BIG CATS OF THE SABI SANDS

Photographic Workshop

Mashatu Emerald Season

Mashatu Emerald Season

Mashatu Emerald Season

GUIDES

Lance van de Vyver

Anna-C Nagel

Mark Dumbleton

DURATION

5 Days / 9 Days

LOCATION

Mashatu, Botswana

PRICE

2027 from US$3,250 / per person sharing. 2028 from US$3,570 / per person sharing

Overview

Join us for an unforgettable photo tour in the stunning Mashatu Game Reserve during the lush emerald season this February! Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife, Mashatu is a photographer’s paradise, where the fresh greenery provides a stunning backdrop for Africa’s diverse fauna. February marks the peak of the rainy season, bringing new life, dramatic skies, and exceptional opportunities for captivating photography.

Our tour is tailored for both novice and experienced photographers, offering expert guidance to help you capture the stunning beauty of Mashatu. You’ll explore diverse habitats, from the dense riverine woodlands to open savannahs, where you’ll encounter elephants, lions, cheetahs, and a myriad of bird species. With our intimate group sizes, you’ll receive personalized attention, ensuring you maximize your photographic experience.

Imagine driving through a landscape bursting with fresh green hues, where the soft light of the rainy season enhances every shot. And if the rains have been just right, you may even witness fields of yellow flowers carpeting the ground, adding an extra touch of magic to your images. Each day in Mashatu offers countless moments to create stunning photographs that showcase the region’s unique beauty and thriving ecosystems.

Join Panthera Photo Safaris on this incredible journey into the heart of Mashatu. 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

Abundance of Species

You can expect to encounter species such as elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs and various antelope species, along with a rich variety of birdlife, including bee-eaters, kingfishers, and raptors.

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 - $1,050. 2028 - $1,155

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

14–18 February 2027

Sold out

From US$3,250 pp sharing

14–22 February 2027

Sold out

From US$6,500 pp sharing

18–22 February 2027

Sold out

From US$3,250 pp sharing

22-26 January 2028

Reserve your spot

From US$3,575 pp sharing

22-30 January 2028

Reserve your spot

From US$7,150 pp sharing

26-30 January 2028

Reserve your spot

From US$3,575 pp 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.

Mark Dumbleton

Photography Tour Leader (English)

I’m drawn to those fleeting, extraordinary moments when nature puts on a show so powerful, so humbling, that you can’t help but stop and stare. Whether it’s the raw energy of a thunderstorm tearing across the horizon, a rare weather phenomenon that defies expectation, or a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with wildlife in its element—those are the moments I live for. It’s in the heart of the wilderness, far from the noise and routine of everyday life, where I feel most grounded and most alive. These experiences aren’t just about the thrill; they’re about the emotion, the stillness, the perspective they offer. And through photography, I try to capture and share that feeling with others.

My passion for the natural world started early, shaped by a childhood spent immersed in the bushveld landscapes of South Africa. That connection has only deepened over time, evolving into a lifelong pursuit of exploration and storytelling through imagery. Based in Hoedspruit, on the edge of the Greater Kruger, I’m fortunate to live in one of the most wildlife-rich areas on the continent—a place that constantly feeds my curiosity and creativity.

As a wildlife photographer, I’m always chasing new angles, fresh perspectives, and untouched moments in nature. For me, photography is not just about documentation; it’s about emotion, narrative, and a deep respect for the subjects I encounter. Each image is an attempt to freeze a moment of wonder, to hold on to the sense of awe that only wild places can offer.

Itinerary

Day 1: Pont Drift

Day 2 – 4: Mashatu Magic

Day 5: Departure

Day 1: Pont Drift

Day 2 – 4: Mashatu Magic

Day 5: Departure

Guest Testimonials & Reviews

Guest Testimonials & Reviews

We had ABSOLUTELY THE BEST holiday ever with Panthera Photo Safaris!!

We had ABSOLUTELY THE BEST holiday ever with Panthera Photo Safaris!! South Africa is such a beautiful country with a lot to offer! From the stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, to the diverse wildlife, every…

We had ABSOLUTELY THE BEST holiday ever with Panthera Photo Safaris!! South Africa is such a beautiful country with a lot to offer! From the stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, to the diverse wildlife, every…
Mashatu I have travelled several times with Panthera Photo Safaris in SA, Botswana and Brazil.

I have travelled several times with Panthera Photo Safaris in SA, Botswana and Brazil. They are an amazing company that really take care of their clients! Lance and Kirsten are amazing and are very knowledgeable in…

I have travelled several times with Panthera Photo Safaris in SA, Botswana and Brazil. They are an amazing company that really take care of their clients! Lance and Kirsten are amazing and are very knowledgeable in…

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked
Questions

Is Mashatu suitable for beginner photographers?

What is included in the workshop fee?

Can I bring a compact camera or smartphone?

Do I need a Botswana visa?

What is the weather like during the workshop?

Is Mashatu suitable for beginner photographers?

What is included in the workshop fee?

Can I bring a compact camera or smartphone?

Do I need a Botswana visa?

What is the weather like during the workshop?

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