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

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:

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

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?

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

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…

 

What Camera Do I Need on Safari?

This question is as broad as safari options on the continent.
Camera bodies marketed with a huge pixel count, 96 000 focal points for auto-focus, this-and-this sensor with some kind of tracking you’ve never even heard of.

Then a lens with nitrogen filled glass systems, nano AR coating and an 11-blade circular diaphragm… is it all just designed to confuse you so you buy?

Maybe.

But choosing a camera is usually easier than you think, and doesn’t have to break the bank.

The first thing to remember, is that the best camera is always the one you have with you. No camera? No picture.

An iPhone can take great photos for memories (although they are limited in their capabilities, which we’ll get on to just now).

The main questions to consider when it comes to choosing a camera to buy (or to rent, as lots of lodges offer on-site rental options these days) is: what are you going to do with the pictures?

If you are simply going to be taking a few snaps to show your friends or send to them via Watsapp, or post on Instagram, then an iPhone – or Android – is probably more than enough to capture some memories (which is really the whole point).
But if you are going to look to print anything, make it your computer background, use it as a presentation, or anything that might require a slightly more professional approach, you’ll need to think beyond a simple phone.

The reality is that photography is about storytelling, and you need to consider how best to tell the story in front of you.
If you are sitting with a pride of lions, don’t try to get a photo of a single lioness, rather zoom out and capture the whole pride. That’ll give people a far better sense of your experience.

So what do we need for the wide-angle vs zoomed shot in terms of lens?

Well, versatility for one thing.
The most versatile lens we favour when starting out in safari photography is the Canon 28-300mm. It’s really the ultimate tool for photographers looking for the ultimate solution. Kind of like an all-in one shop. Sure there are lenses that allow you to shoot at a wider angle, or zooms that allow for a wider aperture (and more light), but for sheer number of options, there is no better than this beauty for starting out:

As one gets into more advanced photography, maybe a two lens setup (one wide-angle and one zoom) would be better, but when starting out, versatility is your friend.

Then in terms of camera bodies, you are essentially spoiled for choice.

Don’t be fooled by the big numbers presented to you in a camera’s specifications. You probably don’t want the 54 megapixels offered to you in the latest body to hit the shelves; your file size is going to be huge, you will need a bigger (and more expensive) memory card, the camera’s processor won’t be able to handle the files quite as quickly without a decent memory card, slowing your frame rate, and unless you are planning to print your photo to go on a billboard or to fill the size of a house, the megapixel count is completely unnecessary.
The camera picture below is the Canon R10. It’s a third of the price of the more professional bodies, but has more than enough processing power to get you the shots you need.
The beauty of most mirrorless cameras now (swiftly becoming the norm in photography circles) is that most of them offer a handy video component as well…

Stick around the 20 megapixel range for your first camera and you’ll be absolutely fine. Sure you might not be able to crop in as much when editing, but if you literally have to crop out half of your photo, you probably got something wrong whilst taking it in the first place.

A high frame rate can be handy when capturing action, but the difference between 11 fps (frames per second) and 20 is negligible when it comes to real-world situations. With 11 photos in one second, you will capture more than enough when there’s action happening, believe me!

Photography should be enjoyable, yet wildlife photography can be so frustrating, largely due to the unpredictability of the animals themselves. This is where a good guide comes in handy; he or she will understand behaviour to the point where they can position the vehicle in the right place in order to capture the moment, as well as being able to advise you on what settings to use when taking your pictures in what situations.

Whatever camera set-up you go for, remember to practice with it before going on safari,. You don’t want to be stuck fiddling with buttons and settings whilst the leopard is about to launch into the tree with its kill.

Any questions about photography, be sure to get hold of us at info@iconicafrica.com…

The New-Look Rattray’s on Mala Mala

Since the 60’s, Mala Mala has been wowing guests with its game viewing.

The camps have developed somewhat in the last five and a half decades, but the phenomenal wildlife viewing has remained ai its consistent best.

MalaMala Rattray’s Camp offers an intimate glimpse into an era long lost, when travellers from afar married the magic of the African bush with elegance and refinement.

Combining humble opulence and romantic exclusivity with unrivalled game viewing, MalaMala Rattray’s Camp is one of the premier safari destinations for those seeking to experience the wild heart of Africa.

