BIG CATS OF THE SABI SANDS

Photographic Workshop

Pumas of Patagonia

Pumas of Patagonia

Pumas of Patagonia

GUIDES

Lance van de Vyver

DURATION

10 Days / 9 Nights

LOCATION

Patagonia, Chile

PRICE

From USD $15,525 per person sharing

Overview

Join us for an unforgettable 9-night, 10-day luxury photographic expedition through Patagonia in 2029, combining some of the most exciting wildlife photography in South America with the spectacular landscapes of Chile and Argentina.

This carefully timed expedition is built around two extraordinary wildlife experiences: photographing wild pumas in Torres del Paine National Park and witnessing the remarkable king penguin colonies of southern Patagonia. Few destinations offer the opportunity to combine a powerful apex predator with one of the world's most charismatic penguins, all set against the dramatic mountains, glaciers, grasslands and vast open landscapes of Patagonia.

Our time in Torres del Paine will be dedicated to finding and photographing wild pumas in their natural environment. The park is renowned as one of the world's premier destinations for puma photography, offering the possibility of extended encounters with these elusive cats as they move through the open landscapes. The combination of rugged mountains, golden grasslands and dramatic skies provides an exceptional backdrop, while the focus is on allowing enough time in the field to photograph natural behaviour rather than simply chasing sightings.

We will then travel south to experience the extraordinary king penguins of Patagonia. Standing in large colonies against the remote landscapes of Tierra del Fuego, these striking birds provide endless photographic opportunities, from intimate portraits and interactions between adults and chicks to wider environmental images that capture the scale and atmosphere of the location.

This expedition is designed specifically around photography, with our days structured to maximise time in the field and take advantage of the best available light and wildlife activity. There is no need to rush from one attraction to the next. Instead, we allow ourselves the time to settle into the landscape, observe animal behaviour and make the most of each photographic opportunity.

Beyond the wildlife, Patagonia itself is a major part of the experience. Towering granite peaks, windswept valleys, vast plains and remote coastlines create an extraordinary backdrop throughout the journey. The constantly changing weather and light can transform the landscape within minutes, offering spectacular opportunities for environmental and landscape photography alongside the wildlife.

For photographers looking for something genuinely different, this is an exceptional opportunity to experience two of Patagonia's most iconic wildlife spectacles in a single expedition. From a wild puma moving across the foothills of Torres del Paine to hundreds of king penguins gathered on a remote beach, this is a photographic journey into one of the most dramatic and wild corners of the planet.

Why choose Panthera

Why choose Panthera

Unique Destination Appeal

Amongst all the fantastic species found here, this is the one place in the world where you are almost certain to come across a jaguar.

Beyond the National Park

Extend your Amboseli safari with additional destinations across Kenya, combining iconic elephant encounters with big cats, the Great Migration, or relaxing days on the coast for a more varied African adventure.

Optimal Travel Month

Our Brazil Photo Tours are scheduled between June and August, the driest time of year when animals gather around the receding lakes and rivers.

Intimate Group Departures

Journey to this exotic destination with fellow photography enthusiasts, sharing your passion and capturing bucket-list moments together.

Photographed by:

Marius Coetzee

Photographed by:

Marius Coetzee

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 to good level of fitness is recommended for the puma trekking. The experience involves walking over uneven and sometimes steep terrain in the rugged landscapes of Patagonia, often for several hours at a time. Guests should be comfortable walking at a steady pace over natural ground and being on their feet for extended periods. Good mobility and suitable hiking footwear are essential, as conditions can vary depending on weather and terrain.

What to pack

Pack for changeable Patagonian weather, with warm layers, a waterproof and windproof jacket, comfortable hiking trousers and sturdy walking boots. A warm hat, gloves, sun protection and a small daypack are also recommended. For photographers, bring your preferred telephoto lens, spare batteries and memory cards. A detailed packing list will be provided with your booking documents.

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

$3,105

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 water 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

3-12 April 2029

Sold out

From USD $15,525 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 | 03 April | Arrive Punta Arenas

Day 2 | 04 April | Punta Arenas to Cerro Castillo

Day 3, 4, 5 and 6 | 05-08 April | Puma Tracking - Laguna Amarga Ranch

Day 7 | 09 April | Cerro Castillo to Punta Arenas via Olga Teresa Ranch

Day 8 | 10 April | Tierra del Fuego & King Penguin Reserve

Day 9 | 11 April | Tierra del Fuego to Punta Arenas

Day 10 | 12 April | Departure

Day 1 | 03 April | Arrive Punta Arenas

Day 2 | 04 April | Punta Arenas to Cerro Castillo

Day 3, 4, 5 and 6 | 05-08 April | Puma Tracking - Laguna Amarga Ranch

Day 7 | 09 April | Cerro Castillo to Punta Arenas via Olga Teresa Ranch

Day 8 | 10 April | Tierra del Fuego & King Penguin Reserve

Day 9 | 11 April | Tierra del Fuego to Punta Arenas

Day 10 | 12 April | 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