Ultimate Big 5 Photography Safari
with cameron scott of royal ngala

Join Cameron Scott of Royal Ngala on an exclusive Big 5 photo tour in South Africa, specifically crafted for wildlife photographers who are seeking unparalleled access and expert guidance. As a distinguished native of Africa, Cameron draws on an intimate knowledge of the African wilderness. Experience thrilling close encounters with lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos in their natural habitat, while capturing breathtaking images enriched by Cameron’s professional insights and techniques. This immersive journey not only offers exceptional game viewing but also includes luxury accommodations and personalized instruction, ensuring that your African wildlife portfolio grows with striking, memorable photographs and reaches new creative heights.

south africa - big 5 safari


Dates: june 5-13, 2026

Location: johannesburg, Hammanskraal, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, south africa

Fitness Level: LEVEL TWO - GENTLE ADVENTURE; most days will be spent sitting in a safari vehicle

Group Size: 6 participants + group leader

Tour Highlights:

  • Dinokeng Game Reserve: Offers a unique and intimate wildlife experience for visitors. Guests can expect to encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros—along with other fascinating species native to the region. This exclusive area often features fewer visitors compared to the main sections of the reserve. Visitors can engage in activities, such as guided game drives, bush walks, and bird watching, all led by knowledgeable guides who can share insights about the local ecosystem. This concession is also a great spot for photography enthusiasts, thanks to its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.

  • Sabi Sand Nature Reserve: Renowned for its wildlife density and predator interactions; seldom will a visitor not see the Big Five. Although it shares a fenceless boundary with Kruger National Park, much of the wildlife in the Sabi Sand stays more or less in the reserve. Over the years, the animals have become used to the presence of safari vehicles, resulting in close encounters, particularly with the elusive leopards. Roaming packs of African wild dogs, territorial lions, and large herds of elephants are also signature sightings. As well as having a consistently high density of wildlife, the reserve's conservation ethos keeps vehicle numbers to a minimum at wildlife sightings. This offers a more exclusive safari experience while ensuring the welfare of the animals. Being in the private reserve generally affords more flexibility with opportunities to off-road, enjoy night drives and bush walks, all of which make visiting this area a truly unique experience.

Experience an unparalleled wildlife photography adventure as you join acclaimed photographer & guide Cameron Scott of Royal Ngala for an exclusive Big 5 tour through two of South Africa’s most revered and captivating wildlife havens—Dinokeng Game Reserve and Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. This deeply immersive journey offers exceptional opportunities to capture striking, high-quality images of Africa’s iconic animals—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—thriving freely in their natural, untouched habitats, all under the expert guidance of Cameron’s discerning eye paired with the renowned safari expertise of handpicked guides.

Dinokeng’s unique and diverse ecosystem provides dynamic, ever-changing landscape backdrops along with close, intimate wildlife encounters, while the legendary reputation of Sabi Sand Reserve for frequent and dramatic leopard sightings promises rare, breathtaking photographic moments. Throughout the tour, participants will enjoy the advantages of carefully curated small group sizes, luxurious accommodations designed for comfort, and personalized instruction in both wildlife behavior and advanced photographic techniques, ensuring that every shot you take is composed with both artistry and technical precision.

From the first light of dawn illuminating the savannah to the warm, golden glow of sunset casting long shadows, this unforgettable journey delivers a rare combination of adventure, education, and creative inspiration—perfectly tailored for serious photographers eager to elevate their craft amid the breathtaking wilderness of South Africa.

What’s Included:

  • Meet and Greet service at OR Tambo International Airport

  • Private road transfer from OR Tambo International Airport to Mongena Game Lodge, Mongena Game Lodge to The Residence Hotel, The Residence to Federal Airlines, Arethusa Airstrip to Elephant Plains Game Lodge, return

  • Private Game Drive on the afternoon of arrival and morning of departure, morning and afternoon photographic hide experience (Mongena Game Lodge)

  • Private morning and evening open vehicle game drives, bushwalks, sundowner drinks, tea & coffee (Elephant Plains Game Lodge)

  • Domestic Flight on Federal Air from Johannesburg to Arathusa Airstrip & return

  • All meals except lunch/dinner June 7 in Johannesburg (afternoon/evening is at your own leisure)

  • Luxury accommodations June 5 to checkout on June 13

  • Expert guiding and photography instruction in the field

  • Conservation Levy

  • Tips/gratuities for local guides

What’s Not Included:

  • Airfare to/from Johannesburg, South Africa

  • Photography/Personal Gear

  • Visa Fees

  • Any activities or meals not listed on the “What’s Included”

This tour begins and ends at OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa. Please make travel arrangements based on the itinerary below, or Contact Us for travel assistance.

Daily itinerary

Day 1 (june 5)

Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa, for a personalised meet and greet, where a handler will assist you through Customs and Baggage collection. A driver will be waiting in the Arrivals Hall to transfer everyone to Mongena Private Game Lodge for check in, orientation and a light lunch. The group will depart on your first afternoon photographic safari in the Northern private concession of the Reserve.

Day 2 (june 6)

The morning and afternoon will be spent in the "Jackal & Hide" Photographic hide, where there are opportunities to view and capture the animals at ground level coming through to the water's edge.

Day 3 (june 7)

After the last morning game drive and breakfast, the group will depart to Johannesburg, where you will check in to their Hotel for the evening. The afternoon/evening is at your own leisure.

Day 4 (june 8)

After breakfast, the Driver will transfer the group to Federal Airlines for the scheduled flight to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Upon arrival at Arathusa Airstrip, the Guide/Driver will be there to transfer everyone on a short game drive to the Lodge. The team will be there to welcome everyone, check them in and provide them with a light lunch, before settling into their rooms. The group will depart on their first afternoon photographic safari in the renowned, predator-rich, Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Day 5-8 (june 9-12)

The mornings and afternoon/evenings are spent on game drives capturing the moments in the wild, with opportunities in the morning to walk within the Big 5 Reserve, with an armed Guide/s.

Day 9 (june 13)

After the last game drive and breakfast, the group will be transferred by their Guide to the Arathusa Airstrip for their Federal Air flight to OR Tambo International Airport for their connecting flight home.

location & accommodations

Tour Leader: Cameron Scott

A passionate storyteller through his lens, Cameron Scott is a professional photographer and nature guide dedicated to fostering authentic and ethical connections between his clients and the African wilderness. Since entering the luxury safari industry in 2013, Cameron has guided traveller’s across the continent, sharing his profound knowledge and reverence for Mother Nature.

With a deep commitment to sustainable practices, he believes in creating transformative experiences that not only reveal Africa’s majestic beauty but also honour and protect it. Cameron’s guiding ethos "Stay Wild" serves as a reminder to reconnect with our roots, to see the adventure in every moment, and to embrace the wild essence that unites all living beings in this shared world we call home.

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