Photography Tours
MAJESTIC drakenberg & lesotho PHOTO TOUR
Photography Tours
Overview
Overview
Drakensberg & Lesotho Photo Tour
Drakensberg… translated from Afrikaans means Dragon Mountains, a region of mystery and grandeur.
The Drakensberg offers some of the most dramatic scenery in all of South Africa and yet isn’t on the radar for most travellers and that is your advantage as locations are seldom crowded.
This 12-day photographic journey traces a diverse path from the warm Indian Ocean coastline to the soaring peaks of the Drakensberg and the highlands of Lesotho.
For an off-the-tourist-path experience, remoteness and tranquility and scenery that will literally make you say ‘wow!’ Join us on this beautiful photographic journey
Photography Tours
DETAILS
DETAILS
Date: Anytime. It is recommended to book as early as possible to secure bookings.
Duration: 12 days (can be tailored to preference)
Start/Finish: Durban, South Africa
Photographic Level: Any level from smartphone to Pro
Fitness Level: Easy to moderate (can be tailored to preference)
Group Size: Min 2 (non-photographer travel partners are welcome).
Reviews: Trip Advisor Reviews For Photography Tours Here
Accommodation: Strategically located for optimal photographic opportunities (can be tailored to preferences).
Photography Tours
ITINERARY
ITINERARY
This is the basic Itinerary, which is flexible and can be adapted to suit preferences. To book this tour or request more info please full in our booking form here
Day 1 – Arrival | Umhlanga Coast
Arrive in Durban and transfer to Umhlanga. Late afternoon photography session at the Umhlanga Lighthouse, focusing on coastal compositions, sunset colour, and blue-hour city-meets-ocean imagery.
Photography focus: Seascapes, sunset, blue hour, long exposures
Overnight: Umhlanga
Day 2 – Umhlanga Sunrise & Transfer to Northern Drakensberg
Early morning shoot at the iconic Whale Bone Pier, capturing sunrise light over the Indian Ocean. After breakfast, begin the scenic drive toward the Northern Drakensberg, stopping en route to photograph the lush Karkloof Falls.
Photography focus: Sunrise seascapes, waterfalls, forest light
Overnight: Northern Drakensberg
Day 3 – Northern Drakensberg to Witsieshoek
Continue toward the dramatic Amphitheatre region, arriving at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge. Afternoon at leisure to scout viewpoints beneath the Sentinel and prepare for the following morning’s hike.
Photography focus: Mountain scouting, afternoon light on basalt cliffs
Overnight: Witsieshoek
Day 4 – Sentinel Hike & Witches Corner Sunrise
Pre-dawn departure for the Sentinel hike. Photograph sunrise from Witches Corner, with sweeping views across the Amphitheatre and Tugela Valley. The remainder of the day is at leisure for rest or optional short walks.
Photography focus: Sunrise landscapes, wide-angle drama, scale and depth
Overnight: Witsieshoek
Day 5 – Royal Natal National Park
Short transfer to Royal Natal National Park. Afternoon photography session focusing on reflections of the Amphitheatre in the Tugela River and surrounding pools as light softens toward sunset.
Photography focus: Reflections, mountain symmetry, golden-hour light
Overnight: Royal Natal area
Day 6 – Royal Natal | Amphitheatre Reflections
Early morning shoot capturing the Amphitheatre mirrored in still water (conditions permitting). Midday free time for rest or exploratory walks. Optional sunset shoot along riverbanks and grasslands.
Photography focus: Reflections, minimalist compositions, changing weather
Overnight: Royal Natal area
Day 7 – Transfer to Cathedral Peak
Travel south through the Drakensberg to the Cathedral Peak region. Afternoon shoot as light sculpts the iconic spires and buttresses of Cathedral Peak.
Photography focus: Telephoto compression, dramatic light, mountain textures
Overnight: Cathedral Peak area
Day 8 – Cathedral Peak Region
Full day exploring Cathedral Peak’s valleys, forests, and viewpoints. Short hikes and river scenes provide varied photographic opportunities throughout the day.
