Let’s face it, in this day and age; we are all photographers. Whether we are professionals or not, we have constantly got our tools on standby, waiting to snap the next best shot. Most of the time our photographic masterpieces are never for our private collection – the aim is to share it with everyone on the web! We want to share our travels, our nights out, our new car, our… I fear I might take up the entire post if I proceed. You get the point – we want epic photos, of everything, to share everywhere.
So, it is safe to say the world of photography has become quite a competitive one, especially when every Social Media platform is swamped with new-age photographers posting their works of art on the daily. So of course, we either need to fit in or ship out! Sounds stressful, right?
Well, we have put together a list of the top 5 African safari destinations that take Generation X (those young, unemployed millennials struggling to find meaning) into full consideration. These lodges go the extra mile to ensure you get plenty of Instagram-worthy shots, through either their epic location, services or even their freely available camera’s!
Jaci’s Lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve, Kalahari Bushveld
Jaci’s lodges have seriously got your back. They have teamed up with Pangolin Photo Safari’s, a company that’s primary objective is to take eager travellers through the Madikwe Game Reserve, in search of the most photogenic scenes. This includes kills, wildlife drinking at the watering holes or even just the exquisite African sunset. It is not too difficult to get the perfect shot when your backdrop is the vast, open plains of the Kalahari and the big five, wild dogs and leopards roam in large numbers. Even better, the guides are trained to position the car for you to get the best light. Now, show us your skills, camera-man!
Mhondoro Game Lodge, Welgevonden Game Reserve, Limpopo
If rugged rock formations, lush green landscapes, magical valleys and more than 2000 different plant species sounds like the perfect location for a shoot of the big five – then Welgevonden Game Reserve is for you.
Nestled in the heart of the reserve is Mhondoro Game Lodge, which seems to be attracting the photo-fundis in a big way, with its exceptionally useful hide situated at a waterhole which gets you up close and personal with the wildlife that comes to freshen up. No excuses for being too far from the action!
Manor House, Samara Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape
The Manor is unique in its warm design which reflects the local landscape and traditions whilst retaining a lovely light twist. The style of the Manor is the inspiration of well-known South African designer, John Zwiegelaar of John Jacob Interiors. Relax in four spacious luxury air-conditioned suites. Beds are made up with the softest linen that lulls you to sleep and all suites have large ensuite bathrooms with separate showers and free-standing baths. Experiences include bush dining experiences, tracking cheetahs on foot, and wild game hunts. If you don’t become Insta-famous after this then shoot me – no pun intended!
Zimanga Game Reserve
At Zimanga Game Reserve, the likes of Cheetahs, crocs, leopards, wild dogs and 200 bird species are waiting to be captured – on film!
This reserve is incredibly unique, as it is the first reserve that was built with photographers in mind. This photographic reserve offers luxuriously furnished hides, designed by award winning wildlife photographer, Bence Mate.
Zimanga has even built an overnight hide, kitted with all the bells and whistles for one that would be spending the night snapping away. So yes, coffee machines. Oh, and even a bed if you are desperate for some shut-eye!
Camp Shemu, Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s wildlife gems. It is world-renown, and the photos that come out of there are too beautiful to even describe in words. Home to the big 5, rare wildlife species and a plethora of plant species, it is every photographer’s dream destination.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the public tourist spots, rests the private Camp Shemu lodge which offers the sought-after photographic safari. It is located a stone’s throw away from the parks’ watering hole and attracts a strong pride of lions, elephant and buffalo.
So, there you have it! The top 5 African destination’s that take the stress out of snapping!
Honestly, I do not think those photos are going to need any filters after this!
