Thrilled to Present the Best Moments and Feedback from My Maiden TBA Escapes South Africa Photography Tour, Backed by Fujifilm USA.
My vision for TBA Escapes was to design trips specifically for adventurous women—those who crave vibrant destinations beyond their usual boundaries. The 'From the Bush to the Beach' Photography Tour in South Africa perfectly embodied that idea.
Last November, we explored this multifaceted African nation in depth, journeying from sandy shores to rugged mountains, through vineyard valleys, and into the wild bush.
I couldn’t have wished for a more wonderful group of women to accompany me on this debut tour. We had an incredible time, and it was truly thrilling to pass along the photography knowledge I’ve gathered through the years.
Watching These Women’s Photography Skills Advance in Just Ten Days Was Incredibly Fulfilling
Several participants borrowed Fujifilm equipment for the journey, and I was delighted to see their willingness to embrace—and continue using—manual mode. Additionally, I was thrilled that Travis Burke, my friend and award-winning outdoor and adventure photographer, joined the first tour to mentor the group on his shooting methods and editing workflow.
Since November, we’ve already booked two additional South Africa Photography Tours for March 2018, and we’re working to finalize more dates for October and November 2018.
Haven’t Applied Yet? Get on the Waiting List Now!
Best Moments from the 9-Day Luxury Tour Across South Africa
The tour began in Cape Town! We stayed for four nights in a luxurious villa (with a swimming pool!) in Camps Bay, booked through Cape Town Concierge. With panoramic ocean views and the mountain range behind, pristine white sand beaches, and top-tier restaurants just steps away, Camps Bay is hard to beat.
Our welcome party featured a wine tasting at the villa, courtesy of Durbanville Hills, along with fun icebreaker activities to help everyone get to know each other.
During our time in Cape Town, we enjoyed an incredible helicopter ride with NAC Helicopters, visited the Woodstock Biscuit Mill, took a street art tour led by Natalie from Tails of a Mermaid, and indulged in an extravagant beach picnic organized by Mel from Truffle Journal. We savored delicious wines and meals, and sampled virgin Gin & Tonics from The Duchess.
Finally, we spent a full day driving the Cape Peninsula, stopping at all the scenic points along the way. We came prepared with our photography gear, outfit changes, and K-way windbreakers from Cape Union Mart!
Next up: safari! We drove from the city to Gondwana Game Reserve for a two-night luxury safari experience. Gondwana provides the chance to see the Big Five in their natural environment.
With Morning and Afternoon Game Drives, We Had Countless Opportunities to Photograph Wildlife
There’s nothing quite like watching the African sunset with a sundowner drink, then retreating to your luxury bush villa for the night. Travis and I led an Adobe Lightroom editing workshop to help the women refine their workflow and elevate their photography.
Our final destination was the winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. We stayed at the lovely Hawksmoor House, cycled and tasted our way through the picturesque vineyards, and enjoyed a special afternoon tea at La Residence (complete with peacocks!).
Stunning Vistas and Award-Winning Wines
We also stopped at my favorite wine farm, Babylonstoren. This eight-acre estate boasts an impressive collection of fruits, vegetables, indigenous plants, livestock, bees, and even a prickly pear maze.
We dined at Babel Restaurant on the property, which specializes in deceptively simple cuisine. The chefs take classic dishes and combine them in unexpected, memorable ways. It’s a complete package: excellent wine, food, and lodging.
Travis Also Led a Night Photography Workshop in the Winelands to Capture the City Lights and Breathtaking Landscape
Testimonials from the TBA Escapes South Africa Photography Tour
The trip exceeded all my expectations! Kiki is even more charming face-to-face, and I adored every moment of having an American reveal the most stunning places in my homeland. I’d love to relive the entire experience.
Being part of the first TBA Escapes tour with Kiki and the group was fantastic. Cape Town is undeniably one of the world’s most beautiful cities (I may be partial), and discovering hidden gems I’d never seen before felt truly special. Everyone was incredibly warm, and we quickly became close friends. I gained so much photography knowledge and can clearly see my progress from start to finish. I’d recommend this trip to anyone wanting to enhance their skills, even just for personal use, because the photos we captured—and will capture on future trips—now elevate our memories to a new level.
The TBA Escapes photography tour was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! I connected with amazing people, absorbed a wealth of photography knowledge, all while living out a dream vacation.
This South Africa photography tour genuinely transformed my life. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone, introduced me to lifelong friends, and let me experience the enchantment and beauty of the country.
From beginners to seasoned photographers, this trip fosters growth. Every aspect was amazing—I’m hoping for more TBA Escapes destinations in the future!
This was without a doubt the journey of a lifetime, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. The Blonde Abroad and her team took us across South Africa, expertly balancing famous landmarks with local secrets, showcasing the nation’s beauty in a short span. Learning from Kiki, Natalie, Meyer, and Travis was phenomenal, and my photography and editing abilities noticeably advanced. I departed with new close friends, stunning images, a deep affection for a foreign land, a rekindled wanderlust, and unforgettable memories.
The TBA Escapes Photography tour offered a wonderfully immersive and authentic way to explore a stunning part of South Africa. I cherish traveling with a local friend who reveals the true character and culture of a place, which is often hard to access as a mere tourist. Kiersten opened that door and gave us that exact experience. She, along with Natalie and Meyer, created an atmosphere of openness and fun, so even though most of us were strangers at the airport, it instantly felt like reuniting with friends. Beyond meeting a fascinating group of fellow travel and photography enthusiasts, I soaked up their collective knowledge and inspiration—from Kiersten’s tips on selecting prime photo spots and composing interesting shots, to Travis’s guidance on night photography settings, to learning how to incorporate human elements from my travel companions. Truly an unforgettable trip.
TBA Escapes felt like a waking dream—each day outdid the last. Twelve women, helicopter rides, a picture-perfect beach picnic, and my first safari game drives. Coming face-to-face with lions, rhinos, and elephants is something I’ll never forget. The itinerary was packed with adventure and photo ops, with mentors guiding us every step. I borrowed a Fujifilm camera and lenses and finally learned to shoot in manual mode, a long-held goal. South Africa amazed me—far more modern than I anticipated—with some of the most stunning landscapes and biodiversity I’ve encountered. Other standout moments: a sunrise hike up Lion’s Head, a sunset cable car ride up Table Mountain, wine and chocolate pairings (absolutely heavenly!), a bike ride through Stellenbosch, High Tea at La Residence, the storybook gardens of Babylonstoren, a cooking lesson in Bo Kaap, and every single moment at Gondwana Game Reserve. Read my full review on Real Clear Life.
Discover More About Future TBA Escapes South Africa Photography Tours
Safety Concerns When Visiting South Africa
Two-Week South Africa Itinerary
20 Images That Will Make You Want to Visit South Africa
Optimal Seasons for Traveling to South Africa
A Novice’s Handbook for Safari Photography in Africa
The Definitive Cape Town Travel Companion
20 Photos to Spark Your Desire to Explore Cape Town
A Visit to Gondwana Game Reserve in South Africa
Packing Essentials for an African Safari
This article originally appeared on The Blonde Abroad as 'Highlights from my November South Africa Photography Tour'.
