If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing world-class wildlife images in a place built specifically with photographers in mind, let us introduce you to Zimanga Private Game Reserve—South Africa’s premier destination for serious photographers. At Akari Photo Tours, we’ve led photo safaris across Africa, and Zimanga has now become one of our favorite locations for delivering jaw-dropping, frame-worthy images. Here’s why this place belongs at the top of your photography bucket list.

📸 Hides Built for Photographers

Zimanga’s day time hides were designed with photographers in mind, offering unmatched access and image quality. The Mkhombe and Bhejane Reflection Hides are perfect for eye-level shots of small birds, while the Lagoon Hide focuses on waterbirds and crocodiles.

The mobile Bee-eater Hide gets you close to vibrant white-fronted bee-eaters at their nesting sites. Scavengers Hill delivers dramatic scenes of vultures and jackals, and the Forest and Tower Hides provide creative angles for photographing birds in the Fever Tree forest.

These hides were created in collaboration with award-winning photographer Bence Máté, a global leader in hide design. Each was carefully tested and fine-tuned to deliver exceptional lighting, composition, and wildlife behavior—so you can capture truly original, high-impact images.

🦁 Wildlife Diversity, Minus the Crowds

Zimanga is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), plus cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and hundreds of bird species. But unlike traditional safaris, Zimanga limits the number of guests on the reserve. That means fewer vehicles at each sighting and no fighting for space to get the shot. You’ll never find yourself ten jeeps deep trying to photograph a lion’s roar here.

🛖 Luxury and Comfort Between Shoots

Let’s be honest—an early morning start is a lot easier when you’ve spent the night in a beautiful, air-conditioned lodge with delicious food, warm hospitality, and a pool to cool off in between sessions. Zimanga delivers the perfect mix of rugged adventure and luxury living, so you’re energized and ready to focus on what really matters: photography.

🌙 Unique Opportunities: Night Hides & After-Dark Safaris

Zimanga offers something most reserves can’t—nighttime photography hides. For those after unique big game imagery, Umgodi and Tamboti are the reserve’s only overnight hides purpose-built for photographing large mammals. Spending a night here gives photographers the rare opportunity to capture species like elephants, rhinos, and hyenas under low light, with cinematic, professionally-lit setups.

🤝 Small Group Sizes, Expert Guidance

When you travel with Akari Photo Tours, you’re in good hands. We keep our group sizes small to ensure personalized instruction and ample space in the hides and vehicles. Whether you're a seasoned wildlife pro or just learning how to master your autofocus settings, we’ll be right there with you, helping you elevate your images in the field and in post-processing sessions back at the lodge.

Ready to Experience the Magic of Zimanga?

If you’re looking for a photo safari where the conditions are just right, the wildlife is abundant, and your photography will grow in leaps and bounds, Zimanga is calling. Join Akari Photo Tours for an unforgettable journey into the heart of South Africa—where every moment is a potential masterpiece.

👉 Spots are limited on this intimate, photography-first safari. Get in touch today and secure your place behind the lens!

Learn about our South Africa Photo Safari to Zimanga with Akari Photo Tours