BIG CATS OF THE SABI SANDS

Photographic Workshop

Big Cats of the Sabi Sands

Big Cats of the Sabi Sands

Big Cats of the Sabi Sands

GUIDES

Lance van de Vyver

Anna-C Nagel

DURATION

7 days / 6 nights

LOCATION

Sabi Sands, South Africa

PRICE

2027 from R58,950 / per person sharing. 2028 from R64,850 / per person sharing

Overview

Experience an exceptional big cat photographic workshop in the heart of Sabi Sands, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations and a premier location for photographing leopards and lions in their natural environment.

Famous for its exceptional leopard sightings, Sabi Sands offers outstanding opportunities to photograph big cats at close range, often providing extended encounters that allow photographers to observe natural behaviour and capture a variety of images. From intimate portraits and powerful close-ups to wider compositions that showcase these magnificent animals within their surroundings, the reserve offers remarkable photographic potential.

Our days are structured around morning and afternoon game drives, with experienced guides working to locate wildlife and position the vehicle for the best possible photographic opportunities. The diversity of habitats, combined with the reserve’s reputation for exceptional predator sightings, creates opportunities to photograph everything from leopards moving through the bush to lions interacting, resting or hunting.

With expert guidance from professional wildlife photographers, the focus throughout the workshop is on making the most of every encounter. Whether you are refining your camera settings, improving your composition, working with challenging light or learning to anticipate animal behaviour, you will have opportunities to develop your skills while building a stronger wildlife portfolio.

Sabi Sands is particularly rewarding for photographers who want to move beyond simply seeing wildlife and spend time observing and photographing animals at close range. The combination of experienced guiding, exceptional predator sightings and dedicated time in the field makes this an ideal destination for photographers of all experience levels.

This workshop combines the excitement of photographing Africa’s iconic predators with dedicated time in the field, expert photographic guidance and access to one of South Africa’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. The emphasis is on capturing compelling images while making the most of the remarkable encounters that Sabi Sands has to offer.

Why choose Panthera

Why choose Panthera

Unique Destination Appeal

The Sabi Sands is a premier destination for capturing stunning images of big cats, featuring a high density of leopards, lions, and occasionally cheetahs and wild dogs in their natural habitat. With off-road driving access and expert guides, you’ll experience close encounters and unique photographic opportunities in a breathtaking landscape.

Optimal Travel Month

The Sabi Sands is an exceptional year-round destination for wildlife photography due to its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, ensuring thrilling sightings in every season. In the dry months, animals gather around water sources, while the wet season brings vibrant landscapes and the emergence of newborns, creating dynamic photographic opportunities throughout the year.

Abundance of Species

The Sabi Sands is home to an incredible variety of species, including elusive leopards, powerful lions, majestic elephants, massive African buffalo, both white and black rhinoceroses, swift cheetahs, and over 300 species of birds, making it a premier destination for wildlife photography.

Intimate Group Departures

Small group photo tours create an enriching environment that emphasizes learning, creativity, and connection, making them a fantastic option for photographers of all skill levels.

Expert-Led Experience

An experience-led safari not only allows you to witness the majesty of wildlife up close but also fosters a deeper connection with the environment. It is an opportunity to learn, grow, and appreciate the natural world in a way that goes beyond mere observation.

Details & Inclusions

Photography Level

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced photographer, this workshop is designed to help you improve your skills. Our guides provide as much or as little assistance as you need throughout the safari.

Fitness Level

A moderate level of fitness is recommended. Most activities are vehicle-based with minimal walking, although guests should be comfortable getting in and out of safari vehicles and moving around the lodge.

What to pack

We recommend neutral-coloured clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, any personal medications, and your camera equipment. A detailed packing list will be provided before your departure.

Solo Travellers

Solo travellers are always welcome. You may book a private room for an additional single supplement or, where available, request to share with another solo guest of the same gender.

Single Supplement

2027 - R17,770, 2028 - R19,470

Lodge Amenities

Our carefully selected lodges offer comfortable accommodation, en-suite bathrooms, excellent dining, Wi-Fi in most public areas, and laundry services where available. Amenities may vary slightly between destinations.

Included and Excluded

Included: accommodation, scheduled safari activities, photographic guiding, meals, and one sundowner drink per day as specified for this workshop. Excluded: international and regional flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, gratuities, personal expenses, and any items not specifically listed as included.

Dates & Pricing

16–22 April 2027

Limited spots

From R58,950 pp sharing

7–13 May 2027

Reserve your spot

From R58,950 pp sharing

11–17 July 2027

Sold out

From R58,950 pp sharing

5–11 November 2027

Reserve your spot

From R58,950 pp sharing

2-8 April 2028

Reserve your spot

From R64,845 per person sharing

21-27 May 2028

Reserve your spot

From R64,845 per person sharing

4-10 July 2028

Reserve your spot

From R64,845 per person sharing

5-11 November 2028

Reserve your spot

From R64,845 per person sharing

Discover our photography kit list
Discover our photography kit list

Find out exactly what you need for your upcoming photography tour and how we can help.

Find out exactly what you need for your upcoming photography tour and how we can help.

