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Natural Wonders Photography
Tylwyth Teg
Llanigon
Hay on Wye
Hereford
HR3 5QA
United Kingdom
Natural Wonders Photography
Tylwyth Teg
Llanigon
Hay on Wye
Hereford
HR3 5QA
United Kingdom
Zimanga is famous for its hides that are all designed by wildlife photographers. Many are located underground so that you are able to obtain low level images, often with a wide angle lens like the images of the white rhinos above and elephant below. The lagoon hide is fabulous for images of waders, herons and other birds hunting for fish. You may also see crocodiles at close range knowing that you are 100% safe inside the hide. All hides are provided with tripods and gimbal heads for you to mount your cameras and lenses. There are other hides around also to photograph vultures and other scavengers. Game drives are included also to see the large number of healthy white rhinos, lions and cheetah. You may also see leopard. Finally there is a large herd of elephants in the reserve plus numerous warthogs, black backed jackals, mongoose, giraffes and birds in the reserve.
For the rest of our time at Zimanga our time will be mixed between game drives, hide sessions and a minimum of two overnight hide sessions. The images above and below were taken from the Lagoon hide a purpose built low level hide where you are at eye level with the water allowing you to obtain amazing images of waterfowl that visit the lagoon. Game drives will take us to see and photograph elephants, giraffe, white rhino, hippos, lions, cheetahs and if we are lucky leopard.
The overnight hides are lit at night which enables us to obtain images of all animals that may visit at night for water. We will enter the overnight hides at about 3pm and remain in the hides until 8am the next morning. The overnight hides are extremely comfortable with bunk beds, a kitchen, toilet facilities and a supply of food, hot drinks and water. As a small group we will be in the hide together and so will be able to work together to obtain great images as the animals come and go. There are chances to capture images in daylight at dawn and dusk as well as through the night. Upon return to the main camp in the morning we are welcomed with a hearty breakfast!
Please note: Sometimes the itinerary may change but this will not interfere with game viewing and photography opportunities!
Where do we stay in Durban?
We will overnight at the Fairlight Beach House which is located by the coast. It is luxury beachfront accommodation with a warm welcome and a good breakfast the next morning before we transfer to Zimanga.
Is it safe in Durban?
We will be transferred directly to the Fairlight Beach House which is clean and safe for long walks along the beach even when it is dark.
What do we do about lunch and dinner in Durban?
Lunch and Dinner in Durban is not included in the cost of this experience. We will visit a local cafe for lunch (fabulous food and drinks there) and a local restaurant for dinner (also good food and drinks). These you will need to pay for yourself but the costs are reasonable and credit cards are accepted.
What currency do I need?
US$ are universal currency these days and South Africa is no exception. South African Rand is local and can be used also. Credit cards are accepted in supermarkets and in the lodge. US$ in cash are useful for tipping and gratuities.
How long is the flight?
This is about 14 hours including a stop in Joburgh for a connecting flight to Durban. This is from London and with British Airways. There are currently no direct flights to Durban from the UK. Flights are also available from Manchester and Birmingham.
Below is a collection of photos our customers have captured whilst on this photography experience
Click a thumbnail to view larger
Zimanga is a special place, affording unique opportunities for photography not readily available elsewhere. The range and volume of animals to view in their natural environment is spectacular – I never expected that I would be able to walk beside Cheetahs and watch them hunt .The accommodation and food is first class and the staff are pleasant and friendly. Janette researches her destinations comprehensively and consistently comes up with guides and drivers who go the extra mile to get that "shot". She is easy company and helpful – the expeditions are relaxed and friendly. If you are contemplating a trip to Africa give Zimanga a try and go with NWP. I'm certain you won't regret it
From meeting you at Heathrow Airport everything was well organised and clearly well thought out. The one night stay at the Fairlight Beach House at Umdloti Beach was nice and relaxing after our long flight and helped to acclimatise to the South African time zone. Our transport to the Game Reserve was comfortable and the arrival greeting from the staff at Zimanga was courteous and very professional. Whilst the schedule you had planned was demanding with early rising and late sunset drives, it was totally rewarding and we were able to get the best of the morning and evening light plus see the animals before the day's heat set in and they went to sleep! The food at the resort was first class and nothing was too much trouble to the staff, including always making sure my favoured drinks were chilled and ready after our sunset drives. My room was excellent with everything I'd expect staying at a 5 star hotel anywhere in the world.
The photography opportunities were unbelievable, which was mainly due to our excellent driver and guide Johno (whom I insisted in always calling JonJo). He knew where to find whatever animal we wanted to photograph and always positioned our land cruiser in the right place for the photo. He was a fountain of knowledge telling me so much about the animals and their habitat, and was even able to convince me to walk close to the cheetahs after I initially declined to get out of the vehicle. From the first morning when he drove us into a pride of lions trying to (unsuccessfully) take down a Hippopotamus until our final evening drive when we witnessed two cheetahs hunting and catching a young impala, he made our trip an unforgettable experience.
Probably the most memorable experience was our 3 nights in the all night hides Zimanga has. We went into them at about 2 to 3pm and stayed there until 8am the next morning. Firstly they were comfortable, with bunks, a kitchen and a loo and most importantly aircon. Our first night was fairly uneventful with a buffalo lying down asleep just opposite our viewing window and spending most of the night there and hence very few other animals visited, however our next two nights were very eventful with elephants, rhino, buffalo, giraffes, monkeys, impalas, warthogs and a host of other animals visiting the waterhole in front of the hide and posing for some great photos.
When it came to our time to leave Zimanga I felt sad but exhilarated and inspired by the whole experience. Our flight back to the UK was comfortable but as I walked out to my car in the cold driving rain that greeted us at my local airport, I couldn't wait to be back on one of those early morning game drives as the sun rose on a warm and eventful day at Zimanga.
Thank you Janette
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