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6-Night South Africa Safari in Search of the “Magnificent Seven”: lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, elephants, cheetahs, and wild dogs. An exclusive experience in a 5-star luxury lodge, with private suites And open safari vehicle for exclusive use, with authorization to off-piste to maximize every sighting.
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€ 1.000,00
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Located on the border with Botswana, the Madikwe Game Reserve It is one of the most extraordinary and least known protected areas in South Africa: 75,000 hectares of savannah, rocky hills and Tamboti forests, completely malaria-free, which are home to one of the highest densities of fauna in the entire country.
In the heart of the reserve, far from the areas most frequented by vehicles, our guests enjoy privileged access to the hunting grounds of large predators and the main migration areas of herbivores. This strategic location allows you to enjoy exceptionally frequent sightings, often just minutes after leaving the lodge.
Madikwe is a true icon for biodiversity: here live all major African mammals, from the Big Five to cheetahs and wild dogs, plus more 66 species of mammals and beyond 300 species of birdsThe reserve is also renowned for the presence of numerous rhinos with intact horns, visible with a regularity rare in the rest of South Africa and across the continent.
A perfect destination for those seeking an exclusive safari, rich in wildlife and offering extraordinary photographic opportunities in every season.
6 nights in a 115m2 Luxury Suite, with swimming pool and private terrace
Michele Bavassano
Sharon Vanadia
A safari in South Africa isn't just a trip: it's a total immersion in nature, its rhythms and its most authentic silences. For an entire week, you'll live in the heart of the savannah, traveling every day aboard a open jeep reserved exclusively for our group, accompanied by an expert ranger who knows every corner of the reserve.
Each day will follow the rhythm of the fauna: a dawn safari, when the grazing light reveals the tracks of nocturnal predators, and a safari in the afternoon until sunset, with the possibility of enjoying an aperitif in the bush while the sky turns golden. The private reserve where we will be staying does not impose any regulatory restrictions: we will therefore be able to make authorized off-piste to get closer to the Big Five, cheetahs and wild dogs, focusing on top-quality observations and photographs.
Between one activity and another, the lodge will offer moments of true comfort: fresh breakfast upon returning from the safari, lunch overlooking the bush, And typical South African dinner under a clear sky, where the silence is broken only by the calls of the African night.
An experience designed for those who want to experience the safari to the fullest: natural rhythms, close-up observations, authentic atmospheres and that rare feeling of being exactly where you're supposed to be.
During the safari in South Africa you will live an exclusive and perfectly organized experience, with the constant presence of tour leaders and a private vehicle Reserved exclusively for our group, ideal for ensuring comfort, flexibility, and the ability to adapt each outing to your photographic needs. Each day includes two safaris, one leaving before dawn and one in the afternoon returning after sunset, to explore the reserve during its busiest times of year.
The exits are made on 10-seater open jeeps, equipped with sunroof, but occupancy is limited to maximum six participants per vehicle, always keeping the central seats free to offer more space and freedom of movement during the shots. On board there will be a professional photographer specializing in African wildlife, which will collaborate with the certified local guides to optimize each sighting, plan movements and position the vehicle in the best way to obtain high-quality images.
Thanks to the deep knowledge of the territory, the experience of the team and the possibility of personalising each outing, you will experience an authentic safari experience Immersive experience in the South African savannah, with frequent sightings and ideal conditions for wildlife photography.
For this experience we chose the Etali Safari Lodge, an exclusive boutique lodge in the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve, one of the few areas malaria-free of South Africa. The property has eight private suites and a family suite, completely independent and immersed in the bush, designed to blend with the surrounding environment and offer maximum privacy.
Each suite offers a large deck overlooking the savannah, private pool or heated whirlpool, indoor and outdoor showers, a freestanding tub, and elegant interiors inspired by the reserve's natural colors. In various parts of the lodge, it's common to spot elephants and other large mammals passing by the rooms, providing unique and authentic moments.
The gastronomic offer is of a high standard, with cuisine South African and international gourmet Served on the panoramic deck or in the traditional boma under the stars. The lodge also offers a spa, wellness area, main pool, and lounge areas perfect for relaxing between safaris.
Thanks to our partnerships and direct management of the trip, you will be able to live this experience in one of the most exclusive structures in Madikwe saving over 20% compared to direct booking, while benefiting from additional services that no other offer includes: private vehicle dedicated to our group, Transfers to and from Johannesburg Airport, And a professional tour leader for each vehicle.
A level of comfort, support and overall value simply unbeatable on the market.
No problem: our trip is also designed for participants who travel without roommates. The lodge suites are very spacious (approximately 75–80 m²) and can be shared comfortably with another participant in the group, ensuring privacy and comfort.
If you prefer an accommodation all to yourself, you can request a single-use suite with a supplement of 1200 € for the entire duration of your stay.
We just ask you to let us know immediately after registration, as the availability of single suites is extremely limited.
Find out how the days will unfold and which activities make up the experience
The meeting point for the transfer will be at OR Tambo International Airport. The transfer that will take us to the Madikwe Reserve will depart between 9.00 and 9.30 AM
– After our private transfer we will arrive in the Madikwe reserve (3/4 hours of travel) in the early afternoon, lunch at the facility and departure for the first safari.