Make this trip private
Make this trip private

We'll help you design the perfect private trip that looks something like this

We'll help you design the perfect private trip that looks something like this

Meet your workshop guide

Lance van de Vyver

Managing Director and Photography Tour Leader (English)

In 2012, Lance landed in South Africa from New Zealand, smiling. After a lifetime spending school holidays in the African bush, he had already met and fallen in love with the wildlife and nature of this great continent, and it was a dream of his to move and establish a life and career on African soil.

12 Years ago, he took the plunge and became a qualified Field Guide, kickstarting his safari journey and leading him to Kirstin, who shared his dream for life on the wild side. Long before becoming a guide, Lance loved photography, so it was only natural that his two passions collided. His lens became a tool for capturing what he loved most about being in the bush, and it wasn’t long before his work was acknowledged and awarded by publications and prestigious photography houses, globally.

Lance’s photograph of a lion and a pangolin, taken during his guiding career at Tswalu, was named one of the top 100 photographs in the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards, 2016, and overall winner in 2020’s Wilderness Safaris Photo Competition. Not only is this photograph a personal reminder of an incredible sighting in the specialised habitat of the Kalahari, but it signifies the power photography has to create impact.

This catalysed Lance’s focus on photographic safaris to be able to guide and coach wildlife lovers from across the world in the places that stir his soul. After Tswalu, he took the opportunities to work as a dedicated photographic guide within South Africa’s biggest wildlife territories, and on global expeditions to India and Brazil’s Pantanal. In 2021, hand in hand with Kirstin, he launched Panthera Photo Safaris, combining their shared industry experience and impassioned expertise.

Anna-C Nagel

Photography Tour Leader (English and German)

Anna is a passionate wildlife photographer and storyteller, dedicated to capturing the untamed beauty of Africa’s animals. She loves teaching the art of wildlife photography, helping guests master light, composition, and timing to create images that tell compelling stories. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, Anna shares valuable techniques and insights to help you capture unforgettable moments in the wild. As a qualified field guide, Anna has a deep understanding of animal behavior and she will help you connect more profoundly with the wild.


Born and raised in Germany, Anna always felt the call of Africa. In her mid-twenties, she left her home country to pursue her dream of living in Africa’s wild places. After qualifying as a field guide, she worked several years in a research project in the Greater Kruger. Today, she combines her expertise as a field guide with her passion for photography, guiding private safaris and leading photographic trips that inspire and transform her guests’ connection to the natural world.

Itinerary

Day 1: Elephant Plains

Day 2 – 4: Big Cats

Day 5: Departure

Day 1: Elephant Plains

Day 2 – 4: Big Cats

Day 5: Departure

Guest Testimonials & Reviews

Guest Testimonials & Reviews

Sabi Sands My sister and I have been on safari with Lance as our photography guide and Kirsten as our host on three...

My sister and I have been on safari with Lance as our photography guide and Kirsten as our host on three different occasions in the Sabi Sands in the past 2 years and we have absolutely loved ever second of every moment…

My sister and I have been on safari with Lance as our photography guide and Kirsten as our host on three different occasions in the Sabi Sands in the past 2 years and we have absolutely loved ever second of every moment…
Sabi Lance and Kirsten are professional, friendly, knowledgeable, welcoming and engaged with their clients.

Lance and Kirstin are professional, friendly, knowledgeable, welcoming and engaged with their clients. Lance was our fabulous photographic guide. Not only did his knowledge of the animal world help us anticipate where…

Lance and Kirstin are professional, friendly, knowledgeable, welcoming and engaged with their clients. Lance was our fabulous photographic guide. Not only did his knowledge of the animal world help us anticipate where…
Sabi Sands I've had the pleasure of going on a Safari with Lance and Kirstin in one of the private Safari camps in...

I’ve had the pleasure of going on a Safari with Lance and Kirstin in one of the private Safari camps in South Africa. Lance is an excellent photographic guide and willingly shares with you his expertise knowledge to…

I’ve had the pleasure of going on a Safari with Lance and Kirstin in one of the private Safari camps in South Africa. Lance is an excellent photographic guide and willingly shares with you his expertise knowledge to…

See the world with Panthera

Owner Operated

Founders Kirstin and Lance are hands-on throughout your travel process and are present during your privately-guided journey.

Africa Based

We are located in the hub of the safari scene, in the Greater Kruger region of South Africa. Working from Africa and in Africa is the secret to our success.

First Hand Knowledge

We’ve explored our own back yard and we’ve jetted to the small corners of the earth to discover our natural world. Let our first-hand knowledge guide you.

Copyright 2026 Panthera Photographic Safaris

See the world with Panthera

Owner Operated

Founders Kirstin and Lance are hands-on throughout your travel process and are present during your privately-guided journey.

Africa Based

We are located in the hub of the safari scene, in the Greater Kruger region of South Africa. Working from Africa and in Africa is the secret to our success.

First Hand Knowledge

We’ve explored our own back yard and we’ve jetted to the small corners of the earth to discover our natural world. Let our first-hand knowledge guide you.

Copyright 2026 Panthera Photographic Safaris

See the world with Panthera

Owner Operated

Founders Kirstin and Lance are hands-on throughout your travel process and are present during your privately-guided journey.

Africa Based

We are located in the hub of the safari scene, in the Greater Kruger region of South Africa. Working from Africa and in Africa is the secret to our success.

First Hand Knowledge

We’ve explored our own back yard and we’ve jetted to the small corners of the earth to discover our natural world. Let our first-hand knowledge guide you.

Copyright 2026 Panthera Photographic Safaris