 

Mala Mala’s hashtag #itsallabouthewildlife, says it all; wildlife safaris are their number one priority. A maximum of only four guests per safari vehicle out of Rattrays Camp is the norm and a flexible operation ensures your adventures into the bush will be intimate and unforgettable. An experienced ranger will serve as your guide and host, handling all the minutiae that go into making your trip as seamless as possible, both in camp and out in the bush.

Sumptuous meals can be enjoyed in a variety of locations including the boma, the deck, the dining room or in the privacy and comfort of your own suite. And with unobstructed views down into the Sand River, it is more than likely that mealtimes will feature a wildlife show of some sort, be they elephants drinking from the gently flowing water, or a leopard skulking through the reeds.

Rattray’s on Mala Mala features everything you may need to make a slightly longer complete from all angles. A beautifully appointed library containing rare African books and magnificent works of art lets one pass the heat of the day reading of explorers of old, and an historic bar adorned with antique photographs lets one hearken back to the early days of game viewing in the reserve.

Lunches are served on the most phenomenal viewing deck, whilst evening meals will more than likely (although weather permitting) be served under the stars in the boma. Thos who would like to take home some mementos of their visit will find more than they could wish for in the boutique shop, and to ward off the inevitable gains that come with the delicious hearty meals on offer, a fully equipped gym will let you remain active between game drives. WiFi is available in all the rooms.

Rattrays can host 16 guests in eight luxury villas, each of which boasts a private verandah with grand river views and a private heated plunge pool, a private indigenous garden, en-suite bathrooms with double vanity, ball-and-claw bath and double indoor shower and outdoor shower; outdoor and indoor dining area, air-conditioning, heating, overhead fans, hairdryer, minibar, tea and coffee facilities. Satellite television, DVD player and laptop with wireless connectivity are available on request.

The accommodations here are everything you could ever wish for on safari, and with the high likelihood of encountering wildlife roaming through the camp, things couldn’t get any bette

Whether you’re visiting for three days or fifteen, Rattray’s on Mala Mala will make you feel as though your trip was too short, so at home will you feel.

If you want to find out more about staying in this wildlife-intense camp, mail us on info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning your Mala Mala safari…

Mala Mala Winter Madness

Winter is almost upon the South African Lowveld, which encompasses the Kruger National Park and its adjacent private reserves like the Timbavati, the Sabi Sands, and more relevant to this particular post, Mala Mala.

One of the original photographic safari lodges in the country, Mala Mala has had its doors open to wildlife aficionados since the late 60s, and although the camps have been upgraded since then, the menu has been refined and the experience developed somewhat, the thing that has remained unchanged over all those years is what makes the place part of the epicentre of Big 5 viewing in the region; the wildlife.

Attracted by the perennial Sand River (along which Mala Mala enjoys 20km of frontage), the wildlife flocks in in droves during the winter months – the dry season in this region – when surface water is scarce but the river remains constant.
Lions lounge on the high banks, waiting for the buffalo herds to descend down the dead-end sandy culverts. Leopards slink through the Phragmites reeds, sneaking up on unsuspecting bushbuck, and the ever-present elephant herds march between their feeding grounds and the steady trickle of water that sustains life throughout these cold harsh months of the middle of the year.

And above it all, ever-present and inviting, lies Mala Mala Camp (formerly known as Main Camp).
A haven of understated luxury, combining warm comfort and superb service with unrivalled views of the Sand River and surrounding bushveld, it is truly a place of legends, where rare photographs, old maps and extraordinary mementos rub shoulders with the works of renowned contemporary wildlife artists.The camp is an unfenced oasis in the middle of the bush.

Ten luxury suites, eight luxury rooms and one luxury single suite comprise this unique slice of Africa that is sure to fill up your memory cards faster than the

The spacious and unbelievably comfortable rooms all feature the following:

  • Private decks or verandah with a view over the Sand River or a waterhole
  • En-suite bathroom with private toilet – the suites have both a bath and a shower whilst the luxury rooms only have a shower
  • 24-hour temperature control – air-conditioning, heating and overhead fan
  • Direct dial telephones
  • A mini-bar
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • A mini-safe
  • Bathroom amenities, insect repellent and hairdryers

It’a good all year, but winter is the time when Mala Mala truly comes alive.

Thankfully there are a number of different accommodation options available, as competition is fierce to get a booking during the peak of the game viewing months. Rattray’s and Sable Camps offer just as – if not more – luxurious stays, whilst still providing access to just as incredible game viewing experiences.

