Our photographic safaris are crafted with one clear goal: to provide you with an unforgettable wildlife experience that is not only exciting but also meaningful and responsible.
Every trip is thoughtfully designed, backed by extensive research, and grounded in strong ethical principles. We partner exclusively with those who share our commitment to preserving the land, respecting local cultures, and protecting the incredible wildlife we are privileged to photograph. Operating in some of Africa’s most iconic and wildlife-rich regions, we strive to keep our safaris accessible without compromising on quality.
Each adventure is hosted by a professional photographer, offering personalized tuition and expert guidance every step of the way. From smooth logistics to creative inspiration, we ensure that all you need to focus on is keeping your batteries charged and your camera ready.
Frequent sightings of lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo roaming freely across the reserve.
Chance to see cheetah, African wild dog, hippo, hyena and many antelope species amid the bushveld.
Home to hundreds of bird species including raptors, hornbills, kingfishers and more — a paradise for birdwatchers.
Wild animals move freely between Klaserie and the adjacent Kruger National Park, creating an authentic and dynamic safari experience.
Part of one of the largest protected ecosystems in South Africa, Klaserie plays a key role in biodiversity conservation and community-focused sustainable tourism
Bordering the iconic Kruger National Park, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve offers an authentic and exclusive safari experience within one of Africa’s largest protected wilderness areas. Unfenced and spanning vast tracts of pristine bushveld, the reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, allowing wildlife to roam freely across an expansive, undisturbed landscape. This natural connectivity supports exceptional biodiversity and delivers remarkable, uncrowded game viewing.
Klaserie is renowned for intimate wildlife encounters, including sightings of the Big Five, as well as cheetah, African wild dog, and a rich variety of birdlife. With limited lodges and strict conservation policies, the reserve maintains a tranquil atmosphere where guests can experience the rhythm of the African bush without the crowds. Guided game drives and walking safaris reveal not only iconic wildlife but also the intricate details of the ecosystem, creating a safari that is both immersive and deeply personal.
Committed to sustainable conservation and community partnership, Klaserie combines luxury and wilderness in equal measure — a destination for travellers seeking privacy, authenticity, and the untamed beauty of Africa.
Game drives occur year-round during peak activity times, specifically early mornings and late afternoons. The morning safari departs at sunrise, while the evening drive offers a stunning bush sunset and the chance to see nocturnal animals.
We use a private 4x4 Land Cruiser and field guide, allowing for flexibility and stunning photography. With a maximum of six guests, enjoy extra space and comfort during the drive.
A smaller group means focused photographic guidance, including in-the-field support to enhance your skills. Between drives, focus on cataloging and processing photos, with options to learn editing in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop or photography basics tailored to your needs.
Your drives are led by experienced local guides who share valuable insights into the area’s wildlife. This, along with photographic guidance, creates an exceptional safari experience in one of South Africa’s top game reserves.
Moreover, our lodge is near a waterhole, offering close encounters with wildlife right outside your door.
During your stay, enjoy an unforgettable helicopter tour over the Panorama Route, witnessing the Greater Kruger area from above.
See where Mission Impossible 8 was filmed!
Your experienced pilot will take you from the Lowveld to the stunning Blyde River Canyon, the world's largest “green canyon” with dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation. Experience breathtaking views as you fly over pristine wilderness, spotting the Big Five along the way.
You'll soar over the Blyderivierpoort Dam and marvel at the Three Rondawels, Kadishi Tufa Waterfall, and more. This flight promises unforgettable sights!
We proudly support Hope for Wildlife's conservation efforts, enhancing your experience with their valuable services.
Sam has been a professional wildlife photographer for over a decade, capturing the stunning flora and fauna of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and South Africa—the last being a country he considers his second home. He spent four years living in Africa, immersed in the wildlife and just steps away from the famous Kruger National Park, where he taught international guests the art of wildlife photography and contributed to conservation initiatives.
His photography and writing have been featured in notable publications such as National Geographic, BBC Wildlife Magazine, Travel Africa, Wildcard Magazine, and Africa Geographic. However, he finds the greatest reward in teaching, having successfully guided hundreds of photography guests in developing their creative and technical skills.
Sam will be with you every step of the way, ensuring you receive abundant photographic guidance while making your trip run as smoothly as possible.
