African wildlife photography hide trip @ Zimanga Private Game Reserve

Join me for a photographic safari tour with a difference, designed specifically to get you the best photographs of Africa’s wildlife, up close and personal at Zimanga Private Game Reserve. We will have exclusive access to the whole 8000-hectare reserve in South Africa and will spend 10 days photographing a diverse range of wildlife on a safari uniquely combining photographic hides with game drives.

 

This trip presents the opportunity to photograph from a range of amazing hides, purpose-built with photography in mind (see below for more details) and a purpose-built brand-new dedicated photo vehicle designed specifically to allow low angle shots of species such as lion.

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Each of the hides has been designed and built under the supervision of Bence Mate, repeat winner of the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition, and in my opinion, one of the best wildlife photographers around. Bence has built hides all around the world and knows exactly what is required to get the best shots.

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Over the trip you’ll take part in 16 activities, comprising of game drives and hides, including both daytime and overnight sessions in each of the different hides.

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Dates:

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12 – 21st June 2017 (FULLY BOOKED)
12 – 21st June 2018 (FULLY BOOKED)
12 – 21st June 2019 (FULLY BOOKED)
12 – 21st June 2020 (FULLY BOOKED)

19 – 28th January 2022 (FULLY BOOKED)

11 – 20th June 2022 (FULLY BOOKED)

11 – 20th June 2023 (FULLY BOOKED)

5 - 14th October 2024 (FULLY BOOKED)

4th - 13th October 2025 (1 FEMALE SHARED PLACE IN DELUXE TWIN SUITE PLUS ONE DOUBLE/ TWIN DELUXE SUITE AVAILABLE)

 

Cost: £4595 per person (2025 price)

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What’s included:

 

– Exclusive use of the whole reserve
– Beautiful luxury accommodation situated within the reserve
– Use of all hides
– Game drives in purpose build vehicles (with one row per photographer to maximise opportunities)
– All food

– Alcoholic drinks
– Bottled water

– Laundry service
– All transportation from Durban airport
– Local park and conservation fees

– Fantastic local guides
– Tuition and advice throughout the trip both on your photography and the best locations for a wide variety of subjects
– A friendly, like-minded group to discuss your photography with!

 

What’s not included:

– Flights (normally around £800)*
– South African visa (if applicable, currently free for UK residents)
– Personal travel insurance (essential)
– Tips for local guides

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Testimonials:

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“I was very excited about the trip having digested the comprehensive information Jonathan provided beforehand but also a little anxious, I shouldn’t have been. Jonathan’s planning and attention to detail meant that every day was packed with exciting events and sightings; his schedule of activities and organisation on a day to day basis was excellent and ensured that everyone had the opportunity to maximise the potential to see and photograph the varied wildlife in the reserve. Jonathan was an exceptional guide – always made himself available to help and offer his invaluable advice as required which I made full use of – and good company too. The entire package far exceeded my expectations on all fronts. The relationship Jonathan had fostered with the Rangers ensured that we had the best experience possible on game drives made all the more enjoyable because of the small group size. The hides delivered an unprecedented up close and personal eye-level view, the overnight hide was an unforgettable experience. I know it sounds cliché but it really was the trip of a lifetime!”Karen McGrath

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“This was my second international trip with Norfolk Wildlife photography and many thanks to Jonathan for organising it so well. I am sure that Zimanga, where you can experience really close encounters with wildlife, exceeded everyone’s’ expectations. The reserve, with its amazing hides, is exceptional for photographers. The game drives were really exciting, particularly following the wild dogs, lions and cheetah. The group on the trip were great company and the Zimanga guides were terrific” Alan Coupe

“What an amazing trip!!! The African wildlife photography hide experience @ Zimanga Private Game Reserve was an unbelievable experience and one that should not be missed. The whole mix of hides and game drives gives a whole different experience to wildlife photography. The hides themselves are of outstanding quality and images obtained from them are nothing like you could get anywhere else. The guides are incredible and their attention to detail is exceptional. Their knowledge of the reserve, wildlife and history of the area is superb and they ensure you get the most of your holiday. Jonathan had organised everything in fine detail and the whole trip ran without any issues at all. Jonathan was always at hand for help and advice and ensured he spent time with everyone. Breakfast and Dinner time was great as each group had done something different in the day and was always exciting to hear what was seen which made you excited to think what was still to come. A trip that could not be faulted in any way. It’s a hard place to leave but you will certainly want to return….I surely am :-)” Tracey Lund

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*Based on London Heathrow to South Africa Durban return flight.