Get in touch NOW (info@iconicafrica.com) to start planning your Mala Mala safari. This is one you don’t want to miss…

Duba Plains: Delta Dawn

World-famous wildlife filmmakers Derek and Beverly Joubert made their name through groundbreaking documentaries like Eternal Enemies: Lions and Hyenas, Eye of the Leopard, and Relentless Enemies, which examines the intense rivalry between buffalo and the lions that have adapted their ways to hunt them through the watery channels of Botswana’s Okavango Delta.

This last production was filmed on site at Duba Plains, on the northern edge of the Okavango, and the camp at which the two filmmakers has since become one of the jewels in the Great Plains crown, and one of the best places in the world to see big cats.

It has been a number of years since the specific lions in the documentary were around, and new individuals now rule the area. Populations ebb and flow, as they will in nature, but both lions and buffalo still roam the floodplains, along with wild dogs, leopards, elephants, and a multitude of other species just waiting for the safari-goer.

Duba Plains Camp is essentially the epitome of the Botswana safari and sits on the private 33,000-hectare Duba Plains reserve amongst a matrix of palm-dotted islands, flood plains and woodland.
Birdlife is prolific, and someone stumbling into this ecosystem for the first time would be forgiven for thinking they had unexpectedly arrived in Eden.

The camp at Duba Plains offers five bespoke suites. Its design ensures that it blends into the landscape whilst evoking the classic African safari style of the 1920s.
All the rooms are on raised recycled railway sleeper decking. Each suite affords guests stunning views of the surrounding floodplain and the steady stream of wildlife parading past.

Each suite has a lounge area and beautifully appointed en-suite facilities: a flush loo, double vanities, indoor and outdoor showers, and a luxurious bath. Ceiling fans and an environmentally friendly air-conditioning system over the bed ensures a comfortable climate. Enjoy your private verandah, complete with a plunge pool and shaded sala.
The floodplains that stretch out beyond the camp play daily host to a plethora of wildlife, and the reality is that you often don’t need to go on a game drive, as creatures both great and small literally parade past your room on a regular basis.

Duba is truly one of the iconic Okavango lodges, and with the extensive Great Plains Portfolio across Botswana and into East Africa, it is a simple matter to tailor-make a safari within their collection, with each lodge simply brimming with opulence and waiting to deliver a world class wildlife experience.

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

Serengeti River Lodge: Ultimate Migration Exclusivity

Perfectly situated on the banks of a tributary of the Grumeti River, in the secluded western parts of the Serengeti National Park, &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge shares breathtaking views and unparalleled sightings, especially in April and May when the great migration is moving through the area.. 

The lodge enjoys prime position in one of the most beautiful regions of this world-famous wildlife area. Expect a wonderfully intimate, private Serengeti safari experience complete with resident hippo pods and remarkable lion prides.

Due to its far-flung location, there are very few lodges in this pristine section of the park, allowing for far quieter safari experience than in some of the concessions that feature more camps. Twice-daily game drives from the lodge regularly encounter large lion prides and hyena clans. Extensive herds of resident plains game area feature of this area, as well as the special black-and-white colobus monkeys, found nowhere else in the Serengeti.  

Using the natural bow shape of the river, and paying homage to the circular forms of a traditional Maasai manyatta (traditional home), the lodge unfolds to reveal an understated sense of luxury. Adorned with Kitenge fabrics and accentuated with stone walls, the lodge also features the vibrant colours of the fishing communities surrounding Lake Victoria (found just to the west) and the grey tones representative of hippo hide that have been beautifully woven into deeply comfortable furnishings and bespoke, hand-made fittings. 

Walking into the guest area upon arrival, one is blown away by the striking beauty of the lodge. Wide open decks are perfect for enjoying sundowners overlooking the river and the lodge’s sparkling rim-flow swimming pool provides a view of the seasonal hippo pods below, whose honking and snorting creates a wonderful background ambience during your stay. The proximity of water draws a profusion of wildlife throughout the day and night. 

Touching the earth lightly and seemingly floating across the landscape, 10 nostalgically elegant and very spacious guest suites offer natural light, an enormous bed, bath, an indoor shower (with a spectacular view), and a private plunge pool. A Family Suite, with the addition of a smaller children’s bedroom, offers adventurous families the unique opportunity to explore the African bush together. 

