Frequently asked questions

A maximum of three. With Christo, that’s never more than four people in the vehicle. It means everyone gets a clear line when a bird appears, and there’s time for one-on-one help with your photography.

Christo Swart, a South African wildlife and bird photographer and the founder of Wildlens. He’s your photo host on every trip. Read more about Christo.

No. Trips suit beginners, experienced photographers looking for new species, and birders who want to improve their photography. Christo helps each guest at their own level, with settings, fieldcraft and composition.

No. We’re working with wild birds in their natural environment, so sightings and photographs can’t be guaranteed. We do plan routes around productive areas and allow extra time, and the itinerary can change with the weather, bird activity and access.

Yes. Tell us your dates and the species you’re hoping to photograph, and Christo will plan the route, timing and places to stay. Plan a custom trip.

Every season brings different species and photographic opportunities. Summer is the best time for bird photography, because that’s when most of the migrant species are here in South Africa.

Yes. Christo can collect you from the airport as an optional extra, added to your invoice if you need it. Just mention it when you enquire.

It doesn’t matter. We plan the day around every guest, so let us know about anything we should keep in mind and we’ll cater for you.

Yes, no problem. Because every trip is limited to three guests, a partner takes up a seat and pays the same price as a photographer.

It depends on the tour or outing. Ask Christo by email or through the enquiry form, and he’ll tell you what to pack for your trip.

Send an enquiry or a WhatsApp message. Christo replies personally, confirms availability and sends the details. For a scheduled tour, a 50% deposit holds your seat.

The balance for a tour is due 60 days before departure.

You can pay with PayPal. We’re also looking into direct card payments, so ask about the options when you enquire.

Once paid, your deposit and balance are non-refundable and can’t be transferred to another tour, whatever the reason for cancelling. Your payments are used to book accommodation and other arrangements for your trip, so please only book once you’re sure you can travel.

We strongly recommend it. Take out travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked, so you’re covered if you have to cancel, and for medical costs, delays and lost luggage. Travel insurance isn’t included in the tour price.

Each tour departure runs once all three seats are booked. If a departure doesn’t fill, we’ll let you know, and you can choose between a full refund of everything you’ve paid or moving to another tour.

All prices are in South African rand (ZAR), and that’s the currency you pay in. You can switch the site to show approximate US dollar or euro amounts, based on the day’s exchange rate, as a guide.

R2,000 per person with three guests, R2,500 per person with two guests, and R5,000 for one guest. Day outings are priced for three guests, so booking for one or two includes a substitute fee for the empty seat or seats.

Breakfast, coffee and rusks, mineral water and a light lunch.

We meet at an agreed spot where you can leave your car, and travel together from there. We don’t collect guests from their accommodation.

We’re on location before sunrise, and we don’t watch the clock. We’ll do our best to get you the photo you came for, even if that means birding into the dark.

In Centurion, Gauteng. Transport from and back to Centurion is included, along with fuel and toll fees.

Six nights’ accommodation in guest houses, breakfast every day, transport from Centurion, fuel and tolls, park and conservation entrance fees, daily birding with your photo host, photography coaching and morning coffee and rusks. See the full itinerary.

Lunches and dinners (these can be arranged with the guest houses), extra snacks and refreshments, personal expenses, travel insurance and camera equipment.

Lunch, dinner and snacks are arranged with the guest houses we stay at, so they can be chosen to suit your preferences and dietary requirements.