Kalahari Dreaming 

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa

Join us on an exclusive Photo Safari to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa one of the gems in Southern Africa.

Timeless solitude, endless blue skies, red sand dunes covered with sparse grassy vegetation, dry open riverbeds with towering Camelthorns, - this is the Kalahari. Here is home to abundant and varied wildlife, from the tiniest insects, the ever-present reptiles, a multitude of raptors, and large herds of antelopes, including the iconic Gemsbok. And then, of course, there are the charismatic predators: the thrill of watching a famous black-maned Kalahari Lion striding down the riverbed, the satisfaction as the hours long wait is rewarded with a sudden explosion of a Cheetah hunt or the excitement when you spot the fleeting silhouette of a distant Leopard.

As the sun rises and sets in spectacular fashion over the open space of the Kalahari duneveld, it offers wonderful opportunities to fashion fantastical images in glowing colours. In the early morning large herds of antelope move into the dry riverbed, fine dust swirls up into the air and the first rays of dawn edging over the dune fashion golden dreamscapes. At the other end of the day, when the last rays of the setting sun create vibrant halos around the outlines of animal as if setting them on fire, the backlit silhouette of a majestic lion vanishes over the dunes and the sky burns with a kaleidoscope of red hues, you can‘t help but feel entranced by the dreamlike atmosphere of the Kalahari. 

The rainy season provides even greater spectacle. As the rains approach, huge cumulus clouds build up, with the promise of awe-inspiring thunderstorms. In late afternoon the storm may break, blackening the sky, zigzag lightning illuminating the scenery, dusk turned eerily into daylight for a few flashing seconds. Often the rain is no more than an unfulfilled promise, but when at last it does fall, the spell is broken, clouds burst, dropping their heavy load. Within minutes the storm passes, thunder rumbles off into the distance, the sky clears, and a welcome freshness fills the air. It‘s these magnificent spectacles, that leave a lasting impression on visitors, setting the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park apart from other places.

Booking Enquiry

Itinerary *

Day 1

Twee Rivieren Camp (1x night)

In the late morning we meet in Upington. After a quick icebreaker session and a short overview what to expect in the next days we go for grocery shopping as there is only one restaurant in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. We go together for grocery shopping to cover each taste and dietary requirements. Of course inside the park I will take care of the cooking for all of us. After a quick lunch in Upington we leave for Twee Rivieren, the main camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. After settling into our chalets we can rest and relax for a short time. Later in the afternoon we leave for our first game drive in the search of the Kalahari wildlife. We stay out right after sunset to make use of the stunning evening light in the Kalahari. We top of our first day in the Kalahari with a splendid braai in the evening.

Day 2 - 7

Mata Mata Camp (3x nights) & Twee Rivieren Camp (3x nights)

Our first full day in the park. To make the most of the marvellous light in the Kalahari we leave camp before sunrise. After a couple of hours photographing inside the park we return to camp for breakfast (morning game drive on the 2nd day: way to Mata Mata Camp & on the 5th day the morning drive is the way back to Twee Rivieren Camp). In relaxed atmosphere during camp time we have lots of time to review our day’s images and to cover every aspect of wildlife photography (e.g. camera settings, composition, use of light, post processing …) in several small workshops. But don’t worry you are not missing out on lunch and leisure time to relax at your chalet or at the camp swimming pool. Alternatively you can visit the camp waterhole to observe the thirsty animals coming down to drink. Early afternoon we leave camp in the search of photographic opportunities. Again we stay out till sunset. In relaxed atmosphere we have diner and if you want enjoy a few drinks.

Day 8

Twee Rivieren & Return to Upington

Early morning we leave for our last game drive. After breakfast we pack and say good bye to this magical place. We arrive late midday in Upington and I drop you off at your chosen accommodation in Upington.

*Please note the Itinerary is provisional and subject to changes depending on local conditions

About Bernd

I’m an award winning wildlife photographer and work and photograph since more than 15 years in southern Africa, mainly Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. For a long time I concentrated my photographic work on the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa. I spend more than 800 days in the Kgalagadi TP to photograph its wild creatures. My time in the Kalahari culminated in my first coffee-table book 'Kalahari Dreaming'. Currently I’m working on ‘A Photographers Guide to the Kalahari’. In the last years I shifted my photographic focus to Namibia, mainly Etosha National Park interspersed with regular trips to the Kgalagadi TP my second home.

I’m not only an experienced wildlife photographer but also an animal ecologist. For my PhD Thesis I studied for several years’ reptile population dynamics in the southern Kalahari, South Africa. The following years I worked on spatial ecology of cheetahs and leopards in central Namibia.

My extensive experience in photographing wildlife in southern African game parks in combination with my in depth knowledge of the African wildlife and the ecology of savannah ecosystems makes me your perfect safari companion.

You can find out more about me and my work here

Our Philosophy, our Ethics

I believe a small group of participants is the best way to improve your photographic skills and make your safari as enjoyable and successful as possible. The small group size guarantees my undivided attention and you receive help, advice and information any time you need it. Guest first is my policy, always! From time to time I may takes some images, too. Nevertheless, I make sure that you come first and get the best position to photograph. 

A main concern of my photographic safaris is the wellbeing of the wild animals. I try to keep the disturbance of the wildlife by our presence to an absolute minimum. Consequently, we give the animals their space and rather miss an image than pushing it all costs.

With my experience, knowledge, enthusiasm and passion I hope to make your trip an unforgettable experience. I’m looking forward to show you my second home, the Kalahari.

Included in Safari Costs

• All accommodation (7x Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park)
• Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Diner)
• All transportation during the safari including 14x exclusive games drives
• Park fees for Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
• Guiding and photography tutoring by Bernd
• Image reviews & wildlife photography workshops with Bernd
• Bean bags for camera support

Excluded in Safari Costs

• International Flights
• Drinks
• Gratuities for staff at accommodation or restaurant
• Items of personal nature (e.g. snacks, souvenirs, internet...)

Further Informations & Bookings

For further information‘s or questions on this photographic safari or if you need assistance with additional bookings please contact me via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you are interested in additional days in the Kalahari or in a tailor made photographic trip just for you please drop me an This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Booking Enquiry