BIG CATS OF THE SABI SANDS

Photographic Workshop

Gorongoza Untamed

Gorongoza Untamed

Gorongoza Untamed

GUIDES

Lance van de Vyver

DURATION

8 days / 7 nights

LOCATION

Gorongoza, Mozambique

PRICE

From $8,600 per person sharing

Overview

Join Panthera Photo Safaris for an 8-day photographic workshop in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, one of Africa’s most remarkable conservation success stories and an increasingly exciting destination for wildlife photography.

Once devastated by conflict, Gorongosa has undergone an extraordinary recovery, with wildlife populations returning and its diverse ecosystems being restored. Today, the park is home to elephants, lions, wild dogs, antelope and an exceptional variety of birdlife. Its mix of open floodplains, grasslands, woodlands and seasonal wetlands creates a diverse range of photographic settings, offering opportunities to capture both intimate wildlife portraits and images that showcase the wider landscape.

The workshop begins with three nights at Muzimu Lodge, set beside the Mussicadzi River in the heart of the park. With time dedicated to exploring the surrounding wilderness, photographers can work with the changing light and discover the wildlife that makes Gorongosa such a rewarding destination. The park’s rich biodiversity offers opportunities to photograph large mammals, predators and birdlife, while its varied habitats provide plenty of scope for different photographic approaches.

The journey then continues with four nights at Chicari Camp, overlooking a permanent pan that attracts wildlife throughout the year. This setting provides a different photographic perspective, with opportunities to observe animals visiting the water and capture natural behaviour against the changing light. The camp offers an excellent base for further exploration, allowing the group to discover more of Gorongosa’s landscapes and wildlife over several days in the field.

Throughout the workshop, the emphasis is on spending time in the field, observing wildlife and making the most of each photographic opportunity. From the behaviour of elephants and the challenge of photographing predators to the extraordinary diversity of birdlife, Gorongosa offers a rewarding experience for photographers interested in both iconic African species and the lesser-known wildlife that makes this ecosystem so distinctive.

Beyond the photography, Gorongosa offers a fascinating insight into conservation in action. The park’s recovery is one of Africa’s most inspiring restoration stories, making this more than simply a wildlife photography trip. It is an opportunity to experience a landscape being brought back to life and to appreciate the work being done to protect its wildlife and communities.

Beginning and ending at Beira Airport, this workshop combines the adventure of exploring a relatively undiscovered African wilderness with dedicated time for wildlife photography. With three nights at Muzimu Lodge followed by four nights at Chicari Camp, it offers an opportunity to experience different areas of Gorongosa while building a varied portfolio in one of Mozambique’s most compelling conservation destinations.

Details & Inclusions

Photography Level

All Levels Welcome

Fitness Level

A low 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 travelers welcome

Single Supplement

$2,700

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 selected drinks as specified for this workshop. Excluded: international and regional flights, visas, travel insurance, premium drinks, gratuities, personal expenses, and any items not specifically listed as included.

Dates & Pricing

26 May - 2 June 2027

Last room available

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.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Beira and transfer to Gorongosa

Days 2 to 3: Wildlife photography in Gorongosa

Day 4: Transfer to Chicari Camp

Days 5 to 7: Photographic exploration and wildlife encounters

Day 8: Return to Beira Airport

Day 1: Arrival in Beira and transfer to Gorongosa

Days 2 to 3: Wildlife photography in Gorongosa

Day 4: Transfer to Chicari Camp

Days 5 to 7: Photographic exploration and wildlife encounters

Day 8: Return to Beira Airport

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