The Best of South Africa Safari with Kevin
Oct 12th-Oct 23rd 2026
Big Five Area
Join Safari experts Kevin and Tricia Dooley on an experience of a lifetime in the exotic African Bush! Kevin is a well known Wildlife Photographer, his images have won numerous awards by National Geographic, Africa Geographic, Photographic World Cup to mention but a few. Tricia is South African and loves sharing her passion for wildlife and her homeland. Spend your mornings and afternoons discovering the many species of wild Africa. Imagine seeing and photographing Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, and many other species in their wild habitat. Witness and learn about their behavior and the beautiful serene Savannahs they call home. Our Safari Game drives are packed full of adventure, knowledge, and excitement! Evenings are spent resting in our comfortable camp where nights are filled with warm candle lit dinners and camp fires. The soft sounds of wild Africa will sing you to sleep whilst your mornings will be greeted with birds waking up a new day in this paradise. Watch the Giraffe as they walk into the sunset, the Elephant mother helping her newborn baby learn to drink water. See herds of African Antelope grazing on the plains lined with beautiful umbrella Acacia thorn trees. This is Africa! This is a true Safari adventure that transports you into this magical and life changing place. You will never see life as you once did. Africa teaches you to see beauty in the wild, find the universe in the Southern night star filled sky, and fall in love with life all over again. Come…..Africa is calling you!
Join Wildlife photographer and Guide Kevin Dooley
Kevin is an award winning wildlife and portrait/wedding photographer who grew up in Placitas, New Mexico. The Interest of photography began at an early age of 14 with the Christmas gift of a 35mm camera. Working as an Assistent photographer and darkroom technician in his fathers portrait Studio was the beginning of a lifetime career in Photography. At the age of 18 he enlisted in the US Navy and served on an Aircraft carrier. After completing his service he returned to New Mexico and opened his own photography Studio in Albuquerque. During the 37 years the Studio has been in operation it has received numerous awards. His passion for wildlife photography and for Alaska and Africa, led to his safari adventures, he eventually opened Idube Photo Safaris. Kevin is a certified FGASA (Field Guide Association of South Africa), wildlife guide and takes guests from all over the world on amazing photographic and sight seeing Safaris in Africa, Alaska, India, South America, and other destinations. He teaches both wildlife photography and portrait photography workshops. Helping both the advanced and the beginner.
Africa has always had a special place in Kevin’s heart. He thrives on sharing this amazing place with others. Teaching about the wildlife, the trees, and the history of wild Africa. Everything from the sunrise to the safari camps and the adventurous stories that are shared around the evening campfires, hold a special place in Kevin’s heart. A special place that he loves to share and experience with the travelers and Photographers that accompany him.
Your First Night In South Africa
After your arrival at the OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg South Africa you will be transferred to the Mondior Hotel. If you arrive on the official arrival day we will meet you at the Airport and help with your easy transfer to the hotel. If you arrive a day or more before the official arrival day, you will take the hotel shuttle over to the hotel. Safaris do not normally include food and lodging for pre and boat safari days. Please check with us for your arrangements as well as assistance in securing these rooms. We normally will meet in the hotel foyer at 6:30 PM on the pre safari night as a group for an introduction and dinner.
Our Safari Begins
On our designated day our safari will begin. We will depart from the Mondior at 830 AM. We will begin our day with an incredible shopping experience and cultural center visit. We will be staying over night at the cultural center.
Shopping Excursion
African Arts and Curios
Cambanos and Son Agencies is a family business started by Jean and Dennis Cambanos in 1982, it was a small curio wholesaler working out of an office in Johannesburg town centre. They offered customers something extra, personal service and the pledge that they would always make sure the customer was happy.
The business is now one of the biggest in South Africa, supplying the world with African curios. But the pledge remains the same “Make sure the customer is happy” and hope they eventually become friends. The business is still run by the family today; Gerry Cambanos is only a phone call away if you require a piece of Africa in your home.
Lesedi Cultural Center
aha Lesedi is located in the heart of the African bushveld amidst the rocky hills within the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site. Discover the fascinating cultures and traditions of the people of Africa, visiting five traditional homesteads inhabited by Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele tribes who live according to tribal folklore and traditions of their ancestors. “Our culture is the light of our nation – whoever walks here amongst our cultures at aha Lesedi can also see the light.”
Your Safari Lodge
Set within a riverine canopy surrounded by an impressive diversity of fauna and flora, This Safari offers guests beautifully appointed, tented suites.
Besides enjoying all the comforts of modern living in the heart of the untamed bushveld, our highly skilled rangers share their extended knowledge with guests, so they may gain an in-depth understanding of the area to add to their already exciting getaway experience.
The main camp is located between the Marico River and a small tributary of the Marico. The Lodge has a welcoming open-plan lounge, dining area and reception as an African bushveld oasis that offers exciting game drives as a compliment. The attractive bar and pool area are also ideal for relaxation, and the entire Lodge welcomes families.
The Lodge has been carefully constructed to blend into its surroundings, with the use of wood and thatched roofs. A traditional lapa falls within a glade of natural riverine forest to offer panoramic views. Besides lush views of the gully and river to the north, guests are delighted by our staff’s warm hospitality and personal care.
Every meal is prepared with special care, giving extra attention to diet requests. An inviting main camp area that offers guests an open-plan lounge, dining, pool and bar area to relax in after a day of game viewing
The accommodation in Madikwe comprises 12 x Tented Suites that boast a strong Afro-Asian safari ambience and viewing decks overlooking the Marico River. These spacious tents offer every comfort and luxury with features including air-conditioning, hairdryer and power 220vAc.
ROOM FEATURES:
- Air Conditioning
- Bath
- Coffee & Tea Station
- Hair Dryer
- Patio
- Safe
- Shower
- Deck
- Heater
- Small refrigerator
Itinerary
Depart USA
Oct 12th
Arrive Johannesburg
Oct 13th
Overnight Emperors Palace
Emperor’s Peermont Mondior
(PRICE NOT INCLUDED)
Oct 13th
Shopping & Overnight at Lesedi
8am Departure
Oct 14th
Safari Camp
Oct 15th – 22nd
Return to Johannesburg
Emperor’s Peermont Mondior
(PRICE NOT INCLUDED)
late afternoon to early evening overnight
Oct 22nd
Flight Home
October 23rd,
505-280-3846 or 505-401-2988
