South Africa is known worldwide for its Big Five game safaris. It has been a top destination for wildlife photographers for many years due to the abundant wildlife in their game reserves, both public and private. It is said that South Africa is the easy Africa destination for photographers since the photo opportunities are plenty and easy to obtain. With great infrastructure to move around the country, it is a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Our photography tour / workshop will be at the fabulous Zimanga Private Game Reserve. Zimanga is a true photo destination. They have modeled the reserve to cater to photographers in search of that perfect image. Professionally built photography blinds/hides are placed strategically through out the reserve. All blinds/hides are set to optimize both morning and afternoon light and are all sunken to get you the low perspective we all look for when photographing wildlife. The main attraction to the reserve are the overnight binds/hides. At these hides you spend the night photographing wildlife that comes in to the waterholes to drink. Led lights light up the scene so you can capture rhinos, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, lions and if you are really lucky the elusive leopard might make an appearance. You never know what will show up but you are guaranteed to have a great time creating unique night images of the African Wildlife.

This photo tour is also a full workshop. We will be conducting 6-8 hours of classroom instruction. We will cover composition, blind photography 101, night image post processing workflows, image critiques, and other topics of interest so that you can obtain the best images while at the reserve and also process them properly to maximize your efforts.

During our visit our group will have exclusive use of the lodge and reserve. Group size is 12 but you will be divided in groups of 3 for all the activities. As all our other tours/workshops the ratio to participant to student will be low. Two professional photography instructors and two Zimanga ranger guides will be there to assist you at all times.

We will also be doing traditional game drives around the reserve. 3 people per vehicle with a full row each to have full access to both sides of the vehicle to make sure you capture the action. We will track cheetahs, lions, elephants, zebras, kudus, and many other targets. All the Zimanga guide/rangers are experienced drivers that specialize in photography so they will put you at the right place to optimize light and position to capture your subjects.

Our Itinerary includes:

  • Overnight Blinds/Hides - 3 Overnights (includes night, a.m. and p.m. sessions - 16 hr total each session)

  • Lagoon Blind/Hide - 2 sessions both morning and afternoon.

  • Predator Blind/Hide - 2 morning sessions.

  • Bee Eater Colony Portable Blind/ Hide - 2 morning sessions

  • Bird Bath Blind/Hide - 1 morning session

  • Traditional Game Drives - 7 game drives

  • Classroom Instruction - Total 6-8 hours

Photo Tour / Workshop Details

  • Cost
    $9600.00 USD per photographer (double occupancy)
    Single Room Supplement (limited availability) - $890 USD

  • Number of Participants
    Limited to 12 Photographers (4 groups of 3 photographers plus instructor/guide)

  • Session 1 - September 3-12, 2025 - SOLD OUT
    Session 2 - September 18-27, 2025 - SOLD OUT

Includes:
- Game Drives and use of Blinds/Hides at Zimanga Private Game Reserve.
- Classroom instruction and included provided materials.
- Accomodations at the Zimanga Luxury Lodge.
- Open 4x4 Land Cruiser with every photographer having their own seat row.
- All meals and drinks (excludes specialty and alcoholic drinks).
- Bottled water during game drives and hide sessions.
- All transfers from Durban Airport to Zimanga Private Game Reserve.
- Complimentary Laundry Service at Zimanga Lodge.
- All applicable taxes.

Does not include:
- Airfare to and from Durban, South Africa.
- Alcoholic Drinks.
- Items of personal nature, phone calls, souvenirs, etc.
- Gratuities for local guide / drivers.

A $2500 deposit is required at the time of enrollment with full payment due by June 1, 2025.

Deposit can be paid via PAYPAL (plus 3% fees) by clicking here:

SESSION 1 - SOLD OUT
SESSION 2 - SOLD OUT

or by mailing a U.S. Check or U.S. Money Order Payable to:
      
Hector D. Astorga
PO Box 74
Delmita, TX 78536

 

Deposits & Cancellation Policy:

  • A $2500 deposit is required at the time of enrollment with full payment due by June 1, 2025.

  • Deposits and tour/workshop fees are non-refundable.

  • Refunds (minus a 15% admin fee) will be given if the photo workshop is full and someone from the waiting list can take your spot.

  • We are not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other reasons.

  • Should cancellation be required due to severe weather, an alternate date will be scheduled at no additional charges.

  • No fees will be refunded if you withdraw after the photo workshop begins.

  • We are not responsible for any fees associated with non-refundable air travel, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. For travel and trip insurance quotes visit www.insuremytrip.com.

 
For more information or questions please contact Hector Astorga:
Email: hector@hectorastorga.com 
Phone: (956) 821-0701.