South Africa – Big 5
You want to go on the iconic African Safari in the Kruger National Park area.
You want to see and photograph the Big 5: Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant, and Rhino.
There’s so much more, though. Explore your options at our favorite off-road private reserves and discover the positive impact your visit makes on the local communities.
Our safaris are scheduled for the best times to photograph the abundant wildlife of South Africa.
Choose one experience, or come for back-to-back safaris at different lodges. You won’t regret your choice!
Back-to-back safaris are always eligible for a discounted rate. Just ask!
We can arrange all of your in-country transportation from Johannesburg or Cape Town, too!
5-day South Africa Photography Workshop Safari – Traditional Lodge in Manyaleti Game Reserve
April 4–8, 2026
Sold Out
5-day South Africa Photography Workshop Safari – Traditional Lodge in Manyaleti Game Reserve
April 8–12, 2026
Starting at
$2,950 USD
5-day South Africa Photography Workshop Safari – Luxury Lodge in Sabi Sands
April 12–16, 2026
Sold Out
$5,200 USD
5-day South Africa Big 5 Safari – Manyaleti Game Reserve/Greater Kruger
April 24–28, 2026
Starting at
$3,050 USD
5-day South Africa Big 5 Safari – MalaMala Private Game Reserve
August 9–13, 2026
Starting at
$8,900 USD
Lion
Leopard in tree
Rhinos
Cape Buffalo
Giraffes
African Sunset
Photographer and Leopard
Wild Dog
lion eyes
Zebra
Lilac-Breasted Roller
Our South African Big 5 Photography Workshop Safaris are scheduled during the dry season when temperatures are pleasant and wildlife is plentiful.
We have plenty of time between morning and evening game drives for a full photography course, including basic editing in Lightroom.
We’ll maximize your camera time so you will go home with the skills to keep taking your best shots long after you leave- you’ll know the settings and the WHY behind them.
Not a photographer? Just enjoy immersing with us at sightings to enjoy nature, or rent a camera and see if you’ve found a new hobby.
You’ve heard of them:
Londolozi, MalaMala, Manyaleti, Sabi Sands…
Those whispers can become reality with Blackwood Safaris
Join us for a life-changing immersion in nature on an exceptional African Safari, at every price level.
Pungwe Safari Camp: A Traditional Lodge in Manyaleti Game Reserve
Remote never felt this good… Pungwe completely submerges you in the raw magic of the unfenced Manyeleti – a overlooked African wilderness area that is coming into its own, achieving recognition as a superlative safari destination with classic Big 5 experiences, plus recurrent quality sightings of wild dogs and cheetahs. Relax in the rhythm of nature at Pungwe, our intimate and authentic Traditional Lodge in the undeveloped part of the Greater Kruger National Park.
Pungwe is located in the remote southern portion of the large community-owned Manyeleti Game Reserve, on the northern border of Sabi Sand Reserve and the western border of the Kruger National Park. We are fortunate to have unfenced boundaries with both of these iconic wild spaces, allowing for free movement of animals between the three reserves as they seek out our year-round waterholes and lake. Where there’s water, there is life, and the Manyeleti is renowned for its large concentrations of game and relatively low levels of development, guaranteeing exceptional game viewing with minimal vehicle densities.
Our Field Guides use traditional tracking skills to find our wildlife. We don’t generally have to share sightings with other vehicles and we’ll have ample time with animals for outstanding photography opportunities. Manyaleti is open to the Kruger, and it’s where we can go off-road to get close to wildlife, maneuvering so you can take your best shot.
Four canvas-sided bungalows offer an intimate, traditional glamping feel with all amenities, including a full private bathroom and hot & cold running water. The Camp is unfenced, so elephants might be munching next to your window, lulling you to sleep with their low rumbles. The kettle has been continuously on the fire for 40 years, providing steaming hot water for coffee or tea…just wait until you hear the story!
