife found inside the preserved wilderness. Mashatu means “land of the giants,” which is a reference to the huge trees that dominate the landscape.
Mashatu will provide Backcountry Journeys photographers a more serene and exclusive experience as we enjoy its sanctuary to the largest herds of elephant on the continent. Picture yourself, and your camera, so close to those elephants that you feel as if they might be breathing down your neck.
While on our game drives we’ll have the opportunity to photograph the world’s tallest mammal, the giraffe; the world’s largest antelope, the eland; the world’s largest bird, the ostrich. The biodiversity of wildlife here is incredible. Three members of the ‘Big Five,’ namely the leopard, the lion, and the elephant are found here, and are complemented by some lesser well-known, but interesting, species, including the aardwolf (or “earth wolf”), the bat-eared fox, the African wildcat, the honey badger, the spotted hyena, and the black-backed jackal. Cheetah’s roam far and wide on the landscape of Mashatu and this is likely the best safari on the planet for big cat photography.
Birders will delight as Mashatu is home to more than 350 bird species including the enchanting lilac-breasted roller, and the Kori Bustard, which is not only the largest flying bird native to Africa, it is also the national bird of Botswana.
Return each night to your choice of either a luxurious safari-style “camp,” where you’ll find comradery with your fellow photographers under the starry African skies, or, to your lodge room designed for absolute privacy.
Either choice will offer luxurious amenities and incredible accommodations. If your idea of becoming “one with nature” is an outdoor shower under the stars, the Tent Camp is for you. If the luxury of air conditioning is something you can’t live without, choose dates with lodge availability.
If wildlife photography is your passion then a trip to ‘The Land of Giants’ with Backcountry Journeys needs to be on your list. Our meticulous scouting, camp selection, and world-class logistics leave no stone unturned in creating the most memorable travel experience to the continent of Africa.
What's Included
- All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
- All transportation during the workshop
- All lodging during the workshop
- Airport transfers
- All permits and park fees
- Professional photography guiding and instruction
- Gratuity for service staff and drivers
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)
- Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance (required) - see plans here.
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!
ITINERARY
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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 our tour representative 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 safari! 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 up-close photography of most of the species found in the region.
Afternoons and evenings in-between drives will be spent at our stunning safari camp or luxurious lodge.
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 just before 7pm.
We will have a farewell dinner in Johannesburg, South Africa before departing either late this evening or the next morning. Flights can be booked anytime 10 pm or after tonight. 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 our tour representative 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 safari! 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 up-close photography of most of the species found in the region.
Afternoons and evenings in-between drives will be spent at our stunning safari camp or luxurious lodge.
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 just before 7pm.
We will have a farewell dinner in Johannesburg, South Africa before departing either late this evening or the next morning. Flights can be booked anytime 10 pm or after tonight. 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.
Your 3 Unique Advantages
UNPARALLELED
PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS
PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS
THE BEST TEAM IN THE BUSINESS
WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY
Backcountry Journeys
Our proven process for world-class photography workshops, tours, and safaris
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TRIP ENROLLMENT
Our team of Photo Adventure Specialists will guide you through onboarding and enrollment when you book a trip. Expect excellent customer service.
ALL-INCLUSIVE
Enjoy a hassle-free experience with an all-inclusive package that takes care of all your needs, from transportation to meals and lodging.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Improve your photography skills with personalized guidance from professional photographers who are passionate about helping you succeed and getting you to the best locations.
BCJ COMMUNITY
Become part of our family - interact with BCJ guides and new friends. Share images, ask questions, talk about everything photography!
WE RECOMMEND TRIP INSURANCE
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 include Yosemite, Alaska, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Hawaii, Utah as well as Botswana & Costa Rica."
- 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
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 include Yosemite, Alaska, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Hawaii, Utah as well as Botswana & Costa Rica."
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.