African wildlife at Zimanga 2024

African wildlife at Zimanga 2023. Led by Antony Spencer & Arild Heitmann

Zimanga has been purposely designed and built to create some of the most unique photography opportunities anywhere on the continent of Africa. Zimanga is an anagram of Amazing and after a day or two here, it’s very easy to see why! The photographic opportunities Zimanga provides are nothing short of breath-taking. 

In the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, a small wildlife reserve, and over time, large areas of surrounding farmland have been merged and transformed into a conservancy brimming with life. Over 80 different species of mammals and hundreds of species of birds now thrive on the reserve. A series of immaculate and well thought out wildlife hides have been constructed to photograph as many of these animals as possible whilst remaining unnoticeable to the various species that come through in each session.

These custom hides are simply incredible. Two overnight hides are designed to photograph animals illuminated at night against what becomes a black simple and uncluttered background. Various animals can be photographed from these hides- lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, serval, giraffe, owls and eagles to name a few. By booking the entire reserve for exclusive use for our group, each participant will have an unparalleled number of visits to these hides throughout the course of our 8 night stay. The minimum number of overnight hide sessions will be four per participant but this will likely rise for anyone who would like to do more. Without the exclusive use of the reserve a maximum of two overnight hide sessions is all that would be possible in an 8 night stay. This really is an excellent opportunity to spend the maximum amount of time in these world-famous hides.

The wildlife at these overnight hides will be incredibly close. Wide-angle lenses plus a 24-70 will be the go-to lenses here. These will need to be f2.8 to capitalise on the low light situation without movement to keep everything sharp. To be sat with one’s head at ground level, looking up at bull elephants and giraffe is an experience impossible to forget!

Several other hides (not for a moment to be overshadowed) will be ours to use exclusively for the duration of the trip. These include the lagoon hide- a double windowed hide allowing for the very best light at either end of the day. Here we will be able to photograph several species of Kingfisher, heron and storks amongst other birds. Crocodiles and other reptiles plus any passing mammals can be photographed from what must honestly be, one of the most beautiful hides to be found anywhere on the planet.

The Bird bath hide is another custom hide for an incredible number of bird species all often with perfect reflections whilst drinking bathing and feeding. This hide is especially beautiful in the early morning light. Too many species of beautiful and colourful birds arrive here each day to list.

The Scavenger hide is also wonderful in morning light with an abundance of vultures, jackal, hyena, eagles and storks all possible amongst others, feeding against a distant backdrop of mountains and hills.

We will also enjoy game drives at morning, late afternoon and at night to photograph these animals in their natural environments. Game drives during the evening/night can and will be arranged subject to sightings in the right areas of the reserve to photograph the lions illuminated in darkness. Using multiple types of light to create even more spectacular and unique images.

Accommodation here at Zimanga is simply stunning. No single occupancy fees will apply and all rooms come with a private balcony and private facilities. The main lodge area is entirely fenced and has a swimming pool, sun deck and a conference room that will be used for slide shows and critiques plus processing sessions. Accommodation is on an all-inclusive basis, fabulous food is served three times a day and drinks throughout the stay. Only premium spirits and wines are not included in the price. Laundry is also free of charge throughout our stay.

With exclusive use of the entire reserve and its facilities our group will be able to capitalise on any situation without compromise. There is nowhere else in Africa like Zimanga!

Payment details- After paying the deposit there will be nothing further to pay until no later than 180 days before departure when 50% of the balance will be due. The final payment will then be due no later than 90 days before departure. 

Full tour details including camera equipment will be issued to all participants in due course. 

Images in gallery © Antony Spencer & Charl Senkal