The only thing that might be missing from a safari experience in the Sabi Sand Reserve is a photograph that does justice to the wonders witnessed. Sharing an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park and its abundant wildlife, there are sure to be endless photo-worthy moments with Africa’s Big 5 all in attendance and an impressive array of bird species. Unsurprisingly, such visions crave documentation – which is easily available in the reserve thanks to the specialised photographic safaris on offer. Here are our top 5 favourite picks:
Nkorho Bush Lodge
A 4-day Digital Photographic Course will ensure safari goers leave Nkorho Bush Lodge with happy hearts and full SD cards. The course is presented by award-winning wildlife photographers who accompany guests on twice-daily game drives. These excursions take place in a private vehicle with an expert ranger and tracker team who will ensure you have plenty of subject-matter for your lens. Set off before the sun is up – a prime time for game-spotting – and break for a refreshment out in the field to help keep that camera hand steady until breakfast.
An informative lecture is also on offer covering optimum settings for image formats, camera basics, and digital workflow detailing the process from camera to computer, image optimisation and more. On the second drive of the day, a sundowner break will ensure you don’t become too preoccupied that you miss soaking up the ambience (though you may have to put your drink down to try your talents on an African sunset).
Londolozi
One of a kind and cutting edge, a photographic safari in the renowned Londolozi Reserve is entirely tailored to your interests. Whether it is botany, birding, or capturing images of those magnificent big cats – leopards being particularly well sighted in the area – the talented team at Londolozi will make sure you leave with photographs to last a lifetime. This stretch of African expanse has been the scene of numerous National Geographic and Animal Planet documentaries – and now your own personal documentary can be a part of it, too! Telling stories through photographs is a way of life here, and with the added benefit of their on-site Photographic Studio, visitors can pre-book sessions and equipment before arriving for their Big 5 safari getaway.
Cheetah Plains
The intimate and relaxing Cheetah Plains lodge and reserve is home to specially-designed photographic vehicles and seats, permitting only 4 photographers per vehicle. The vehicle’s unique swivel chairs are specifically adapted and ensure that all safari-goers can capture the same image at the same time – completely unobstructed. Their photographic safaris are also ideally complemented by their birding safaris. This Sabi Sand safari experience is led by a guide who is gifted with intrinsic knowledge of the reserve and the art of photography.
Sabi Sabi
Led by a professional photographer, amateur and seasoned snappers will make their way through the bush in search of the perfect shot following which the photographer is on hand to help review the image and lead post-processing. Visitors can shift from an elephant-portrait showcasing the gentle giant’s ears at full spread to an extreme close-up of a hornbill’s patterned feathers. The photographic safari option at Sabi Sabi is available on request and must be pre-booked in advance to ensure that guests get the most out of their experience here. Gear hire is also available.
Kirkman’s Camp
With experienced guides who double as experienced photographers, safari goers at Kirkman’s Camp can dive into the wealth of knowledge available to them from advice on shutter speed, lenses, and filters to angles and lighting. While holding your breath in anticipation of that perfect shot, allow your rangers to impart their extensive local knowledge of the area and its wildlife on you. Be sure to capture everything in between as this pristine landscape offers up a perfect backdrop of forms and colours illuminated by sunlight filtering through the fresh clean air. This unique safari experience is sure to enrich all future adventures.
To book your photographic safari, contact one of our talented consultants and let us organise your perfect holiday.