Welcome to the Project
This project follows my entire journey from the first idea through research, planning, booking and preparation all the way to the safari in South Africa.
It is not only about the journey itself. I also document how I put together my photo and video equipment, how I train with the new camera and how the material may later become a YouTube video and maybe even a paperback book.
In short: A journey becomes a complete photo, video and blog project.
The Journey
A safari has been booked at Rhulani Safari Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa.
- Departure Alicante: 30. August 2026
- Arrival Johannesburg: 31. August 2026
- Arrival at the lodge: 31. August 2026
- Stay: 31. August to 5. September 2026
- Return journey: 5. to 6. September 2026
Travel Diary
The first entries are being created retrospectively. After that, the diary will continue to grow with every new step.
How a thought in Spain slowly turned into the dream of a safari in South Africa.
This travel journal was originally meant to be just a personal record of my safari preparations. But the more the trip took shape, the clearer it became: this project could interest far more people than only German-speaking visitors.
Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, or South Africa? The decision wasn’t easy – but in the end, a clear favorite emerged.
Once South Africa was chosen as the travel destination, the real challenge truly began. Which safari area best matched my ideas? Kruger, Sabi Sands, Timbavati, Pilanesberg, or perhaps Madikwe? I dived deep into travel reports, maps, videos, and lodge websites and started comparing the different regions of South Africa.
South Africa was a given – but which reserve and lodge would best match my vision for a first safari?
The region was chosen. Now began the search for the accommodation that would become my home during Safari 2026.
After months of research, comparisons, and decisions, the time had finally come: the Safari 2026 was officially booked.
The trip was booked. Now the next important question arose: Which camera should accompany me on my biggest photo adventure?
Right in the northwest of South Africa, bordering Botswana, lies one of Africa’s most captivating game reserves. Madikwe Game Reserve is not only home to the Big Five but also an impressive example of how former farmland was transformed into a unique natural paradise. In this post, I’d like to introduce you to my travel destination in more detail.
In just a few weeks, a long-planned dream will finally begin: a photo safari in the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa. When choosing my gear, I consciously focused on quality, versatility, and minimizing weight. Today, I’m excited to introduce you to the camera and equipment I hope will help me capture unforgettable moments in the African wilderness.
My safari is getting closer, so it is time to put together the photography and video gear I will take with me. From the Nikon Z50 II and my safari all-round lens to a 360° camera: this is what is coming to Madikwe.
Current Milestones
- 06.06.2026: Trip to Rhulani Safari Lodge booked
- 06.06.2026: Nikon Z50 II ordered
- Coming soon: Set up the camera and take the first test photos