A photographic journey into the heart of one of South Africa’s finest private reserves in search of the "Big Five". Enjoy an open-top Jeep for the group's exclusive use, an unfenced camp immersed in the African bush, and 10 safari drives that bring you up close to the intensity of the savanna and the magnificent wildlife of the Greater Kruger area.

Manyeleti is one of South Africa’s most authentic and exclusive private reserves, a place where the safari experience still retains the allure of the great African expeditions of old. Here, you won’t find long lines of vehicles crowding around an animal or the mass tourism that characterizes many better-known destinations. Instead, you will find silence, open space, pristine nature, and the feeling of truly being part of the African bush.

Located in the heart of Greater Kruger, the area directly borders some of the continent's most iconic regions, such as Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand, and Timbavati. The absence of fences allows wildlife to roam freely between these reserves, creating an extraordinary ecosystem. It is precisely this natural continuity that makes the area one of the best in all of Southern Africa for wildlife viewing.

One of the trip's major highlights is its exclusivity. We will have a fully open 4x4 safari vehicle reserved solely for our group, and we will stay at a camp used exclusively by trip participants. This allows us to experience every safari at a leisurely pace, without having to share space with other guests or adjust to the schedules of large groups.

The name Manyeleti means "Place of the Stars", and one need only spend a single night in the bush to understand why. As the sun sets, the silence of the savanna takes over. The campfire, the distant calls of wildlife, and a sky illuminated by thousands of stars create an unforgettable atmosphere. It is one of those experiences that cannot be fully described in words,you simply have to live it!

During the trip, we will have the chance to observe some of Africa's most iconic animals. The reserve is home to the "Big Five", lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros, as well as cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, hippos, large herds of antelope, and over 300 bird species. No two days are alike, and every safari can bring entirely new encounters.

We will be able to devote the necessary time to sightings, wait for the best light for photography, observe animal behavior without rushing, and experience the safari exactly as it should be experienced: with respect, patience, and excitement. Manyeleti is particularly renowned for the quality of its big cat encounters.

The guides and trackers accompanying us know every corner of the reserve and work daily to provide participants with an authentic experience. If you are looking for a safari centered on photography, nature, and the authenticity of the African experience, this is one of South Africa's most extraordinary destinations.

THE LODGE

The camp is situated in the heart of the reserve, immersed in the African bush within a natural open area, far removed from the outside world. Here, wildlife roams freely, creating the sensation of truly living within the reserve rather than merely on its fringes. A nearby waterhole makes the location particularly appealing; elephants and other animals frequently pass by to drink, offering the chance to observe the bush even during the downtime between safaris.

One of the key highlights of this accommodation is its exclusivity. The camp features just five tents with en -suite facilities, an ideal size for our group, ensuring an intimate, peaceful, and personal experience. We will not be staying in a crowded lodge, but rather in an authentic, simple, and comfortable camp designed for those who wish to be close to nature without sacrificing privacy or essential amenities.

The central area will be the heart of the camp, a space dedicated to relaxation, socializing, and planning upcoming excursions. Here, guests can rest, organize their gear, discuss the day’s events, and enjoy the bush from the panoramic deck, offering a chance to observe nature without even having to board a jeep.

The communal area provides electricity for charging batteries, cameras, and other devices, a crucial feature for a photography-focused trip. In the evening, the camp takes on a more intimate atmosphere: minimal noise, the darkness of the bush, and the rare sensation of experiencing Manyeleti from within.

PHOTO SESSIONS

During the trip, you will take part in 10 photo safaris, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, aboard fully open 4x4 safari jeeps reserved exclusively for our group. Unlike standard safaris in national parks, we will have the opportunity to go off-road, allowing us to reach the best vantage points for observing and photographing wildlife without being restricted to main roads.

Each excursion will be led by local guides, professionals with an intimate knowledge of the terrain and animal behavior. Their expertise, combined with the presence of a professional photographer, will allow all participants to experience every encounter at a relaxed pace, making the most of every photographic opportunity.

Morning safaris begin before dawn, as the bush slowly awakens and the light creates ideal conditions for wildlife photography. It is the perfect time to capture crisp, evocative, and atmospheric images.

In the afternoon, we will return to camp after sunset, accompanied by the warm, golden light that defines the final hours of the day. Colors become intense, and the African landscape offers extraordinary scenery—perfect for photographing wildlife in its natural habitat.

This private reserve is considered one of the best areas in South Africa for spotting the "Big Five," as well as large lion prides, leopards, and numerous elephant families.

The limited number of vehicles on safari, combined with the freedom to move more flexibly than in national parks, makes every outing an exclusive, relaxed, and deeply immersive experience.

Each safari will be far more than a simple excursion: it will be an opportunity to observe nature at a leisurely pace, experience the most authentic side of Africa, and return home with images that capture emotions, light, and unrepeatable moments.

WHY JOIN THIS TRIP?

I designed this trip based on a very simple philosophy: to offer an experience I would want to have myself as a photographer and nature enthusiast. That is why we will have exclusive use of the entire camp and a fully open 4x4 safari jeep reserved solely for our group. We won’t have to share space with other guests, work around the schedules of strangers, or miss out on a sighting simply because it’s time to head back.

We can experience each safari at a leisurely pace, stopping whenever the moment calls for it, waiting for the best light, and devoting ourselves entirely to observation and photography. It is a way of experiencing Africa that differs greatly from most traditional safaris.

This reserve is also one of South Africa's best locations for viewing the "Big Five." Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes coexist in an extraordinarily rich ecosystem, but what truly sets this area apart is the presence of large lion prides, responsible for some of the most thrilling sightings in the entire Greater Kruger region.

Throughout the journey, I will be by your side to share my field experience, helping you interpret situations, improve your photography, and view every safari from a fresh perspective. Whether you are an expert photographer or simply a nature lover, what matters most is your desire to experience Africa.

The number of participants is intentionally limited to ensure a high-quality experience and allow everyone to enjoy the trip to the fullest.

If you dream of an exclusive safari—far from the crowds, with a private jeep, a camp for your exclusive use, and the chance to photograph the great icons of the African savanna—I invite you to join me.

Manyeleti is more than just a destination. It is a place that stays with you long after you leave. I am certain that, by the end of the trip, you will take home far more than just photographs.

ACTIVITIES

The arrival airport for flights from Italy is Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. Arrival must be no later than 8:00 AM. To reach the Kruger area, a domestic flight is required; this usually departs from Johannesburg around 10:30 AM and arrives in Hoedspruit after about an hour. Upon arrival at Hoedspruit Airport, we will be met by our driver. After a drive of approximately 50 minutes, we will reach the Kruger gate. A few minutes later, we will arrive at the first camp for a briefing. Once at the lodge, the manager will take us out into the bush to show us the surroundings. Lunch will be served afterwards, followed by time to get ready for the first safari! The afternoon safari starts at 4:00 PM and lasts about three hours. Dinner will be served around 7:30 PM. At the camp, everyone eats together at large tables that encourage a sociable atmosphere.

ACTIVITY DETAILS

Difficulty Easy, suitable for everyone.

Preparation and equipment No excursions or physical activities of any kind are planned during the trip.

Travel method SAFARI

PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS

The deposit must be paid WITHIN 7 DAYS OF CONFIRMATION. The balance must be paid WITHIN 90 DAYS OF THE TRIP START DATE.

WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?

The Photography Workshop is aimed at all lovers of Wildlife photography and uncontaminated nature! We will alternate shooting sessions at dawn and dusk, taking advantage of the best light conditions to obtain original and high-impact photos.

During the workshop we will undertake a stimulating and complete training course, starting from the basics up to the most advanced techniques, from shooting theory to post-production.

We will see how to apply the techniques in the field, we will evaluate the shots obtained together and finally we will see various workflows in post-production based on the type of shot obtained.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

First of all, you will live an adventure that will remain in your heart, in direct contact with nature, between fun and photography!

My goal is not only to pass on my technical knowledge to you, but to make you live a rewarding and stimulating experience through a training course that is able to make you see photography with new eyes and different approaches.

During this workshop we will cover many topics and techniques that will help you improve your skills, regardless of the equipment you have and your level of preparation.