AFRICA THROUGH YOUR LENS · HOSTED BY PHOTOGRAPHER, LISA MIZE
KwaZulu-Natal Photography Safari 2028
August 1-11, 2028 · 10 nights / 11 days
Fly into O.R. Tambo (JNB) · All-inclusive (except flights)
Eleven days in South Africa with us: sunrise and sunset game drives, boat rides, evenings around the boma fire and more! Everything is taken care of from the moment you land.
COME WITH US
Your safari, without the guesswork
I am Lisa, a professional wildlife and landscape photographer, educator and Conservation Representatives for Africa Through Your Lens, and we would love for you to join us in South Africa! This trip takes everything we love about safari and puts it into one easy, joyful adventure: early-morning game drives, lazy afternoons watching the waterhole, rangers who know every track in the sand, and a small group of people who get as excited about a good sighting and all things photography as we do.
With one on one attention, you'll come home with photos and stories you'll treasure!
Before you go, we help with packing lists, gear advice and every question you have. Once you land in Johannesburg, all you have to do is enjoy it.
— Lisa
This journey through South Africa offers a beautifully balanced safari experience—combining the quiet rhythm of the bush, the remarkable wetlands and coastal landscapes of St Lucia, and the thrill of Big 5 wildlife encounters.
Beginning at ChaZen Private Nature Reserve, you are gently introduced to the pace of the wild before travelling to KwaZulu-Natal and the lush landscapes of St Lucia, where water, wildlife and ocean meet. The journey concludes in a private Big 5 reserve in Zululand, where each game drive brings the possibility of unforgettable encounters.
Carefully curated to flow naturally from one environment to the next, this safari is designed not only to showcase South Africa's incredible diversity, but to create a deeper connection to the landscapes, wildlife and moments that define it.
PRICE · PER PERSON · US DOLLARS
One price. Truly all-inclusive.
Sharing a room:
Travel with a partner, friend or family member and share accommodation throughout.
Single traveler:
Your own room at every stop. Solo travelers are very welcome; you'll be among friends by day two. There is a single traveler suppliment.
How to reserve
- Step 1 — $1,000 deposit holds your spot. Fill out the reservation form and we'll send payment details.
- Step 2 — Balance due May 3, 2028. That's 90 days before departure:
- Step 3 — We help you pack. Packing list, gear tips and answers to every question before you fly.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Land in Johannesburg. We handle the rest.
- Airport pickup at O.R. Tambo International and your first night at a nearby airport hotel
- All lodging for 10 nights: the airport hotel, ChaZen Safari Lodge and a private lodge in a provincial reserve
- All meals, with dietary restrictions and allergies taken care of
- Wine, beer and drinks with dinner, including evenings around the boma fire
- All transportation on the itinerary, by road with us the whole way
- Game drives almost every morning and afternoon/evening with experienced rangers and our hosts
- Boat rides
- Every activity, including the ChaZen Educational Center
- Tips for rangers, guides, trackers and lodge staff, so no envelopes to worry about
- Photography help from Lisa in the field, whatever camera you bring
- Return transfer to O.R. Tambo for your flight home on August 11
Not included: International airfare to and from Johannesburg, flight to Richards Bay for flight to KwaZulu-Natal & St Lucia, travel insurance (strongly recommended), passport fees, and personal souvenirs.
FROM OUR LAST SAFARI
This is what you'll see
THE JOURNEY · DAY BY DAY
Eleven days in South Africa's ChaZen and KwaZulu-Natal
DAY 1 · Tuesday, August 1
Welcome to South Africa!
O.R. Tambo International · Airport hotel
We meet you at the airport and take you to our hotel nearby. Shake off the flight, have a welcome dinner with the group, and get a good night's sleep before the adventure begins.
DAY 2 · Wednesday, August 2
Into the bush at ChaZen
2-hour road transfer · ChaZen Safari Lodge We begin our journey to ChaZen Private Nature Reserve, situated within the Vredefort Dome World Heritage landscape.
On arrival: • Welcome and check-in • Lunch at the lodge • Time to settle in and relax • Introduction to ChaZen and your safari experience • Afternoon game drive
Return to the lodge for dinner and your first evening in the African bush.
DAY 3 · Thursday, August 3
ChaZen
A full day to connect with the rhythm of the wild and experience the wildlife, landscapes and conservation work of ChaZen.
Enjoy:
• Early morning game drive • Breakfast at the lodge • Midday relaxation and downtime • Educational experience featuring ChaZen's ambassador predator species • Afternoon tea and snacks • Afternoon safari experience
Return to the lodge for dinner and an evening under African skies.
DAY 4: Friday, August 4 – ChaZen Safari Experience
Your final full day at ChaZen allows for further exploration of the reserve.
Morning and afternoon game drives provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography, with time between activities to relax and enjoy the lodge surroundings.
The exact safari programme will be adapted according to wildlife movements, weather conditions and the interests of the group.
Enjoy your final evening at ChaZen before the journey continues to KwaZulu-Natal the following morning.
Day 5: Saturday, August 5 – Flight to KwaZulu-Natal & St Lucia
After an early breakfast, depart ChaZen and travel to OR Tambo International Airport for your flight to Richards Bay.
Flight Details: TBD
On arrival at Richards Bay Airport, we continue by road to the coastal town of St Lucia, gateway to the magnificent iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
On arrival:
• Check-in at your accommodation • Time to settle in and relax • Enjoy your introduction to St Lucia
The remainder of the day is at leisure before enjoying the evening in St Lucia.
Day 6: Sunday, August 6 – St Lucia Estuary & Night Safari
Today showcases two very different sides of the remarkable St Lucia ecosystem.
Morning – Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise
Enjoy a guided cruise on the St Lucia Estuary.
Boat Cruise: 10:00
From the water, enjoy excellent opportunities to see:
• Hippos in their natural habitat • Nile crocodiles • Exceptional water and wetland birdlife • The beautiful St Lucia Estuary landscape
Following the cruise, enjoy lunch and some time to relax in St Lucia.
Evening – Chameleon Night Safari
After dark, head out on a Chameleon Night Safari and experience an entirely different side of the surrounding wilderness.
As darkness falls, the landscape comes alive with nocturnal wildlife. Possible sightings may include chameleons, bushbabies, porcupines, antelope and other species rarely encountered during daylight hours.
Return to St Lucia after the safari for the evening.
Day 7: Monday, August 7– iSimangaliso World Heritage Experience
Today is dedicated to exploring the extraordinary iSimangaliso Wetland Park, one of South Africa's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Your full-day World Heritage experience takes you through an incredible diversity of landscapes, where bush, wetlands, coastal forest and the Indian Ocean come together.
Highlights may include:
• Eastern Shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park • Wildlife and bird viewing • Coastal forest and wetland ecosystems • Cape Vidal • The Indian Ocean coastline • Time to enjoy the remarkable scenery and biodiversity of the region
Return to St Lucia following the day's excursion and enjoy your final evening in this unique coastal environment.
Day 8: Tuesday, August 8 – Transfer to Private Big 5 Reserve
After breakfast, check out and depart St Lucia.
We travel inland into Zululand toward a private Big 5 game reserve, where the final chapter of your safari begins.
On arrival:
• Welcome and check-in • Lunch or refreshments, depending on arrival time • Time to settle in and enjoy the lodge surroundings • Afternoon game drive
This is your introduction to a classic private reserve safari experience, where wildlife moves freely through the surrounding wilderness.
Return to the lodge after your game drive for dinner and an evening in the bush.
Day 9: Wednesday, August 9 – Big 5 Safari Experience
Wake before sunrise for an early morning game drive, when the bush begins to stir and wildlife is often at its most active.
Your day will generally include:
• Early morning guided game drive • Breakfast at the lodge • Time to relax during the middle of the day • Lunch • Afternoon tea • Afternoon game drive continuing into the early evening • Dinner at the lodge
The reserve offers opportunities to encounter some of Africa's most iconic wildlife, including lion, elephant, rhino and a wide variety of other mammals and birdlife.
Day 10: Thursday, August 10 – Big 5 Safari Experience
Your final full day on safari provides another opportunity to explore the private reserve.
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, with time between activities to relax at the lodge and reflect on the journey so far.
Whether it is a quiet moment watching elephants, tracking a predator, observing rhino or simply enjoying the sounds of the African bush, the final day is about experiencing the reserve at its natural pace.
Return to the lodge for your final safari dinner and evening under African skies.
Day 11: Friday, August 11 – Return to Johannesburg
Enjoy your final morning in the African bush before breakfast and departure from the lodge.
We transfer to Richards Bay Airport for your flight back to Johannesburg.
Flight Details: TBD
On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, guests will either connect with their international flights to the United States or overnight in Johannesburg according to their individual travel arrangements.
This brings your KwaZulu-Natal Safari Experience to an end.
We hope you leave South Africa not only with wonderful photographs, but with unforgettable memories of its wildlife, landscapes and people.
GOOD TO KNOW
Getting there & getting ready
Your flight
Book your international flight into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, arriving on August 1, 2028. Arriving a day early, on July 31, is a great way to rest up; just let us know.
For the trip home, book your flight out of JNB on the afternoon or evening of August 11.
The season
August is winter and dry season in South Africa, a great time for wildlife. Vegetation is thinner and animals gather near water. Mornings and evenings on open vehicles are cold, days are pleasant and sunny, so layers are your friend!
We've got you
Once you reserve, we send our packing list, camera gear suggestions and travel tips. Have a question? Ask us. We want you to arrive excited, not stressed.
QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a photographer?
Not at all! Everyone is welcome, from total beginners with a phone to experienced shooters with long lenses. Lisa is happy to help anyone who wants it.
What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Tell us on the reservation form and we'll make sure every lodge knows ahead of time.
Can I come on my own?
Yes. Choose the single traveler rate for your own room, or tell us on the form if you'd like to be paired with a roommate.
How do I pay the deposit?
Submit the reservation form and we'll reach out with payment details. Your $1,000 deposit holds your spot; the balance is due May 3, 2028.
Is travel insurance required?
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical and trip cancellation coverage.
SPACES ARE LIMITED
Come see Africa with us
Coffee at sunrise, the waterhole at dusk, stories by the fire. We'd love to share it with you. Fill out the reservation form and we'll be in touch personally!
Reserve my spot →
(This is NOT a commitment! It's for more info and to learn next steps!)
$1,000 deposit holds your place · Balance due May 3, 2028
Hosted by photographer, Lisa Mize · Conservation representatives for Africa Through Your Lens
For questions: [email protected]