Celebrating the local culture and cuisine, become immersed in lodge’s exquisite meals, from breakfast to dinner. Much-loved and well-known breakfast trays, complete with freshly-squeezed juices and house-baked bread, are absolutely not to be missed, while the interactive kitchen creates a space for guests to work alongside chefs and plan their menus for the day. The traditional boma, a hero of night-time dining, serves a selection of artisanal pizzas, and salt-crusted, whole baked fish, which pays homage to the region’s great lakes, among many other delicious meals. Enjoy convivial afternoons and evenings around the central circular bar; a masterpiece of woven fabrics and dramatic glass ball light installations.  

The western sector of the Serengeti is one of its most beautiful and Serengeti River Lodge one of our favourite camps in the greater ecosystem. Although most visitors to this part of the world time their visit to coincide with the wildebeest migration, the reality is that the whole year offers spectacular game viewing.

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

 

 

North Island Okavango: in the Heart of the Delta

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…

Tuludi Camp: the Luxury of Space

Tuludi Camp is the perfect base from which to explore one of the most productive areas of the eastern Okavango Delta. Set in the renowned Khwai Private Concession, and overlooking a stunning Delta landscape – rippling floodplains fringed by ancient riparian forest – the camp sits next to a permanent waterhole that is frequented by elephants in particular, and the local big cat population are regular visitors.

Tuludi is one of the newest luxury camps in the World Heritage Site that is the Okavango Delta, with tree-house style rooms – each with its own private plunge pool – shaded by magnificent leadwood trees. Those who like to wile away the warm afternoons with a book will love the treehouse library.
The seasonal changes to the area result in either floodplains, lily-covered lagoons and the spectacular Khwai river, depending on what time of the year you visit, and what type of safari you would like to experience.

Twice-daily 4×4 game drives take you on excursions into the wilderness, expertly choreographed by local Setswana guides. You also have the chance to take to the water by motorboat or mokoro and gain a different insight into the Okavango’s ecology, although these activities are dependent on the Delta’s water levels.
And since the camp lies in a privately-run reserve, you can also choose to go on guided bush walks – a must for keen birders and photographers, and those who want to discover the minutiae of the environment.

Built in partnership with the local community and contributing to the social upliftment of the surrounding areas, Tuludi is a small camp comprised of only seven luxurious suites.
Each is extremely spacious and elevated for stunning views; you will not just have an indoor and outdoor bathroom but a private plunge pool and a station at which you can charge phones and batteries.
The intimate feel of the camp lends itself perfectly to  couples and honeymooners, but Tuludi also welcomes families with children aged six and over. Privately guided vehicles are available and one of the suites is slightly larger, sleeping a family of four more than comfortably.

Enjoying the advantage of both water and land habitats, Tuludi Camp is open all year round. Water levels are highest during the dry winter period – May to September – when the annual inundation of the Okavango is in full spate, and so offers the best time to explore by boat as well to see impressive concentrations of wildlife. The summer rains trigger an explosion of greenery and many animals such as impala and warthog give birth – good for predator activity – and the birding is at its peak with the migrant visitors all down to take advantage of an abundance of food.

With over 200 000 hectares of pristine wilderness to explore, at Tuludi you will find an exclusive oasis that you’ll be delighted to return to after a day soaking in all the extraordinary ecosystem has to offer…

3 of Africa’s Best Hidden Safari Gems

One of the hardest things about choosing a safari destination is simply wading through the huge amount of choice you get given. Literally hundreds of lodges and camps spread all over the continent, from desert to mountaintop and everything in between.

Yet every now and then a really special place pops up on one’s radar, somewhere that immediately gets you thinking about a return visit.

We’ve picked three that we’ve come across on our own travels that we simply cannot recommend strongly enough…

Kicheche Valley Camp

There are few safari camps out there that give you an overwhelming feeling of “Yes!” when you walk onto the deck for the first time. Kicheche Valley Camp is one of them.

Tucked discreetly between two acacia-covered hills in the Naboisho Conservancy of the eastern Maasai Mara in Kenya, the camp has a wonderful simplicity to it that instantly draws you into a slower pace of life. Zebras graze within metres of your tent, lions (of which there are plenty in the area) roar in the distance at night, and the camp staff’s warm smiles and enthusiasm for their work are clearly genuine.

Kicheche have a number of offerings in the area (Bush, Mara and Valley Camp), but Valley has to be our favourite; the intangibles there make it evident that nothing is forced, everything is done at your pace, the food is excellent, the drinks are cold, the accommodation makes you feel like are part of the environment instead of excluded from it – whilst still being incredibly comfortable – the guides are excellent, and of course, the wildlife viewing is utterly spectacular.

