Conservation | Walking | Photography
Your host: Lea Milde. Wildlife ecologist, conservation photographer, and field guide, Lea brings a rare combination of scientific insight, creative vision, and a deep connection to the wild. Her work is built around storytelling through photography. She is beginning to lead select safaris and workshops across Africa, sharing her passion for conservation and photography with participants of all levels.
On this unique safari, she joins Koenraad to guide you through a wilderness experience few people will ever know. Together, they help you slow down, read the landscape, understand animal behaviour, and capture moments that cannot be staged or repeated.
Combining conservation, photography, and time on foot, this safari goes far beyond the traditional game-drive experience. It is raw, personal, immersive, and will stay with you long after you leave Africa.
Set within Selati Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, this low-impact private reserve offers encounters that are unpredictable, unscripted, and deeply wild. This is a safari focused on connection, awareness, and presence, not checklists.
LODGES
Where You’ll Stay
For those seeking more than sightings, this journey invites you to step beyond the surface and into the true rhythm of the wild. An experience that begins the moment you step out of your tent.
We stay at a private camp, exclusively for our group, in the wild heart of Selati, surrounded by the untamed nature of Africa. No distance, no fences, no distractions. You are part of it.
With only a few carefully positioned tents, a sense of calm and space unfolds. Each one is placed for privacy and a true connection to nature. You don’t just see the bush, you feel it!
The tents, set along a seasonal riverbed, offer exactly what you need: comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and shaded verandas.
One night is spent sleeping out under the stars, with no barriers between you and the wilderness. A rare opportunity to experience the wild in its most unfiltered form!
A dedicated half-day is spent alongside the local conservation team, offering rare behind-the-scenes insight into protecting this landscape and its wildlife. Depending on current priorities, experiences may include rhino monitoring, drone-assisted operations, or tracking cheetahs.
Evenings are spent around the fire under open skies. Good food, conversation, and the sounds of the night become part of the experience.
This is a safari that doesn’t just let you observe, it draws you in and allows you to truly live it.
Your Itinerary
✓ Authentic guided safaris in remote nature
✓ Premium accommodation at a lodge on the game reserve(s)
✓ Your own private Trails Guide for the duration of your trip
✓ Breakfast, lunch and dinner as specified in the itinerary
✓ Drinking Water supply in the main area
✓ Lea Milde's guidance and photography tips throughout the stay
✓ Game Reserve fees
✓ Backpack with water bladder - no need to buy your own, we’ve got you covered!
✓ Trekking poles upon request
✓ South African VAT (15%)
What’s Included
✗ Flights to/from South Africa
✗ Accommodation outside safari dates
✗ Soft drinks and warm beverages
✗ Alcoholic drinks at lodges
✗ Travel insurance and visas
✗ Personal expenses
Not Included
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What makes this Safari unique?
Unlike a traditional safari, this experience is built around time on foot, photography, and meaningful conservation access. With Lea Milde and Koenraad Pretorius as hosts, guests experience Selati in a far deeper way, from tracking wildlife and understanding the ecosystem to spending time with the local conservation team and sleeping out under the stars.
With very few guests and minimal vehicle activity, the experience feels personal, raw, and deeply authentic.
What if I’m still unsure about booking?
No problem at all. Send us an enquiry and we’ll happily arrange a personal call to answer your questions and talk through the experience. No pressure, no obligation, just a chance to see if it feels right for you.
How fit do I need to be for this safari?
You do not need to be an athlete at all. A reasonable level of fitness and comfort with walking is enough. Walks are taken at a slower pace with regular stops, and the experience is adapted to the group.
Are the walking safaris guided and safe?
Yes. All walking safaris are fully guided by experienced Trails Guides who prioritize guest safety and nature conservation. Walks are conducted in small groups to maintain a personal and secure experience. The guides are trained to interpret wildlife behavior and ensure all encounters are handled responsibly.
Do I need photography experience?
Not at all. Whether you are using a phone, camera, or simply want to learn, Lea will help guests of all levels to observe, compose, and capture meaningful moments in the wild.
Are the bush sleep-out and Conservation Experience included?
Yes. Both are included in the total safari price. The bush sleep-out is optional and weather-dependent, meaning it may be cancelled at short notice due to rain or unsafe conditions. If you prefer not to join, you can return to camp for the night instead.
The half-day with Selati’s conservation team is also included, offering rare behind-the-scenes insight into the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
What should I bring or pack for the walking safari?
Bring neutral-colored clothing (khaki, brown, beige, navy), comfortable walking shoes with ankle support, gaiters, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, a water bottle, and personal medication. Optional items include a camera and binoculars.
Avoid bright colors like red, orange, yellow, fluorescent tones, or white.
What's the maximum group size?
6 guests. Small groups ensure intimacy, flexibility, and better wildlife encounters.
