A close up image of a beautiful female Leopard called Saseka.

Seseka female Leopard - Canon 5D mkIV with Canon EF 200-400 IS USM L lens with 1.4x extender engaged

f/5.6, 1/500 sec, ISO 800, 560mm - Photographed in Thornybush Game Reserve

Thornybush Photographic Safaris

 

We sell out every year - book now to avoid disappointment

 

Click here for our 2024 dates

Thornybush Game Reserve - Greater Kruger

Join us on an exciting Wildlife Photographic Safari Workshop in the world famous Thornybush Game Reserve. The entire trip is focussed on learning the finer details of wildlife photography. It is an amazing opportunity for photographers who would like the opportunity to photograph wildlife in their natural habitat and learn all the features of their equipment while doing so. You will also have the opportunity to photograph some species at more favourable angles as we will spend quality time at the sightings. Between drives there will be some theoretical tuition to make sure you understand all the features of you camera along with one on one time with your professional wildlife photographer, Michael Tucker. We will also take time learning how to get the best out of your landscape images along with (weather permitting) understanding night time photography including milky way photos and star trails along with moon photography. We have managed to secure a private camp in the Thornybush Game Reserve and will have sole use of the facilities for the duration of our stay. 

Highlights

  • Open safari vehicle without a roof so you are open to all photographic opportunities
  • Underground hide at the lodge overlooks a water hole. Get some awesome low angle images a few meters from your bedroom
  • "Off-road" driving is permitted in this reserve, so we have great opportunities to get closer to the game to get some awesome angles
  • The entire lodge is for our own use and we are on a private consession with traversing rights to other properties should the need arise
  • Extremely high game densities with great photographic opportunities

  • We cater for all levels of photographer, from newbie to pro


Safari Summary:

 

  • Run exclusively for small groups of no more than 6 people
  • Hosted by professional wildlife photographer, Michael Tucker
  • Develop your wildlife photography skills and techniques with on the spot training and tuition
  • Learn how to process your images using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
  • Game drives on open safari vehicles with a  side of the vehicle guaranteed
  • Brunch and dinner with plenty of snacks between, teas, coffees along with soft drinks are included
  • Please supply your own alcoholic beverages should you so require


What you will learn:

 

  • The finer details of Wildlife Photography
  • Learn all techniques, including detailed understanding of Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO
  • Understand exposure and what shooting modes to use in different circumstances
  • High key and Low key photography
  • Star photography - Photograph the Milky Way, Star Trails and the Moon (weather permitting)
  • Lightning photography should the weather turn sour
  • The finer details of autofocus modes, autofocus points and techniques
  • Animal behaviour in Wildlife Photography - Making your photos stand out
  • Learn how to process your images using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

"Madoda"

Thornybush, April 2019

2024 available dates and rates 

Every workshop we have run has been sold out since we started the Thornybush experience in 2019. The popularity of the experiene is truly amazing and everytime I leave the reserve I can't wait to get back for more. We are keeping our rates for 2024 the same as 2023 until the end of the year, so book now to get some dicount. You will experience amazing value for money and a learning experience that can not be found anywhere else!

Please enquire about our camp "book out" prices. If you book the entire camp (6 or 8 people), you can save up to 25%. Ask us how...

Our Photo Safaris are extremely popular, and people keep coming back every year to experience what we have on offer. Our 2024 dates are available now. The costs for 2024 are listed below, along with the dates.

Southern African Resident Rates:

R19900 per person sharing - 3 nights 

R25900 per person sharing - 4 nights 

R38900 per person sharing - 6 nights 

International Rates in US Dollars

US$ 1300 per person sharing - 3 nights 

US$ 1700 per person sharing - 4 nights

US$ 2500 per person sharing - 6 nights

Please note 3 night options form part of the 6 night dates. So either the first 3 nights or the last 3 nights of a 6 night option. That is from the 17th to 23rd of July 2023.

Single supplement rates are at 50% of the rate due to the lodge only having 4 bedrooms. This will be adjusted based on the make up of the bookings. Please see those rates below:

4 Singles - 50%

3 Singles - 33.3%

2 Singles - 15 %

1 Single - no supplement charge

Non-photographers are always welcome...

Many people bring along their spouses, partners or friends to enjoy the Big 5 Photos experience. The quality of the game viewing is of such a high standard that they really enjoy the experience. We are always happy to have them along for the trip. All non-photographer charges are at the normal rate as they do occupy a space.

Green = Full Availability 

Blue = Partial Availability

Red = Sold Out

22 - 26 February 2024 - 4 nights

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13 - 17 March 2024 - 4 nights 

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10 - 14 April 2024 - 4 nights

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5 - 9 May 2024 - 4 nights

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3 - 7 June 2024 - 4 nights

Availability (2)

10 - 16 July 2024 - 6 nights

 

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11 - 15 August 2024 - 4 nights

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2 - 6 October 2024 - 4 nights 

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23 - 27 October 2024 - 4 nights

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1 - 7 November 2024 - 4 nights

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20 - 24 November 2024 - 4 nights

Availability (6)

If you are interested in joining one of our Thornybush Photo Safaris, please send us an email using the form at the bottom of this page. 

Rates include accommodation, meals & all "soft" beverages, game drives & photographic activities. 

Excludes transfers to and from Thornybush game reserve, Thornybush game reserve conservation fee and staff gratuities. 

E&OE excluded.

The accommodation:

En suite chalets that step out into the bushveld will make you feel a part of nature for the duration of your stay. Our accommodation is in a private camp within the Thornybush Game Reserve in the greater Kruger Park. It forms part of a private consession in Thornybush and no general public may access or traverse on the property. The camp is set in the bushveld in the greater Kruger Park. The camp boasts some awesome resident birds who make the bushveld their home. Our favourite is the Barred Owl family who make one of the large Marula trees their home. It is the perfect place to launch your search for the Big 5 along with African Wild Dogs and Cheetah. All of them are well represented in the area with great sightings all year round.

 

The well spaced out rooms face into the bush and some special sightins can be observed from the comfort of your bed. The central lounge and dining area is where meals are enjoyed. The boma next to the pool is a favourite spot where the days experiences are relived around the roaring camp fire. Even though the camp has a small electric fence, we do get some very interesting visitors from time to time...

Lens & camera rental for the trip:

 

Why not rent that lens you have always had your eye on?  The guys at Foto Rental will take care of you.  

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Some highlights