South Africa has it all; wildlife-rich national parks, expansive mountain ranges, inviting beaches, and a diverse cultural heritage. In other words, it’s a dream destination for photographers with a great variety of interests. Whether you’re into wildlife photography, landscape photography, or cultural photography, a photo tour in South Africa delivers something amazing.
We invite you to join us on a South African photo safari that allows you to enjoy close encounters with the Big Five – and more – in an exclusive private concession. Guided by a professional wildlife photographer, you’ll be guaranteed to sharpen your skills and come back with an impressive portfolio of images. Or, if you’d like to combine wildlife photography with contributing to conservation initiatives, consider becoming a wildlife photography volunteer in South Africa.
If humanitarian photography is your thing, we invite you to instead join us for an NGO storytelling photography workshop. It’s a unique way to become a photography volunteer and document the work of social impact projects doing important humanitarian work.
Learn about nonprofit photography and document the work of inspiring social impact initiatives
May 4 - 18, 2025
June 1 - 14, 2026
South Africa's Greater Kruger is a perfect destination for wildlife photographers.
Regular Start Dates
Min. 8 Weeks
Make your photography matter with our wildlife photography project in the Greater Kruger.
Regular Start Dates
Min. 4 Weeks
Witness incredible wildlife on a private game reserve with our South African photo safari.
Jul 25 - 31, 2025
Aug 1 - 7, 2025
Jul 4 - 10, 2026
Jul 24 - 30, 2026
At Penda, we are dedicated to providing keen photographers with incredible travel experiences; trips that allow them to experience a gorgeous location through their art, and to sharpen their skills at the same time. South Africa is a destination that makes this easy; it’s a country that offers a broad spectrum of photography experiences. From photo safaris, where you can passionately explore the realm of wildlife photography, to humanitarian photography, in which you can learn to use your camera as a force for good, our photography tours in South Africa ensure an unforgettable journey.
Why travel with usA photo tour is specifically designed for photography enthusiasts—whether you’re a beginner or a pro. Unlike standard safaris or sightseeing tours, photo tours prioritize lighting, positioning, and timing to help you capture the best images. Guides are professional photographers who assist with techniques and camera settings.
If you are a foreign national from the US, the UK, or Canada, you do not need a visa to enter South Africa for a holiday. Many countries from the EU are also exempt from needing a visa, but we advise that you check the South African consulate website in your country to see what is required to enter the country.
The most optimal time to go on a safari in South Africa is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. These months are perfect for capturing some incredible wildlife photography. This is due to the vegetation thinning out, which makes spotting wildlife easier, as they tend to gather around water holes.
South Africa is safe for tourists to travel to, as long as you remain cautious of your surroundings. Crime rates are high in certain areas, but if you travel with our tour group, you’re very safe. Our tours provide accommodation in secure lodges, which ensure that you’ll feel safe. If you have any further questions, contact us.
There are no vaccines that are required to travel to South Africa, but there are recommended vaccinations that you should get to be safe. Although we can offer some guidelines, we are not qualified to give medical advice. It is best to consult with your local health clinic on the vaccinations you may need.
Malaria is a risk to consider when traveling to South Africa. Make sure to bring insect repellent if you’re going on a safari tour.
Not at all! Our tours are open to all skill levels. Whether you’re shooting with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even a smartphone, you’ll receive guidance tailored to your experience level.
This depends somewhat on the type of photo tour you’re doing, and we’ll always send you a recommended gear list for the trip you’ve chosen. In general, we recommend:
A DSLR or mirrorless camera body
Telephoto lens (e.g., 100–400mm or 70–200mm) for wildlife
Wide-angle lens for landscapes
Extra batteries, memory cards, and a tripod
A complete gear checklist will be sent upon booking.
Yes! On our photo safaris, many guests bring partners or friends who enjoy wildlife and travel even if they aren’t into photography. There’s plenty for everyone to enjoy.
You can book directly through our website or by contacting us. A deposit is required to secure your spot, with the balance due closer to departure. Full details are available on our booking page.
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