Luxury Wildlife Photography Safari in South Africa
12-Nights of Incredible Wildlife Encounters, Expert Guiding, and 5-Star Accommodations
Operated by
Finisterra Travel
Three Trips in One
Unforgettable 12-Day Adventure
This exclusive 12-day wildlife photography safari in South Africa is operated by Finisterra Travel (BC Reg. #70260), with photography instruction hosted by Follow Me North.
This unforgettable journey takes you to the breathtaking destinations of Cape Town, Timbavati, and Madikwe, offering an experience tailored for both photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
For photographers, private jeeps provide the peace and quiet needed to focus on capturing stunning images. No crowds. No distractions.
For wildlife lovers, the safari promises incredible, up-close encounters that are as authentic as they are unforgettable. With a perfect blend of intimacy, exclusivity, and world-class game viewing, this adventure is designed to create memories that will stay with you forever.
Trip Summary
DATES: TBD for April/May 2027
LOCATIONS: Cape Town, Timbavati & Madikwe
PHYSICAL RATING: EASY
GROUP SIZE: Limited to 10 to ensure an intimate and personalized experience
PRICING: TBD in 2027. For context, in 2025, the trip was priced in Four Equal Payments of $4,748.75 CAD (Taxes Included)
Please Note: Follow Me North Photography is not a travel agency or tour operator, and does not sell or facilitate the sale of travel services. All travel arrangements, payments, and logistics for this trip are managed solely by Finisterra Travel, a licensed travel company (BC Reg. #70260), and proud members of the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Follow Me North is responsible for hosting and delivering photography instruction. Travel details and payment instructions will be sent to you after registration.
Trip Inclusions
4 Nights in a Luxury Camp in Timbavati
Inspired by traditional South African design, the lodge offers a relaxed ambience where indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly flow into one another. Guests can enjoy a perfect balance of communal and private moments, all infused with the authentic feel of the African bush.
5 Nights in a Luxury Camp in Madikwe
The suites offer luxurious accommodations, nestled in custom-designed structures inspired by stilted treehouses. Connected by raised walkways, each suite boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding riverine forest and the iconic Marico River.
Private Hide At A Watering Hole
Our lodge offers a unique opportunity for game viewing, even between daily drives. Whether you’re hoping to capture eye-level shots of wildlife at a bustling waterhole or simply want to soak in the serene beauty of your surroundings, our private hide offers the perfect balance of intimacy and connection to nature.
Accessible through an underwater tunnel directly from your room, our submerged photographic hide is available 24/7. This one-of-a-kind feature allows you to immerse yourself in the wildlife experience like never before.
All Meals On Safari
Menus celebrate farm-to-table ingredients while delivering the sophistication of fine dining. And yes, drinks are included! Start your mornings with coffee on the go, infused with love, and a splash of Amarula, before indulging in lavish bush breakfasts. Savour bush picnics and dinners under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the wild. Each evening game drive is capped off with sundowners, where our guides serve up your cocktail of choice, making every sunset a celebration.
Daily Morning Game Drives
At first light, you'll set out in an open 4x4 safari vehicle for a thrilling morning game drive. Experience the magic of the bush as predators conclude their nocturnal hunts, and many animals emerge to graze in the cool, tranquil hours before the heat of the day. Our expert guides will lead you through the landscape, offering unique insights into the rhythms of the wild. Imagine the anticipation of spotting a lion or leopard, or the serenity of watching herds of wildlife silhouetted against the rising sun. Each morning promises new wonders and breathtaking photographic opportunities.
Daily Evening Game Drives
As the African sun begins to dip below the horizon, join our expert rangers for an unforgettable evening game drive. You’ll have the unique opportunity to track the Big Five and a variety of other wildlife as they stir with the setting sun. Witness the dramatic spectacle of animals coming to the river to drink in the late afternoon light. As darkness falls, the bush comes alive with new sounds and possibilities, and our night drives often produce rare and unusual wildlife sightings, making each drive a unique and exciting adventure.
3 Nights in Cape Town
Airport pick-up and reservations at a high-end hotel in Cape Town are included, so we can rest up before our safari officially begins. Enjoy the flavours, music and sights of Cape Town’s Table Mountain and vast beaches during our leisure time. *Meals in Cape Town not included.
Experience the natural beauty of Cape of Good Hope on foot, visit an endangered African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach up close and personal, and take a journey on one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic drives. This day trip will run from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. on one of our rest days in Cape Town.
Full Day South African Penguin Tour in Cape Town
Our first three days will find us exploring Cape Town. Once we land, a shuttle will take the group to our hotel. Transportation to/from our hotel for our Full Day South African Penguin Tour in Cape Town, road transfers from Cape Town to Hoedspruit airport, as well as domestic flight between lodges are all covered.