He’ll provide in-the-field photographic assistance, along with editing and photo tuition back at the lodge, ensuring you leave with a brand new portfolio of fantastic images.
On an elevated region of the wildlife-rich Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, the Nzumba camp is a traditional farmhouse-style lodge which faces south towards Mariepskop in the Mpumalanga Drakensberg.
From the welcoming verandahs with the comfortable seating, guests can admire the wildlife passing by at the waterhole.
Nzumba camp will be ours exclusively for the duration of our stay, meaning maximum privacy, comfort and peace - as well as flexibility.
This safari camp in the Greater Kruger National Park of South Africa offers five stand-alone chalets in which our small group will be accommodated.
The chalets are thatched offering spacious verandahs from where the waterhole can be observed which is frequented by passing wildlife. The air-conditioned chalets offer convenient amenities and features including a minibar as well as a tea and coffee station. The cottages are on either side of the lodge each offering a private outdoor veranda. The stand-alone chalets are overlooking the swimming pool and lawns which border onto the bushveld and the nearby water hole.
Various dining venues in and around the lodge make for enjoyable experiences.
The camp's delicious breakfasts are served on the lawn overlooking the pool, weather permitting.
Dinner is served in the Kugela or the outdoor boma, around the roaring fire in candlelight under the clear, star-studded sky. The library, lounge and TV Bar Lounge are located in the main building's double storey from where beautiful bushveld views can be admired. With its leather chairs and unique memorabilia, the lounge and dining room reflect the atmosphere of a romantic colonial era.
DAY 1
Arrive in Hoedspruit and transfer to a charming lodge nearby. Meet your fellow travelers, unwind, and savor dinner with new friends before a peaceful night’s rest.
* Dinner and breakfast included.
DAY 2:
After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey to Klaserie (1.5 hours). Settle into the camp, indulge in lunch, and set off on your first afternoon safari, returning for drinks and dinner.
DAY 3 - 7
Start each day with morning game drives at sunrise, complete with coffee breaks. Return for breakfast and relaxation, with options for photography tuition or downtime / resting. Afternoon drives concentrate on wildlife sightings, concluding with sunset sundowners and dinner.
DAY 8
Enjoy a final game drive before breakfast, departing around 10 am for Hoedspruit airport. It's best to pack the night before for a smooth departure and relish your last hours at the lodge.
Bid your “see you later”s at the airport.
Pickup and drop-off at Hoedspruit airport
Inclusive of dinner and breakfast
via private minibus
inclusive of all meals, tea, coffee and filtered water
A percentage of the price goes toward the management and sustainability of Klaserie private nature reserve
Private 4x4 vehicle and field guide for the group
Available in-the-field and back at the lodge
Morning and afternoon
*weather dependant
Available at extra charge in both Hoedspruit and Sabi Sand
Available at extra charge
Please tip in local currency (ZAR / Rand) cash
Valid insurance is needed to join this safari. Insurer's name, policy number and emergency contact number is needed before departure
Consider dressing in layers, as the weather can vary from very cold in the mornings to pleasantly warm and sunny during the day. You may find yourself either too hot or too cold on game drives, making layering essential. Don't underestimate how cold it can get on game drives, especially with the wind chill in the early morning.
Neutral-colored clothing is advisable for a safari, as we want to avoid drawing attention to ourselves; the less colorful we are, the better we can blend in.
A wide-brimmed hat
Lightweight shirts and t-shirts
A light waterproof poncho
A fleece or hoodie
An additional warm jacket or coat
A couple of pairs of trousers and shorts
A comfy and sturdy pair of shoes or trainers
A beanie, scarf, and gloves
Sunglasses
Our accommodations provide soap, shampoo, and conditioner, so unless you have specific requirements, these items are often unnecessary.
Toothpaste & toothbrush
Deodorant
High-quality sunscreen
Moisturizer
Hand sanitizer
Paracetamol / ibuprofen
Imodium
Insect repellent (not always necessary, but handy to have)
There is a risk of malaria in Klaserie, so you should consult a doctor before your trip to get the correct antimalarial prescription and other advice, as well as taking preventive measures like using repellent and covering up at dusk and dawn.
Please check in with your local GP or travel doctor to see if you need any vaccinations or boosters before your departure.
