Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/african-wildlife-of-karongwe/ # Big Five & other African Wildlife of Karongwe [Photography Safari](https://natureslens.co.uk/join-a/wildlife-photography-safari/) 16th - 22nd Sep 2028 - Was: £6999 Now: £6749 [Africa](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/) - Guided By [David](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) & [Pui Hang Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/pui-hang/) [![An African Leopard walking within Karongwe Game Reserve](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/An-African-Leopard-walking-within-Karongwe-Game-Reserve.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/An-African-Leopard-walking-within-Karongwe-Game-Reserve.jpg) Special Offer ## Big Five & other African Wildlife of Karongwe - 16th - 22nd Sep 2028 - Was: £6999 Now: £6749 - Single occupancy Reserve with a deposit of £1400 No payment is taken at enquiry stage. We confirm availability first, then send booking forms and deposit payment details. Please read our [booking conditions](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/about-us/booking-condtions/) and [financial protection information](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/about-us/financial-protection/) before paying a deposit. Make A Booking Enquiry No payment is taken at enquiry stage. We confirm availability first, then send booking forms and deposit payment details. Please read our [booking conditions](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/about-us/booking-condtions/) and [financial protection information](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/about-us/financial-protection/) before paying a deposit. [Make a Booking Enquiry](https://natureslens.co.uk/book/african-wildlife-of-karongwe) [Make A Booking Enquiry](https://natureslens.co.uk/book/african-wildlife-of-karongwe) Karongwe sits within a malaria-free corner of Limpopo Province, its mixed acacia & broadleaf woodland holding one of the more reliable concentrations of [African lion](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/african-lion/) & [African leopard](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/african-leopard/) photographers will find in [South Africa](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/south-africa/). The reserve’s rocky hillsides & dense browse vegetation suit leopard particularly well, offering cover for stalking behaviour & vantage points where cats rest through the heat of the day before moving at dusk. [African elephants](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/african-elephant/) move through the same terrain in loose herds, drawn to the grassland & waterways that also support [hippopotamus](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/hippopotamus/) & a strong supporting cast of plains & woodland species. What sets Karongwe apart for a working photographer is the density of opportunity packed into a small, well-managed reserve. [Greater kudu](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/greater-kudu/) & nyala browse the woodland edges, waterbuck hold close to the rivers, & [African wild dog](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/african-wild-dog/) & cheetah range across the open savanna sections where low, tall grass gives them the cover they need to hunt. Nocturnal specialists including [African civet](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/african-civet/), [honey badger](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/honey-badger/) & both [common genet](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/common-genet/) & genet turn up on evening drives & from hide positions, rewarding photographers willing to work the low light at either end of the day. This trip runs across six nights based entirely at Karongwe, with dawn & afternoon game drives forming the backbone of each full day, supplemented by hide sessions whenever conditions allow. Groups are kept deliberately small, with a maximum of six photographers guided by [David](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) & [Pui Hang Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/pui-hang/), both of whom lead wildlife photography holidays for NaturesLens with a clear focus on ethical distances, unhurried positioning & giving each sighting the time it needs rather than rushing between them. The trip has run every year since [2028](https://natureslens.co.uk/during/2028/), & the pattern of repeat departures reflects the reserve’s consistency rather than any need to chase new locations. Photographers leave [Karongwe](https://natureslens.co.uk/specific-location/karongwe-game-reserve/) with a body of work that reflects sustained access rather than a lucky afternoon – [leopard](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/leopard/) resting on rock in low morning light, elephant moving through woodland at dusk, [lion](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/lions/) at close range from a stable vehicle position, & the quieter frames of genet, civet or [waterbuck](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/waterbuck/) that come from time spent waiting rather than driving on. Beyond the images, there’s the satisfaction of having worked a single reserve properly, across six full days, with guidance built around fieldcraft rather than ticking off species. This trip is part of NaturesLens’ wider [African wildlife photography holidays](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/africa/) programme. Curious what sets a NaturesLens trip apart? See [why photographers travel with NaturesLens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/travel-with-natureslens/). [![A Magnificent Male Nyala Bull bending down to drink water within the Karongwe Game Reserve](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/A-Magnificent-Male-Nyala-Bull-bending-down-to-drink-water-within-the-Karongwe-Game-Reserve.