ELEPHANT PLAINS

PHOTO SAFARI.

Presented by
Heinrich van den Berg

ELEPHANT PLAINS (SABI SANDS)

March 2025 (to be confirmed)
(4 Nights)

For the safari to happen, we need a minimum of four people in total.

  • Accommodation in Luxury accommodation
  • Eight Game Drives
  • Private Vehicle with Maximum Six Photographers
  • Photography Advice
  • Post-production Advice
  • All Meals
  • Some of the Best Leopard Sightings in South Africa

The safari starts at Elephant Plains.

I'm South African and Interested!
I'm not South African and Interested!

Nine.

Heinrich's record of number of leopards seen on one game drive at Elephant Plains.

Our History with Elephant Plains.

The founder of HPH Publishing, Heinrich van den Berg presented his first photographic safari at Elephant Plains almost 20 years ago. Since then, he has photographed and taught many avid photographers to capture its leopards and other wild animals with their cameras.

The Images.

Photographs taken at Elephant Plains have since graced many of HPH Publishing's book covers.

Your Guide.

Heinrich van den Berg is a well-known wildlife photographer.

  • He is the owner of HPH Publishing and has supplied the photographs for more than 30 of HPH Publishing's books.
  • He is one of the leading post-production artists in South Africa, having colour-corrected every image ever published through HPH Publishing.
  • He is the author of seven books, three of them on wildlife photography.
  • He has had 18 images awarded in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition, making him the 8th most awarded photographer in the competition's history.
  • Over the years Heinrich has photographed extensively at Elephant Plains and would be your perfect teacher.
  • He will give advice while on game drive, and will also be available for any editing advice.

ABOUT THE SAFARI.


Situated in the heart of the renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Elephant Plains offers a unique blend of luxury and adventure, making it the perfect destination for a photographic safari. I invite you to embark on an unforgettable journey, capturing the raw beauty and diverse wildlife of South Africa.

Sabi Sands is synonymous with exceptional wildlife sightings, and Elephant Plains is no exception. This private game reserve shares an unfenced border with the world-famous Kruger National Park, allowing animals to roam freely between the two areas. This ensures a rich and varied wildlife experience, with opportunities to photograph the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo—and other species, including cheetah, hyena, and over 300 bird species.

At Elephant Plains, you’ll stay in the lap of luxury, with accommodations that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Each suite offers breathtaking bushveld views, allowing you to unwind and relax after a day of thrilling game drives. The lodge's amenities include a sparkling pool, a cosy lounge, and delectable dining options that showcase the best of South African cuisine.

As a seasoned wildlife photographer with years of experience capturing the essence of the African wilderness, I will guide you through every step of the safari. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, I’ll provide personalized tips and techniques to help you get the perfect shot. From understanding animal behaviour to mastering camera settings in different lighting conditions, you’ll gain invaluable knowledge to enhance your photography skills.

Each day at Elephant Plains begins with an early morning wake-up call, followed by a light snack and coffee. We’ll then set out on our first game drive, taking advantage of the early morning light and the active wildlife. With open safari vehicles, we’ll have unobstructed views and ample opportunities to photograph the animals in their natural habitat. After a few hours, we’ll return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and leisure time. You can relax, edit your photos, or join me for a workshop to discuss the morning’s images and photography techniques. I'll critique your photographs and advise on how to improve your post-production work. In the late afternoon, we’ll embark on our second game drive, timed to coincide with the golden hour and the animals' increased activity as the day cools down. The evening game drive often extends into the night, providing the chance to capture nocturnal species and the stunning African sunset.

Elephant Plains in the Sabi Sands offers unparalleled photographic opportunities. The landscape varies from open savannahs to dense thickets, providing diverse backdrops for your wildlife photography.

This photographic safari is more than just a chance to see wildlife; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, improve your photography skills, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts. I look forward to sharing this adventure with you and helping you capture the beauty of the African wilderness through your lens.

About Elephant Plains.

  • Prime Location in Sabi Sands: Elephant Plains Safari Lodge is situated in one of the most prestigious private game reserves in South Africa, known for its abundant wildlife and proximity to the Kruger National Park.
  • Exceptional Big Five Sightings: The lodge offers unparalleled opportunities to see the Big Five in their natural habitat, including frequent sightings of leopards, which Sabi Sands is renowned for.
  • Intimate Game Viewing: With a limited number of vehicles allowed on the property, guests enjoy a more exclusive and intimate game viewing experience, ensuring fewer crowds and more personalized encounters.
  • Luxurious Accommodation: The lodge provides a range of accommodations, all designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings and offer spectacular views.
  • Expert Guides and Trackers: Guests benefit from the knowledge and experience of expert guides and trackers who are passionate about the bush and skilled in finding and interpreting wildlife sightings.
  • Varied and Rich Ecosystem: Elephant Plains encompasses a diverse landscape, from open plains to riverine forests, supporting various flora and fauna, making each game drive unique.
  • Bush Walks and Night Drives: Besides traditional game drives, guests can experience the thrill of bush walks and night drives, offering different perspectives and opportunities to spot nocturnal animals.
  • Photographic Opportunities: The lodge is a haven for photographers, with its stunning scenery and prolific wildlife providing endless opportunities to capture striking images from sunrise to sunset.

Elephant Plains Safari Lodge offers a perfect blend of adventure, luxury, and nature, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience in the heart of the African wilderne

SPECIAL OFFER

Join us on a photo safari to one of the best photography destinations in Africa.

Learn from a pro. Take brilliant wildlife photos.

Notes from Heinrich van den Berg about the safari

Thanks for your interest in the Elephant Plains photographic safari! Sabi Sands is one of the best places to photograph leopards in Africa.

I have spent many months photographing at Elephant Plains, over more than 20 years. Some areas are more photogenic than others, and Elephant Plains is one of those places. There are more leopards than elsewhere I have photographed, and they are more photogenic than elsewhere. I have photographed leopard kills, leopards mating, leopard cubs, and leopards fighting. My record at Elephant Plains is 9 leopards in one sighting, which is incredible.

But there are more than leopards. We have had some incredible interactions between different species. I have taken some unique images of hippo, wild dogs, lions, and elephants here.

You won't be disappointed.

Don't miss out on this incredible safari.

If you want to learn more about me, visit www.heinrichvandenberg.com.