FROST Photo Tours conceptualizes, plans and leads cultural and wildlife photo tours worldwide. FROST Photo Tours was built on a foundation of experience in designing high-end safaris for the special needs of photographers to the best locations in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Ecuador, Chile and Argentina. Within the first year, FROST grew its destination footprint to include Tanzania, South Sudan, Russia and remote regions in West Africa including pioneering itineraries in Burkina Faso and Benin.
“We pride ourselves on offering our clients inspiring ideas and itineraries, seamless logistics, fully inclusive packages and professional photographic tuition. We have a special interest in new and remote destinations. Our future tours are sure to be exciting adventures that push the boundaries of creativity in search of the best photographic opportunities for you, our valued guests. Most of all, we look forward to inspiring your travel dreams and sharing the beauty and splendor of our natural world.”
Until we meet somewhere wild,
Trusted ground teams in remote destinations
Responsible Travel Code of Ethics
Exclusive Small-groups Only
Extensive Tour Inclusions
Dedicated Private Photographic Guides
Ethnographic & Wildlife Photography Specialists
Kirsten lives, breathes and dreams photography and travel. He is forever scheming up a new adventure. Kirsten is as much in love with bespoke tour creation as he is with photographing both wildlife and remote cultures.
Kelly’s love for travel is matched by her passion for keeping things perfectly organized. With a sharp eye for detail and a knack for coordinating every element, she makes sure the admin side of FROST Photo Tours runs smoothly. Her obsession with getting things just right is what keeps our tours operating at the highest standard!
A true creative and free spirit, Petya's adventurous nature and passion for travel fuel her work. As a talented photographer, her love for capturing the world around her is matched only by her enthusiasm for exploring it. Her infectious energy shines through in her marketing contributions and tour planning at FROST Photo Tours!
Kirsten Frost’s journey into photography began at a young age with a simple point-and-shoot camera. His natural talent quickly gained recognition within the South African photography community, and by the age of 16, he was sponsored with professional-grade equipment. His wildlife photography began appearing on the covers of national magazines before he even turned 18. Driven by a deep passion for Africa’s wild places, Kirsten pursued formal studies in Nature Conservation. After completing his education, he gained valuable experience in the field, which further solidified his expertise.
Kirsten’s work has earned accolades in international photographic competitions, including the prestigious title of 2017 Botswana Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his compelling portfolio at Mashatu Game Reserve, where he worked as a photographic guide. During his time at Mashatu, Kirsten shared his extensive knowledge of wildlife photography and the natural environment with guests, earning their admiration and respect. Beyond awards, Kirsten’s contributions to conservation are a testament to his commitment to preserving Africa’s natural heritage. Notably, he played a significant role in the Prints for Wildlife initiative, which raised over US$660,000 for African Parks through the sale of wildlife prints.
In 2020, National Geographic featured his “Ice Cats of Africa” story, a unique photographic narrative capturing cheetahs in the snow in South Africa, further showcasing his ability to capture extraordinary moments in nature.
Before founding FROST Photo Tours, Kirsten had a successful career in the safari industry, where he conceptualized, planned, and led high-end photo safaris across destinations such as Namibia, South Africa, Ethiopia, Botswana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Ecuador, Argentina, and Madagascar. Today, he continues to lead cultural and wildlife photo tours around the world, with a particular interest in exploring new and remote destinations.
As FROST Photo Tours grows, Kirsten remains dedicated to providing exciting adventures that offer unparalleled photographic opportunities to the world’s best destinations for wildlife and cultural photography.
FROST Photo Tours is insured by SATIB (Safari and Tourism Insurance Brokers) for General Public Liability and Professional Indemnity giving peace of mind to the discerning traveler. SATIB is Africa’s largest specialist insurance broker for tourism, hospitality and leisure; pioneering specialised insurance and risk management solutions.
Due to our portfolio of remote destinations, participants must purchase emergency evacuation insurance coverage. FROST Photo Tours has partnered with Global Rescue for your travel insurance needs. Global Rescue provides medical, security and evacuation membership for travellers, providing integrated medical, security, travel risk and crisis management services, delivered by teams of critical care paramedics, physicians, nurses and military special operations veterans.
As a company pioneering travel to new and remote places, we feel a responsibility to set a standard in ethical and responsible travel. Our destinations are not simply a means to shoot, profit, and depart. The footprint we leave behind is important to us, it’s our legacy. All DMCs/ground handlers/tour partners working with FROST Photo Tours shall abide by our Responsible Travel Code of Ethics to ensure seamless travel experiences for our guests and a positive socio-environmental impact. We seek to work with only competent and professional local partners to craft exceptional photo tours that exceed guest expectations.
