For Mattias Klum, conservation and the environment are deeply important topics that he will address both in his lectures and during our visits to the reserves. In Kruger National Park, much has already been achieved in these areas, but there is still plenty of work to be done. Below you will find some of the issues that concern Mattias and that you will learn more about during the trip.

Kruger National Park is one of the world’s most famous national parks and one of the oldest in Africa. It covers nearly 20,000 square kilometres, making it one of the largest protected natural areas on the continent. The park hosts an enormous level of biodiversity, with more than 140 species of mammals.

From a conservation perspective, Kruger National Park plays a crucial role. It is a central part of the transboundary Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which allows wildlife to move freely between South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The park also conducts extensive anti-poaching operations, especially to protect rhinos, using tools such as drones, GPS monitoring and highly trained ranger units. In addition, Kruger functions as an important centre for research on ecology, animal behaviour and the impacts of climate change.

Environmentally, Kruger contributes to a sustainable ecosystem in several ways. It preserves vital ecosystem services such as water purification, carbon storage and pollination, and acts as a natural buffer against climate change. Tourism is substantial but managed sustainably, with revenue reinvested into conservation efforts and the creation of jobs for local communities. Collaboration with surrounding communities has become a key part of the park’s work, strengthening local support and reducing human–wildlife conflicts.

However, the park still faces major challenges. Poaching, climate change and conflicts between people and wildlife outside the park’s borders continue to threaten both species and ecosystems. Despite these challenges, Kruger National Park remains a leading example of how conservation, research and sustainable tourism can be successfully combined.

Throughout the entire trip, Mattias Klum will be available for photography advice, tips, editing support, and image critique. He will also give talks on conservation and the environment in South Africa, as well as share experiences from his National Geographic assignments. Exact times for these sessions will be adapted to the photographic activities and the daily program.

DAY 1, (Dec.7) – ARRIVAL AND SAFARI
We meet at Hoedspruit Airport, where we will be greeted by Mattias Klum and a host from Zoom Fotoresor. From the airport, we drive to Nambu Camp or a similar lodge in the Balule Nature Reserve, where we will spend the coming days surrounded by untouched wilderness and incredible wildlife. After checking in, it is time for the first safari of the trip and a taste of what awaits us in the days ahead.

After watching the sun set over the African landscape and enjoying a sundowner, that is, a drink out in the open, we return to the lodge with the first images of the trip on our memory cards.

Back at the lodge, we enjoy dinner and the serenity of the African bush. (D)

DAY 2–4, (Dec. 8-10) – SAFARI AMONG THE BIG FIVE
During the days, we explore and photograph the rich surroundings together with Mattias and our experienced guides. After a warming cup of coffee in the cool morning air, we head out to photograph the sunrise as the landscape fills with scents and sounds.

Balule Nature Reserve is a private reserve forming part of the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. The area lies along the beautiful Olifants River and is home to a rich and diverse wildlife, including Africa’s “Big Five” – elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion, and leopard. Unlike many other areas, there are fewer jeeps here, offering an even better nature experience and more opportunities to position the vehicles for the best photographic angles.

When we find our subjects, Mattias—who will rotate between the vehicles—will be on hand to offer tips and guidance to help you develop as a photographer. He will also share his deep knowledge about the wildlife and habitats around us.

After an early morning safari filled with experiences and photographic opportunities, we discuss the morning’s sightings by the pool. After lunch, there is time for relaxation, a swim, or some image editing before we head out for the second safari of the day. (B, L, D)

DAY 5–8, (Dec. 11-14) – SAFARI IN SABI SAND
On the fifth day of the trip, we continue our African adventure and travel to the world-renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, where we check in at Umkumbe Safari Lodge or a similar lodge. This area is known for its exclusive and intimate safari experiences, guided by some of Africa’s most skilled rangers. Sabi Sand borders Kruger National Park with no fences, allowing wildlife to move freely between the areas. In the afternoon, we head out into Sabi Sand and its exceptional wildlife.

Over the following days, we focus on deepening our photography during morning and evening game drives, where we have the opportunity to get close to wildlife thanks to off-road driving permission. The entire Big Five is present here, and the area also has one of Africa’s highest densities of leopards, making it especially interesting for photographers.

Between game drives, there is time for rest, editing, and group image reviews together with Mattias, who continues to provide personal guidance and tips on composition, light, and visual storytelling. The evenings end around the campfire with the sounds of the savannah in the background. (B, L, D)

DAY 9, (Dec. 15) – SAFARI AND DEPARTURE
Today, we head out on the final safari of the trip before continuing to Mpumalanga International Airport for onward travel to Sweden on your own arrangements. (B)

Mattias Klum is a world renown Nat Geo photographer, filmmaker, and author. Since the 1980s, his work has been widely published in magazines such as The New York Times, GEO, Der Spiegel, and National Geographic, where his images have appeared on the cover 13 times. As a filmmaker, he has produced a number of award-winning films and TV productions, and he has published 15 books to date.

Two of these books were written together with Johan Rockström: Our Time on Earth and Sustainable Welfare Within Planetary Boundaries, with a foreword by President Bill Clinton; as well as Big World, Small Planet – Welfare Within Planetary Boundaries, and The Perpetual Calendar of Life, which was written in collaboration with Dr. Jane Goodall. For more than three decades, his work has been driven by the desire to engage audiences regarding threatened environments, species, and cultures.

Read more about Mattias here!