Photography focus: Landscape storytelling, forest scenes, environmental detail
Overnight: Cathedral Peak area
Day 9 – Monks Cowl
Transfer to Monks Cowl in the Central Drakensberg. Afternoon walk to nearby viewpoints and valleys, ideal for softer evening light and layered mountain scenes.
Photography focus: Rolling berg landscapes, leading lines, subtle colour
Overnight: Monks Cowl
Day 10 – Monks Cowl | High Berg Perspectives
Morning photography session focusing on sunrise light across the escarpment. The remainder of the day allows time for longer walks, creative shooting, or rest ahead of the high-altitude journey to follow.
Photography focus: Sunrise light, wide vistas, mood and atmosphere
Overnight: Monks Cowl
Day 11 – Sani Pass & Lesotho Highlands
Depart early for a guided 4×4 ascent of Sani Pass into Lesotho. Photograph dramatic switchbacks, alpine valleys, and highland culture. Lunch at Africa’s highest pub before continuing exploration of the Lesotho highlands.
Photography focus: Epic mountain roads, layered valleys, cultural details
Overnight: Sani Pass / Lesotho
Day 12 – Departure | Durban or Airport Drop-Off
Descend Sani Pass and transfer to Durban or King Shaka International Airport, marking the conclusion of the photographic journey.
Photography Tours
WHEN TO VISIT
WHEN TO VISIT
Summer (November – March):
Warm days, dramatic cloud build-up, and lush green landscapes define summer in the Berg. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, creating powerful light, mist, and active waterfalls. Days are long, but hikes are best done early to avoid heat and storms. This is peak season for dramatic landscape photography.
Autumn (April – May):
One of the best times to visit. Weather is stable and clear, with crisp mornings and golden light. Grasses turn soft amber, visibility is excellent, and mountain colours deepen. Ideal for hiking, sunrise shoots, and extended time outdoors.
Winter (June – August):
Cold, dry, and exceptionally clear. Days are often sunny, but nights can drop below freezing, especially in Lesotho. Snow occasionally dusts the peaks, creating rare photographic opportunities. Waterfalls slow, but visibility and light are at their best for dramatic mountain imagery.
Spring (September – October):
A transitional and vibrant season. The landscape begins to green, wildflowers emerge, and birdlife is active. Weather can be unpredictable, with occasional late cold fronts, but light conditions are superb. A rewarding time for photographers seeking contrast and seasonal change.
Photography Tours
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Umhlanga Lighthouse & Whale Bone Pier
Karkloof Falls
The Incredible Sentinel Hike & Witches Corner sunrise
Dramatic Amphitheatre reflections in Royal Natal
Gorgeous Cathedral Peak Region
Monks Cowl remarkable peaks
Sani Pass & Lesotho highlands culture and remoteness
Ideal for: Landscape photographers, adventurous travellers, off the beaten path explorers
Photography Tours
RATES
RATES
Includes:
- All Accommodation (optimally located for photo opportunities)
- All Meals (to value of R300 p/meal when eating at restaurant)
- All Transport (including 4×4 excursions Sani Pass)
- All Guided Activities and Excursions (as per itinerary)
- All Park Fees, Permits and special concession fees
- Professional photographer guide, in the field photography tips, techniques & tuition
- Pre and post nights can be arranged
Excludes: International flights, drinks outside of mealtimes, snacks, gratuities, fees for passport, visas, immunizations, insurance and airport taxes. Cost of hospitalization and evacuation, if necessary, laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature, any optional activities
2 PARTICIPANTS: From $7 000 USD p/p sharing.
4 PARTICIPANTS: From $6 000 USD p/p sharing.
6 PARTICIPANTS: From $5 000 USD p/p sharing.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1000 extra over and above per person sharing rate
Photography Tours
Contact
Contact
Please contact us so we can tailor your photo tour to suit your photography and travel interests, whether you’re a nature lover or professional photographer wanting the best locations and photographic opportunitie