Tswalu has introduced a photographic safari experience for guests with a special interest in wildlife photography. Trevor Kleyn has been appointed at Tswalu as a dedicated specialist photographic guide, combining his extensive bush knowledge and experience as a FGASA-qualified nature and lead trails guide with his passion for wildlife photography. Kleyn honed his photography skills in destinations across Africa as well as in Iceland, Argentina, New Zealand, and USA, and at Tswalu provides expert advice and hands-on tuition to guests who want to up their skills.
Photographic tuition is offered for all levels, from novice to experienced photographers. Novices will benefit from hands-on guidance when it comes to the basics, while experienced photographers will enjoy the excellent photo opportunities presented in the company of Trevor.
The dramatic topography of the Korannaberg mountains, the arid savannah, and characteristic red dunes of the Kalahari make Tswalu a prime destination for iconic wildlife and landscape photography at any time of the year
When booking a day with Trevor, use of Tswalu’s fully equipped photographic safari vehicle is included. The modified vehicle is geared to meet the needs of a solo photographer but has plenty of space for a second guest. A rotating swivel seat allows for an uninterrupted, 270-degree arc and can be locked into position. The seat is fitted with a stabilising arm and platform for taking sharp, steady images, even with a long lens. There are also brackets, slings and bean bags to assist with stability and sharpness. Hatches cut into the sides of the vehicle allow the photographer to lie flat on a firm mattress to photograph animals at eye level.
The photographic day package includes the undivided attention of Trevor as the specialist photographic guide, assisted by a dedicated, experienced tracker while on safari. The service also includes two hours of informal classroom-style tuition to enhance wildlife photography skills, as well as editing and processing in Adobe Lightroom at the Motse Camp’s fully equipped Photographic Studio. On-site printing is available up to A1 size on either paper or canvas and one edited wildlife print is included. The photographic package with the specialist guide is levied at an additional cost, and advance booking is subject to availability.
About Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Offering a unique destination safari in the remote southern Kalahari, Tswalu is a visionary conservation project with sustainability at its core. As a fellow member of The Long Run, Tswalu’s journey towards greater sustainability places equal emphasis on conservation, community, culture, and nature-based tourism. With only three luxury safari camps on 114,000 hectares, Tswalu represents the lowest ratio of beds to hectares in South Africa. The Motse and Tarkuni are complemented by Loapi, a new light-footprint tented camp with six safari homes offering the ultimate private wilderness experience. Tswalu is unique in that it has a foundation dedicated to research that informs conservation decisions. Guests are encouraged to interact with scientists and post-graduate students in the field. Those who choose Tswalu become part of a bold, regenerative, conservation vision to protect vital habitat and restore biodiversity, positively impacting the planet and its people.