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/A-Magnificent-Male-Nyala-Bull-bending-down-to-drink-water-within-the-Karongwe-Game-Reserve.jpg) ## African Wildlife of Karongwe Itinerary The following is the proposed itinerary for this photography holiday, it should be considered provisional & subject to change. - Day 1 - Arrive Hoedspruit; transfer to Karongwe game reserve; afternoon game drive - overnight Karongwe - Day 2 - Day 6 - Dawn & afternoon photographic game drives; hide sessions as conditions allow - Day 7 - Final dawn game drive - transfer to Hoedspruit Airport [![A Herd of Blue Wildebeest drinking water from a low pool within the Karongwe Game Reserve](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/A-Herd-of-Blue-Wildebeest-drinking-water-from-a-low-pool-within-the-Karongwe-Game-Reserve.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/A-Herd-of-Blue-Wildebeest-drinking-water-from-a-low-pool-within-the-Karongwe-Game-Reserve.jpg) ## African Wildlife of Karongwe Highlights We have taken care to refine the itinerary for this wildlife photography holiday; as such, we consider the following to be amongst the highlights of this tour. - African Elephant matriarchs & calves moving through mixed acacia woodland, dust catching the low dawn light as the herd feeds - African Lion prides settled on open ground during the cool morning hours, cubs interacting while adults rest in soft side-light - African Leopard tracked through rocky hillside terrain, working the dense browse where they favour cover for daylight resting - Leopard sightings pushed into late afternoon light as animals move down from rocky outcrops towards drainage lines to hunt - Hide-based sessions positioned at water for eye-level framing as elephant, kudu & waterbuck come in to drink through the day - African Wild Dog packs covering ground fast across the bushveld, a rare chance for action frames in open savanna - Cheetah working scattered cover on the reserve's grassland edges, built for the low, stalking light of early morning - Honey Badger & African Civet activity picked up on dusk drives as the reserve's smaller, nocturnal hunters begin to move - Hippopotamus wallowing in reserve waterholes, visible from vehicle or hide during the heat of the day when they haul out to cool - Six consecutive days of dawn & afternoon drives building repeat access to the same prides, herds & individual leopards [![An African Lioness with cubs found within Karongwe Game Reserve](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/An-African-Lioness-with-cubs-found-within-Karongwe-Game-Reserve.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/An-African-Lioness-with-cubs-found-within-Karongwe-Game-Reserve.jpg) ## What Do You Need To Bring With You? The items listed below are intended as guidance rather than requirements. They outline optional & recommended clothing & camera equipment to help you prepare for the conditions & photographic opportunities you may encounter. #### Clothing We Recommend Clothing suggestions for the conditions expected. - Clothing suitable for hot conditions - Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots - Sun hat or cap - Sunglasses #### Camera Equipment We Recommend Suggested camera equipment for the opportunities expected. - DSLR or mirrorless camera body - Spare camera body - Spare batteries, charger & memory cards - Wide-angle lens (e.g. 14 - 24mm, 16 - 35mm) - Standard zoom lens (e.g. 24 - 70mm, 24 - 105mm) - Telephoto zoom lens (e.g. 70 - 200mm, 100 - 400mm, 200 - 600mm) - Super-telephoto lens (e.g. 400mm, 500mm, 600mm, 800mm) - Teleconverter (optional) - Macro or close-focus lens (optional) - External flash & diffuser (where relevant) - Remote Shutter Release - Camera rain cover or waterproof protection - Lens cleaning kit - Camera backpack or suitable carry-on bag - Laptop or storage device for image backup - Tripod, monopod or bean bag [![An African Lion in Karongwe Game Reserve](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/An-African-Lion-in-Karongwe-Game-Reserve.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/An-African-Lion-in-Karongwe-Game-Reserve.jpg) ## What's Included & What's Not Included On The Big Five & other African Wildlife of Karongwe Photography Holiday Before booking the Big Five & other African Wildlife of Karongwe Photography Holiday, we recommend reviewing what is included in the trip price, along with any items that are not. This helps ensure you have a clear understanding of what is covered, allowing you to focus fully on the photographic experience. #### Included In The Trip Price Most services & experiences are included in the trip price. - Guidance from our experienced team members - Accommodation on a Single occupancy basis - Internal transfers - Park fees - Hide access - Permits - Meals on a full board basis #### Not Included In The Trip Price Some items & services are not included in the trip price. - International flights - Internal flights - Camera equipment - Travel insurance - Visas - Gratuities - Personal expenses - Alcoholic drinks [![A Quartet of Warthogs Drinking at Night at the Waterhole - photographed at Shompole Wilderness with NaturesLens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/A-relaxed-African-Leopard-within-Karongwe-Game-Reserve.