Have you ever been on a shark dive taking pictures of Great Whites under the water? Let's do that while we are on tour through South Africa. How about a tour through the Kruger National Park or Pilanesberg with its beautiful mountains and breathtaking lodges?
Luxury like you can't believe. African hospitality at its utmost best. Many award-winning photographs are traveling all over the world, even one hanging in the Smithsonian Museum and in the National Geographic Magazine, taken by Larry Reese.
All tours are guided with a Leopard Moon Safari Guide from arrival to departure. On Special dates we will also have a guest Professional Photographer tour guide, see below for dates and price.
price based on a group of 6 people with two people sharing per room. Single room add $900
Other dates may be available on request as well as custom packages, Email for more information
A 50% Deposit must accompany all bookings. The balance is to be paid 90 days before your departure date to LEOPARD MOON SAFARIS or their AGENT, in cash, check or money wire.
In case of a cancellation for a legitimate medical, etc. reason (No refund after 90 days from departure date) we will make every effort to book another client for a full refund, if not we will deduct 20% based on the full value of the scheduled Photo Safari for administration fee and refund the remainder of your deposit. OR we will reschedule your Photo Safari for the following year at that current rate.
The Photo Safari is based on 6 people with two people in a room. If you are an individual you have two options:
The Photo Safari pricing is based on 6 people plus your guide. If during your preferred date there are less than 6 people 90 days before departure you will have the following options:
INCLUDED: Lodging, transportation, all meals, snacks, soda, tea, coffee at meals. Game drives with open 3 seated vehicles dedicated solely to this group with game ranger, plus Leopard Moon Safari guide.
EXCLUDED: beer, wine, liquor, air fare, gratuity
Itinerary Subject to change without notice
| Day | Discription |
|---|---|
| DAY 1 | You will be met at the Johannesburg airport by a Leopard Moon Safari guide who will be with you until you depart Johannesburg for home as you clear customs and taken a short 2 hour drive to a Bona Bona Lodge for dinner and a night cap. Then to your rooms where you can have a chance to relax from your travel. |
| DAY 2 | You will rise early just before sun rise for coffee, tea and a light snack before your first African Game drive. Around 9:30am you will return to the Lodge for a full breakfast served from 9:30-11am. Then some free time to relax look over your pictures, composition while you enjoy the African atmosphere and sounds. Lunch will be served from 1 - 2:30pm and then your next game drive will begin at 3pm until dark. Dinner will be served from 7:30pm-9pm. |
| DAY 3 | You will rise early for your drive to Pilanesberg Game Reserve and to your 4 star Ivory Tree Game Lodge which is located inside the game preserve where you will get checked in and enjoy lunch along with some free time to relax get your camera gear ready before your first game drive within Pilanesberg Game Reserve which will begin at 4pm till dark |
| DAY 4 | You will have an early wake up call by our game ranger for coffee, tea and a light snack before departing at 6am for a morning game drive. You will be returned to the Lodge around 9am for full breakfast which is served from 9-11am. You will have some free time to relax around the lodge and look over all the fabulous pictures you have taken before Lunch which will be served from 1-2:30pm. Tea will be served at 3:30 pm and then you will go on your afternoon game drive which will begin at 4pm until dark. Dinner will be served from 7:30-9pm. |
| DAY 5 | Time to pack your gear and meet for a 9am breakfast. After breakfast we will move to the other side of Pilanesberg Game Reserve to either Shepherds Tree Game Lodge or Black Rhino Private reserve and Lodge depending on the animal movement. Once there we will have some free time to unpack and have lunch between 1-2:30pm. Some free time to relax around the lodge and observe any animals coming to the water hole just off the main lodge area ( Black Rhino Lodge). At 3:30 there will be tea and a snack and the evening game drive will depart at 4pm till dark. Dinner will be served from 7-9pm. End the day relaxing around the fire before retiring to your suite. |
| DAY 6 | Rise early for coffee, tea and a snack for your morning game drive which will start at 6:30am and return around 9:30am where a full breakfast will be waiting for you. Time to relax, review all the pictures you have taken and observe the water hole just off the main lodge. Lunch will be served at 1pm. Tea at 3:30 and the evening game drive at 4 pm till dark. Dinner will be served from 7-9pm and time to relax around the fire and talk about all the African animals you have seen and photographed. |
