Safari & Bird
Overview
Overview
Cape Town + Malaria-free Safari
Combine the best of Cape Town’s with a luxury malaria-free Big 5 safari in Madikwe Game Reserve.
Your journey begins in the Cape, where you’ll sharpen your wildlife photography skills while exploring iconic locations like Cape Point, Boulders Beach penguins, Kirstenbosch Gardens and a Seal Island boat cruise (weather dependent).
From there, enjoy a seamless domestic flight and road transfer into Madikwe for three nights of unforgettable game drives and close-up wildlife encounters.
For the Malaria Free Safari you have a couple options.
Option 1: Our Guide accompanies you and doubles as your photographer to capture the wildlife or photography teacher. The cost includes their stay at the same lodge.
Option 2 : Use the lodges’ safari guides, if your group is 6 or more people then the safari will be tailored to your preference, otherwise you may join other travelers for the drives.
You have the option of hiring a private vehicle (which is approximate $600 a day) for photography or if traveling with smaller children.
Safari & Bird
DETAILS
DETAILS
Date: Anytime subject to availability. It is recommended to book early to secure bookings.
Duration: 7 days easily customised.
Start: Cape Town
Finish: Johannesburg
Group Size: Min 2 – Max 8
Fitness Level: Easy to moderate (can be tailored to preference)
Photographic Level: Any level from smartphone to Pro
Accommodation: Tailored to preferences).
Safari & Bird
ITINERARY
ITINERARY
In A Nutshell:
3 Nights Cape Town (Peninsula & Penguins)
3 Nights Madikwe Game reserve (Exceptional malaria free safari with Big 5 + cheetah, wild dogs)
Includes domestic flight and road transfers to Madikwe.
Day 1 – Arrival in Cape Town | Wildlife Photography Foundations
Arrive in Cape Town and meet your guide. Depending on arrival time, we begin with a relaxed orientation session and a photography warm-up session at Intake Bird Hides, focusing on camera setup, autofocus basics, and field techniques for wildlife photography. After you’ll enjoy a glorious sunset with the classic postcard over the ocean view of Table Mountain.
Highlights: Photography Teachings • Beautiful Scenery • Classic Table Mountain Postcard Photo
Overnight: Cape Town
Day 2 – Cape Point & Penguins
Today is a signature Cape Peninsula day. Travel through spectacular coastal scenery toward Cape Point, stopping for birdlife, seascapes, and wildlife opportunities along the way. Continue to Boulders Beach for African penguin and finish with spectacular Chapmans Peak Drive.
Highlights: Cape Point • African Penguins • Cape of Good • Chapmans Peak Drive
Overnight: Cape Town
Day 3 – Kirstenbosch Gardens + Seal Island (Hout Bay)
Start the morning at Colourful Cape Malay Quarters (Bokaap) followed by Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, perfect for photographing sunbirds, sugarbirds and forest-edge species in beautiful natural settings. Later, head to Hout Bay for a Seal Island boat trip (weather dependent).
Highlights: Spectacular Kirstenbosch Gardens • Bokaap • seals + seabirds (boat trip)
Overnight: Cape Town
Day 4 – Cape Town to Madikwe (Flight + Transfer) | Afternoon Safari
After breakfast, transfer to Cape Town Airport for your domestic flight to Johannesburg. On arrival, meet your road transfer and travel to Madikwe Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s top malaria-free safari destinations. Arrive in time for your first afternoon game drive with potential to encounter Big 5 and more.
Highlights: seamless travel day • first Madikwe safari drive
Day 5 – Madikwe Full Safari
A full day of game drives. Madikwe is known for excellent sightings of elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino and leopard, as well as cheetah and wild dog in the right conditions.
Day 6 – Madikwe Full Safari
Another full safari day to build your portfolio and refine techniques, focusing on clean backgrounds, strong light, and storytelling moments such as interactions, movement, and behaviour.
Day 7 – Final Morning Safari | Departure
Enjoy one last early morning game drive — often the best light of the trip and a final chance for predators, elephants, and bird activity. After breakfast, depart by road transfer back to Johannesburg for onward travel.
Tour ends: Johannesburg
Optional Seasonal Add-On: Whales in Hermanus or Flowers West Coast National Park
If travelling during whale season, we can include a Hermanus whale photography day trip (or scenic stop) for the chance to photograph Southern Right Whales likewise for flowers at West Coast National park
Best whale season: typically June – November (peak often Aug–Oct)
Best Flower season: From second week in August to Mid Sept for West Coast National Park. Wild Flowers around Cape Town last until Late Oct.
