Firstly let me introduce myself, my name is Mark Roxburgh (APSNZ), I’m a member of the PSNZ, the Nature Photography Society of NZ, the Marlborough Camera Club, and a very active African wildlife photographer. I spend on average over two months annually (four months this year) in the Kruger National Park in South Africa doing both animal and bird photography. I am once again offering other photographers the chance to accompany me on a 15day/14night tour to this iconic and world-famous game reserve.

How did these tours evolve? Having had fellow photographers express an interest in visiting the Kruger National Park in South Africa, I decided to investigate the feasibility of offering accompanied tours myself. I wanted the tour to promote wildlife photography without the usual middleman costs involved, so I priced the tours at my cost only, with no financial gain for myself (There was money left over from the last two tours of 2025, and I was able to give a partial refund to everyone!).

My first tour was in May last year, with another two tours in August, and by all accounts everyone had a fantastic time. So much so that I now have 6 guests from those tours joining me again on the 2026 or 2027 tours. I have four tours in 2026 and they are all fully subscribed. I have planned another six tours for 2027, and two of these are fully sold out already. I run these tours to promote African wildlife photography for those who would not normally consider a trip due to the usually exorbitant prices, and to expose others to the indescribable beauty and atmosphere that only the African bushveld can offer. There will be a maximum of 6 people, including any non-photographers/partners, on the tour which allows each guest to have an ‘end of row’ seat in the Open Safari Vehicle (OSV).

Some emailed comments from last year’s tours were:

“The Kruger Park experience that you gave us was way beyond my expectations. The ability that you and Rodney had to put us in the right place at the right time was uncanny. We couldn’t have asked for better photo opportunities. It was a truly memorable fortnight.”

“Thanks again for a fantastic trip to Kruger Park.  I am now trying to sort the 1 TB photos I took!”

“We in turn raved about the wonderful organisation of our Kruger trip and your astounding level of knowledge and passion. It was one of the most special trips I’ve done”

“I really enjoyed my safari with you. It seems like a dream!!”

Due to the high demand on accommodation in the Kruger Park by tourists, the available accommodation is usually fully booked 11 months ahead of time, so I do need to advertise these tours early. I realize the current world political and economic situation may cause some to be hesitant about committing, but this is an opportunity not to be missed.

These tours start in Johannesburg, and we spend the first night at the City Lodge Hotel in the airport precinct before flying directly into the Kruger Park (Skukuza Airport) the next morning, where we meet our safari guide and head off into the bush. During our time in the Park we will stay at various Camps before flying from Skukuza back to Johannesburg International Airport for our homeward flights. The areas around the Camps we stay in offer the best opportunities the see the major game species, including the ‘Big 5’ and ‘Magnificent 7’, as well as numerous bird species; this should cater to any wildlife photographer’s expectations. For ease of travel I arrange the tour start dates are coordinated to connect seamlessly with the Qantas flights from New Zealand via Sydney to Johannesburg, returning via the same route. There are other airlines to travel to South Africa should you so wish.

I reiterate that this is not a commercial venture, but rather one being offered by a PSNZ member to provide an accompanied photographic tour at the fraction of the cost of the usual commercial offerings. Unfortunately tour costs have increased since last year, with the SANParks costs increasing by 13%, and then the NZ Dollar to the SA Rand exchange rate has changed by 11%.

Full details of the tour, inclusions and exclusions, and other information can also be found on my website – https://www.marrox.co.nz/