A nine-day adventure of pure nature photography, including dusty roads, spectacular views, and an encounter with the mighty black-maned lion. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, one of the wildest and driest places on the planet, offers a unique opportunity to spot and photograph big cats in their natural habitat, establishing itself as one of the world’s top destinations for wildlife photographers with Maurizio and Francesca of the JustExplorers team. This trip stands out for its authentic wild spirit: we camp under the stars, with roof tents pitched on our jeeps and overnight stays in specially equipped areas. An immersive experience for direct contact with nature, listening to the roar of lions and the call of the savannah during the African nights.
DATES AND PARTICIPANTS
DURATION
9 days
DATES
From March 10th to 18th
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
6 Participants
DETAILS AND ACTIVITIES
DIFFICULTY
? Medium
PREPARATION AND EQUIPMENT
The tour does not involve physically demanding activities, but requires a spirit of adaptation and collaboration in daily activities.
MODALITY
Safari
Cost and Tour Leader
TOUR LEADER
Maurizio Ferrari
STARTING FROM
€2490
PAYMENT
€290 deposit upon registration and balance due 90 days before departure
HOW TO BOOK?
Scroll to the bottom of the page and fill out the contact form, asking for more information on the event or confirming your participation. You will be quickly contacted on Whatsapp.
DESTINATION:
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is one of the wildest and most authentic places in Southern Africa. A vast red desert stretching between South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, where nature still follows ancient rhythms. Here, the horizon is endless, the skies are among the clearest in the world, and every pool of water can transform into a memorable scene.
The park is famous for its black-maned lions , leopards and cheetahs, as well as an incredible variety of species: oryx, bat-eared foxes, African wildcats, black-backed jackals, Cape foxes, mongooses, meerkats, wildebeests, giraffes and dozens of species of raptors and desert birds.
Sleeping inside the park, traveling in 4×4 jeeps equipped for camping, and experiencing the desert from dawn to dusk means fully immersing yourself in an extraordinary ecosystem, where every moment can become a photograph. A trip dedicated to those seeking true contact with nature , authenticity, and adventure.
ABOUT THE TOUR:
This 7-night, 8-day tour is designed for those who want to experience the Kgalagadi in the most authentic way: camping in internal camps, traveling in 4×4 jeeps equipped with roof tents , cooking together and spending long hours in the field in search of large predators.
Each vehicle houses two roof-top tents (each for two people), a refrigerator, stove, and all the necessary cooking equipment. The guides will take care of the shopping before departure, so that everything is ready and waiting in the jeeps.
During the trip, we’ll explore the southern, central, and northwest areas of the park, areas renowned for their felines and spectacular sightings at the waterholes. Each day will be marked by the most beautiful light: we’ll leave at dawn and return at dusk , following the animals’ movements and adapting to the rhythms of the savannah.
Between safaris, we’ll experience camp life, where mongooses, ground squirrels, meerkats, and numerous birds often approach without fear. The camps offer swimming pools, very clean communal bathrooms, and a shop with essentials, perfect for purchasing snacks, drinks, or Wi-Fi access when needed.
This experience is designed for those who want to experience the real Africa: no lodges , no superfluous comforts, but direct and profound contact with one of the wildest areas of the continent.
the safaris:
The safaris will be the heart of the trip: about 6 hours a day , split between morning and afternoon, with departures at dawn and returns at sunset to take advantage of the best light conditions and animal behavior.
We’ll use the same 4×4 jeeps we use for camping , so we’ll always be ready to shoot. Each photographer will have a dedicated window , ensuring space, comfort, and freedom of movement.
La guida è un fotografo professionista con lunga esperienza nel parco: si occuperà di posizionare la jeep in modo ideale per ogni avvistamento, valutando luce, sfondo e comportamento dell’animale per offrire le migliori opportunità fotografiche possibili.
