South African
Safari Experience
South Africa is a top destination for wildlife photography enthusiasts, with its vast and varied range of fauna and flora. A photographic safari in South Africa offers a unique opportunity to capture stunning images of wildlife in their natural habitat, including the famous Big Five animals: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos and rhinos.
At Maia Wildlife we offer guided photographic safaris, where experienced guides take visitors on game drives in specially adapted vehicles to get up close and personal with the animals. These safaris are designed to provide excellent photographic opportunities, with guides using their knowledge of animal behavior and the landscape to position the vehicle for the best possible shots.
Photographic safaris in South Africa are not just about capturing the perfect shot; they also offer a chance to learn about conservation efforts and the challenges facing wildlife in the region. We have dedicated conservation programs that visitors can get involved in, such as tracking and monitoring wildlife, or participating in community outreach projects.
Overall, a photographic safari in South Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers an amazing opportunity to capture stunning images of wildlife in their natural habitats, while also contributing to conservation efforts and learning about the local culture.
Where are you headed?
Our meeting point will always be at the O. R. Tambo International Airport , Johannesburg, South Africa.
There, one official driver from Dinokeng Events will be waiting for you.
From there you will have around one hour drive to the Dinokeng Game Reserve, were your guide will be expecting you.
DGR is the largest wildlife sanctuary in the province of Gauteng in a malaria free area. There the "Big Five"(lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros) roam free in the approximately 26.000 hectares of the reserve. The DGR is an exclusively conservation reserve, were they developed the concept that eco-tourism could become the source for uplifting the rural communities through sustainable employment. Dinokeng is the language of the baTswana and baPedi people, translated means "a rivers place"and the reserve is named for the many rivers that flow through it on their way to joining the Limpopo and Orange rivers.
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You will be accommodated in one of the newest lodges of Dinokeng, the 4* Tendeni Private Lodge, that offers our guests open-plan accommodations, each one furnished with king-size or double single beds and a ceiling fan, all units with inside bathroom fitted with toilet, shower and bath. The lodge also offers a communal lapa with a lounge, kitchen, dining area and bar, as well as an outdoor braai area and swimming pool. You can find more information about Tendeni in our "Partners" page.
Travelling to South Africa
-We strongly advise that when you start planning your experience in South Africa, you make a travel consultation with a doctor for information about vaccinations, etc. (The World Health Organisation recommends the following vaccines for South Africa: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), varicella, shingles, pneumonia and influenza)
-A link at the bottom of this page will show you a list of visa-free countries for travel to South Africa. This list may change without notice, so please check before your trip.
Ensure yourself that you comply with South African immigration regulations to have at least one blank page in your passport. Passengers whose passports do not contain a blank page will be subject to a fine and will be refused entry into the country.
-Travelling with children: At immigration, you require an International Birth Certificate showing the details of both parents.
If the parent is travelling alone, then the birth certificate needs to be certified. Check the link at the bottom of the page for more information.
Voltage
In South Africa the power plugs and sockets are of type N. Check out the following picture.
The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in South Africa, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). Manufacturers take these small deviations into account. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), you need a voltage converter in South Africa. You can also consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.
Insurances
All participants are expected to take out comprehensive medical and travel insurances in the event of unforeseen circumstances leading to participants falling ill or having to cancel their trip in South Africa.
Dress code
The entire event is very casual. Just one little reminder about colours, it is important the using of earth colours (greens, browns and khakis), specially for the game drives and bush walks.
Bush walks are walking safaris and we are invading the territory of the animals and possibly predators. For your safety and the safety of your group, you will be expected to dress in neutral tones (earth colours), so white, bright colours or busy patterns are not appropriate.
Dark colours, like blacks and dark blues are thought to attract flies and mosquitos. Red is also not a very good idea, predators identify red with wounded animals.
The weather in South Africa is nothing like one would expect, most people think that this part of the world is constantly warm, if not unbearably hot. Nothing could be more farther from reality. During the early morning and evening safaris a warm jumper, cardigan or coat is highly advised as it can get quite cold on the open plan jeeps.
Wear a hat/cap, anyone who’s spent time in the African sun can attest to the power of the rays, and wearing a hat/cap for safari is the first line of defence from sun damage.
Very confortable shoes at all time is a must, specially for the bush walks is recommended high trekking shoes.
What can you expect?
Full days of fun, emotions, adventures, wildlife and cultural interaction.