For those looking for a wildlife destination in East Africa that ticks all the boxes, but most importantly the one about feeling at home, look no further than Kicheche Value Camp.

Notten’s

Neighbour to some of the biggest name lodges in the South African safari industry, Notten’s has been quietly in operation since the 1980s, conducting Big 5 safaris with their own special brand of charm and hospitality.
As part of the Sabi Sand Reserve, Notten’s boasts just as high a density of big game as any other lodge in the area, with a particularly high number of leopards and lions calling the area home. The Sabi Sands is in fact home to the densest population of leopards yet recorded in Africa.

Notten’s has a family feel to it; it is family run and many of its staff have their own families living and working there. This is reflected in the warm welcome that everyone receives, and the level of repeat business that Notten’s can boast (among the highest in the greater reserve) is testament to this fact.

Whilst other destinations close by might be better known, it is Notten’s that will have us going back time and time again.

Nxai Pan

When the Okavango Delta, a world-heritage site and one of the most sought-after safari destinations in Africa is only two hour’s drive away, it’s hard to compete.

Yet Nxai Pan offers a completely different type of safari experience, a highly concentrated one that is difficult to find anywhere else on the continent.
Set in the vastness of the greater Kalahari Desert, the pan itself – and accompanying pans to the south – offer an incredible open reprieve from the surrounding scrubland.
Short grass plains and salt pans stretch as far as the eye can see, presenting incredible game viewing opportunities.

Water is everything here, and with only one or two permanent water sources in the dry season, incredible concentrations of wildlife – most notably elephants – are to be found coming to slake their thirst each day.

Nxai Pan is a unique ecosystem that will leave you in awe at its scale. Baobabs dot the area, and a trip to this part of the world would not be complete without a day trip to the world famous Baines’ Baobabs just to the south.

Although open year round, the game-viewing at Nxai Pan tends to be seasonal in response to water availability, so be sure to connect with one of our travel consultants to find out about the best time to visit.

And with the Okavango just a short safari stone’s throw away, this reserve offers the perfect place to incorporate into the wider Botswana safari circuit…

 

Khwai Bush Camp: Finest Botswana Authenticity

The Okavango Delta ecosystem is far broader than many realise, stretching its tendrils way out to the east and south, before they eventually dry up in the sands of Botswana’s Kalahari Desert.

Although it has long been the more centrally-placed concessions in the heart of the Delta that have hogged the limelight, of late those around the periphery have been developing a stellar reputation for game-viewing, but with a lower vehicle density than the more established spots.

Khwai Bush Camp is one such destination, situated to the east of the main Okavango Delta yet delivering just as much of a punch when it comes to its wildlife.

Majestic sable antelopes roam the woodlands here, the distinctive sawing of a leopard is heard far more often than not on evening game drives, and the ubiquitous elephant herds of northern Botswana are in almost constant attendance, particularly during the dry winter months when the Delta’s water levels are up and the game congregates around the river systems and permanent water sources.

Khwai Bush Camp comprises four standard chalets (with fireplace) and two family chalets, all en-suite. Watch the magic of Africa unfold from the sanctuary of your chalet’s cool, thatched interior or the veranda that overlooks the famed Moremi Game Reserve. Battery-charging facilities are available in each guest room as well as fans. The main lodge area also has charging points for your convenience. Enjoy languid afternoons at the sparkling poolside drinking in the serene floodplain surrounds. Share an aperitif around our lively fire circle before tucking into hearty, homespun fare at our family-style feasts. Activities include guided walking safaris, bird watching, river activities, and game drives spotting Africa’s iconic wildlife species – lion, cheetah, leopard, wild dog, elephant, buffalo, hippo and giraffe.

If it’s starry skies you are after, with the sound of a lion roaring in the distance (or close at hand), with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon at hand and a roaring fire close by, Khwai Bush Camp ticks all the boxes.
A true safari experience in the style now associated with African Bush Camps (of whose portfolio KBC is a part), this is one not to be missed, and with the specials we are currently running to some of the African Bush Camps’ portfolio, there’s no better time.

Get in touch to find out about rates and availability…

 

 

Somalisa: the Elephant Heart of Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park in the west of Zimbabwe is a land of contrasts. From dense teak and acacia forest to vast open savannah, which offers visitors an exhibition of raw and diverse Africa.