Our Responsible Travel Code of Ethics covers everything from guide etiquette to our entire team’s behavior with local people and wildlife. FROST Photo Tours seeks to celebrate cultural heritage, our differences and our similarities. We seek to tread gently on earth as we share friendship, compassion, support, laughter and love with all those we encounter no matter our differences. We seek to support conservation of wild places by only conducting tours in protected areas which manage biodiversity ethically and responsibly. Where education of the latter is required, we seek not to remain quiet, but instead steer tourism in a direction of a responsible travel ideology.
Thank you once again for making this trip to South Sudan possible. The fact that the tour was planned so meticulously in such an 'off-the-beaten-track' destination is something we all were so pleasantly surprised with! The FROST mobile tented camp is unlike anything else on offer in South Sudan (the bell tents are SO spacious!). Photographically, we were always at the right place at the right time. The Larim Tribe and Mundari Cattle Camps were highlights. Credit goes to our photo tour leader and expert local guide for always being one step ahead and anticipating scenes before they unfold. Would I recommend FROST Photo Safaris? Without a doubt, and I already look forward to our next adventure together to Benin!
Kirsten is so very creative and has such undeniable natural talent – he has a wonderful eye for photographing wildlife and people from different and unusual angles. Although I was relatively new to photography, he was wonderfully patient with me regarding the technical details with the use of the camera and his explanations were simple and easy to understand. He is so humble even though he is so knowledgeable, and has a quiet, sweet and unobtrusive manner, mingling so well with the local people and children. By putting them at ease, he was able to take very candid photographs which would often relate a story. He is also a very observant and caring individual – we shared many light-hearted moments throughout the tour. It was so easy for me to open up to him with the many questions I had on photography and despite all this, he was always polite and patient. I am so grateful for his kindness and generosity in sharing his expertise with me, including taking time off during the down time period after lunch in the sweltering heat of mid-day to go through the basics of processing images.
Everything went very smoothly and Kirsten was wonderful, not only as a photographer but also how he cared for the welfare of the clients. The catering was more than adequate and the service was very attentive. The accommodation was excellent under the circumstances and I have no suggestions on how to improve. Overall a most excellent photo tour experience!
Kirsten kept an eye on all the logistics and worked nonstop to get up early and get us on location. If there’s a good photo shot to be had, he always made sure we had plenty of opportunity to get the pictures we want and many helpful suggestions for making better shots, whether it’s an alternative angle or tweaks to the camera. Some tour guides tend to get caught up in the moment and shot a lot of pictures themselves but he never shot photos himself unless to test the lighting or if we were all done and I appreciate this because it’s hard to resist in such a location.
Kirsten was great! For someone so young to be so skilled at leading a photo tour it is highly impressive. He is fun, friendly, warm, inquisitive, encouraging and enthusiastic in teaching new techniques and skills.
Yes, we offer both private tours and set departures. Private tours are fully customizable to your preferences, allowing you to choose the dates, locations, and specific activities that interest you most. Set departures are pre-scheduled group tours with a fixed itinerary, ideal for those who prefer a more structured experience with a group of like-minded travelers.
Our tours typically have an extensive list of inclusions: all accommodations, meals, transport in comfortable 4×4 vehicles, experienced local guides, all gratuities paid on your behalf, entrance/activity fees, airport transfers, and photographic instruction from our expert Photo Tour Leaders. Exclusions generally cover international flights, personal travel insurance, visa fees, gratuities, and any optional activities or personal expenses not listed in the itinerary. A detailed list of inclusions and exclusions will be provided with each tour package.
We strive to be transparent in our pricing. All standard inclusions and exclusions are clearly outlined in your tour package. Our extensive list of inclusions mitigates surprise costs so that you can focus on the experience while we handle the rest. Any optional activities or personal expenses will be communicated in advance, so there are no hidden surprises.
Photographic Guidance: Your Photo Tour Leader is an experienced photographer who assists with equipment setup, teaches you how to use both natural and artificial light, guides composition, and helps you tell compelling stories through your images. Whether you’re capturing wildlife or cultural scenes, they provide personalized critiques to help you grow as a photographer while teaching a mix of technical and creative techniques.
Collaboration with Local Guides: Our leaders work closely with expert local guides who have deep knowledge of the area and strong relationships with local communities. This collaboration ensures access to the best locations for both wildlife and cultural photography, as well as authentic, respectful interactions with local people. The Photo Tour Leader ensures the itinerary is tailored perfectly for photographers by coordinating photography plans on the ground with local teams.
Wildlife and Cultural Expertise: Your Photo Tour Leader offers insights into wildlife behavior and cultural sensitivities, helping you anticipate moments and making sure that you are at the right place at the right time.
Support and Logistical Coordination: Beyond photography, your leader ensures all logistical aspects of the tour run smoothly, acting as an intermediary for any issues and communicating directly with our ground team in Cape Town, South Africa, to ensure a seamless experience. Example: Our team can arrange an urgent flight change requested by your photo tour leader while you enjoy sundowners in the Masai Mara.