Among the species we will be able to photograph: cheetahs, black-maned lions, leopards, African wildcats, bat-eared foxes, black-backed jackals, Cape foxes, mongooses, meerkats, oryxes, springboks, elands, wildebeests, giraffes, birds of prey, vultures and a variety of desert fauna.
The variety and quality of sightings in the Kgalagadi make it a paradise for nature photography enthusiasts.
Traveling as a couple?
Sharing a safari makes the experience even more special.
This itinerary is also perfect for those who don’t take photographs and simply want to experience an authentic African safari . Activities follow the same pace as traditional tourist safaris, but with more relaxed time, longer stops, and a special focus on wildlife observation.
Anyone accompanying a photographer will never feel out of place: the beauty of African landscapes, close encounters with wildlife, and the thrills of the bush are experiences that captivate anyone.
Special discounts are available for double bookings (couples or friends sharing a room).
Contact us to receive the offer reserved for your travel dates.
The Camp :
The tour is a 100% camping experience, authentic, engaging and comfortable.
We will sleep in roof tents mounted on jeeps (2 people per tent), safe and comfortable, ideal for experiencing the park in a real and immersive way.
The internal camps offer: very clean shared bathrooms , divided between men and women, showers and hot water, a swimming pool , perfect during the hottest hours and a shop with essential goods, snacks, ice creams, drinks, ice, firewood, and the possibility of purchasing wi-fi credits.
All meals are included and self-managed : we will cook together, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and sharing that is an integral part of the experience.
In the camp it is common to encounter small and very photogenic fauna: mongooses, ground squirrels, meerkats , as well as numerous birds that move freely around the pitches.
Living in the Kgalagadi camps means listening to the desert wind, gazing at the brightest starry sky in Africa, and sometimes hearing the roars of lions in the distance.
An experience that stays with you.
DAILY PROGRAM
Day 1 – March 10: Johannesburg
Arrive in Johannesburg on a scheduled flight and transfer to your hotel by shuttle for your overnight stay on the first evening.
Free dinner and overnight stay
Day 2 – March 11: Kgalagadi
After the domestic flight from Johannesburg to Upington, your guides will greet you upon arrival for the 4×4 jeep transfer into the Kgalagadi. The journey to your first camp takes about three hours .
Upon arrival, we will set up camp together for the night, demonstrating how the tents and refrigerators work, how the kitchen area is organized, and the correct procedures for opening and closing tents in preparation for the following days of camping.
Meals are included but self-managed : the entire group will collaborate in preparing breakfasts and dinners, following the guides’ instructions.
Accommodation in the camp and dinner .
Overnight stay in a double tent.
Day 3 & 4 – March 12-13: Kgalagadi
These days, we’ll focus on the southern part of the park, an area characterized by busy waterholes and excellent opportunities to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, and numerous herbivores. Each day includes two safaris: one in the morning departing at dawn and returning in the late morning, and one in the afternoon returning at sunset. In late March, sunrise is expected around 6:30 AM and sunset around 6:15 PM .
The day begins with a pre-dawn wake-up call, tent closure, and a quick breakfast, followed by a morning game drive lasting approximately three hours. Depending on sightings and light conditions, we’ll return to camp in the morning, where you can relax, enjoy the pool, or observe the smaller wildlife that frequents the area: mongooses, meerkats, ground squirrels, and a wide variety of birds.
At midday, we’ll prepare a light lunch and, in the afternoon, we’ll set off on our second safari, also lasting about three hours, until sunset. Once we return in the dark, we’ll prepare our tents for the night and have dinner before spending the night.
Meals are included and self-managed: the group will collaborate in preparing the various courses.
Overnight stay in a double tent .
Day 5 – March 14: Kgalagadi
We’ll wake up before dawn, have a quick breakfast, pack up our tents, and unpack. During the morning safari, we’ll head to the second camp, located in the central northwest of the park. The transfer will take about 4–5 hours , entirely within the park and therefore in safari mode, with a good chance of spotting game along the way.