Mid-way through our safari, we’ll be travelling from Timbavati Game Reserve to Madikwe Game Reserve. All associated transportation between lodges is 100% covered!
All Domestic Flights & Road Transfers To/From Safari Lodges
All game reserve levies will be covered. These fees preserve the wildlife heritage of each park for future generations.
Smaller game reserves, like those we’re visiting on this trip, are at an increased risk of poaching unless rhino monitoring programs and other security measures are implemented and maintained. Conservation levies are now deemed essential to assist in the significant costs associated with these multi-layered anti-poaching measures. We love supporting family-run operations dedicated to getting the local community involved in wildlife conservation and converting privately owned land into agricultural land for conservation. Protecting the rhinos is a key factor in the ongoing success and sustainability of this initiative.
Conservation Levies
Individual Photography Coaching
The core of this experience is helping you gain confidence in the field and to provide individual photography coaching. If you’re an iPhone user, amateur, seasoned photographer, videographer, or the spouse of a photography enthusiast along for the ride, you’re welcome to join Jesse and Susan in the field for hands-on learning! A wildlife safari is truly for everyone!
One-On-One Lightroom Photo Editing
In wildlife and landscape photography, challenges like varying weather and low lightcan impact image quality. With targeted editing techniques, you can reveal incredible detail and enhance your images. Photo editing sessions at the lodge will focus on essential skills, such as reducing digital noise from high ISO settings and adding depth to your images. You’ll also learn to develop a consistent aesthetic across your portfolio, ensuring your images always look their best, regardless of shooting conditions.
Take The First Step In An Unforgettable Adventure Today
DATES: TBD for April/May 2027
LOCATIONS: Cape Town, Timbavati & Madikwe
PRICING: TBD in 2027. For context, in 2025, the trip was priced in Four Equal Payments of $4,748.75 CAD (Taxes Included)
Please Note: Follow Me North Photography is not a travel agency or tour operator, and does not sell or facilitate the sale of travel services. All travel arrangements, payments, and logistics for this trip are managed solely by Finisterra Travel, a licensed travel company (BC Reg. #70260), and proud members of the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Follow Me North is responsible for hosting and delivering photography instruction. Travel details and payment instructions will be sent to you after registration.
What You Should Know Before You Go
Non-Refundable Fees
All workshop fees and dues are non-refundable.
You have the option to make your workshop payment in full upon booking, or paying a 25% Non-Refundable Deposit to hold your spot. Final Payment is due 60 days before departure.
If unforeseen circumstances arise, participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant within their own personal network.
IMPORTANT: Failure to pay by the payment due date means forfeiting your deposit and fees to date, and your spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant.
ACCEPTANCE: Once your request is accepted, we will provide you with a link to our secure payment portal to pay your deposit and sign waivers.
Trip Exclusions
+International Airfare To/From Cape Town Airport
All participants will be responsible for their own International airfare or applicable travel to Cape Town (our first safari stop) and departure flight from Johannesburg. Finisterra Travel can assist you with booking your flights to ensure all road transfers to/from lodges align with our group for a small fee.
+Travel Insurance
Health Insurance is Mandatory. Trip cancellation recommended. For our Canadian friends, we recommend Manulife Insurance for general liability. Photographers might also consider Front Row Insurance or Arthur J Gallagher Canada Limited for equipment coverage of items valued at more than $5000 per item.
+Meals in Cape Town
Cape Town is known for it’s incredible food and we can learn so much about a place by trying new things. We’ll be able to explore local restaurants of our own choosing.
+Spa Treatments
Between tours, guests are able to enjoy spa treatments at the lodges at their own expense.
+Gratuity For Staff & Field Guides
Our tour operators are small business owners and it is generally customary to leave a tip at the end of your stay. USD or African Rand are the accepted currencies in South Africa. Credit Cards are generally accepted for tips, but cash is always king. Please, see each lodge’s tipping suggestions listed below in each of the lodges descriptions. Each has their own payment structure.
Double Occupancy
This safari is based on double occupancy.
Feel free to sign up with your spouse, friend or friend-of-a-friend!
For solo travellers coming without a workshop buddy, we will happily pair you up with a same-sex partner to room with.
Where Wildlife, Culture, and Conservation Unite
What sets our South Africa safari apart isn’t just the breathtaking scenery or incredible wildlife, it’s the deep, meaningful connections we’ve built with local guides who dedicate their lives to conservation. While many luxury lodges make claims about supporting communities, we’ve gone further by partnering with individuals actively involved in conservation projects that directly benefit their communities and protect Africa’s most vulnerable wildlife.
Our guides are more than professional trackers, they’re storytellers, advocates, and stewards of the land. Their knowledge of the local environment and wildlife, paired with their personal (often humorous) experiences, provide a perspective that goes far beyond the surface. We’ve carefully selected lodges that embody the true spirit of South Africa, ensuring your investment directly supports local communities and conservation efforts.