Somalisa Camp, under the African Bush Camps umbrella, is tucked away within a quiet Acacia grove on a private concession in the heart of Hwange, and offers the ideal intimate base from which to explore the expansive ecosystem and varied ecosystem of which it forms a part.

Hwange is famous for its elephant herds, and Somalisa provides the perfect place from which to view these iconic African animals. The waterhole right in front of camp provides an oasis for them even during the dry winters, and herds flock down to drink daily. It is not uncommon to have multiple herds come to drink during the course of an afternoon, and their rumbles serve as a constant part of the wonderful African ambience filtering in from the open plain.
Game Drives provide access to the greater reserve, in which Africa’s large predators abound. Lions dominate the viewing and their roars can be heard most nights. Up to 700 of these majestic cats roam the Hwange ecosystem, and the area is in constant flux as prides vie for dominance. Wild Dogs are regularly encountered, and even unusual species like Roan antelope and Brown Hyena often form part of the game viewing.
Experienced Somalisa guides know exactly where the best viewing is to be found, so have your camera ready!

Back at camp, seven elegant and spacious sail tents provide simple luxury, and the small number of guests in camp ensures an intimate safari experience.
All tents are replete with a charging station for camera batteries and phones, a wood-burning fireplace (an amazing addition on those cold winter nights), and a private viewing deck from which you can observe any game that happens to come sauntering down for a drink.
The heat of the African day is rendered almost negligible by the carefully designed tents which are optimal for airflow, allowing a cool breeze to be a constant presence as you lounge in opulence.

Somalisa is leading the way in low-impact tourism and was the recipient of the first GOLD Green Tourism Certificate in Zimbabwe. With a full solar farm and water purity system, the camp is able to be off the grid whilst recycling about 80% of its water usage.

Nature and luxury intertwine seamlessly here, and with Hwange National Park being the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe – and also one of the oldest, being established in 1928 – there are few places as good in which to fully immerse yourself in an African wildlife experience.

Hwange’s proximity to Victoria Falls means Somalisa is just a short charter flight from this centre of African adventure, so we strongly recommend including Victoria Falls in your itinerary.

With unbeatable specials currently running, particularly our Best of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Cape Town option, there’s no better time to book…

Photography Tips #3: Understanding Composition Basics

Because photography is an art form, it is objective; a photograph that appeals to one person may not do so for another. However, there are certain guidelines to follow (I say guidelines rather than rules as they work most of the time, not every time) that will go a long way to making your photo leap out of a page or screen that much more.
Without even worrying what your subject is or even what it is doing, by simply placing it at the right point in the frame, you can add immeasurably to the photograph’s visual appeal. How all the elements of a photograph come together (namely subject, foreground and background) is known as a photograph’s composition.

Although there are multiple compositional tools to make your subject stand out, we’ll stick to a few of the more simple ones for now.

Rule of Thirds

Unless the actual scene or subject being photographed is symmetrical, the human eye finds far more visual pleasure in the subject being placed off-centre­. More specifically, along one of four lines, and even more specifically, at the points where those lines meet.

If you draw two imaginary and evenly-spaced vertical lines and two horizontal lines across your photograph, you will have effectively sub-divided it into vertical and horizontal thirds.

The four points at which these lines intersect are known as the power points, and placing your subject on anyone of them will give the photograph more impact.

Having said this, the choice of which line and/or power-point to place your subject on is all-important. The general idea, particularly with wildlife, is you want an animal looking or moving into the frame. It should have space to move into, or at least the suggestion of space.
If it is walking from left to right, place it on the left-hand vertical line. It will thus have two thirds of the frame to move into. And likewise, if it is moving from right to left, place it on the right-hand line.
Getting more specific with close-ups, if you have zoomed into an animal’s eye and it is looking up and to the left, place it on the bottom right power point. This gives it space to look up and across into.
You never want an animal looking like it is squashed up against the edge of the frame. As mentioned earlier, these aren’t hard and fast rules, but if you stick to the basic theory, 90% of the time you will improve your photo.

If you want to emphasise the sky, place the horizon along the lower third line. If you want to emphasis ether foreground and the sky is secondary, place the horizon on the upper line.

In the below photo, although the rule of thirds was not employed, you can understand the basic principle; the sky is emphasised by placing the horizon as low down in the photo as possible.

