For many travellers, photography has always been part of the safari experience. With a camera in hand, there is more reason to slow down, pay attention to detail and look beyond the obvious wildlife sightings. Learning to work with the landscape, light and movement encourages a different kind of focus, and offers another way to appreciate the beauty of the bush, both during the safari and long after returning home.
At Cheetah Plains in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, guests can now take the joy of taking photos a step further with a private photographic safari led by wildlife photographer Francois Fourie.
The experience gives guests two ways to approach photography on safari. Those who would rather focus on the experience itself can have Fourie accompany them throughout their stay, capturing everything from game drives and wildlife sightings to quieter moments at the lodge and in the villas. The result is a professionally edited collection of images documenting their time at Cheetah Plains.
Alternatively, guests can take control of the camera themselves. During game drives and selected lodge experiences, Fourie provides practical guidance on everything from camera settings and composition to lighting and photographing wildlife. The idea is not only to take better photographs, but to understand how to approach wildlife photography with more confidence and joy.
The experience can be tailored to each guest, whether they are already comfortable with a camera or are simply interested in learning more. A pre-arrival consultation is also available to discuss what they would like to get from the experience.
Having a professional photographer on hand also changes what gets captured. Rather than relying solely on the usual safari photographs, the collection can include the broader experience of being at Cheetah Plains, including the landscapes and moments between game drives.
For guests who choose to photograph the safari themselves, Fourie’s guidance offers the chance to gain a better understanding of how to work with changing light, movement and unpredictable wildlife. For those who prefer to leave the camera behind, it means returning home with a unique and personal record of the trip.
The Cheetah Plains Photographic Safari is available as a private add-on experience from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027, subject to availability and operational scheduling.