This deeper connection is what makes this safari truly meaningful. It’s not just about capturing bucket-list images, it’s about gaining a profound understanding of the delicate ecosystem and the people dedicated to protecting it.
By limiting the number of vehicles and crafting intimate experiences, we provide our guests with authentic, exclusive moments that go beyond the ordinary.
Two Reserves, One Epic Story.
Uncover South Africa's Hidden Gems
To maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities, this safari adventure is split between two distinct locations: Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and Madikwe Game Reserve. Each reserve offers a unique ecosystem with diverse species, ensuring a richer and more varied photographic experience.
Timbavati Reserve: A Sanctuary for Endangered Species and Abundant Wildlife
After a scenic road transfer from Hoedspruit airport, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve offers 53,000 hectares of unspoiled wilderness in the Lowveld region of South Africa.
This reserve is dedicated to protecting endangered species such as the black and white rhinoceros, pangolins, saddle-billed storks, and southern ground hornbills. The lack of fences between Timbavati and its neighbouring reserves allows for a great abundance of wildlife, including herds of African elephant, buffalo, kudu, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala, waterbuck, and warthog, as well as predators like lion, leopard, cheetah, and hyena.
The critically endangered African wild dog and rare white lion may also be spotted, and there are more than 360 recorded bird species, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
Camp #1: Luxury Camp in Timbavati
Located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The architect and interior designer of the lodge was inspired by the Timbavati setting of this luxury South African safari lodge to create a relaxed ambience with indoor and outdoor guest spaces that segue into each other, and enable both communal and private moments suffused with an authentic bush feel.
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The lodge features six chalet-type suites, making it ideal for exclusive-use bookings for groups of friends. The sense of place comes through strongly, with the colour palette in each room inspired by the purple and green hues of local birds and plants. Although guests are always conscious of where they are, no stone is left unturned in the quest for comfort and luxury, with each suite featuring both indoor and outdoor showers, a private verandah ideal for romantic candlelit dinners, a mini bar and a bath.
+Aircon+Fans
+Mosquito Nets
+Bath
+Indoor Shower
+Outdoor Shower
+Hairdryer
+Mini Bar
+In-Room Safe
+Wi-Fi
+Room Comms Radio
+Laundry Included
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Below is a guideline for tipping at this lodge, quotes in African Rand.
Guide: R400 - R450 per day, per room
Tracker: R300 - R350 per day, per room
Butler: R150 - R200 per day, per room
General Staff: R400 - R500 per day, per room
Consider budgeting $350USD for tipping at this lodge for the week.
Envelopes will be provided in each room to separate tips, and all tips will be collected on the last day of your stay.
Madikwe Reserve: Home to the Big Five and 350+ Bird Species
Madikwe Game Reserve, a remarkable 80,000-hectare wildlife sanctuary in South Africa's North-West Province, was established on former farmland in 1991 through a major wildlife relocation known as Operation Phoenix.
Today it is home to the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceroses) and over 60 mammal species, including endangered species like hippos, giraffes, African wild dogs, and cheetahs, as well as more than 350 bird species.
The diverse landscape features over 45 tree species, the Thswene Tshwene Hills, and the Dwarsberg Mountain Range, offering an unforgettable experience for wildlife and nature lovers.
Camp #2: Luxury Camp in Madikwe
The Treehouse Suites offer luxurious accommodations, uniquely housed in custom-designed structures reminiscent of stilted treehouses. Linked by raised walkways, each suite provides breathtaking views of the surrounding riverine forest and the renowned Marico River. The collection of 8 Treehouse Suites seamlessly integrates into the sprawling canopy of verdant foliage, providing an excellent vantage point for birdwatching.
The Main Lodge, boasting both indoor and outdoor dining areas as well as open-concept lounge and bar spaces, sets the stage for a truly authentic and inspired safari experience.
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A spacious, open-plan bedroom, which can be configured with either King or Twin beds
An en-suite bathroom, featuring a large free-standing bath
A private in/outdoor shower area
A personal safari bar, mini bar fridge and a Kalahari Cooler, stocked with a delicious selection of coffees, teas and treats
A private viewing deck area with superb views into the beautiful surrounding bushveld
Air-conditioning and ceiling fans
Eco-friendly Afriearth amenities
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Below is a guideline for tipping at this lodge, quotes in African Rand.
Guide: R400 - R450 per day, per room
Tracker: R300 - R350 per day, per room
Butler: R150 - R200 per day, per room
General Staff: R400 - R500 per day, per room
Consider budgeting $350USD for tipping at this lodge for the week.Envelopes will be provided in each room to separate tips, and all tips will be collected on the last day of your stay.