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Our days will start early in the morning with our first safari, that will take around 2,5/3h. Then we will return to Tendeni Private Lodge for our breakfast.
Accordingly with the plans, we will leave to some activity, that normally is outside the Dinokeng Game Reserve (all planed activities are at the maximum around 2h drive from Dinokeng) or we can chose just to stay relaxing by the pool.
Light lunch will be held on the lodge or on the place of the activity and at around 14h.
Around 16h, back at the lodge, we start our second safari of the day. Again around 2,5/3h of great adventure trying to spot the most incredible animals and specially the "Big Five".
Around 20h we will enjoy our dinner, with delicious African specialties.
Afterwards we can relax and have fun at the lodge bar.
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Attention: All times and structure of the day planning can be adjusted accordingly with the activities we are doing, weather, etc.
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Be prepared for great fun in a truly South African Experience.
Prices
The prices of your South African Safari Experience are €2'250 for adults and €1'550 for children until 15 yo (in sharing accommodations).
The event fees include: airport transfers, accommodation, all meals & drinks and sunrise/sunset safaris from Sunday to Saturday. The event fees do not include: flights, optional activities.
The inscriptions will be validate just after the payment of 30% of the event fee (non-refundable). The participant agrees to pay the full payment until 60 days prior of the event. If the inscription will be made 60 days or less from the beginning of the event , the full fee should be payed for inscribing. The Maia Wildlife have the right to cancel all inscriptions, when the payments did not follow the conditions here described.
We have a limited number of inscriptions, early reservations are advised.
Don't forget to pack
Adaptor for South African wall plugs, if needed; sun cream; insects spray; hat/cap; sunglasses; swimming suit; pool towel; binoculars; photo camera; basic medication;
And the most important, an open mind and lots of fun.
Optional activities:
Rory Hensman Conservation & Research Unit:
As numbers of elephants have decreased by some 350% in the last 70 years and by 110 000 elephants in the last ten years (Great Elephant Census) due to poaching and habitat loss, we are honoured to have saved a few. We are even more thrilled to be able to connect you with Elephants through our unique interactions, so that you might see them for what they are, and therefore think a little bit more about their future, and indeed many other species, in an ever changing and modernising Africa.
Head out with the herd after the interaction to spend a little more time getting to know them a lot better! Here you’ll see the wild side of the elephants as they free-range feed, frolic, drink, dustbathe and enjoy the 300-hectare wildlife reserve they call home!
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​Food for Rhinos is a dedicated rhino sanctuary located in the beautiful Waterberg mountains of South Africa. Our mission is to provide a humble and secure place for rhinos, where they can be protected from poaching and have a chance to thrive.
Established with the goal of raising awareness about the plight of rhinos and meeting their needs, Food for Rhinos is an independent, privately funded non-profit organization. We are a passionate family who has committed our time and resources to ensure a future for these magnificent creatures.
Many of the rhinos under our care are survivors of poaching incidents, which is a devastating threat to their population. We provide them with a safe and confined area for their security, but within this space, they can still freely roam between camps. This allows the rhinos, particularly the White Rhinos who are social animals, to adapt well to our system.
Our success can be seen in the natural increase of our rhino population. Since 2012, we have celebrated the birth of 30 rhinos, with 13 of them being born between March 2020 and March 2021. These births are a testament to our commitment to the conservation and preservation of this incredible species.
Join us in our efforts to protect and care for these magnificent creatures. Together, we can make a difference and ensure the survival of rhinos for generations to come.
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AirVentures - Hot Air Ballooning:
Exclusive Hot Air Ballooning Safaris over the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa.
AirVentures Hot Air Ballooning offers more than just a hot air balloon ride, we offer a total experience encompassing all the good things that make Africa great, from sun rise to great food, from wildlife to breathtaking scenery. AirVentures can meet all your requirements with a choice of high quality, exciting flight packages. Our attention to detail, and focus on exceptional service will ensure that your balloon flight with us meets all expectations.
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Cheetah Experience is a registered non-profit company originally based in Bloemfontein but relocated to Bela Bela, Limpopo in March 2021.
We are home to a number of endangered and threatened species, including cheetahs, leopards, male non-breeding lions, servals, caracals, African wildcats, wolves, meerkats, and a Siberian tiger. Our project takes in rescued animals from the local area.
We offer visitors a once in a lifetime opportunity to come on an educational tour and learn about our animals, see them up close, take some amazing photos, and learn how you can join us in the fight to protect these precious species.