Absolutely. At FROST Photo Tours, we take our responsibility as pioneers in travel to new and remote places very seriously. We believe that our destinations are not just places to visit, but communities and ecosystems we have a duty to respect and protect. The footprint we leave behind is important to us—it’s our legacy.
We work exclusively with competent and professional local partners who share our commitment to ethical and responsible travel. All of our Destination Management Companies (DMCs), ground handlers, and tour partners adhere to our Responsible Travel Code of Ethics, which ensures seamless travel experiences for our guests while making a positive socio-environmental impact.
Our Responsible Travel Code of Ethics covers everything from guide etiquette to our entire team’s behavior towards local people and wildlife. We aim to celebrate cultural heritage and honor both the differences and similarities we share with the communities we visit. Our approach is to tread gently on the earth, fostering friendship, compassion, support, laughter, and love with all those we encounter, regardless of our differences.
We also support the conservation of wild places by conducting our tours only in protected areas that manage biodiversity ethically and responsibly. Where education or improvement in these practices is needed, we do not remain silent; instead, we actively steer tourism towards a more responsible travel ideology. Our commitment to responsible travel is at the core of everything we do, ensuring that our tours leave a positive legacy for future generations.
Absolutely! Our tours are designed for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, our Photo Tour Leaders provide personalized guidance to help you improve your skills and capture stunning images. Although our tours are not firmly structured as workshops/courses, beginners find the supportive environment and expert instruction beneficial.
Our more experienced guests (of which we host many) with a clearer understanding of the technicals and what they want to achieve photographically don’t feel friction between the guide’s vision and their own, but rather build on ideas to bring YOUR photographic objective to light!
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a range of lenses is recommended for wildlife and cultural photography, we provide a detailed gear list based on the specific tour.
Our tours typically feature the best available accommodations, ranging from luxury lodges and boutique tented camps to comfortable options in more remote areas where tourism infrastructure is still developing. In these remote destinations, we prioritize comfort and convenience, ensuring that even in less luxurious settings, you will enjoy a comfortable stay.
Our accommodations are carefully chosen for their prime locations, often situated near the best photography spots, whether for wildlife or cultural experiences. This strategic placement allows for easy access to prime locations during sunrise and sunset, maximizing your photography opportunities.
In certain locations, such as South Sudan and Northern Kenya, we offer our own exclusive-use, high-end mobile tented camps. These camps feature spacious bell tents, each with a diameter of 4 meters (approximately 13 feet), providing a comfortable and immersive experience in some of the most remote and stunning landscapes.
We typically use comfortable 4×4 Land Cruisers or similar vehicles for our tours. These vehicles are ideal for navigating the varied terrain of the wilderness while ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride. Vehicles are equipped with spacious seating, ample legroom, and large windows for unobstructed views. We often have a support vehicle carrying additional luggage.
Cancellation, medical & repatriation insurance is compulsory for all FROST Photo Tour bookings, and it is the client’s responsibility to arrange insurance. Due to the remote locations we visit, it’s essential to have emergency evacuation insurance. We partner with Global Rescue , which offers specialized travel insurance that includes medical, security, and evacuation services. We can provide more details upon booking.
Malaria is a concern in some of our destinations. We will provide details specific to your safari location and strongly recommend consulting with a travel clinic for the most up-to-date information on malaria prevention. Taking the appropriate prophylactics, covering up in the evenings, and using insect repellent are precautions our travelers take into consideration.
Yes, we can accommodate most dietary requirements with advance notice. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have other dietary restrictions, our lodges and camps are well-equipped to meet your needs. Our more remote tour destinations have fewer dietary options, but with ample notice, we always make a plan to suit your needs. Please inform us of any specific requirements on your booking form, so we can ensure everything is prepared for your arrival.
It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous about embarking on a new adventure, but rest assured, our tours are designed to be safe, comfortable, and incredibly rewarding. Our experienced team is here to support you throughout the journey, ensuring you feel confident and well-prepared. Many of our guests have found that taking this leap has led to some of the most memorable experiences of their lives.
Payments can be made via direct wire transfer or PayPal. A 40% deposit is required to secure your booking, with the balance due 90 days before the tour start date. Please note that PayPal payments will include % surcharge. Bank details and payment instructions will be provided upon booking.
The booking process is straightforward. To book a tour, you’ll need to 1.) fill out our booking form and 2.) make a 40% deposit to secure your spot. Once your booking form and deposit are received, we’ll confirm your reservation!
The remaining balance will be due 90 days before the tour begins. We’ll remain in contact every step of the way and send you detailed pre-trip information and instructions well in advance of your departure to help you prepare.
Yes, a wildlife photo safari is safe. We prioritize your safety above all else, operating in secure environments with professional guides who are trained to handle wildlife encounters responsibly. Our safaris follow strict safety protocols to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Expertise and Experience
Unique Cultural and Wildlife Insights
Comprehensive and Comfortable Travel
Photographic Opportunities
Support and Convenience
Social and Environmental Responsibility
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