ORYX Photo Tours Reviews

Having completed six fantastic private photo safaris with Oryx Photo Tours…can’t say enough about Oryx and our photo leader, Marius Coetzee. Most recently in East Africa, we got every shot we had hoped to capture. It was more than just being at the right locations but the incredible work to dynamically position the vehicle for the best angles, in the moment photo coaching and daily photo editing sessions to help create the best outcome and further develop our skills. As well, Oryx and Marius focus on every detail of the trip and experience and insure we capture every unique opportunity. We have two more trip booked for 2025!

Date of experience: 02 February 2024

Having returned from my third private Oryx tour led by Dale Morris, where my passion and goal of photographing the world’s rarest predators was once again fulfilled, I’ve had some time to reflect on the whole experience. This time the target was the Ethiopian Wolf, an amazing and highly endangered canid – the world’s rarest, living at 13500 feet in the remote Ethiopian Bale National Park.

To achieve this, Oryx and Dale assembled an impressive team including Gitnet, out local guide and Dale’s right-hand man in Ethiopia; Balai, our driver and knowledgeable birder; and the chief tracker of 26 years for the EWCP (Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Project) whose name sadly eludes me. Quite a dream team! The EWCP has single-handedly seen the Ethiopian Wolf’s population grow from 300 to 500 individuals. Always looking for generous donors – hint, hint. Observing and photographing these amazing wolves as they went about the day hunting for rodents was truly magical. Side trips to photograph the equally endangered endemic Bale Monkey, as well as the infuriatingly-timid Giant Mole Rat, proved just as rewarding. Getting that rat's photo (I have other names for him) did take some patience.

Similar to my trips in South Africa and Madagascar, I always present Dale with the unenviable task of getting me on the animals in the impossible finite time window I have to give Oryx. He always comes through, and in places like Ethiopia - no easy place for predictable travel. Covid and Civil War made us some of the first western travelers to return to Ethiopia, and we were treated first class, whether in Addis, on the internal flights, or at the Bale Mountain Lodge. Safe food, competent drivers, comfortable vehicles and lodging all came together for a perfect experience.

As I have noted before, I have been on over 30 photo expeditions all over the world, yet I always know I will learn new techniques from Dale, and he sure did not disappoint on this trip. This was the first time in the field with my R5, and Dale was able to help me with the new tech (to me), while maintaining a sense of humor and professionalism. And at 13500 feet, I have to admit I appreciated his help securing and transporting my gear whenever necessary.

Dale Morris and Oryx make a fine team and I strongly recommend them to anyone with my similar passion for travelling the world to photograph its amazing wildlife.

OK Dale, where to next?

Dave Romea, Lambertville, NJ

Date of experience: 05 February 2024

We had to change our travel plans at short notice due to some security problems in Uganda. The ORYX Team set up a complete new trip to Tanzania within two weeks. And it worked out perfectly. All transportation to and from the local airports and the many flights worked perfectly. The camps were outstanding and left nothing to be desired. The cooperation with ORYX was always uncomplicated and fast. It was our third trip with ORYX and not the last! We can only recommend it.

Date of experience: 17 November 2023

ORYX provides a first rate photo tour experience. From the planning stages to every detail of the tour itself we experienced the culture and the wildlife and came home with amazing photos. Marius is a joy to travel with and he gets you in the best places and helps you to capture the most stunning images. We traveled to India, taking in Delhi, Taj Mahal, Jaipur and the main attraction- tigers in Ranthambore National Park. Highly recommend ORYX!!

Date of experience: 23 October 2020

Wow, what an amazing Oryx Madagascar photo tour we had with Dale! It was everything that we had hoped it would be, and a whole lot more.

Dale, in particular, was a highlight of the tour. His local knowledge, photography experience, his teaching ability and patience re cameras and settings, were exceptional. Dale was also a wizz at getting all his guests into the best positions to photograph our subjects. We both learnt so much about our cameras and the best way to use them. He is such an easy person to travel with, and we had many, many laughs along the way.

We would not hesitate to travel with Dale again, and would highly recommend Oryx, Dale and this tour to other potential Oryx guests.

The entire trip was well organised and executed. Any difficulties or issues that did arise were swiftly and efficiently dealt with by Dale and Nono.

