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Land of the Leopard Safari Details
Only a few years ago, a photo safari to Africa was a unique experience, but now there are many companies offering safaris and especially photo tours. That doesn’t change the magic of the continent or the amazing opportunities for the wildlife photographer, but it does mean you have to look a little harder for something different.
As a professional photographer and zoologist with nearly 50 years’ experience of photographing in Africa, I am always on the lookout for new experiences and exciting locations. I particularly look for areas where everything is different to the ordinary. Where the wildlife is unique and special, where the guides are simply brilliant and where the camps are small and private. We all know that these create the very best photo opportunities, but sadly they are seldom on offer in the many safaris available.
As with all safaris, choosing the best camp and the best guides is key. With the best wildlife but without an excellent guide you won’t get the best from the photo opportunities, teaming up with an excellent guide takes the safari experience to a completely different level. I have thus chosen an excellent camp which is owned and run by a 3rd generation conservationist and his photographer wife. Established in 1992, it’s the perfect base for my unique photographic safari. Kaingo means Leopard in the local Nyanja language, which is fitting as it has a long history with these incredible felines and the very best location for us to seek to photograph the most beautiful but elusive of Africa’s large cats. Located as it is in the northern section of the South Luangwa valley, it is in an area which is uncrowded by other guests and camps and one of the game-dense locations in Africa.
Wild dogs are also regularly seen and on my recent 4-day visit we saw 3 separate packs. Located as it is on the banks of the Luangwa River, you are also guaranteed fantastic opportunities to photograph elephants crossing, hippos in the water and amazing bird life. In addition to vehicle and walking safaris, the camp has three excellent hides. A hippo hide at water level, a carmine bee-eater hide on a boat in the middle of the river moored to face a magnificent nesting colony and a superb elephant crossing hide. These hides are unique to this camp and allow us to get close enough to the wildlife to take a whole host of stunning photos – in complete safety.
In addition, there is an abundance of the normal range of iconic African wildlife such as lions, hyenas, zebra and a unique species of wildebeest, together with the usual selection of herbivores. There is also a wide range of bird species including specialities such as the giant kingfisher, fish eagles and numerous other raptors.
Working with the camp managers, I have also been able to arrange unique night drives. It’s a whole new world when the sun sets. These “evening” drives go into the night, and are a true adventure that plays on your heightened senses. We spot many animals around this time, with every sighting and hunt all the more thrilling under the cover of darkness. Photographing animals in these conditions is not easy but as your professional photographer guide, I will help where I can or just enjoy the unique experience.
Located as it is in the northern section of the South Luangwa valley, Kaingo is in an area which is quite untouched and one of the most game-dense locations in Africa. The habitats we use include the magnificent ebony and mahogany forests unique to the area and the grassy banks and open plains on the river’s edge. The camp has just 6 chalets, each idyllically located on the banks of the Luangwa River, each with its own veranda positioned to give you private and amazing views up and down the river, the ideal place to unwind between drives. The chalets are each well-appointed with wi-fi, power and showers, plus a wonderful bath. The intention is to make you feel at home in the bush and to offer you a chance to get close to the wildlife. Apart from its smaller sister camp, there are no other camps nearby and hence you are guaranteed uninterrupted safaris in purpose designed 4-wheel drive vehicles.
With nearly half a century of experience running safaris in Africa, I know the very best times to photograph game and the best times of year to travel to different areas. Timing this trip as I have in September provides the best opportunities for many migrant bird species, wonderful light which we will make use of shooting in the very best light possible. Importantly, it is also before the unbearable heat you experience in October and later in the year.
The trip will be limited to no more than 4 guests and the full details including pricing are in the downloadable itinerary.
Cost for 2026
Due to the current volatility in the US Dollar and UK Pound exchange rates we have taken the decision to price the holiday in US Dollars and to the airfare separately in UK pounds.
Monies you pay as a deposit will be converted on the day of transfer at that day’s exchange rate. If you require this rate can then be “pegged” as the rate to be used when the balance is paid thus ensuring you know the total price of your holiday in sterling in advance. Alternatively you can take a risk on the exchange rates prevailing at the time your balance is due.
COSTS 2026
African element US$11,700 approximately. £8,906 (exchange rate as at 3rd April 2025)
Plus international economy flights, if required, from £1000
N.B. We very strongly believe that if you book a safari with us everything possible should be included in the price with no nasty hidden last minute surprises. Unlike most other providers our prices are therefore all-inclusive. This safari includes all local internal air transfers, full board accommodation with all meals, local drinks (alcoholic and soda), laundry, all park fees, all guiding fees, all photographic tuition etc.
We also believe that in booking a safari like this your money should be guaranteed, and thus we use a specialist company who provide 100% financial guarantees through their ATOL licence (No. 3783) and membership of ABTOT (No. 5246).
If required we can also quote and book air fares from London Heathrow getting lower prices than most and guaranteeing your places.
See detailed itinerary for more information