Bird photography tours in South Africa

Multi-day expeditions, day outings in Gauteng and surrounds, and trips planned around your own dates. Every one is limited to three guests.

Three photographers with cameras and binoculars standing together on a misty morning in the forest

Three guests at a time

Every Wildlens trip takes a maximum of three guests, so there are never more than four people in the vehicle, including Christo.

For bird photography, a small group isn’t a luxury. Birds don’t wait while a crowd gets into position, and the best angle is rarely big enough for eight lenses.

Everyone gets the shot
When a bird appears, there’s room for all three of you to find a clear line and the right angle.
Help when you need it
Christo can work with each guest on settings, fieldcraft and composition, in the moment.
Room for your kit
Space in the vehicle for long lenses, tripods and bean bags, without juggling bags on your lap.
No rushing
We can stay with a sighting as long as it’s worth it, and change plans around the birds and the light.

Multi-day tours

Announced six months ahead. Each departure runs once all three seats are booked.

KwaZulu-Natal Bird Photography Expedition 2027

7 days, 6 nights, from Centurion, 3 guests at most

Seven days through the forests, wetlands and coastline of KwaZulu-Natal, from Benvie Gardens to Cape Vidal, built around bird photography.

  • 28 June to 4 July 2027 3 seats available
  • 12 to 18 July 2027 3 seats available
R22,000per person See the full itinerary

Day outings in Gauteng and surrounds

A full day photographing birds within easy reach of Johannesburg and Pretoria, at places like the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden and Zaagkuilsdrift. Good for a first taste of South African birding, or a day between longer trips.

We meet at an agreed spot where you can leave your car, and we’re on location before sunrise. We don’t watch the clock: we stay out until you have the shot, even if that means birding into the dark.

  • Breakfast
  • Coffee and rusks
  • Mineral water
  • A light lunch
Enquire about a date
Price per person, per day
3 guestsStandard rate, all seats filledR2,000each
2 guestsIncludes a single substitute feeR2,500each
1 guestIncludes a double substitute feeR5,000for the day

Day outings are priced for three guests. If you’d like the day to yourself, or with one friend, you can book all the seats: the substitute fee covers the empty seat or seats, and it’s already included in the prices above.

Green valleys and high cliffs under a blue sky

A tour planned around you

Have your own dates, or a list of species you’re hoping to photograph? Christo can plan a private trip around them: the route, the timing and the places to stay.

Custom trips follow the same approach as every Wildlens outing: three guests at most, early starts, and as much time with the birds as the photograph needs.

Plan a custom trip

How booking works

Prices are in South African rand. Other currencies are shown as a guide.

  1. Send an enquiry

    Tell us which trip you’re interested in, or your dates and target species for a custom trip.

  2. Christo gets back to you

    He’ll confirm availability, answer your questions and send the details.

  3. Pay a 50% deposit

    Your deposit holds your seat on the departure.

  4. Pay the balance

    The balance is due 60 days before departure.

  5. The tour runs when it’s full

    Each departure runs once all three seats are booked. If it doesn’t fill, you can choose a full refund or move to another tour. Payments are non-refundable if you cancel, so we recommend travel insurance.

Ready to join a trip?

Tell us which tour or dates you’re interested in. Christo replies personally to every enquiry.