Luxury Photo Safari:
Tailored to the Rhythm of the Wild
April 24 - 27th (Cape Town)
We land in Cape Town on the 24th and check into our hotel for three nights. Here we’ll rest up and enjoy a Full-Day tour of the Cape of Good Hope and Boulder Beach to witness South Africa penguins up close.
April 27th - May 1st (Timbavati)
We’ll fly from Cape Town to Hoedspruit Airport, taking a scenic road transfer to our lodge in Timbavati Game Reserve. On our first day, we’ll settle into camp and enjoy an evening game drive before dinner.
May 1st - May 6th (Madikwe)
We’ll drive for four hours, taking the scenic route from Timbavati to Madikwe Game Reserve. On our first day, we’ll settle into camp and enjoy an evening game drive before dinner.
Rough Safari Itinerary:
Our itineraries are designed to be flexible, allowing us to take advantage of spontaneous wildlife sightings as they arise.
5 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. - Early Morning Game Drive (Light Snacks)
10 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. - Luxurious Bush Breakfast
12:00 p.m. - 2 p.m. - Free Time. Learn Photo Editing with Jesse and Susan, or enjoy the various amenities at the lodge.
2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Gourmet Lunch
4 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Evening Game Drive (Sundowner Cocktails and Light Snacks)
7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. - 5-Star Dinner
About Finisterra Travel
Finisterra Travel began in 2012, founded by seasoned traveller, Keri Montgomery. In 2015, Nicola Wilson, joined as a partner, bringing along a passion for in-depth cultural connections (and a love of food). Together, they built a company known for its women-led, women-only small group tours.
Since 2020, Follow Me North has hosted photography experiences with Keri and Nicola to help guests venture off the beaten path and experience nature in its purest form. Finisterra Travel specializes in small-group photography adventures to hidden corners of the world, places untouched by heavy foot traffic, where it's just us and the wild.
As seasoned travel designers, Keri and Nicola are passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure-based travel. They’re not armchair travellers, they’ve explored these places themselves, and every itinerary reflects their deep local knowledge.
No one wants to feel like a tourist. That’s why Finisterra crafts custom journeys rooted in authenticity, whether you're joining one of their intimate group departures or extending your adventure post-workshop. Their unique, fully customizable itineraries showcase favourite destinations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe.
Finisterra isn’t your typical travel agency or tour operator, they’re international travel curators with a flair for creating unforgettable experiences. They’re also a licensed Canadian travel agency (BC Reg. #70260) and proud members of the Adventure Travel Trade Association.
Each experience is hosted and led by Follow Me North, while all travel arrangements and payments are handled securely through Finisterra.
BC Reg 70260
What People Are Saying
“I'm still dreaming about my incredible trip to South Africa with Follow Me North last month! It was a bucket list trip for me, and Jesse and Susan made it a more incredible experience than I could have possibly imagined. They are two of the most warm, fun, and kind people I've met, and as a solo traveller, there was never a moment where I didn't feel included and comfortable. They put so much heart and care into every aspect of the trip and every single day was the best day ever!
I couldn't be more grateful for every sighting and special moment that we had, and the amazing photography assistance we received each day. Jesse and Susan made time for anyone who needed it, to work out settings, any issues we were having, and composition tips and reminders on game drives to help us get the best shots we could, along with editing help every afternoon during breaks.
I came home with so much more confidence in both my photography and editing (so much so that I ended up with 38,000 photos 🤭). For anyone on the fence about taking that bucket list trip, absolutely just do it, and make it even more memorable with Follow Me North!”
— Megan Corrigan
“5 STARS—A Once-in-a-Lifetine Safari Experience with Follow Me North.
From the moment we touched down in South Africa to the final sunset, this journey, led by Susan and Jesse Villemaire of Follow Me North, was nothing short of magical. Their passion, professionalism, and genuine warmth created an unforgettable experience for our group of photographers.
Every detail was masterfully planned, from seamless logistics to stunning accommodations and expertly guided safaris. Each day was filled with breathtaking wildlife encounters—lions, elephants, giraffes, wild dogs, rhinos—all under the iconic African light. Susan and Jesse curated not just a trip, but an adventure, blending photography, exploration, and community in the most meaningful way.
Their leadership turned a dream safari into a soul-stirring, life-changing experience. We returned home with full memory cards, fuller hearts, and memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re considering traveling with Follow Me North, don’t hesitate—this is the kind of trip that redefines what travel can be.”
— Laura Campbell
“After a two-week photography excursion to South Africa with Jesse and Susan I can honestly say that this is one of the most outstanding trips I have ever had the pleasure of taking.
Their attention to detail and extremely personal touches and attention to their guests is second to none.
They offered endless advice when needed in regards to shooting and were both an absolute joy to work with on a personal level.
GREAT humans, outstanding business.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
— Kim Russell
