Madikwe is a private game reserve tucked away near the border of South Africa with Botswana, about four and a half hours drive from Johannesburg. Matrishva Vyas is, to the best of my knowledge, the only India- based photography mentor leading trips to this Reserve regularly for several years . The trip with him to Madikwe in August 2026, was outstanding. We sighted lions, a leopard, cheetah, the Cape Buffalo, rhinos herds of elephants, and above all, the endangered African Painted Wild Dog. The meet- and- greet episode of two male lions was one to be remembered for a long time. At each point, Dr Vyas’s mentoring and tips were truly insightful. Th stay at the Matla Game Lodge was exceptionally comfortable and the food was excellent. A trip not to be missed by wildlife and photography enthusiasts