| DAY 7 | Early morning game drive, breakfast at 9am, and then leave for the Johannesburg airport for your departure home. |
| Extra Days | Additional days can be added for $425 per person per day based on a group of 6. |
9 Days $4900, price based on a group of 6 with two people sharing per room
2 day Madikwe Game reserve add on
| Day | Discription |
|---|---|
| DAY 1- 6 | See above Itinerary |
| DAY 7 | Early morning game drive, breakfast at 9am and then depart for Madikwe Private Game Reserve. Once there you will have lunch and time to relax and unpack before coffee, tea and a snack at 2:30 pm and your game drive will depart at 3pm - dark. Dinner is served from 7:30-9pm which overlooks a lighted water hole where you can observe animals coming and going at night. |
| DAY 8 | Early morning wake up call by your game ranger. You will meet at the restaurant for coffee, tea and a light snack before your morning game drive which will start at 6:30- 9:30am. A full breakfast will await your return from 9:30-11am. Enjoy sitting on the deck which overlooks the water hole where elephants, plains game animals as well as lion are constant visitors. Lunch is served from 1-2:30pm, tea at 2:30 and your evening game drive at 3pm to dark. Dinner is served from 7:30-9pm |
| DAY 9 | Early morning wake up call, coffee, tea, game drive at 6:30-9:30am. Then leave for the Johannesburg airport for your departure flight |
Pilanesberg National Park - in an ancient volcanic crater
"The Volcano that gave birth to a game reserve"
132,000 acres
The crater of a long extinct volcano is the setting of Pilanesberg National Park - a fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic eruptions some 1300 million years ago. Pilanesberg is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world. Its rare rock types and structure make it a unique geological feature.
The area is fringed by three concentric ridges or rings of hills - the formation rises from the surrounding plains like a bubble. The structure of the park is termed the "Pilanesberg National Park Alkaline Ring Complex".
Ancient, even by geological time scales, this extinct volcano is the most perfect example of an alkaline ring complex. A number of rare (but not necessarily economically important) minerals occur in the park. Pilanesberg National Park rates high amongst the world's outstanding geological phenomena.
Pilanesberg has survived ages of erosion and stands high above the surrounding bushveld plains. The early presence of man can be seen in the numerous Stone and Iron Age sites that are scattered throughout the park.
The park exists within the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld vegetation, commonly referred to as "Bushveld". Unlike any other large park, unique overlaps of mammals, birds and vegetation occur because of this transition zone.
Springbok, brown hyena, the red eyed bulbul, and camel thorn trees usually found in arid areas are found cohabitation with moist-area-limited impala, black eyed bulbul and Cape chestnut trees.
The colorful hues, varied habitats and panoramas will delight and entertain photographers and visitors.
The very topography makes the area a feast for the eye. Here are syenite koppies, thickly forested ravines, typical bushveld and also rolling grasslands and lightly wooded areas.
Off the centre of the park is Thabayadiotso, "the Proud Mountain". The Park ranks among the largest of the national parks in South Africa (it is in fact the fourth largest park) and covers an area of 55 000 hectare. ( 132,000 acres)
The beauty of Pilanesberg is reflected in a large central lake, the Mankwe Dam.
Over time, wind and water have carved a spectacular landscape with rocky outcrops, open grasslands, wooded valleys and thickets.
The creation of the Pilanesberg National Park is considered one of the most ambitious programs of its kind to be undertaken anywhere in the world. The Operation Genesis, which involved the game-fencing of the reserve and the reintroduction of long-vanished species, began during the late 70's.
More than 35 large mammals and some 50 smaller species are known to occur in the park. It is sanctuary to the world's third largest white rhino population. Although some animals, including kudu, duiker, leopard and hyena, have been in the Pilansberg area for centuries, others have been brought in from various parts of the subcontinent. There are 19 antelope species. Some of the highlights include lions, elephants, white and black rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, zebras, hyenas, giraffes, hippos and crocodiles. Over 300 bird species have been counted.
Today, Pilanesberg National Park accommodates virtually every mammal of southern Africa. Also home to the Big Five.