This new area, characterised by a sandier environment, offers excellent opportunities to observe lions, cheetahs and numerous herbivores, as well as typical species of the area such as Cape fox, jackals and bat-eared foxes .
We’ll reach our new camp in the late morning, where we’ll set up our tents again and prepare lunch. A relaxing break will follow before departing for our usual afternoon safari, which will last until sunset.
Upon returning in the evening, we will prepare the tents and dinner before spending the night.
Overnight stay in a double tent .
Day 6 & 7 – March 15-16: Kgalagadi
These days we’ll focus on the western part of the park , an area characterized by numerous waterholes and excellent chances of spotting lions, cheetahs , and many herbivores, as well as a good concentration of African wildcats , bat-eared foxes , jackals , and Cape foxes . Each day includes two safaris : one in the morning departing at dawn and returning in the late morning, and one in the afternoon returning at sunset. In late March, sunrise is expected around 6:30 am and sunset around 6:15 pm .
The day begins with a pre-dawn wake-up call , tent closures, and a quick breakfast, followed by a morning game drive lasting approximately three hours. Depending on sightings and light conditions, we’ll return to camp in the morning, where you can relax, enjoy the pool , or observe the smaller wildlife that frequents the area: mongooses, meerkats, ground squirrels , and numerous bird species.
At midday, we’ll prepare a light lunch and, in the afternoon, we’ll set off on our second safari, also lasting about three hours, until sunset. Once we return in the dark, we’ll prepare our tents for the night and have dinner before spending the night.
Meals are included and self-managed : the group will collaborate in preparing the various courses.
Overnight stay in a double tent.
Day 8 – March 17: Kgalagadi
During the morning safari , we’ll head back to the first camp , where we’ll spend our last night in the park. The entire transfer will be on safari, with excellent chances of game viewing along the way.
The day includes two safari sessions , one during the morning transfer and one in the afternoon, which will allow us to explore both the eastern and southern parts of the park. These areas are particularly interesting for their diverse habitats and rich wildlife, with good opportunities to observe big cats and herbivores, as well as the more elusive fauna typical of the Kgalagadi.
We’ll arrive at the camp in the late morning, where we can set up camp and prepare lunch, before relaxing for the afternoon safari until sunset.
The return will take place in the dark, followed by the preparation of dinner and the tents for the night.
Day 9 – March 18: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Johannesburg
Rise before dawn, pack up your tents, and organize your bags for the return journey. Depending on your schedule and the day’s schedule, you may be able to take a final short safari in the southern part of the park, for a final opportunity to observe the Kgalagadi’s wildlife.
We will then leave the park towards Upington , from where we will take the internal flight to Johannesburg , thus concluding this intense and extraordinary experience.
INCLUDED
- all Kgalagadi airport return transfers;
- 7 nights in Kgalagadi (double tent on jeep);
- gas;
- photographic safari activities;
- park entrance fee;
- 2 equipped 4×4 vehicles (full equipment);
- all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner);
- all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages:
- support of two professional photographers
- Italian language support;
- English language support.
- entrance park fee for 2 vehicles;
NOT INCLUDED
- registration fee €50.00;
- intercontinental flight;
- domestic flight;
- health insurance (mandatory);
- tips to guides;
- extras of a personal nature.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Do I have to be a photographer to participate?
Absolutely not . The trip is open to everyone, and photography experience isn’t necessary. You can participate as a simple nature lover and experience a comprehensive, well-organized safari, identical to a traditional tourist experience but with a more leisurely pace and greater focus on animal observation.
If you’d like, this tour can also be an opportunity to explore nature photography: you’ll have a professional photographer by your side, ready to explain techniques and tips in a simple and natural way. Upon request, you can also rent a complete photography kit directly through Just Explorers, so you can have your first experience with the right equipment.
And if you prefer not to take pictures, no problem: Africa, the light, the animals, and the atmosphere of the parks are emotions that can be experienced intensely even just with your eyes… or with your cell phone.
What clothing will I need ?
