ABOUT THE KALAHARI
Tucked away in South Africa’s remote North West Province, Khamab Kalahari Reserve is one of the country’s largest private reserves, spanning over 90,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. Bordering Botswana’s rugged Kalahari sands, the reserve offers an exclusive and truly wild safari experience.
For wildlife photographers, Khamab is a hidden gem. Its vast open landscapes create striking backdrops of red dunes, golden grasses, and iconic camelthorn trees—perfect canvases for capturing Africa’s raw beauty. The reserve is home to the Big Five, but it is particularly celebrated for its impressive black-maned Kalahari lions, large herds of elephants, and thriving populations of cheetahs, leopards, and African wild dogs. Alongside these predators, plains game such as gemsbok, springbok, and giraffe bring the open savannahs to life.
What sets Khamab apart is its sense of exclusivity and freedom. With no crowds and limited vehicles, photographers enjoy uninterrupted sightings and the flexibility to position perfectly for that once-in-a-lifetime shot. From golden dawn light over the dunes to star-filled desert nights, the Kalahari offers an unrivalled stage for storytelling through the lens.
PHOTOGRAPHY
This is an exclusive safari at its best. Whilst we'll be taking the entire lodge exclusively just for our group, this also means it will only be us out on drive. A whole vehicle means we can seat up to six guests comfortably with plenty of space with a 'side window' each - meaning no compromises in vantage points or camera equipment.
Back at the lodge, Sam will be available at your request for editing tuition and any other kind of guidance or teaching you may want or need. Whilst our aim is to take advantage of the most the area has to offer, it's also important that your skills are tested and enhanced - allowing you leave to as a better and more refined wildlife photographer than when you arrived.
ABOUT YOUR HOST
Behind the banner of RAW Photographic is Samuel Cox, a professional wildlife photographer who spent many years in the field living in South Africa and teaching wildlife and conservation photography to international guests, volunteers and interns alike.
This gave him not only unparalleled access to the wildlife on his doorstep, but more importantly - the skills and years of experiences in teaching the specifics of ethical wildlife photography. This wealth of diverse, yet powerfully coupled traits, makes Sam unique amongst the crowd.
With RAW photographic safaris, Sam insist on delivering nothing but the best experience possible for his guests. Not only does he want to ensure a fun, educational and meaningful experience - it’s also important that we do so in a way that’s driven by authenticity and ethics.
A lot of research and effort goes into designing and building the products on offer and Sam only partners with those who mirror his ambitions in delivering great experiences whilst also remaining respectful to the land, wildlife and cultures we’re visiting.
For more about Sam and his photography, check out his website and socials via the icons below
ACCOMMODATION
You will not be sharing the accommodation with other travelers or any safari outing or lodge activity. You will be the only ones catered for. No traffic jams at wildlife sightings as yours will be the only safari vehicle out there, ensuring intimate wildlife experiences and fantastic photographic opportunities.
The lodge is fenced for peace of mind and overlooks a busy waterhole, making for an uninterrupted connection to wildlife. Accommodation is provided in two luxury two-bedroom chalets with all rooms en-suite, and a comfortable lounge area with coffee station and drinks fridge. The rooms can be set up with either a king-sized bed or two twin beds. All bedrooms are air-conditioned for comfort during the hot summers, while the lounge has a fireplace to warm up the cold winter nights.
Safari activities are tailored around your preferences, but we encourage as much time out on the reserve as possible for those magic and iconic Kalahari experiences. A picnic lunch is often served in the shade of a camelthorn tree, while a wonderful private fireside dinner under the stars creates a backdrop that not even the best restaurants can match.
The lodge has a stunning swimming pool and poolside bar where you can cool down and relax on hot summer afternoons. Alternatively you can enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned bar and lounge inside the lodge with an outside deck overlooking the waterhole.
In true safari style, we prefer dinner to be prepared and served outside in our boma, with a campfire providing a cosy atmosphere. When the weather is not suitable, delicious home style cooking is served on the dining room deck overlooking the waterhole, or in the dining room next to the fireplace.
We are happy to adapt our menus to suit your culinary preferences.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Pickup at arrivals in the O.R. Tambo international airport and meet Sam and the rest of your group at a local guesthouse / boutique hotel.
* Dinner, breakfast and local drinks are included
DAY 2
** Departing early in the morning at 5am so as not to waste any time of the day. The drive is approximately 8 - 9 hours, and there will be breaks along the way. We aim to arrive just after noon.Upon arrival you’ll be welcomed and have time to settle into the lodge before regrouping for some food and our first afternoon safari. We’ll get back to lodge to enjoy drinks before dinner.
DAY 3 - 8
We’ll head out around sunrise to take advantage of first light and the ensuing morning golden hour. Our focus will be on finding the best photographic subjects and wildlife experiences we can get.
A standard day will see us return to camp for a late breakfast with some time to relax and work on photography editing before heading out again the mid-afternoon. Altertinately, we can also ammend the schedule to best fit the wants and needs of the group - so no two days are ever the same.
DAY 9
** We'll be departing the Kalahari early in the morning, stopping along the way, to ensure we get back to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo in time for evening international flights.
For those wanting a bit more time to relax, there's the option to book an additional night in Johannesburg to unwind after such an adventure and put off the thoughts of departing for the next day.
** At this current time (2025) the only method of transport is via ground trasnfer, but the reserve is currently in plans of making an airstrip which could cater to chartered flights from Johannesburg. If all is well and feasable by the time we plan to travel, plans will be adjusted for us to fly there (at no additional cost) but this is naturally not guaranteed.
SUMMARY
Price
£6,500 per person sharing / £8,000 single supplement
Meeting / Drop-off Location
O.R. Tambo airport,
Johannesburg
Country
South Africa
Transport
All local transport
included
Duration
8 Nights / 9 Days
Focus
Big Five, predators, birds, desert landscape
Group Size
4 - 6 People
Host
Professional Photographer Samuel Cox
INCLUDED
+ Airport pickup from O.R. Tambo airport, Johannesburg
+ All local transport
+ 1x night in Johannesburg
+ Dinner, breakfast and local drinks in Johannesburg
+ 7x nights accommodation in Kalahari
+ All meals and house drinks in Kalahari
+ Flexible game drives in Kalahari
+ Exclusive use of lodge for entire duration
+ Private vehicle for entire duration
+ Photographic guidance in-the-field
+ Editing tuition back at lodge
+ Laundry
+ Drop off at O.R. Tambo airport, Johannesburg
EXCLUDED
- Any transport or accommodation outside of itinerary
- Lunch in Johannesburg
- Premier drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance