Tag: Leopard

How to Get the Shot in Wildlife Photography

Posted on by James

Wildlife photography is frustrating at the best of times. You might be looking away when an animal suddenly moves, the weather might not be playing ball, or a fly might be buzzing around your head and annoying you as your eye eches from looking through the view finder, waiting for that opportune moment to push the shutter button.
But the frustration is what results in the reward. When you nail the shot, you get a sense of elation akin to completing your first marathon or your favourite sports team winning!

Anticipation is a crucial element in wildlife photography, involving predicting and preparing for an animal’s next move or behaviour.. This skill requires understanding animal behaviour patterns, observing subtle cues, and setting your camera to be ready for those fleeting moments. By anticipating what an animal might do, you can be in the right place at the right time to capture that shot you dreamed of!

We understand that for first-time safari-goers, a familiarity with the animals might be lacking; this is why it is so important to bring your guide into the loop. Telling him or her about exactly what type of shot you have envisioned will go a long way towards helping them anticipate your needs, as well as the animals’ behaviour.

 

The more time you spend observing animals in their natural habitat, the better you’ll become at anticipating what they’ll do next.

We thought we’d run through a couple of images and describe what happened, and how we positioned – or at least got ready for – the shot.

Lion Crossing Water, Duba Plains, Botswana.

Duba Plains is right up north in the Okavango Delta, and as such has quite a bit of water year-round. The lions there are adapted to criss-crossing the various channels, particularly in the months of the annual inundation. They know the shallowest crossing points well, and fortunately these often coincide with the best vehicle crossing spots.
In this sighting, another lioness (the one in the photo’s sister), had killed a large warthog the day before, and the photographed individual was responding to her roars, as they were looking to reunite.
Knowing the direction the lioness would (most likely) take, we crossed a small channel and waited for her on the opposite side of the shallow section. Zooming out slightly to allow for her reflection, our hearts were in our mouths as she approached.
Fortunately, she crossed exactly where we had anticipated, and the above shot was the result.
Falling Impala, Londolozi Game Reserve, South Africa
A female leopard had killed and hoisted a young impala, and led her two cubs back to it early one morning. A large part of a young leopard’s learning is in pretending to kill an animal its mother has already brought down, and when one of the cubs began roughly moving the impala carcass in the fork of the tree, we anticipated her dropping it and it falling to the ground>
Justy like in the lion photo, we zoomed out slightly to allow some space for the impala to fall into if it happened, and as the kill began to slip,, we were ready with our fingers on shutter buttons and high frame rates set.
The second cub below was unprepared for the kill almost dropping straight onto it!

Leopard Cubs Playing, Londolozi Game Reserve, South Africa

This was actually from the same sighting as the falling impala above, but from when the mother was leading her cubs to the kill.
Having seen how boisterous the young leopards were being, we had our ISOs cranked up high on our cameras to make sure we were getting high enough shutter speeds in the low light conditions (the sun was still low and the leopards were moving through shade).
Mother leopards will often prefer to lead their cubs through thicker vegetation so that they remain concealed; any gaps or roads to be crossed become like gold to a photographer in a sighting like that, as you have a brief few moments without vegetation in the way.
In this instance, with our camera settings already dialled in, we anticipated the spot where the mother leopard would reach the road with her cubs and waited there.
We were lucky as the continual games of pounce-and-chase from the young leoaprds reached a creescendo just as they got to the road, and the above photo was the result.

Hyena Dragging Impala, Londolozi Game Reserve, South Africa

During the rut, impala males will lock horns, sometimes fighting to the death, and their battles are often to the complete exclusion of any kind of self-preservation. Lowered awareness and a complete focus on the fight at hand makes them vulnerable, and this female hyena had brought down this rutting male impala, devouring half of it with a clan-mate.

After eating her fill, she picked up the remains and started to drag them down the road. We know there was a den not too far away, and we presumed she was going to take the meat back to her growing cubs.
It was still early morning and the light was not good, so we decided to roll the dice and capture a shot that emphasised the movement of the hyena. With low ISOs and slow shutter speeds ready, we parked next to the road ahead of where the hyena was dragging at pace, and as she passed us we panned with her, shooting continuously, and the above shot is the result. The slight blur in the background implies a sense of urgency in the hyena’s movement and tells a far better story than a simple freeze-frame.

If wildlife hobby is your passion or something you’d like to get into, feel free to get hold of us through info@iconicafrica.com with any questions you might have.

If you have any requests for subjects of future photographic posts, let us know!

A Londolozi Revisit

Posted on by James

Londolozi was where it all began for Iconic Africa.

Years ago, around a boma fire, IA directors John Holley and Terri Abadi – ranger and guest – chatted about life, travel, and how through their respective global positions (Johannesburg and Atlanta, Georgia) and experience in the industry, there was an opportunity for a boutique travel company to service both markets simultaneously.

Fast forward just over a decade, and Iconic Africa now has guests from all over the world travelling on luxury safaris throughout the year.


Our team has grown and we now feature an office in Hoedspruit –  the heart of the South African safari industry.

We send guests across the continent on incredible itineraries and are currently looking to expand our offering to Asia and Antarctica.

We link guests with top Private Guides to create a seamless safari and create continuity throughout their African experience.

So it was with great excitement that the team assembled at Londolozi’s most newly refurbished camp, Founders.

At Founders Camp, classic meets modern. This Londolozi signature camp is clean and uncomplicated and really comfortable, leaving nothing forgotten. You will get the feeling of all the comforts of a stylish African home that is ideally situated to provide an insider’s view of the secrets of river life. Classy, grounded and timeless – Londolozi’s Founders Camp represents a safari style that is inviting and restful.

Ten bespoke and varied superior chalets repose in the shade of ancient Ebony and Matumi trees along the banks of the Sand River.

Founders Camp honours the early Londolozi staff, many of them larger-than-life characters whose names have gone on to become legend in the wider guiding and travel industries (one even attended the wedding of Prince Harry & Meghan Markle).
Their legacy continues to this day through an unwavering commitment from all staff to provide an incredible guest experience whilst doing everything possible to conserve this landscape in as natural a state as possible.

Our small Iconic team could sadly only stay for two nights, but as usual, Londolozi delivered at every turn.

Although our visit felt like it was over far too quickly (it’ll do so no matter how long you stay for), we packed so much in that we could have been there for a week.

Dinner in the bush, getting stuck in a dry riverbed, constant laughter, and more stunning wildlife than we could ever have hoped for to point our cameras at; we were truly spoilt during our short stay.


We love the safari industry for how varied it is. Africa is an incredible mosaic of destinations and accompanying experiences.

But for a stunning level of consistency across the board – be it food, rooms, guiding standard, wildlife sightings or just simply having an amazing time – we have no hesitation in putting Londolozi right up there on the podium.

If Founders Camp, or any of the other four amazing camps on this reserve, feature on your to-do list, let’s get chatting…

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning your dream safari…

Dulini Anabezi – A New Beginning

Posted on by James

Anabezi Camp in the eastern section of the Lower Zambezi National Park, has always ranked among our favourite Zambezi River destinations. Modern comfort and authentic African luxury come together here in one of Africa’s finest game viewing destinations.

Now the camp has been incorporated into the Dulini portfolio, whose camps in the Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa, we also love, so we anticipate a wonderful renewal of our your love affairs with both brands.

You feel wonderfully close to nature in all of the twelves tented suites, which come complete with either king or twin beds, and all of which overlook either the Zambezi River, Zambezi Floodplain or Kulefu Channel. Each tent features an indoor ensuite bathroom with Victorian style soaking bathtub, and an outdoor bathroom complete with outdoor shower.

Cool off in your private plunge pool during the warmer hours of the ay between game drives whilst buffalo, elephants and warthog feed down below and a host of bird species flit amongst the branches of the Albida trees that tower over the camp walkways.

All rooms are connected to the camp’s main areas by a raised wooden boardwalk and designed for maximum privacy, creating a personal haven amidst the Zambian wilderness. The family tent features two connected rooms, one king with en suite bathroom and outdoor bathroom, and one twin room with private bathroom, both of which share the same viewing deck and plunge pool.

Home to Anabezi’s second swimming pool, the Mushika Deck offers a full bar and sweeping views of the Mushika River floodplain. A nearby watering hole attracts wildlife like resident elephants and buffalos, warthogs bathing in the mud, antelope and the Anabezi troop of Baboons, making it an ideal spot for wildlife viewing.

As its namesake implies, the Zambezi Deck provides sweeping views of the Zambezi River and the floodplain, with daily visits from elephants, buffalo, impala, waterbuck and a variety of birds. Watch the wildlife from the swimming pool, while you’re having lunch or from one of the many lounging areas and take in the surrounding landscape. It’s not uncommon to get up close views of elephants drinking, bathing and crossing the Zambezi River to one of its many islands.

Anabezi is situated deep within the Lower Zambezi National Park, which forms part of the Lower Zambezi– Mana Pools Trans Frontier Conservation area, spanning 1,750,000-hectares of wilderness. The area is a big game mecca, an African Eden, and one of the world’s last remaining untouched natural landscapes. Exceptional game viewing is assured – the area is home to a host of high profile wildlife including lion, leopard, hyena as well as an abundance of other indigenous species.

We are supremely confident that the incorporation of Anabezi into the Dulini brand will do nothing to alter the allure of the place.

The rooms will remain just as comfortable, the service just as exceptional and the food just as delicious. And the wildlife will continue living its wildest life, unaware of any branding changes. And that is the main reason we visit destinations in the first place.

If you’d like to know more about Dulini Anabezi or even Dulini Sabi Sand, get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s talk safari…

Photography Tips & Tricks: Make Your Photos Come Alive

Posted on by James

Patience is a virtue, and especially when it comes to wildlife photography.

But it can be far simpler than waiting hours for a lion pride to get up and go hunting, or a leopard leaping up into a tree. It can be as easy as just waiting a few moments for the appropriate head tilt, or for a cloud to move away from the sun. What can add immeasurable value to a photo of an animal – particularly a close-up – is eye-glint. That little sparkle in the eye of a predator can change what would be an otherwise mundane photo into one that leaps off the screen at you (I still find it weird saying “off the screen” instead of ‘off the page”…aaah the digital age).

Over the next few weeks we’ll be sharing some more useful tips like this to incorporate in your wildlife photography, but today we’ll simply be concentrating on eye-glint.

Have a look at the following two cheetah photos…

Cheetah Cubs

In the above photo, I absolutely love the position the sleeping cheetah has taken on its sibling’s forelegs. As cheetah photos go, it’s relatively unique, yet looking at it in the context of this post, I’m very aware that something is lost because of the lack of sparkle in the awake cheetah’s eyes. Cheetahs in general are tough to photograph with good eye-sparkle; their extended brows over their eyes which reduce glare, also hinder photographers trying to catch that elusive glint. The sun needs to be low, the cheetah needs to be looking up, or even a flash needs to be employed.
The photo below is nothing special as far as cheetah photos go (it’s actually of one of the same siblings in the picture above), but the right eye has a sparkle in it, so – for me at least – it is immediately more appealing. The photo was taken just before sunset, so the low light made it much easier to capture the eye-glint.

Cheetah Termite Mound

Exactly the same thing applies in the two elephant photos below. The top photo for me is far more appealing. I prefer the colour scheme in the second, and the isolation of the eye in the focal plane, but it doesn’t have the glint in it, so it’s missing that extra something.

A close-up of an Elephant’s Eye - Eye glint. Tick.

Elephant Eye Jt - No real eye-glint. Not good.

No real eye-glint. Not good.

Leopards and lions are far easier subjects in which to capture that elusive sparkle. Both species look up regularly. Lions scan the skies to follow vultures flying (as do leopards to a lesser extent), and leopards look up into the trees they are thinking of climbing.
All it takes is a bit of patience and ideally a basic understanding of animal behaviour, and you will recognise the moment when it comes.

Professional wildlife photographers will discard photos without eye-glint immediately, almost every time. I’m talking mainly about close-ups here, or at least medium-shots. Obviously one can’t hope for eye-glint in an entire herd of impalas.

Just sit tight; don’t be tempted to push the shutter button because the lion has its head up. Wait a few seconds or minutes, and it will invariably raise its eyes above the horizontal.

That’s your chance.

&Beyond Suyian: The Heart of Black Leopard Country

Posted on by James

The Laikipia district has risen to the fore as a prime safari destination in recent years due to the consistent sightings of the black leopard Giza.
This relaxed female splits her time between two sides of the Ewaso Narok river, and it is on the northern bank where &Beyond have built their stunning new lodge Suyian.

The lodge offers an array of adventures, allowing guests to create their perfect day in this conservation haven. Activities include day and night game drives, walking safaris, camel and horseback safaris, active ranching tours, and fishing. Experience local culture through village visits, or enjoy outdoor yoga, scenic helicopter flights, wellness treatments, and riverside picnics.
Nestled within a 44,000-acre wilderness, the lodge overlooks the Rock Sanctuary, a mesmerising landscape of undulating granite kopjes steeped in history, including ancient rock art. With only 14 rooms, this tranquil retreat ensures exceptional privacy amidst expansive plains and dramatic boulders. Guests enjoy sweeping views towards Mount Kenya.

Home to over 100 types of mammals, plus numerous endangered and non-endangered species, Suyian Conservancy’s variety of compelling landscapes, which includes grassland, savanna, rocky outcrops (or kopjes), dense Vechellia woodland, plus more than 16 km (10 mi) of river frontage, offers unforgettable wilderness views and up-close wildlife sightings. A hidden gem within northern Kenya’s Laikipia region, the conservancy houses one lodge, Suyian Lodge, named after the African wild dog in the local Maa language.

A sculptural structure of architectural brilliance, the lodge draws inspiration from its unique surrounds and its rounded appearance with plant growth atop mimics the region’s ancient Rock Sanctuary and the robust plant life that lives in between the granite edges. A harmonious blend of raw, earthy Africa materials with a contemporary flair, the lodge reflects the Afro Wabi-Sabi sentiment of taking pleasure in the transient nature of earthly things. Subtle cultural touches inspired by the local semi-nomadic Samburu tribe infuse with modest luxury while mottled undertones pay homage to the region’s most cherished wildlife, such as the rare African wild dog and elusive black (melanistic) leopard. Rich textures and colours enhance the lodge’s understated yet sophisticated feel, and the majority of the furniture and finishes are locally sourced and crafted by Kenyan artisans.

The lodge’s guest area echoes the flow of the kopjes across the valley, offering the perfect vantage point for viewing the conservancy’s incredible habitats along with the abundance of wildlife that calls it home. Accessed by a winding stone path, the lodge’s entrance courtyard opens onto a large circular, central bar that showcases breathtaking views of the open plains, while intimate, softly lit areas create cocoon-like spaces for guests to escape.

Each spacious Suite, constructed as if part of the unusual natural rocky formation, blends seamlessly into its surrounds. An outdoor terrace, featuring a private plunge pool and viewing deck, boasts magnificent sunrise views for early risers.

Previously, there were limited options if one wanted to seek out a black leopard, but Suyian now offers a supremely comfortable stay in an area hitherto relatively unexplored by safaris.

With over ten black leopards documented in the area by trail cam, who knows what other delights will soon form the mainstay of Suyian’s game viewing.

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to start planning your trip…

Photography Tips & Tricks: What to Look for When Photographing Predators

Posted on by James

Paw, Tail, Ears, Eyes.

That’s it. The Magic Formula.

When photographing big cats – but not just them, not by any means – there are a few boxes to tick to really make the photo pop. We’re thinking broad picture now, zooming out and looking at the whole animal, and more specifically as it’s walking.

That is the key word here: “walking”. Some of these pointers apply in other situations, but all four are only really applicable when the animal is walking and its full body is visible.

Now, I only learnt this whole quadfecta (whats one up from a trifecta?) late in the game, but it makes so much more sense now why some photos are more eye-catching than others.

Have a look at this picture of a lioness seemingly approaching the vehicle (she had seen an antelope in the thicket on the far side):

Ntsevu Lioness Stalk

Her expression is fairly intent, and it’s hard to tear your eyes away. But WHY is it an appealing photo?
Let’s go through it according to the formula:

Eyes: Both open. Pupils Visible. Eye glint.
Ears: Both pointed forward. Crucial.
Paw: Raised, implying movement and therefore heightening the sense of anticipation in the photo.
Tail: Visible, ideally in mid-flick or movement.

It’s tricky to get all four lined up at the same time, but that’s exactly why it’s so much harder to capture a truly eye-catching image.
The following photo of lionesses walking down a road illustrates it nicely:

Ntsevu Lion Pride

The first lioness ticks the boxes, in almost exactly the same way as the first photo, she’s just looking to the side a bit more rather than at the camera.

As one goes back down the line however, the lionesses don’t quite make the cut. The second one is almost there, but her right ear is twisted slightly backwards, so we have to be brutal and disqualify her.
The third female has her ears back, her eyes closed and her tail isn’t visible, so she’s a massive sub-par for the course.

It’s the same for this leopard photo:

Mashaba Leopard

Ear twisted, tail hidden and paws still on the ground (pretty much). Plus she was close to the vehicle and the photograph was necessarily taken at a downward angle, which reduces the impact of the picture. It’s still a photo of a leopard, which is always lovely to capture, but it’s a long way from being anything great.

Nkoveni Leopard Grass

Technological advancements like big lenses and remote triggers can help massively when it comes to wildlife photography, as in the case of the photo of the a female leopar above, but there’s always a fair amount of luck involved. She too has her tail out, ears forward, eyes open and paw raised in this photo, but it was the only one of about 30 rapid-fire pics that made the cut. In the rest she was either blinking, swivelling an ear, hiding her tail or a combination of the above.

We can’t make an animal do what we want, but just remember the above four things to look for when photographing wildlife on the move; put your camera on high frame-rate and take a few more pictures and hope for the best.
And when browsing through your images in Lightroom after the event, you’ll now know which ones to look for…

Wilderness Mokete: Africa’s Wildest Wildlife Experience?

Posted on by James

The Mababe Depression to the east of the Okavango Delta was long-considered a no-go for photographic tourism, mainly because the Okavango itself and the Chobe and Moremi Reserves next door were so unbelievably productive.
Yet a few intrepid souls who had ventured into the Mopane woodlands of the Mababe area were keeping a secret; a secret about place so spectacular in its wildlife numbers and action that BB and Netflix wildlife cinematographers have referred to it as the rawest wildlife experience they have had in Africa.

And now that the new Wilderness Mokete luxury tented camp has opened there, you yourself can experience an unparalleled safari experience in Botswana. Spanning over 50,000 hectares of private concession land, the Wilderness area in Mababe teems with game, and is a haven for serious safari enthusiasts seeking once-in-a-lifetime encounters with Africa’s wild.

“Mababe is a prime wildlife destination in Botswana, offering uncharted territory that remains a sanctuary of natural splendour. We are extremely proud to be launching this pioneering new camp that is solely accessible through Wilderness. Designed by reMORPHED Arch & Design architects, and with interiors by Michele Throssell Interiors, it represents a captivating fusion of architectural innovation and environmental respect. In keeping with our ethos, the considered approach is truly immersive and intentionally minimalist, ensuring the lightest possible footprint”, noted Joe Matome, Wilderness Botswana Caretaker Managing Director.

Mokete features nine en-suite canvas tents and a communal tented lounge area, linked by wooden walkways at ground level. Luxurious interiors and modern amenities, including inverter air conditioning systems and Wi-Fi in all bedrooms, complete the experience and ensure guests want for nothing during their stay.

One of the standout features of Mokete’s tented suites is the retractable roof in the bedrooms, allowing guests to stargaze at night. Imagine drifting off to sleep with the splendour of the Milky Way above you and the resident lion coalition serenading you with their roars nearby

Mababe is an area of tremendous ecological significance, made up of three key habitats: grassland, wetlands and mopane woodland. The major feature is a marsh which fills in the summer season, creating a wetland of some 2,600 hectares, serving as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife in search of water, and vital habitat for numerous bird species. Herds of buffalo in the thousands – the largest gathering in Africa, with herds sometimes in circumference of 8km –  alongside abundant predators and massive elephant herds occasionally accompanied by migrating zebras, all converge on the Mababe Marsh. Aptly named “Mokete” (meaning “feast”), the camp embodies an abundance of wildlife, varied landscapes and pristine natural beauty. Mokete guests will encounter truly remarkable vistas, more so than any other wilderness areas in northern Botswana.

Forget conventional safari times. Mokete will pack you a bush lunch to enjoy with zebras and elephants, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action. In camp, sip on a sundowner overlooking the uninterrupted grassland, the curvature of the Earth discernible on the distant horizon. Or sit suspended under the stars for an alfresco dining experience, reminiscing over the marsh owls you spotted earlier.

Lions are seen throughout the day, while a high density of hyenas constantly compete with other predators: cheetah, wild dog, bat-eared fox, jackal, African wild cat and serval. The mopane belt to the east of the great plains is home to leopard and numerous woodland species, while the edges of the marsh have prolific bird life. It’s a thrilling, non-stop show, and a photographer’s dream.

Forget fine dining, Egyptian cotton and wifi speeds. Forget everything you know about what spectacular wildlife means. Mokete is the new “it”.

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more…

Anabezi Camp: Lower Zambezi Delights

Posted on by James

Explore pristine and untouched wilderness in one of Africa’s most remote safari destinations. Anabezi sits on the banks of the Zambezi River in a secluded corner in the eastern area of Lower Zambezi National Park. Far from the majority of other camps,  Anabezi is surrounded by the iconic Winterthorn forest, renowned by safari experts, professional photographers, and documentary film crews.

The camp is built on an elevated boardwalk which connects each luxury tented suite to two main areas with their own respective swimming pools. The elevated boardwalk allows for wildlife to roam freely throughout camp while minimising effects on the ecosystem. It also means guests can walk around safely during the day without an escort. Elephants, buffalo, antelope – and even the occasional lion or leopard – often pass through camp, allowing you to experience wildlife from the comfort of your room. These communal areas evoke a classic African style with a modern touch, providing guests the opportunity to experience Lower Zambezi and its wilderness while relaxing at camp.  As the sun sets and nightlife of the bush comes to life, guests are invited to sit by the campfire with a sundowner and share stories of their sightings with fellow visitors.

Modern comfort and authentic African luxury come together at Anabezi in one of Africa’s finest game viewing destinations. Renew your love affair with nature in one of their twelves tented suites, complete with either king or twin beds, overlooking the Zambezi River, Zambezi Floodplain or Kulefu Channel. Each tent features an indoor en suite bathroom with Victorian style soaking bathtub, and an outdoor bathroom complete with outdoor shower.

As its namesake implies, the Zambezi Deck provides sweeping views of the Zambezi River and the floodplain, with daily visits from elephants, buffalo, impala, waterbuck, warthogs and a variety of birds. Watch the wildlife from the swimming pool while you’re having lunch, or from one of the many lounging areas, and take in the surrounding landscape. It’s not uncommon to get up close views of elephants drinking, bathing and crossing the Zambezi River to one of its many islands.

Large populations of elephants and buffalo roam the forest and the banks of the Zambezi along with Anabezi’s resident pride of lions. The local pack of African Wild Dogs moves up and down the length of the park, with Chakwenga (the section in which Anabezi is found) being one of their favourite hunting grounds. When they are in the area, this pack provides truly exceptional sightings!

Cruising down the Zambezi river allows you to experience Lower Zambezi from a different perspective. At eye level with the rich aquatic ecosystem, watch elephants bath and swim from island to island, G&T in hand, while the sun sets behind the escarpment. You’ll also spot buffalo, crocodiles, hippos, and antelope perched on the river bank floating in Anabezi’s custom-fitted pontoon boats. For those in pursuit of the legendary African tigerfish, the Zambezi River rarely disappoints (although the productive fishing times are seasonal).
Experienced fishermen and novices alike will enjoy heading out on an afternoon fishing trip with one of the camps seasoned guides, full of expert advice and an unparalleled knowledge of this stretch of the river. While Anabezi provide all the necessary rods and tackle for spinner and lure fishing, anglers who specialize in Fly should bring their own equipment.

Anabezi’s location on the east side of the park near the heart of the winterthorn forest makes for epic sightings with few other vehicles. They are able to modify our game viewers for photographers and provide custom beanbags if needed. Should you require a private vehicle or vehicle modification for a photographic safari, Iconic Africa can easily get in touch with the camp to set it up.

Get hold of us through info@iconicafrica.com to start planning your Lower Zambezi safari; an area that is quickly becoming a must-visit on the Southern Africa safari circuit…

 

Celebrating 10 Years of Iconic Africa

Posted on by James

When Londolozi Ranger John Holley picked up guest Terri Abadi from the Londolozi airstrip to host her and her family for their safari, little did he know that over a decade later they would be business partners in a venture revolving around the ruling passion in both their lives; safari.

Although having moved to Atlanta from Johannesburg in the 90’s, Terri’s love for her home continent of Africa led her to begin her own boutique travel agency in 2013. John, having a solid business pedigree and loving the safari industry himself, was looking to get involved in his own way too, largely with the aim of using travel to help promote and fund conservation initiatives.

John Holley as a young ranger at Londolozi in 2011.

And so in December of 2014, Terri and John joined forces to turn a traditional travel agency into a world-beating online travel platform that showcases the African destinations which best represent Iconic Africa’s values of opulent luxury, world-beating African hospitality, delectable contemporary cuisine and most importantly an authentic commitment to wilderness conservation.

 

Fast forward ten years, and Iconic Africa has introduced hundreds of guests from across the world to the wonders of Africa.
From the Okavango Delta to Cape Town’s foreshore to the majestic plains of the Serengeti, Iconic has left no stone unturned in their continued search for the best options for their bespoke safaris.
Each guest has a highly experienced travel specialist work through their whole itinerary with them from beginning to end, answering any questions no matter what time of day. Although Iconic works with hundreds of lodges, the preference is and always will be for those that have a heavy focus on community upliftment and conservation initiatives, whilst reducing their environmental impact at the same time through a shift to green energy and systems that reduce their carbon footprint.

Now with an office in the safari town of Hoedspruit, bordering South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Iconic Africa keep their pulse on the latest safari trends, new lodges, flight specials, and anything else that might contribute towards making a guest’s trip that much more memorable.

It’s been an amazing decade of fun, adventure, learning and making safari dreams come true.

Here’s to the next 10…

 

 

The Luangwa Valley: the Best of Time & Tide

Posted on by James

Spoiled for choice is a wonderful term with which to associate with safari, and it is certainly the case when looking into lodge options within the South Luangwa Time & Tide portfolio.
Stunning camps – some of which are set along the banks of the Luangwa River while the others are further west on the seasonal Luwi Riverbed – provide access to a wide diversity of habitats, ensuring maximum game viewing opportunities in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife areas.

Time & Tide camps are currently available at 35% off, but this limited-time offer is set to expire in a couple of months, so this is the time to book!

Essentially what you are looking at is a wonderful spectrum that takes you from the heart of one of the core game viewing areas out into the true wilderness areas of the park where there are far fewer operators; you will work a bit harder for your major sightings in the more remote camps, but whatever you find you will likely have all to yourself.

Our personal recommendation would be to combine two of the camps in your trip; either Chinzombo or Kakuli at which the chances of seeing excellent game are exceptionally high, and then moving on to a Luwi or Nsolo camp where you will get a true sense of wilderness. Apart from dusty roads there will be almost no other evidence of human presence. The stars will be more brilliant than you could imagine and you will feel like you are a part of the community

The beauty of Luangwa is its seasonality. Cool dry winters give way to a hot dusty spring, with the promise of rain threatening more and more each day. Wildlife congregates around the river and permanent waterholes during the dry times, but when the rains unleash during the summer months the entire landscape transforms into one of vibrant greens, with ephemeral pans topped up, frogs calling throughout the night, and the dambos (dry floodplains) turning into boggy ground that is difficult to negotiate with even the hardiest of vehicles. It’s all part of the adventure, and for photographers in particular this is a time of plenty. The migrant birds have returned, baby impalas are all over the place and everything is clean and colourful.

Some of the more remote camps shut down over the rainy season due to the logistical difficulty of getting supplies in during muddy periods, but Chinzombo remains open due to its still-navigable road network.

One of the main reasons to visit South Luangwa is the leopards. There are plenty of them. Plenty. The dry season in particular is an amazing time to visit as the leopards alter their behaviour to suit the terrain. As the grass dies through the winter, cover becomes sparse and the hunting becomes difficult. The leopards then take to the trees, in particular the heavily foliated sausage and mahogany trees. With ample cover up in the branches, they have shady refuges from which to scan for hunting opportunities, often only waiting until darkness has descended before descending to attempt a stalk.
On rare occasions they will even drop straight from a tree onto unsuspecting prey down below.

Zambia, and South Luangwa in particular is swiftly emerging as front-runner in Africa’s wildlife real estate; a place to compete with the Okavango Delta to the south or the East African grasslands.

With the amazing 35% special currently running with Time & Tide, there could be no better time to book, so you can see for yourself…

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more about the special, camp rates and availability…

 

 

A Londolozi of Leopards

Posted on by James

The collective noun for multiple leopards is actually a Leap, but the alternate term in this post’s title is more than appropriate, given that Londolozi practically pioneered leopard viewing as we know it today.

In the early 1970’s, thanks to progressive land-management practices and a sensitive approach to viewing wildlife, Londolozi started seeing a single female leopard fairly regularly. Carefully observing her habits and getting her used to the game drive vehicles meant that her cubs picked up her relaxed approach to being viewed, which spawned successive generations of habituated leopards. Londolozi is now viewing its 8th generation of leopards descended from that single female; most likely the most documented leopard lineage in existence.

These days Londolozi remains at the epicentre of Leopard viewing. A camera-trap study conducted by the Panthera Organisation concluded that the Sabi Sand Reserve contains the densest population of these spotted cats yet recorded in Africa, with Londolozi and its neighbours (all of whom sit at the core of the Sabi Sands) containing the highest density of them all; approximately 12 leopards per 100 square kilometres.

A combination of ideal habitat and the resulting prey availability, as well as the fact that the reserve is unfenced and open to the 6 million hectare Greater Kruger National Park, has maintained the population as stable and allowed for unrestricted genetic flow.

Experienced rangers and trackers – among the best in the business – understand the behaviour of the cats intimately and are able to find them on game drives repeatedly.
Although leopards steal the show, and are one of the reasons that guests visit Londolozi from all over the world, they are part of a much wider cast of wildlife, including all the Big 5, as well as cheetahs, wild dogs and a plethora of general game species that will your camera’s memory card up more rapidly than you could dare dream.

The camps themselves offer a wonderful diversity of accommodation options, from the slightly larger family camps – Founders and Varty – to the three-roomed Pioneer Camp, which is generally booked in the exclusive-use villa style, you will almost certainly be able to find what you are looking for.

It is the people of Londolozi that truly set the place apart however.
Since the Varty family rebranded the lodge as a stand-alone, family-run affair in 2007, the vibrant culture that permeates into every nook and cranny of the land has become more and more entrenched, and for many repeat guests, it is the friends they have made amongst the staff that sees them returning time and time again.
Some can boast over 50 visits…

Londolozi delivers time and time again, from the bush experience they offer to the food, hospitality, wellness spa and everything in between.
It may be the place to see leopards but it is also the place to feel more alive than you thought you could. Where you can reconnect with ancient energy and connect to yourself all over again…

Get in touch now through info@iconicafrica.com to enquire about rates and availability…

Simbambili: The Heart of Leopard Country

Posted on by James

Simbambili Game Lodge is found right up in the northern part of the world-renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a wilderness area renowned for its intense game viewing and prolific leopard sightings.

Set amongst the old Knobthorn and Jackalberry trees, Simbambili offers sophisticated safari accommodation that reflects its unspoilt landscape. The lodge overlooks a waterhole which attracts a plethora of wildlife; game drives are often delayed as guests are so unwilling to remove themselves from the spectacle in front of them.

The Simbambili lodge team are loved for their warm, friendly approach and personal attention to detail. Many have worked there for years, and one gets a real family feel upon arrival.

The lodge has seven stylish suites and each one has a private deck, plunge pool and shaded Sala bed. The large thatched suites have been elegantly designed to blend in with the environment and carefully positioned to enhance privacy.
While the shower, free-standing bath, his and her sinks and modern finishings are impressive, it’s the outside deck our guests love most.
The Honeymoon and Waterhole suites are located on the far sides of the camp’s main area and are more spacious and private for couples and newlyweds.

These romantic suites are slightly larger and come with added amenities. They have a shower, free-standing bath, his and her sinks and modern finishings as the other suites, but come with an added lounge area for more space.
The outside deck, however, is still what our honeymooners love most. The extensive bush-facing deck, with a plunge pool and shaded sala bed, is the perfect place to spend a hot afternoon in the sun.

Each suite has its own spacious riverbed-facing deck with a plunge pool and sala bed under shade to laze away a perfect afternoon. All nine spacious suites face the riverbed and woodlands and each one comes with its own private deck and plunge pool, sala bed and a free-standing bath. The Waterhole Suite overlooks the lodge’s active waterhole.

The food is fresh and delicious, and made with fresh ingredients from the Thornybush Community Garden and our local suppliers. Menus vary from à la carte dining to boma barbecues, and the staff will treat you to a leisurely bush breakfast and dinner.

At Simbambili, the highly skilled guides and trackers have an incredible wealth of bush knowledge that leaves lasting impressions on all our guests around, whether on game drives, guided bush walks or chatting round the fire at night.


This truly is wildlife viewing at its finest, and only a short flight from Johannesburg and then a lodge transfer through the reserve gets you to Simbabmbili in time for lunch.

If you want to find our more about rates and availability, get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning your safari…

Low Light Photography

Posted on by James

This is probably one of the trickiest areas of wildlife photography to get right.
Photography is all about light, and the less there is, the harder it is to take a sharp photograph. After sunset or before sunrise, cloudy days, or even shooting with a spotlight; all present their challenges, some of which can be overcome and others not so much. But with a couple of trips and tricks, you should be able to get some very memorable photos even when conditions are poor.

1. Know Your Equipment

A good workman never blames his tools, so they say, but the simple reality here is that some camera equipment is significantly better than others. Certain lenses let in more light, some bodies can cope with almost complete darkness, and having this more advanced (but unfortunately more expensive) equipment will go a long way towards getting better photos when the light is poor.
The two things to look for are lens that has a wide aperture (f2.8 or below) and a camera body with high ISO capability (ISO is a measure of the camera’s sensitivity to light). If you have those two you can probably keep snapping away for awhile when the sun has gone down.

If on the other hand you don’t have the advanced gear that the serious amateurs or professional photographers will make use of, it is important to recognise when you are barking up the wrong tree. You will probably hear a very slow shutter speed coming into play (your ranger will identify it for you), resulting in blurry photos.

Simply put your camera down, forget about taking photos, and enjoy watching whatever’s in front of you.

2. Try Something Different

Low light can be an excellent time to experiment.
If a leopard isn’t bathed in golden light but is instead moving slowly along  on a cold grey morning, it’s time to think outside the box.
Your camera will detect that there isn’t enough light around and use a slow shutter speed to compensate, but you can use this to your advantage.

By panning along with your subject, be it elephant, lion or leopard, and using a slow shutter speed, the background should blur out a bit whilst the animal (hopefully) stays sharp. This panning effect implies motion, and is a very effective way of conveying story, which is ultimately what wildlife photography is all about.

Understand Metering and Exposure

You are smarter than your camera. At least hopefully. Whilst you can clearly see that the world in front of you is veiled in darkness and the leopard illuminated in the spotlight is the only thing to concentrate on, and clearly the subject of your desired photo, your camera doesn’t know better. It will just see the darkness and try to compensate for it. It will open the shutter for longer to let more light in, thus massively overexposing the leopard and probably blurring it as well.

In a case like this, you need to tell the camera to keep things dark. You do this by adjusting the exposure. Have a read of a previous post of ours here to understand the concept a bit better.

Knowing how your camera reacts to different levels of light is crucial. The more advanced your photography becomes, the more control you will likely take away from it and put into your own hands (ie. you will be deciding all the settings for yourself).

 

Know What Your Subject Is

Is it the scene or is it the animal?

Do you want to accentuate the clouds or do you want detail in the wildlife?

A lot of the time in wildlife photography, you have to compromise. Make sacrifices. It’s like a relationship. Know what you have to give up on one side to gain something on the other.
Take a look at the photograph below, of wildebeest in the Maasai Mara.
Had the shot been exposed for the wildebeest, the dramatic colours in the evening sky would have been lost (the shutter would have necessarily been slower). Instead, the sky’s colours were prioritised and the wildebeest and lone tree were left as mere silhouettes. Which in turn tells its own story.
It would be very difficult (without the use of a flash or spotlight) to capture detail in both the sky and the wildebeest.

Ultimately, understanding exactly what shot you’re after, what settings you need to capture it, and what the limits of your equipment actually are, all combine to define how you can photograph in low light. But it’s certainly not a case of putting your camera away when the light fades.
Quite the contrary.

Feel free to drop any questions down below about all things wildlife photography related.

Cheetah Plains: Eco-Excellence

Posted on by James

Home of the exclusive-use luxury safari experience in South Africa’s most celebrated wildlife area, the Sabi Sand Reserve, Cheetah Plains is the epitome of a sophisticated, innovative eco-luxury safari experience for the modern age, indulging you in a refined, personalised and private sustainable safari experience of a lifetime.

Set in the north-east corner of the reserve, close to the border of the enormous Kruger National Park (there are no fences to restrict the free flow of wildlife), Cheetah plains enjoys access to the densest leopard population yet recorded in Africa. Numbering up to 12 animals per 100 square kilometres, this is literally the best place on earth to view these magnificent cats.

Each exquisitely appointed Cheetah Plains villa accommodates up to eight guests and boasts a formal lounge, living and dining room areas, expansive swimming pool deck, entertainment lounge, wine gallery, curated art collection, chef’s kitchen and four sumptuous private guest bush suites.

A complete hospitality team consisting of an accomplished host, culinary team, spa therapist as well as expert field guide and tracker team are dedicated to your villa for the duration of your stay. Together, this talented group of professionals deliver a luxury safari experience of the highest standard, tailored to your individual preferences.

 

For the most immersive safari experience, guests are invited to embark on guided, interpretive bush walks. Accompanied by certified and experienced walking-trails field guide, the opportunity to explore certain parts of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve on foot is one not to be missed.

The duration of walks are easily customised to your requirements, taking number of guests, fitness levels, ages, weather conditions and your preferred game drive schedules into account. There is no more tangible way than this to surround yourself with nature.

Cheetah Plains welcomes families and children of all ages. Their highly qualified field guides and trackers are eager to share their bush lore with young, inquisitive minds. Bush bumbles (game drives of age-appropriate duration) and interpretive walks in their indigenous gardens facilitate a child’s connection with Africa’s wilderness and love of nature.

Cheetah Plains are one of the front runners in an industry that is constantly refining the most eco-friendly practices possible. With their increasing use of electric vehicles to conduct game drives, a shift to solar and a focus on reducing their footprint across all lodge operations, Cheetah Plains are set to remain on the cutting edge of what it means to be a world-class, non-impactful lodge…

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more and to start planning your safari…

 

North Island Okavango: in the Heart of the Delta

Posted on by James

With only three spacious tents in camp, each resting on a raised wooden deck under the shady boughs of wild ebony trees, exclusivity is the name of the game at North Island, the latest amazing camp in the Natural Selections Portfolio.
Set in one of the most wildlife-rich concessions in the world heritage site that is the Okavango Delta, this is truly an African Paradise.

Each tent offers stunning views of the lagoon in front of it and a private plunge pool with a sunken sundeck for cooling off, for you to enjoy while watching the ever-present wildlife that comes into view.
After dark the local frog chorus dominates the soundscape whilst fireflies twinkle at you from the reedbeds, their reflections on the still water doubling the light display.
During the hotter summer nights, each bed comes with its very own ‘over-the-bed’ cooling system, and during the winter when cold nights are the norm, there is a cosy fireplace to relax in front of, making each tent a romantic safari experience.

 

Tents all come with sleeper couches that can accommodate children should you be travelling with the family.
En suite bathrooms are fitted with both indoor and outdoor showers, which means you can wash while being fully surrounded by nature. WiFi is available in the rooms but not in the communal areas; guests are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in the experience and their surroundings, so checking social media can be left for after hours!

Delicious dinners are served in separate dining areas overlooking a hippo-filled pool; these parts of camp are connected by a wooden deck that extends outwards for stargazing around a crackling firepit one the sun has gone down. Tucked discreetly to one side lies a small, comfortable library for resting and reading and an outdoor gym for those who wish to stay fit while on safari.

North Island looks set to reinvent what the words “luxury” and “exclusive” truly mean on safari.

If you’ re interested in this spectacular destination, get hold of us on info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning your safari…