Kudos to the entire Oryx team for your professionalism. We will certainly be travelling with Oryx (and Dale) again.

Date of experience: 21 September 2023

Another absolute incredible trip to Africa (this time Uganda) arranged by Oryx, simply outstanding. Unbelievable primate and savannah experiences (Kidepo!), all expertly organised. And to think they had 2 days to arrange it as Kenya hit the red list just makes it even more remarkable!! Thank you so much to Marius, Rainer and the whole team... i cant wait to be travel with Oryx again!

Date of experience: 13 April 2021

Oryx Photo is simply the best! I have travelled to Omo Valley Ethiopia, Lake Turkana Kenya, remote Namibia on private guided tour, Botswana private guided tour as well as India. Trips have been mostly with Marius Coetzee, but recently with Penny Robartes and they never disappoint. Attention to detail and professionalism is absolutely excellent. It’s not always about the photography but the experiences, the people and tons of fun! The easiest way to travel .... they take care of it all - you just need yo pitch up!

Date of experience: 29 October 2020

I've done two tours with Oryx -- one to Madagascar, one to Brazil's Pantanal -- both with Dale Morris, both fabulous. The tours themselves are well-thought-out and offer plenty of in-depth photography time. Dale spends time with each client, giving them the tips -- if needed -- to get a killer shot or just talking technique. He shares creative ideas for lighting and framing and won't move on from a photography opportunity until everyone has gotten what they need. I love the small-group size and can't wait to travel with Oryx, and Dale, again.

Date of experience: 30 October 2020

My partner and I have traveled twice with Oryx, once to Madagascar and once to Pantanal. We were looking for wildlife photography trips with small groups, excellent guides and quality accommodations. Oryx provided that on both occasions. Dale was our guide on both trips. He's a fun travel companion and creative, helpful teacher. And he takes flippin' awesome photos of critters.

We now have a third trip booked with Oryx to Botswana.

Date of experience: 29 October 2020

Can there be a better way to enjoy an experience like Africa? Maybe, but I'm not convinced. With Oryx every aspect of our trip was coordinated expertly, what a luxury to have so much handled - really relieves the stresses of travel planning. Marius is the best of the best as a guide - he makes sure everything gets done on travel days and is generally just a great guy to be with during game drives (and the trip as a whole). Africa is filled with amazing beauty and experiences, being under the guidance of people who can not only make travel easy but also help you get the perfect camera shot to capture it all makes the experience all the better.

Date of experience: 30 June 2022

I’ve been fortunate enough to have photographed with Oryx as my host on 4 or 5 separate occasions. There’s a good reason why I keep on going back - these guys n gals know what their doing! Professional, accommodating, adventurous, good fun and simply the best at what they do. If you want an amazing photographic adventure in far flung places then you won’t have better people looking after you than the Oryx team. It goes without saying that they are all a great talent with a camera in hand. As I write I am definitely thinking where and when my next Oryx adventure could be!

Date of experience: 24 October 2020

This was our third trip with Oryx and we have a fourth one booked. The itineraries have been spot-on and the guide quality superb. The groups are small so there's plenty of opportunity for one-on-one feedback and help. The office staff are thoughtful and detail-oriented. This was our first time traveling with Penny and she was a great tour leader.

Date of experience: 19 October 2021

Dale Morris was our Oryx guide on a recent trip to the Pantanal in Brazil. This was either my 5th or 6th trip with Dale and I have 3 more with him in the works. It is hard to imagine there could be a better guide than Dale. He is extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife, a miracle worker with his camera and advice, and he can do some great animal impressions. You will be in excellent hands should you decide to travel with Oryx and Dale. I highly recommend him regardless of your level of photographic expertise.

Date of experience: 29 August 2022

I have travelled with Oryx several times including Madagascar and Japan. Their photography trips are excellent. Dale Morris was one of the best photography guides I have been with. He ensured that all the group had an equal opportunity with subjects and he was one of the few guides that always put the group's before his own photography.
He was not only helpful if asked photography questions but was also a good teacher.