Community Impact: For almost three decades, we’ve nurtured a close working relationship with the various villages in and around the Manyeleti; the neighbouring communities of Thorndale, Hlalakahle, Hlavukisa, Gottenburg, Welverdiend and Hluvhukani. 90% of Pungwe staff are from these local communities. We are fully invested in assisting our communities in championing the next generation. Pungwe provides the main meal each day for the more than 60 children who attend the Pfukani creche and supports the educational foundation of these little kids. Pungwe is also a proud supporter of the Wild Shots Outreach photographic outreach project. Wild Shots focuses on providing photographic workshops for local youth which include visits to the Manyeleti. Pungwe regularly hosts these youth groups on a safari where they can obtain practical wildlife photographic experience and build a lifetime connection to nature.
This Photography Workshop Safari is limited to a maximum of 8 people, with 4-6 people per vehicle for the best photography experience.
Current Traditional Lodge Photo Safari Offerings:
- April 4–8, 2026 — SOLD OUT
- April 8–12, 2026
MalaMala Private Game Reserve
The iconic MalaMala Game Reserve is the safari industry’s blueprint for luxury and exclusivity, being one of the largest private Big Five game reserves in South Africa. It shares an unfenced boundary with the world-renowned Kruger National Park and lies strategically sandwiched between the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. Being a private reserve on 33,000 acres means we don’t share sightings with other lodges…we have the wildlife all to ourselves and can stay to watch events unfold.
MalaMala was the first private game reserve in South Africa to recognise the importance of prioritising conservation of the land, protecting the fragile ecosystem by prohibiting hunting and making the transition to photographic safaris.
With a high concentration of leopards and lion prides, big cats are plentiful, and so are the exceptional photography opportunites that go along with the cats. Our intimate MalaMala Camp sits on 13 miles of Sand River frontage which ensures that wildlife is plentiful year-round and sightings are never crowded; in fact, only MalaMala vehicles are allowed on the reserve.
Of course we can go off road for the perfect position and light, and we don’t have to compete with other vehicles. We can leave early and stay out late if there’s something special going on.
Community Impact: The N’wandlamhari Community are shareholders in the business and over half of MalaMala’s employees are community-based. Tourism Levies support schools, water projects, internships, and fund scholarships for higher learning for community members.
This Photography Workshop Safari is limited to a maximum of 6 people for the best photography experience and personal instruction from Karen.
Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Londolozi is one of South Africa’s original private game reserves and part of the iconic Sabi Sands. A pillar of global ecotourism and a proud family-run business for nearly 100 years, Londolozi is a beacon of light for many…the opportunity to see the legendary Leopards of Londolozi…to bathe in your individual plunge pool as a herd of elephants walk by…to explore a re-imagined education model for Africa…to have an intimate picnic in the tree tops overlooking the Sand River – this could be your ultimate luxury safari experience.
A great Luxury Kruger Safari is based on two things: local knowledge and location. Trackers and guides have been working with Big 5 wildlife on this land for decades, accumulationg an exceptional level of generational expertise. Intangible safari wisdom makes all the difference for the best possible experience during your stay with us. You’ll be able to witness scenes of the African bushveld that you wouldn’t see anywhere else. This is truly Londolozi’s unique knowledge in motion.
Community Impact: Londolozi commits a percentage of its revenue annually as seed capital funding to the RIPPLE Fund:
Restoration – of landscapes and mountain river catchments
Innovation – supporting entrepreneurs to thrive and innovate in an African context
Protection – of rhino and securing safe havens for them and other endangered species by partnering with the Tracker Academy and Rhino Guardians
People – upskilling young members of the families surrounding Londolozi
Leadership – supporting supply chain enterprise development
Education – partnering with the Good Work Foundation in enabling access to higher learning
Because Londolozi is a fully private reserve, only our vehicles can traverse our lands. We aren’t competing with dozens of other lodges for time at sightings. We can enjoy watching moments unfold without watching our watches. Of course we can go off road for the perfect position and light.
This Photography Workshop Safari is limited to a maximum of 6 people for the best photography experience and personal instruction from Karen.
How are you getting to the Lodge? It’s an 8 hour drive from Johannesburg–do you want to deal with that?
We’ve designed an easy, convenient Big 5 Lodging and Ground Transportation Package so all you have to do is arrive in South Africa. We’ll arrange the rest. This takes the stress of planning off your plate.
Have you considered staying for two safaris at one location or try two unique experiences by booking at each lodge for an extended photo safari? Ask about discounts when you combine safaris.