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2028 Mashatu Wildlife Photography Safari

Join Cindy Goeddel in Botswana for a small-group Mashatu wildlife photography workshop built for photographers who want to photograph Africa at its wildest. Elephants, leopards, lions, cheetahs, bat-eared foxes, rich birdlife, and the drama of predator-prey interactions make every game drive feel charged. Cindy’s hands-on instruction in the field helps you anticipate behavior, read the light, and make stronger photographs.

Each departure is an 11-day journey with two nights at The Residence Johannesburg followed by eight nights at Mashatu Lodge. These are two back-to-back workshops, so the dates overlap because each group begins in Johannesburg before flying on to Mashatu. The structure keeps the trip smooth from the start, so you can settle in quickly and stay focused on the wildlife and the photography.

From arrival at OR Tambo through hotel transfers, private charter flights, and departure assistance, you are met and directed every step of the way. With just seven participants split between two private vehicles, the group stays small, flexible, and photographically strong. This is Africa with the logistics handled and the photography front and center.

Mashatu is one of southern Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, known for elephants, big cats, baobabs, mashatu trees, and exceptional photographic opportunities. The first two nights in Johannesburg give you time to recover from travel, get oriented, and arrive in Mashatu ready to photograph.

Cindy has teamed up with Mark Smith at &Beyond to handle logistics, including deposits, payments, and 24/7 support. He can also assist with flight reservations and workshop extensions.

Dates: January 6–16, 2028 | First Departure
January 14–24, 2028 | Second Departure
Duration: 10 nights/11 days each
Participants: 7 guests
Vehicles: 2 private vehicles (maximum 4 photographers per vehicle)
Location: The Residence Johannesburg Hotel & Mashatu Lodge, Botswana
Cost: $14,250 per person (double occupancy)

Included:

2 nights at The Residence Johannesburg on a bed-and-breakfast basis
VIP meet-and-greet assistance at OR Tambo on arrival and departure
Private airport/hotel/airport transfers in Johannesburg
Private charter flights between Johannesburg and Mashatu
8 nights at Mashatu Lodge in Luxury Suites
2 private safari vehicles at Mashatu
Meals, activities, and lodge-based safari services at Mashatu as specified in the itinerary
National park, concession, and landing fees where applicable

Not Included:

International airfare to and from Johannesburg
Lunches and dinners in Johannesburg
Pre- or post-workshop lodging not listed above
Travel insurance, visas, passports, immunizations, medications, and personal purchases
Guide gratuities

Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Itinerary

Both departures follow the same structure:

Day 1
Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. You will be met on arrival and transferred privately to The Residence Johannesburg.

Day 2
Rest, recover from travel, and settle in. This day also allows time for orientation, equipment review, and preparation before heading to Botswana.

Day 3
Private charter flight to Mashatu. Begin the safari portion of the workshop with Cindy and your small group.

Days 4–10
Full Mashatu photography days with morning and afternoon game drives using two private vehicles.

Day 11
Private charter flight back to Johannesburg, followed by transfer and departure assistance.

A Typical Safari Day

Awake before sunrise and head out early for first light in the field. Return late morning for brunch and a midday break to rest, download images, review your work, or talk through technique with Cindy. In the afternoon, head back out for the best late light and evening wildlife activity. Expect long, rewarding field days built around photographic opportunity rather than rushed sightseeing.

To reserve your space, email Cindy.

Exclusive Post-Workshop Reunion

As an added bonus, every group photo workshop includes a private Zoom reunion. This is far more than a casual check-in—it’s a chance to reconnect with your fellow travelers, share your ten favorite images, and receive thoughtful critique. The deadline to select and present your images provides the perfect push to complete your editing workflow, while the process of narrowing down to ten becomes an invaluable editing exercise in itself. Participants often call these reunions a highlight—like reliving the best moments, only this time with friends for life.

Cancellation Policy

Due to the significant time and financial commitments required to secure guides and accommodations in prime bear season, all payments (including deposits) are non-refundable unless your spot can be filled. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.