South Africa 2017
The use of hides is commonplace in Europe but until recently has not often been possible in Africa. This has changed with Zimanga, a private reserve in South Africa which features a number of hides designed by Bence Mate - "The Invisible Photographer." Many of these use one-way glass windows so that the photographer can look out but the animals can't see in, and are generally built next to waterholes of varying sizes to attract birds and larger mammals. The photography was amazing, especially at night when banks of lights are used to illuminate the animals as they come in to drink.
A Nyala mother and calf cautiously come in to drink at the water hole.
There is a certain heart-stopping thrill being sat 3-4 meters away from a huge animal knowing that it can't see you - the photography is almost incidental to the experience.
There was plenty of good photography possible during the daytime as well with warthogs, elephants and even African wild dogs visiting the hides.
We have several encounters with wild dogs whilst on foot - truly magical every time.
The bird life was often spectacular as well with vultures, eagles, bee eaters and many smaller birds all offering good photographic opportunities.
And not all the photography was done from hides - there were excellent opportunities for elephants and lions from vehicles.