It is essential to obtain travel insurance or some form of coverage for the duration of your trip. Participants who do not provide us with policy numbers and contact numbers will be dismissed from the trip prior to departure.
The South African Rand (sign: R; code: ZAR) is the official currency of South Africa. Although most of this itinerary is fully-inclusive and card payments are widely accepted, bringing rand for tips is recommended.
While on safari, it’s customary to tip for good service. A guideline is around ZAR 200 per guest per day for your field guide and ZAR 100 for the tracker, if applicable. At lodges, many guests leave ZAR 100–200 per guest per day for staff, often in a communal tip box or envelope at the end of your stay. Tipping is discretionary and should reflect service quality and your budget.
Online Guest Form
All guests must complete an Online Guest Form before traveling. This form collects basic information, flight times, emergency contacts, insurance details, and dietary needs. Your information is kept private (only shared with our accommodation) and deleted after the trip.
To book your place on this photographic safari, or for additional information, simply get in touch with us via the e-mail address below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
For more information on RAW Photographic, including more of our trips and offerings, please visit our website and social media via the addresses below.
1. The client accepts the booking on behalf of themselves and others, binding all to RAW Photographic's terms.
2. Estimates and bookings are subject to these terms.
3. A non-refundable deposit is required, refundable only if RAW Photographic cannot accommodate the application. Late cancellations forfeit the deposit.
4. Full payment is due 12 weeks before departure; late payments may cancel the booking.
5. Cancellations within 12 weeks incur a cancellation fee of 100% of the fare.
6. COVID-related cancellations will postpone the trip; no refunds will be issued.
7. Amendments may incur fees and can only be made up to 12 weeks prior.
8. RAW Photographic can cancel tours, refunding amounts received without further claims.
9. No refunds if a client fails to join a tour or use services.
10. RAW Photographic acts as an agent, not liable for loss or injury due to third parties.
11. Travel insurance is mandatory; clients are encouraged to obtain comprehensive coverage.
12. Fare and itinerary changes may occur without notice. Clients cannot cancel for non-substantial changes. Surcharges may apply for reduced group numbers.
If you are a single traveler, we will do our best to find a suitable person to share the room/tent upon request. If unsuccessful, you will be placed in a single room and charged the single supplement fee. We will introduce participants seeking shared accommodation to check compatibility before allocation. If no compatible participant is found, all unshared room/tent occupants will pay the single supplement cost. We will assist but cannot guarantee compatible companions for shared accommodation.
13. These photo safaris are for individuals in good health; walking and carrying equipment may be required. Inquire if unsure about your capabilities.
By submitting a signed Guest Form and deposit, you confirm no disabilities that risk yourself or others. RAW Photographic's agent will assess participation ability. Medical issues are not exceptions to cancellation policy. RAW Photographic is not responsible for medical care.
14. If injured or ill, RAW Photographic may continue the safari for others' benefit, minimizing interruptions. Disruptive behavior may lead to forfeiting refunds.
15. Clients must ensure they have necessary travel documents and vaccinations; RAW Photographic assists but is not liable for non-compliance.
16. RAW Photographic acts as an agent for travel arrangements, disclaiming liability for issues caused by third parties.
RAW Photographic is not responsible for losses from delays or changes; participants bear these costs. Baggage is at the participant's risk and should be insured.
While information is accurate, circumstances may change, including costs and schedules. RAW Photographic reserves the right to alter the trip date or price.
RAW Photographic may substitute accommodations, cancel trips with refunds, or refuse participants at their discretion.
If cancellation occurs due to conflicts or insufficient numbers, refunds are the final settlement. The operation of the safari is at RAW Photographic's discretion for participant safety.
The Guest Form must be completed 4 weeks before departure; participation will be declined without it.
17. Clients must comply with RAW Photographic's conduct standards.
18. Clients traveling with others warrant authority to bind all to contract terms.
19. RAW Photographic's guide holds authority during the safari, collaborating with other leaders.
20. These terms are the entire agreement; no other statements apply.
21. Special requests must be specified during booking; fulfillment is not guaranteed.
22. Amendments or waivers must be in writing and signed by both parties.
23. No refunds are considered, except in cases of death or serious illness.
24. Payments form a binding agreement governed by RAW Photographic's terms.
25. All image rights remain with RAW Photographic's employees and subcontractors; clients cannot prevent photography.
26. Online card payments incur a surcharge.