Lowveld Wildlife Photography

Africa's holy grail - Pangolin

In June we hosted the first of our dedicated wildlife photography safaris in South Africa. Over the last few years, with the dramatic increase in popularity in wildlife photography there has been a proliferation of photography hides shooting up, many of which have enabled photographers the opportunity of creating dramatic new images. The hides at Indlovu River Lodge being some of the latest editions. Superbly situated within easy reach of other wildlife destinations, Indlovu offers an easily accessible location to some of the countries best designed hides situated within a 9000 hectare big-five reserve. In short Africa Unlocked offers 5 to 10 day itineraries starting at Indlovu. Here we focus on hide photography and should the group require it a wildlife photography workshop in the superbly equipped media room.

A Giraffe makes the first tentative steps towards the waterhole.

The hides (one of which is specifically designed for bird photography) in itself is something to behold. The design includes a solidly constructed concrete structure, spacious and carpeted interiors which dampens any sound and provides photographers with enough space to pack their notoriously bulky gear, comfortable reclining chairs, complimentary Gimpro camera brackets, coffee and tea station, complimentary snacks, sufficient height to stretch ones legs and, very importantly, a wide variety of abundant wildlife. I am sure you get the picture that it doesn’t get more comfortable than this when having to sit and wait for wildlife action. Our safari started out under the verdant riverine vegetation in which the lodge is situated where afternoon coffee and tea was served and then a short drive to the nearby hide. Soon a troop of baboons made an appearance as well as Impala, Nyala, Kudu and a lone giraffe male who obligingly took a drink as a dramatic sky announced the end of the day. We decided to spend the majority of our time in the mammal hide as this proved the more productive of the two. Twice Giraffe came to drink and in addition to the constant flow of antelope, birds such as Oxpecker, Mousebirds and Waxbills also put in an appearance.

And then proceeds to take a drink only meters form photographers at water level.

A female Nyala takes a drink while a baboon investigates in the background

Indlovu's accommodation options consist of a private villas, each with private pool and deck overlooking the bushveld.  

Inside one the suites

The next stop was Umlani in the Timbavati, a large private reserve open to the Kruger National Park and part of an open ecosystem of more than 2 million hectares!! The private reserves adjacent to Kruger offers photographers some of the best opportunities, notable of the big cats. Leopard, which can be notoriously difficult elsewhere are often encountered in the Timbavati and top our wish list. Who would have thought that an animal even more exciting than leopard would make an appearance. Ask any guide or serious safari enthusiast what their most sought after animal is and the name Pangolin starts flying around. Now for those of you who do not know, it superficially resembles a armadillo, just a thousand times more elusive. For me it was only the second one I ever encountered.

The Pangolin came in for a close inspection. 

This is certainly an action-packed safari and at the time of writing, trips scheduled for 2017 are already 60 % booked out. Should you wish to join us for one of the scheduled safaris or arrange a private trip please get in touch here. We only do high quality, low volume safaris. We also have agents in the UK and Europe.  

Incredible sighting as two Spotted Hyena's tackle a young Kudu

This battle-scarred old male glares straight down the camera barrels as he sets off on his nightly rounds. 

The local Spotted Hyena clan at daybreak. 

After lying up and not doing anything for the majority of the day, this young male leopard finished off his Impala kill once the sun had set. 

Out Guests saying goodbye to the lowveld after 7 days magical photography

The active lodge waterhole with the dining deck in the background.

Umlani Bushcamp offers a wonderful, close to nature experience!! 

Photographic safari -Third Stop - Mala Mala

After Mashatu and Tanda Tula it was off to Mala Mala, our last destination of the safari. This was my very first time at Mala Mala and, due to a reputation I can recall since childhood I arrived with high expectations. Let me cut to the chase immediately: It did not disappoint!!  

Young leopard in the undergrowth.

22 Kilometers of Sandriver frontage on both sides and 14 500 hectares of pristine wilderness adjoining directly onto Kruger makes for some exceptional game-viewing. This all is accessed exclusively by Mala Mala guests. The reserve is also South Africa's oldest private game reserve and its reputation as one of the wolds best game viewing areas is as firmly established now as in the 60's when it was established.

The clean-up team - superb Spotted Hyena action.

Even though the cloudy conditions during the first few days dampened the photographic opportunities a bit, the incredible wildlife sightings more than made up for it. Its as everything is in overdrive. You don't just see Spotted Hyena's pacing along. They either finish off a Kudu kill or harass a leopard on a kill in a tree. 

Joyful ellie youngster.

The upside of the overcats conditions and short rain showers is that the animals just come alive after the first rains - A young elephant in a joyful mood shortly after a rain shower.

Male Klipspringer in ots rocky habitat

In between all the action, a host of otehr species provide ample additional viewing.

Adult Wilddog getting some of the scraps wile a rain shower sets in. 

Always a highlight with me are African Hunting Dogs. We found this pack late one afternoon finishing off a Nyala kill. Six adults and 12 puppies in total. Again the light was quite difficult to photograph in but the mere fact that one can spend hours with one of Africa's most endangered and rare carnivore is a huge privilege.

A young Wilddog pauses from feeding while its siblings are still feeding in the background.

Spotted Hyena at dusk

This Spotted Hyena was part of a group of four who circled a female leopard protecting her impala kill on a rock.  As night fell, patience started running out and they stared investigating thing closer, which fortunately for un included the vehicle. 

African Wilddogs are easily some of the most entertaining animals to observe. They always seem to do something. Here is a short clip to show just how active they are.

We also had great interaction between a mating pair of lion. This male, not wanting to loose sight of the female followed her closely. At times she just had enough!!

Game Viewing at Mala Mala as we wait for the predators to erupt into action. 

Yet another crazy sighting. A leopard guarding her kill (in the yellow spotlight on the left of the image) while a spotted hyena circles the scene in anticipation.

At the end of the safari the total amounted great lion sightings, no less that 13 individual leopard which we saw on several occasions, Cheetah, countless Elephant and Buffalo 38 additional species of mammals and superb birds, many of which just arrived back in the southern hemisphere for our summer. 

Last drive of the safari - straight to the airport!