This Itinerary is flexible and can be adapted to suit preferences. To request more info please click “start booking” (top right button).
Safari & Bird
WHEN TO VISIT
WHEN TO VISIT
This is a year-round tour, but each season has its own strengths depending on whether you prioritising birding or wildlife.
Spring (September – November)
Cape Town
Spring is one of the Cape’s best seasons: Everything is lush and colourful after the rains. Birds are active – start of the breeding season.
Photography highlights:
Fynbos and wildflowers (best in early spring)
Excellent light and mild temperatures
Coastal birds and wetland activity
Great conditions for landscapes + bird habitat shots
Madikwe
Spring is excellent for wildlife as its ends of the dry season, the bush is still open and animals stay close to water.
Photography highlights:
Strong predator sightings and easier visibility
Newborn animals begin appearing later in spring
Good balance between birding and big game
Best for: a balanced photo safari with comfortable weather and strong sightings
Summer (December – February)
Cape Town
Summer offers long days and consistent weather — ideal for early starts and late sunsets.
Photography highlights:
Coastal photography, seabirds, penguins, and ocean scenes
Beautiful golden evenings and clean sunrises
Great for Cape Point and the Peninsula
Note: Midday heat and harsh light can be challenging — best shooting is early/late.
Madikwe
Summer is peak birding season in Madikwe, with migrants and breeding colour.
Photography highlights:
Highest bird diversity (migrants + breeding plumage)
Dramatic skies and storm light for atmosphere
Excellent “green season” storytelling shots
Note: Wildlife is still good, but thicker vegetation can make sightings harder.
Best for: bird photographers and travellers who love lush landscapes and dramatic skies
Autumn (March – May)
Cape Town
Autumn is a favourite for photographers — stable weather and soft light.
Photography highlights:
Clear air and golden light
Great conditions for city + coastline + birds
Less wind than peak summer (often)
Madikwe
Autumn is one of the best all-round safari periods.
Photography highlights:
Vegetation starts thinning = better visibility
Excellent predator sightings and comfortable temperatures
Strong birding continues (especially March/April)
Best for: the best overall balance of weather, wildlife visibility, and bird activity
Winter (June – August)
Cape Town
Winter is Cape Town’s “moody season” — and it can be incredible for dramatic photography.
Photography highlights:
Stormy skies, waves, and atmospheric landscapes
Excellent time for wetlands and waterbirds after rain
Cleaner air and softer light on overcast days
Note: Weather can be unpredictable, so flexibility helps.
Madikwe
Winter is the best season for classic Big 5 safari photography.
Photography highlights:
Best wildlife visibility (thin bush, dry conditions)
Animals concentrate around rivers and waterholes
Crisp mornings and golden light
Excellent chances for predators and big herds
Note: Birding is still good, but fewer migrants than summer.
Best for: big game photography and high-impact safari sightings
Safari & Bird
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Cape Town
African Penguins at Boulders Beach
Seal Island boat trip (weather dependent)
Cape Point landscapes + coastal wildlife
Kirstenbosch bird photography (sunbirds, sugarbirds, forest-edge species)
Wildlife photography coaching and technique building
Madikwe (Malaria-Free Safari)
Big 5 game drives in a private reserve setting
Lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo encounters
Predator action potential (wild dog / cheetah possible)
Golden sunrise and sunset photography
Beautiful bushveld backdrops and clean safari compositions
Safari & Bird
RATES
RATES
Includes:
- All Accommodation (optimally located)
- All Meals (to value of R300 p/meal when eating at restaurant)
- All Transport (including safari vehicles)
- Domestic Flight Cape Town – Joburg
- Return Road Transfer Madikwe
- All Guided Activities and Excursions (as per itinerary)
- Marine boat Trip for Seals (Cape Town)
- 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
Lodges rates vary according to room choice, time of year and availability. Rates below are a guideline only.
2 PARTICIPANTS: From $8000 USD p/p sharing.
4 PARTICIPANTS: From $6 500 USD p/p sharing.
6 PARTICIPANTS: From $6000 USD p/p sharing.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1000 extra over and above per person sharing rate
Safari & Bird
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 opportunities.