During this period of the journey there is a strong temperature range .
We recommend dressing in layers : in the morning temperatures can drop to 5–8°C , during the day they can reach 30°C .
No specific technical clothing is necessary: light shirts , comfortable trousers , and a heavier jacket for the cooler hours are fine.
Further details will be provided to you after registration to help you prepare as best as possible.
What equipment will I need?
Are you a photographer?
For this experience, we recommend using SLR, mirrorless, or bridge cameras combined with lenses between 200mm and 600mm . This focal length range allows for sharp, well-proportioned images with excellent detail.
During the safaris, we’ll mainly shoot from the open jeep , which will serve as a stable support; for this reason , a tripod is not necessary . However, a bean bag is very useful, ideal for resting the telephoto lens while shooting (you can ask us for all the necessary information).
Throughout the trip, you’ll be accompanied by a professional photographer specializing in African wildlife , always available to help you optimize the use of your equipment. You’ll receive personalized advice on technique, composition, light management, camera settings , and much more, so you can make the most of every photographic opportunity.
Are you a nature lover without a camera?
No problem! However, we recommend that you bring binoculars with you, which are ideal for observing primates and birds. You can also record videos or take suggestive pictures with your smartphone : Ugandan nature will give you unforgettable moments, even without a telephoto lens.
Is rental service available?
Do you think you don’t have the right equipment for this event?
No problem: you can rent a complete Nikon, Canon, or Sony camera kit (DSLR or mirrorless with super-telephoto lenses) to participate in the event and make the most of this experience.
Some of the products currently available
Camera bodies
Canon R6, Canon 70D, Nikon Z6 III, Nikon D7100, Nikon Z8, Nikon Z9, Sony A6000
Optics
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 (Canon and Nikon), Nikon 400mm f/2.8 VR, Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR,
Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8 G ED VR II, Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
If you are looking for a specific product not listed, please contact us : we will do our best to help you find the camera or lens that best suits your needs.
Rental conditions
The rental service is simple and without constraints :
- no deposit required
- no credit or prepaid card
- no insurance
The equipment is delivered directly to your location .
This service was created to allow anyone to participate in an experience like this, offering every photographer the opportunity to shoot in the best possible conditions .
? Contact us for information on availability and prices.
Which flights to buy?
Our team will assist you in purchasing the right flights for this experience. You’ll need to arrive in Johannesburg on March 10th , but we’ll make sure your chosen flight times fit your schedule to avoid any inconveniences.
If you’d like more information before booking, you can contact us at any time; alternatively, we’ll contact you after you register to help you choose the best flights.
Our advice is to purchase tickets 2–3 months before departure , to get the best available fares.
Terms and Conditions
By booking by paying a deposit to the organizers, you accept the following clauses:
1. As this is a pre-registration, the organizer will endeavor to promptly communicate any possible changes in the price of the tour, characterized by cost fluctuations. An annual price fluctuation of approximately 5% is highly likely if the booking is made more than a year in advance. in relation to potential variations in the prices of ground services (for example variations influenced by the fluctuating costs of electricity, fuel and others).
2. The price of the entire workshop will be paid through the payment methods offered by the organizing body, such as bank transfer, PayPal, credit card or cash according to the procedures and deadlines established by the organizers, taking charge of the transaction costs.
3. In case the tour does not take place due to the organizer, the entire amount paid will be refunded.
4. In case of cancellation for personal reasons of any kind and in any case not dependent on the organizer, the deposit and any other registration fees will be retained as reimbursement of expenses.
5. In case of cancellation for personal reasons within 60 days of departure, the entire balance of the tour will be required.
By registering, paying the deposit and sending your personal data, you accept clauses 1,2,3,4,5 again.
Request the full program or confirm your registration by filling out the form below
You will be contacted on Whatsapp with all the information on the event
Available places:
3
Cost:
€ 2490
Fill out the form to request the full program and reserve your place!
You will be contacted on Whatsapp with all the information about the event
