
Photographic Workshop
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!
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
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.
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