imagine what it will be like...
Experience the trip of a lifetime while building your portfolio to attract your dream clients
This retreat is so much more than a content retreat; it’s a holistic experience that caters to your creative spirit as well as your need for relaxation and rejuvenation. It's an opportunity to connect with fellow photographers, share in the passion of your craft, and return home not just with incredible photos, but with a renewed sense of inspiration and purpose.
You should expect nothing less than a soul awakening experience when choosing to visit South Africa... Imagine the feeling you will experience when you’re sipping your morning coffee with lions roaring in the near distance.
When you see a momma elephant back up to protect her baby when your safari jeep drives by.
When you simply cannot handle the cuteness of that feisty lion cub trying to roar for the first time.
These are all real experiences that you could expect when going on this safari content retreat!
INTRODUCING
the safari
content retreat
Welcome to an unparalleled Safari Content Retreat, where the wild heart of Africa meets the refined artistry of elopement photography. Over the course of three nights, immerse yourself in an all-inclusive experience designed exclusively for photographers. Come Stay in luxurious accommodations where every room offers a view of the untamed beauty of Africa. Savor gourmet meals prepared by top chefs in Africa.
From the moment you arrive, you'll be treated to a blend of luxury and adventure, with every detail meticulously planned to ensure an unforgettable journey. This is your invitation to join a select group of like-minded individuals on a safari that promises not only to enhance your portfolio but to transform the way you see the world.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
This trip of a lifetime will include the following:
3 Night Accommodation at a Safari Lodge in Africa
All Meals & N/A Drinks
2 FULL Elopement styled shoots to build up a realistic gallery
1 couples session + 1 Engagement Session
2x Daily Safari Drives
Transfers to and from the airport to the lodge
Headshots in the wild!
- Flights
- Alcoholic Drinks
Below you will find the prospective itinerary for each day. This itinerary is subject to change.
Prospective Itinerary
10AM: Pick up at King Shaka International airport and drive to Safari Lodge
1PM: Arrive at Safari Lodge for check in
2:30PM: Lunch at Safari Lodge overlooking the wild
4:30PM: Sunset Game drive with sundowners and snacks
8PM: Dinner
10PM: Bed time
DAY 1
Day 2
5AM: Wake up Call
5:30AM: Sunrise Safari Game drive + "morning of" session for elopement 1. (Engagement session)
9AM: Breakfast back at lodge. Downtime at pool.
1:30PM: Lunch
3PM: Getting ready shots for elopement 1
4:30PM: Sunset Safari Drive + Ceremony & Vow shots for elopement 1. Drinks + snacks provided.
7PM: Table decor shots + champagne tower for elopement 1.
8PM: Dinner
02/03
Day 3
5:30AM: Safari Sunrise drive + morning coffee & snacks
9AM: Breakfast
11AM: Steamy couples session
1:30PM: Lunch
3PM: Getting ready shots for elopement 2
4:30PM: Sunset Safari Drive + Ceremony & Vows for elopement 2. Snacks + sundowners provided.
7:30PM: Night flash session elopement 2.
8PM: Dinner
03/03
Day 4
5AM: Sunrise Safari Game Drive
8:30AM: Breakfast
10AM: Checkout + Transfer back to King Shaka International Airport
Where You'll Stay
Zulu Rock Lodge is one of the most spectacular safari lodges in South Africa, located in the Babanango Game Reserve.
This four-star luxury safari lodge combines an intimate boutique feel with a truly wild setting. The lodge sits within an unfenced Big Five reserve, meaning wildlife moves freely through the landscape around the lodge, creating an immersive safari experience where you'll feel genuinely connected to the African bush.
Why This Retreat Is Different
There are a lot of photography retreats out there, but this one is truly different.
This isn’t just a styled shoot.
It’s a real safari experience in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Because South Africa is my home country, I’ve spent years building relationships with incredible lodges and vendors. That means you’re not just visiting as a tourist, you’re experiencing the country in a way most travelers never get to.
✔ An authentic luxury safari experience
You’ll stay at an unfenced safari lodge where wildlife moves freely through the reserve. Game drives, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments are all part of the experience.
✔ Intentional, portfolio-driven styled shoots
Every shoot is designed to help you create work that attracts higher-end weddings and elopements in incredible destinations.
✔ A small, intimate group
With a limited number of photographers attending, you’ll have space to connect, collaborate, and truly enjoy the experience.
✔ A retreat that feels like a community
Many photographers who attend stay connected long after the retreat ends - supporting each other, sharing opportunities, and celebrating each other’s success.
✔ An experience you’ll never forget
This retreat isn’t just about building your portfolio. It’s about adventure, inspiration, and experiencing the magic of South Africa.
Investment
Available for the first 6 photographers
✔ Luxury cliff-view suite
✔ Shared accommodation
✔ All meals and game drives
✔ Styled shoots and models
✔ Airport transfers
After Early Bird spots sell out, pricing increases.
Optional Upgrades
Partner Ticket: $2550 (Includes lodging, meals, safaris and transfers)
Early Bird Luxury Suite
$3,650
✔ Deluxe safari suite
✔ Shared accommodation
✔ All meals and game drives
✔ Styled shoots and models
✔ Airport transfers
Standard Retreat Ticket
$4,050
Oh, hey friend! I'm Heidi, your host
Born and bred in South Africa.
South Africa has always been home to me.
Although I now live in Minnesota, my husband and I travel back to South Africa every year to photograph weddings, elopements, and visit my family. Over the years I’ve built incredible relationships with lodges, planners, and guides across the country and hosting retreats here has become one of my favorite ways to share this place with other photographers.
These retreats aren’t just about creating beautiful portfolio work (although you absolutely will). They’re about experiencing a place that feels truly wild, inspiring your creativity again, and connecting with other photographers who quickly become lifelong friends.
Many of my past attendees still stay in touch years later - cheering each other on, sharing wins, and supporting each other through the ups and downs of running a photography business.
South Africa has a way of changing people.
I can’t wait to share it with you.
frequently asked questions
Q: Where should I fly into?
A: The closest International airport is King Shaka Airport (DUR). This is where your transfer will pick you up from, and drop you off again.
Q: Can I bring my partner/mom/person who is not a photographer
A: Yes! You are more than welcome to bring your husband, mom, sister whoever!
There is a separate price for bringing a non-photographer partner to enjoy this experience with. Their ticket price includes all meals, accomodation, safaris and transfers.
Q: Is there wifi at the lodge?
A: Yes, there is wifi at the lodge
Make sure to bring a wall adaptor for you chargers, hair tools, cameras etc! South Africa uses type C, D and M (Mainly M type). Hairdryers are provided.
Katherin -
Q: Will I share a room?
A: All attendees will share a room with one other person. You two will share your own private bathroom.
Q: How many model couples will there be and will it be inclusive?
A: There will be 2 model couples. Every effort is made to prioritize diversity with the model selection.
safari
Retreat
FOLLOW MY SOCIALS
heidistrausphotography