Tag: south africa

For the first time, I hosted a larger group for one of my Christian Sperka Photography Custom Luxury Tours in KwaZulu Natal and the Greater Kruger National Park.

The usual group size for my tours is one to six guests. This time, a group of six families/friends totaling 24 people booked me to be their host, guide, and wildlife/trip photographer for this 13-day safari tour.

I chartered a Hilton-Ross 52-seater luxury bus with two drivers for our adventure. The group consisted of twelve adults and twelve youngsters between eight and nineteen years old.

I took care of everything from their arrival to their departure (except for flight reservations). I organized all accommodations, excursions, and meals, paid for everything during their stay including tips, and took over 700 pictures of all activities for the group.

Here is a short summary of the itinerary in case you are interested in the details. And if not, then just enjoy the slideshow below 😊.

Day 1

Arrival at OR Tambo International Airport and overnight stay at the five-star OR Tambo Airport Intercontinental Hotel.

Day 2

Excursion to VulPro (Vulture Conservation Project) at Hartebeespoort, north of Pretoria. Another overnight stay at the Intercontinental.

Days 3 – 7

Bus transfer to the four-star Elephant Plains Game Lodge in the Sabi Sands for a four-night stay at the reserve.

Days 7 – 12

Bus transfer to the five-star Thanda Safari for a five-night stay at the reserve (Safari Lodge and Villa iZulu).

Day 9

Visit to a StarForLife school in rural KwaZulu Natal.

Day 10

Day excursion to St. Lucia for a Shakabarker – Hippo and Croc Cruise and beach time on the Indian Ocean. We had lunch at Reef and Dunes, St. Lucia’s best restaurant.

Day 12

Bus transfer to the five-star Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga, KZN. A relaxing day at one of my favorite hotels in the world. Dinner for the adults in the elegant Grill Room and for the kids in the Ocean Terrace Restaurant.

Day 13

Lunch at the Ocean Terrace restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean. Departure from King Shaka International Airport Durban.

During their stay, my guests went on twelve game drives and many bush walks, encountering the Big Five, Cheetah, Wild Dogs, and a lot of general game (Giraffes, Zebras, Warthogs, Antelopes, etc.).

Hosting this large group was a new experience for me, but I enjoyed it very much. It was a fantastic group of people who made my job very easy!

I would do it again 😊!