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/A-relaxed-African-Leopard-within-Karongwe-Game-Reserve.jpg) ## Travel Insurance Travel Insurance – it is a requirement when booking on any wildlife photography holiday scheduled by NaturesLens that you have adequate travel insurance, we suggest a policy from [TrailFinders](https://www.trailfinders.com/insurance) or [Campbell Irvine](https://www.campbellirvinedirect.com). [![An African Elephant Family within Karongwe Game Reserve](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/An-African-Elephant-Family-within-Karongwe-Game-Reserve.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/An-African-Elephant-Family-within-Karongwe-Game-Reserve.jpg) This trip suits photographers who want sustained time with a small number of subjects rather than a checklist tour of a continent. If you're happiest working a single sighting for twenty minutes, watching for the moment a lion pride shifts from resting to interacting, or waiting out a leopard's hesitation before it drops from a tree, the pace here will feel right. It's less suited to those wanting fast-paced coverage of many reserves in a week. Physically, the trip is rated easy - gentle vehicle-based game drives with hide access built in, accessible to most photographers regardless of age or fitness. The technical demands sit at intermediate level, so you should already be comfortable handling manual exposure in fast-changing light, tracking moving subjects & making quick compositional decisions when a sighting develops without warning. Bring a body you know well, ideally a spare, & cover the focal range properly - a telephoto zoom for general work & a super-telephoto for elephant, lion & leopard at range, plus a standard zoom for wider habitat shots when a scene calls for context rather than a tight portrait. A bean bag or similar support suits vehicle-based work better than a full tripod, though a tripod earns its place during hide sessions. Spare batteries & cards matter more here than almost anywhere - dawn & dusk sessions either side of a long midday gap mean you won't want to be swapping cards mid-sighting. [![A Crested Francolin found within Karongwe Game Reserve](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/A-Crested-Francolin-found-within-Karongwe-Game-Reserve.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/A-Crested-Francolin-found-within-Karongwe-Game-Reserve.jpg) ### Additional Information NaturesLens photography holidays **do not include flights** unless it is explicitly stated on the event page. When it is time to book your flights, we will send you the details in plenty of time to allow for bookings at the best available price. The photography holiday itinerary is subject to change & is to be considered provisional. NaturesLens photography holidays require **a minimum number of participants in order to be viable**. If this minimum number is not met, the photography holiday may not go ahead. In the event that the minimum number for a photography holiday to go ahead is not reached, NaturesLens reserves the right to cancel any given photography holiday. In that event 100% of monies received will be returned. However, NaturesLens is not responsible for expenses incurred by its customers. **Not all mentioned wildlife can be observed & photographed at all times of the year**, thus some activities may be considered seasonal & not available. Please note **the cuisine on many of the NaturesLens photography holidays is authentic & typical of the region** in which you are travelling. International or western cuisine is often NOT available. If you have any concerns over the food arrangements or have any special dietary requirements, please contact us prior to making a booking. All personal luggage are the responsibility of the owner & we request that photography holiday participants limit their luggage to the equivalent of one suitcase, one flight bag, one camera bag & tripod. We do not wish to appear dictatorial in this matter & the request is made to ensure space & comfort for everyone in our vehicles. NaturesLens & its agents act only as agents for the passenger in all matters relating to travel arrangements, & as such, do not assume responsibility for injury, accident, damage, loss, delay or irregularity which may occur via defect of transportation or any other cause. NaturesLens reserves the right to substitute hotels, & other previously outlined arrangements as necessary, to either improve or equal the travel experience. NaturesLens reserves the right to pass on to photography holiday participants any additional & unplanned expenditure incurred during a photography holiday, via events beyond the control of NaturesLens. NaturesLens reserves the right to accept or decline any person as a member of any photography holiday. Payment of a deposit by photography holiday participants or their representative constitutes their acceptance of all conditions contained herein. All bookings are made subject to our terms & conditions. ### Similar Photography Tours Difficulty Easy Group size 4-6 guests Photography style Hide Based & Vehicle Based Activity period Mixed Itinerary type Photography Safari