A prominent tree should line up on one of the vertical thirds, rather than center frame. By simply playing around with this composition when cropping a photo digitally, whilst adhering to the rule of thirds, you will see exactly which position comes across as strongest.

Leading Lines

By using simple methods a photographer can easily direct a viewer’s eye where to look in the frame. Leading lines help to do this, so it is important to look out for them when composing a photograph. A band of rocks, a herd of antelope walking in single file, clouds photographed with a wide-angle lens…

Notice how in the picture above the lines of the subway tunnel are directing the viewer’s eye towards the people in the background.
One sees a similar effect in the photo below of an airstrip in Kenya’s Maasai Mara; the sweeping lines of the clouds guide one’s eye down to the solo tree on the grassland.

Natural Framing

Achieving a natural frame for a wildlife subject can be tricky, especially as it is very much habitat dependent. This isn’t something you should be looking for with each shot, but something you should simply have in your arsenal, so that you know what to look for when the opportunity arises.

An elephant calf within its own herd and framed by other elephants’ legs; a leopard in a thicket framed by the trees; there are multiple opportunities in nature to achieve some sort of natural frame, and the more unusual the better, as it will add more impact to your photograph.

Ultimately in wildlife photography, you should aim to get as much as you can right in camera, ie. when the shot was actually taken. This will greatly reduce the amount of post-processing you need to do afterwards, composition adjustments included.

The more you head out actively looking for leading lines, natural framing, and placing your subject using the rule of thirds and their power-points, the more your photographs will have immediate visual impact.

SA Resident Specials in Big Cat Paradise

As April draws to a close and lodges across Africa get busier and busier as travellers return, we are delighted to announce that certain South African safari properties will be upholding their resident rates in the short- to mid-term. Mala Mala Game Reserve, bordering South Africa’s world famous Kruger National Park, will be offering these specials right up until December 2022, so make sure you don’t miss out.

It’s no secret that Mala Mala is one of the best places in Africa to view lions, leopards and cheetahs. And not only view them, but have front row seats to some of the most action-packed game viewing on the continent. Leopards in trees, lions moving new-born cubs between dens… it seems like nothing is out of the question here.
It’s not only the cat density on Mala Mala that is so high (a recent study found the greater area to hold the highest density of Leopards yet recoded in Africa) but the general game too, which means that the predators have an absolute buffet of prey species laid out for them.
Witnessing hunts is common, as the unique Sand River frontage (over 20 kilometre of sandy beaches and reedbeds) provides ultimate concealment opportunities for predators on the prowl.

Mala Mala has been one of the iconic Africa lodges since the early days of photographic safaris, opening its doors in the late 1960s. With over 50 years of  experience in the industry it has continued to refine its offering, but its incredible wildlife population has always meant that little more needs to happen than simply driving out into the bush; something will come along, and more than likely a high profile species!

Mala Mala has three camps on offer; Main, Sable and Rattrays.

Main Camp is the largest of the three with 10 luxury suites, 8 luxury rooms and a luxury single suite. Sable, situated right next door to Main, has 5 luxury suites and the Lion’s Den suite (a two-bedroom interleading suite) and Rattrays, lying a couple of kilometres downstream on the Sand River, offers 8 luxury suites.
Main camp and Sable tend to be for families wanting to enjoy the bush together, whilst Rattrays is for the ardent safari-goers and photographers, restricting the number of guests on a vehicle to four, thereby heightening the intimacy of the game-viewing experience.

Whilst the game-viewing is good year-round, seasonal changes meant that different areas and animals become the focus during different months.

May, when these special resident rates kick off, is the impala rut, when rams are jousting for mating rights and as a consequence falling regular prey to leopards in particular.

June through August are the clear winter months featuring chilly mornings and wonderfully mild days. As the dry season tightens its grip, animals of all shapes and sizes flock to the Sand River to drink, and predator activity along its banks is prolific.

October signals the onset of the rains, and the first green flush of spring. More and more rainfall initiates the impala and wildebeest birthing into November and December, when new life is literally everywhere in the bush. No one time is better than another, they are simply different, and finding out a bit more about the various seasons before you book will help you know what to expect. Our consultants will help you with that!

As travel returns to normality, rates are swiftly returning to what they where pre-Covid, so we urge our South African guests not to miss out on this unique opportunity to visit one of Africa’s great safari destinations at these prices.

Get in touch through enquiries@iconicafrica.com to get the ball rolling…