Date of experience: 26 October 2020

Marius Coetzee and his team at Oryx Photo Tours never ceases to amaze. They have guided myself and my family to Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya. Marius and his team strike the perfect balance between unprecedented luxury and epic adventure. At no time will you feel your dream trip is anything less than extraordinary. They open your eyes to worlds seen by few and experiences enjoyed by even less. There has not been a single person I have recommended to Oryx Photo Tours to who has not returned and emphatically stated that their trip was the greatest vacation they have ever been on. When you've traveled with Oryx, you cannot help but sing their praises and hope others will be lucky enough to experience the same.

Date of experience: 18 September 2019

I booked a tour in Chile through Oryx in April 2022. I paid over $10,000 for the tour. Only upon my personal inquiry did I find out all other guests cancelled due to Covid. I had received an email saying I would be reimbursed some of the money due to the photo expert Dale Morris being unable to go because it was not monetarily possible (it was a photographic tour). That was taken back once they found out I was traveling solo, although I paid the solo supplement (I received no refund). I was the only one on the Chile Pumas of Patagonia tour. My local guide David from Far South Expeditions was beyond wonderful, and I have nothing but great reviews for him. But when I looked on the Far South Expedition tour I found the same tour was offered for almost $5000 less. Oryx has terrible email communication; Nicolette is terrible. They even told me that they weren’t making a profit off sending a solo traveler to Chile, a straight up lie because they charged more than $4000. They had nothing to do with my hotel pre and post travel. I do not recommend Oryx at all. They rip you off. Look to travel with local companies. I travelled twice with Oryx and regret both times.

Date of experience: 28 June 2022

I traveled with Oryx (Dale Morris as trip leader) to the Omo Valley of Ethiopia. The trip was exciting, rewarding, educational, and fun! While traveling to this remote and challenging area could be difficult and taxing, Dale, Oryx, and the local team made it all smooth and simple. Having warm showers, clean beds (nice cots!), and hot, fresh-cooked meals in the outskirts of nowhere is quite an accomplishment, yet the made it seem easy.

Dale is a great person, with an incredible sense of humor - dry and British most of the time, but warm and caring as well. He's also quite a good photographer, always willing to help, provide some recommendations on technique or composition, or just hold an off-camera flash as a human light stand :) I'd happily travel with him again; in fact have two more trips planned.

Date of experience: 29 October 2020

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a trip to Antarctic like the one booked through Oryx Photo Tours. Leave it to Oryx to find the best ship with the best, most professional crew in Antartica.

This was my second visit to Antartica. The first time included the standard tourist itinerary with a different company. This trip was booked, specifically to see the Emperor Penguins on Snow Hill Island. Thanks to the incredible attention to detail by the staff of Oryx, everything on the trip went smoothly. Combine Oryx's selection of the ship, their planning, and great weather, this trip was truly perfect.

Separate from seeing a very remote part of Antartica, this trip was an opportunity for me to reflect on my photography skills. I started traveling with Oryx about 4-5 years ago. I selected Oryx with the main goal of improving my photography skills while traveling. I can truly say, that I have come along way thanks to Oryx. From learning how to shoot using settings and not just auto, every time I travel with Oryx Photo Tours is like taking a master class in photography. In addition when the time came for me to change my camera equipment, Marius Coetzee, the owner of Oryx was a great resource and helped me select the equipment that was perfect for me.

Looking forward to traveling again with Oryx in 2024 and 2025. Already have the trips booked! I am confident that anyone that books with Oryx will be well served.

Date of experience: 13 November 2023

My tour in Uganda was excellent. My guideCharlotte Arthun was very patient, helpful and knowledgeable and a delight to travel with. She provided several tips on how to improve my photo compositions in the jungle. Our local Uganda guide, Moses, was also a pleasure to be with. The camps were comfortable, food was good and the treks and drives were everything I hoped they would be.

Date of experience: 11 November 2022

I have booked two private safaris and one personal vacation to Rwanda through Oryx Photography Tours. My visits to South Africa and Kenya were expertly guided by Penny Robartes. She is so generous with her time and experience and her individual approach to photography. Everything was well planned for all our trips from the moment we were met at the airport to our final departure. Each experience I have had went well beyond expectations and I would highly recommend Oryx.

Date of experience: 02 November 2020