– Stop at sunset for an aperitif in the bush
-Night safari returning to our lodge
– Dinner and overnight stay
A typical day on safari follows a natural rhythm, designed to make the most of every moment in the reserve.
05:00 - Wakes up.
05:15–05:30 – Tea and coffee served at the Main Lodge.
05:30 – Departure for the morning safari.
08:00–08:30 – Stop in the bush for coffee, hot chocolate and snacks.
09:30–10:00 – Return to the lodge and à la carte breakfast.
13:00 – Lunch served at the lodge.
15:00 – Afternoon tea, coffee and snacks at the Main Lodge.
15:30 – Departure for the afternoon safari.
5:45–6:00 PM – Stop in the bush for a suggestive aperitif at sunset.
18:30 – Return to the lodge and free time before dinner.
20:00 – The bar is open for an aperitif.
20:15 – Dinner under the starry sky, with gourmet dishes inspired by South African tradition.
Times may vary slightly based on sightings, weather conditions, and light, to optimize the photographic and nature experience.
– Wake up before dawn, coffee at the lodge and departure for our last morning safari.
– Stop in the bush, where we will get off the vehicle to enjoy hot tea or coffee with typical snacks, surrounded by the sounds of the savannah.
– Return to the lodge and breakfast served at the table with an à la carte menu.
– Packing and packing departure with private transfer to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, where arrival is expected around 15:00, in time for the return flight.
It will be necessary to land at OR Tambo International Airport in the early morning or the evening before if there are no flights compatible with the transfer scheduled at 9.00 AM.
For the return we will reach OR Tambo International Airport at 4.00 PM, so any flight after 6.30 PM will be compatible with all activities.
Passionate about nature, he travels in search of the perfect shot, exploring pristine areas around the world. Through his camera he tries to share moments and emotions. Michele defines his photography as “A search for art in nature”. He works as a professional photographer and proposes events in the most interesting and important destinations in Italy and abroad. His images have been used by Discovery, BBC, ENEL and have been published in numerous magazines around the world.
Born in Rome in 1994, she showed a strong sensitivity towards nature from a young age. Graduated in Biological Sciences and specialized in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, she became a professional photographer. He leads nature workshops and tours around the world, combining his passion for biology with nature photography. With years of experience in the field, she is followed internationally for her work and dedication to nature conservation.
Discover all the places and views that you can admire during this trip. All the material shown here comes from our trips
Signing up is very simple: just click on “Book Now” and follow the wizard. After entering your data and completing the payment of the deposit, your participation will be immediately recorded. You will then receive a confirmation email as soon as the procedure is finalized.
For this experience we recommend using cameras reflex, mirrorless or bridge matched with objectives between 200 mm and 600 mmThis focal length range allows you to obtain sharp, well-proportioned images with an excellent level of detail.
During the safaris we will mainly shoot from the open jeep, which will act as a stable support; for this reason no tripod is needed. It is instead very useful a bean bag, ideal for resting the telephoto lens during shots (you can ask us for all the necessary information).
Throughout the journey you will be accompanied by a professional photographer specializing in African wildlife, always available to help you optimize the use of your equipment. You will receive personalized advice on technique, composition, light management, camera settings and much more, so you can make the most of every photographic opportunity.
This trip is not just for photographers: it is also designed for those who wish to experience Africa simply as an observer, enjoying nature, sightings and the unique atmosphere of the savannah without any technical pressure.
However, if you are curious about photography and would like to learn during your trip, you can rent a basic photography kit directly from Just Explorers and use your experience to learn the basics with our tour leader. We'll guide you step by step, with a simple and practical approach.
Whether you come to photograph, to observe animals or to experience the magic of safari, This trip is open to everyone.
During your stay in Madikwe Game Reserve, between 20 and 26 May daytime temperatures hover around 24-26 °C, while in the early hours of the morning they can drop to around 7-11 °C.
During this period the temperature range is significant: we recommend dressing warmly. layered, so you can stay warm during cool mornings, without sacrificing comfort during the hottest hours. Technical clothing is not necessary: light shirts, comfortable trousers and a heavier jacket for any drops in temperature. Further details regarding clothing will be provided immediately after registration.
By booking via bank transfer to the organizers you accept the following clauses:
1. Since this is a pre-registration, the organizer will endeavor to promptly communicate any possible change in the price of the tour, characterized by cost fluctuations. An annual price fluctuation of around 5% is highly probable. In relation to potential changes in the prices of ground services (for example changes influenced by fluctuating costs of electricity, fuel and more).
2. The price of the entire workshop will be paid by advance bank transfer or cash according to the procedures and deadlines established by the organizers.
3. In the event that the tour does not take place due to the organizer, the entire amount paid will be refunded.
4. In case of cancellation for personal reasons, the registration fee will be retained as a reimbursement of expenses.
5. In case of cancellation for personal reasons 90 days before departure, the entire balance of the tour will be required.
We will reply to you by email as soon as possible
JUST EXPLORERS SRLS
VAT number: 01708500556
Address: Via G. Verdi 86 Castel Viscardo 05014
PEC: just.explorers@pec.it
+39 328 856 6896
info@justexplorers.com
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