Mana Pools

Photographic Workshop

Mana Pools

Mana Pools

Mana Pools

GUIDES

Lance van de Vyver

DURATION

9 days / 8 nights

LOCATION

Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

PRICE

From USD $11,800 / per person sharing

Overview

Join us for an unforgettable photo tour in the breathtaking landscapes of Mana Pools National Park in September! This iconic wildlife destinations is celebrated for its stunning scenery and rich biodiversity, making September a prime time for exceptional wildlife photography as animals congregate around…

Our tour is designed for both novice and experienced photographers, offering expert guidance on capturing the unique beauty of these diverse ecosystems. You’ll explore Mana Pools’ lush riverbanks and floodplains, as well as the amazing hides at Kavinga, encountering elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs and a variety of antelope species, along with abundant birdlife. With our intimate group sizes, you’ll benefit from personalized attention, ensuring you make the most of every photographic opportunity.

Each moment in Mana Pools offers countless chances to create stunning images that showcase Africa’s wild beauty and diverse wildlife.

Join Panthera Photo Safaris for this incredible journey into the heart of Zimbabwe’s wilderness. Let us help you capture the essence of Africa through your lens while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Book your spot today and get ready for an adventure like no other!

Why choose Panthera

Why choose Panthera

Flexible Safari Experiences

Choose the accommodation, activities, length of stay and style of guiding that suit you, with an itinerary designed around your preferences and travel plans.

Optimal Travel Month

July is an ideal time to visit Mana Pools because the dry season causes animals to congregate around limited water sources, enhancing wildlife visibility and creating outstanding photographic opportunities. There is also very little vegetation at this time of year making for beautiful clean images.

Abundance of Species

We can expect to photograph elephants, lions, wild dogs, buffalo, hippos, and various antelope species such as kudu and impala, as well as an impressive variety of birds, including raptors, bee-eaters, and storks.

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.

Mana Pools
Mana Pools

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

$3,540

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

Dates & Pricing

13-21 September 2028

6 spaces remaining

From $11,800 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.

Itinerary

Day 1: Harare to Mana Pools

Day 2 – 4: Mana Pools and Kavinga Hides

Day 5: Vundu Camp

Day 6 – 8: Floodplains

Day 9: Departure

Day 1: Harare to Mana Pools

Day 2 – 4: Mana Pools and Kavinga Hides

Day 5: Vundu Camp

Day 6 – 8: Floodplains

Day 9: Departure

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