Zimanga - July 2026

Tour Overview:

Duration: 10 day/9 nights photographic safari

Spaces: 18 Maximum

Join Tracey for a photographic safari tour with a difference, designed specifically to give you the best opportunities to photograph Africa's wildlife up close and personal at Zimanga Private Game Reserve. You will have exclusive access to the whole 8000-hectare reserve in South Africa and will spend 10 days photographing a diverse range of wildlife on a safari uniquely combining photographic hides with game drives.

This tour gives the guests the opportunity to photograph from a range of amazing hides, which have been purpose-built for photography in mind. All hides have been specially designed and built under the supervision of Bence Mate, a prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year winner and one of the best wildlife photographers out there.

Our group will also have opportunities to head out on game drives using the new purpose-built brand-new dedicated photo vehicle designed specifically to allow low angle images of species such as Elephants, Lions and much more.

During the trip guests will take part in 18 activities, comprising of game drives and hides, including both daytime and overnight sessions in each of the different hides

Hides on offer

– 2 * reflection pools for kingfishers, birds of prey and an abundance of small beautifully coloured birds. Each hide is located within a different habitat, offering possibilities to photograph different species.

– Lagoon hide to photograph wetland species such as kingfishers, herons and other aquatic species.

– 2 * overnight hides offering amazing opportunities to photograph secretive nocturnal species such as Buffalo and Rhino very close up.

– Scavenger hide – set up to photograph a range of vultures species, eagles and other scavengers.

Zimanga Main Lodge

The main lodge consists of 6 two-bed suites as well as single rooms. This destination is the ultimate in enjoying the reserve in comfort and luxury. Illuminated walkways connect the separate units to one another and the main building, hosting spacious decking, a swimming pool, comfortable lounges and viewing platforms over the beautiful Mkhombe valley, with a conference facility for hosting workshops.

Delectable meals are served within the dining area with cosy fireplace, and the open deck offers another dining alternative for those who prefer to dine outside under the stars. A large circular open-air boma provides the ideal spot to enjoy a nightcap whilst sharing the day's stories around a bushveld fire.

In between vehicle based safaris or hide sessions one can explore the lovely lodge gardens which host a magnificent variety of indigenous plant and bird species. Enjoy a book from their well stocked sponsored library, relax in the swimming pool or sun loungers with one's favourite drink, or laze around in your room to conserve energy for the next adrenaline filled activity.

Zimanga Homestead

The Doornhoek Homestead can sleep up to 7 guests in 3 air-conditioned, en-suite Twin or King bed rooms, and 1 en-suite single room/guide room, also air-conditioned. All rooms have separate desks to set up laptops for image editing, with ample space and variety of electricity sockets to make sure one's equipment remains fully charged.

During the daytime guests can relax in the beautiful rim-flow pool, from which elephants have been known to slake their thirst whilst guests sit a few meters away.

Pre-trip advice

1-2 months prior to travel you will receive a comprehensive document that provides packing advice so you are prepared for your trip

Tour language

This tour is an English-speaking tour. Please note: all lodge staff/forest guides will have a good understanding/ use of understanding the English language.

Visas

Normally, UK passport holders can obtain a free visa on arrival in South Africa but please continue to check that this situation does not change.

It is your responsibility to also ensure that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months and has several clear pages for visas prior to departure

Vaccinations \ Health

Wild Aperture are not qualified or legally allowed to provide vaccination or medical advice. The reserve is within a low-risk malaria area. However you should consult your travel nurse or doctors for specific medical advise and up to date advise on vaccinations required. It’s suggested to do this at least 2-3months prior to travel or sooner if this allows.

African tick bite fever is endemic to the area. While not a life-threatening illness, it can cause flu like symptoms. To help prevent bites, spray clothing with an insecticide (Bayticol is available in safari vehicles) and check for ticks each night. For more information you can visit this website:

http://www.tickbites.net/african-tick-bite-feversymptoms-diagnosis-and-treatment/

All guides at the reserve are first aid trained.

Fitness Level Required

This tour does not require a high level of fitness. However, guests should be able to get in/out of a game vehicle (a step up/down of around 2 feet) with little or no assistance and should be capable of walking up to 200 metres to and from their room at the lodges/hotels. Guests should also be aware of the temperatures below that can be experienced at this time of year.

Camera Equipment

Depending on the size of the subject you are photographing, or the image you have in mind, lenses can range from 20mm to 800mm! A great general all-round lens is a 300 f/2.8, although zoom lenses like the 200-400mm f/4 are very versatile. A personal favourite of the owner is the 200 f/2 in the Lagoon, although the 600mm is also extremely handy, 24-70mm and 70-200mm in the overnight with longer lenses like a 400mm for small birds that visit there, 300 f/2.8 in the reflection hides and the 200-400 for the vultures and bee-eater hides. Longer lenses are also brilliant at the latter hides. Further information on photography equipment will be supplied as part of your pre-trip advice.

Gratuities

Gratuities are not included in the cost of your safari.

It is customary for tourists visiting South Africa to leave a gratuity for guides and hospitality staff. You will notice that guides and staff will often go out of their way in order to give guests the best experience possible.

Your hosts will advise on the amount and can collect this from you all at the beginning of the tour or on the first night in Zimanga. This will avoid you having to worry about paying gratuities at the end of the trip.

Wi-Fi Network Access

Wi-Fi is available in both the Main Lodge, the Homestead (inc the rooms) and also in the overnight hides

Dietary

Most dietary requests can be catered for with advance notice provided to us at least two months prior to departure.

Travel Insurance

It’s strongly recommended that you purchase your own travel insurance at the time of booking to cover any eventualities should you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances as both the deposit and final balances are non-refundable. Guests travelling without their own travel insurance do so at their own risk.

Group Photo Safari Cost: £TBA per person

Secure your place with 25% non-refundable deposit per person

Payments accepted by bank transfer

*Please see Terms & Conditions for payment details

Cost Includes:-

9-nights’ luxury accommodation at Zimanga Private Game Reserve (including breakfast, lunch & dinner)

Exclusive use of the whole reserve

Use of all hides

Twice daily activities of 3.5 hours each

Game drives in purpose built vehicles (with one row per guest to maximise opportunities)

Soft drinks, local beers, spirits and wine whilst in Zimanga

Bottled water during all activities

Laundry service

Road transport in air-conditioned comfortable vehicle from Durban\Umdloti

Fantastic local guides

Services of a photographic host & guides offering tuition and advice if needed

Local park and conservation fees

A friendly, like-minded group to share this amazing opportunity

NOT Included:-

International flights to/from Durban

Accommodation in Umdloti the night prior to the start of the trip

Dinner in Umdloti (1 night)

Any personal expense such as beverages / drinks bill at all hotels, snacks whilst travelling, telephone bills, airport tax etc

Imported spirits and Speciality wines whilst in Zimanga

Curio Shop Purchases

After hour activities

Tips & gratuities. E.g. local guides/drivers & hotel staff (please budget for around £200 pp (4000 ZAR))

Personal Travel insurance

Any other services not stated in the itinerary or above costs.