Zimanga Photo Tour

Zimanga in focus

CHF 6'610 per person

Filling fast

The Zimanga Game Reserve enjoys a fantastic reputation among photographers for its state-of-the-art photo hides. There are several hides for photographing birds and mammals. You can also spend two nights in one of the hides and photograph the night wildlife from the best possible angle. Besides the photo sessions in the photo hides you can also photograph on game drives in the reserve. You will spend all together six nights in the reserve.

The photo hides allow you to photograph the animals from the “eye level”. In this way you will always succeed in taking extraordinary and spectacular pictures. The photo hide for a night photography is specially illuminated and has beds and toilets.

Zimanga Game Reserve has a splendid variety of wildlife (including lions, elephants, leopards and cheetahs). In addition, over 400 different bird species have been documented in the area.

This trip is perfect for ambitious nature photographers who wants to expand their portfolio with unique images.

13 - 20 August 2022 (fully booked)

16 - 23 August 2023 (available)

8 days / 7 nights, from / to Durban

maximum 6 guests

English speaking photo guides

This Zimanga Photo Tour offers extraordinary highlights!

You will visit a spectacular private game reserve with a great variety of animals and birds.
You will have a chance to photograph several times from spectacular photo hides “at eye level” with the animals (two of them are night sessions). Complete your portfolio with unique, unusual animal photographs.
On this photo tour you will be accompanied by the renowned professional wildlife and nature photographer Hannes Lochner. Learn to take pictures like a professional and benefit from Hannes’ practical tips and tricks!
Less is more: Six nights at the same lodge gives you plenty of time for the wildlife observation and photography.
Every guest has a guaranteed “window seat” in the safari vehicle.

Photo Guide

Hannes Lochner

Local Photo Guide

Price

16 – 23 August 2023

CHF 6‘810.- | Price per person sharing (double occupancy)

CHF 7’210.- | Price per person in a single room (only two available)

26. May – 2. June 2024

CHF 6‘810.- | Price per person sharing (double occupancy)

CHF 7’210.- | Price per person in a single room

11 – 18. August 2024

CHF 6‘810.- | Price per person sharing (double occupancy)

CHF 7’210.- | Price per person in a single room

Included in the Price

1 overnight stay in hotel in Durban

Dinner and breakfast in Durban

6 overnight stays in in Zimanga

All meals and drinks in Zimanga

2 Game drives / Hide sessions per day

All transfers from/to Durban Airport (for flights recommended by us)

Comprehensive travel information, checklists, Tipps and more

Im Preis nicht inbegriffen

International flight connection

Premium and imported beverages

Personal expenses

Gratuities/Tips

Any visa application fees

Cancellation cost insurance, travel insurance

Any airport taxes

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What out clients say

Thomas

The photo trip Botswana up close exceeded all my expectations. I experienced and photographed countless unforgettable moments. Hannes' professional guidance was brilliant. The whole "surrounding" with a super lodge, extremely good safari guides and the cozy group made this trip the perfect experience. Thank you. I can only recommend this photo tour to everyone.

Botswana upclose, October 2022

Sabine

It was my first photo tour to Africa. The diverse - and thanks to the driving skills of the guides also up close - encounters in the private game reserve were impressive: leopards, cheetahs, lions, hyenas, jackals, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, zebras, monkeys, bee-eaters, eagles, vultures and much more. With Hannes Lochner we also had an excellent photo guide with us, who was able to share a lot of his experience with us. That makes you want to do more!

Botswana Upclose, October 2022

Mats

Amazing experiences with truly professional guides. Super nice wild-life at a close distance. Cool and impressive lodge and food. Think Tina Turner wrote your song: "Simply the best".

Zimanga in Focus, June 2022

Urs M.

As usual, the tour was excellently organised. The lodge and the game reserve in southern Botswana are simply top. The game reserve has a great variety of species and a high density of predatory cats, which made the time pass (too) quickly. I can truly recommend this trip to anyone interested in wildlife.

Botswana Upclose, October 2021

Ronny

The tour was planned and carried out professionally as usual. The passionate photographer Hannes Locher looked after us very well. I was thrilled by his passion for cats and his humorous manner. Gladly again!

Cats of the Kalahari, October 2021

Susanne

The trip to the beautiful Kalahari was a dream, many animals, wonderful landscapes and moods. Hannes looked after us perfectly in his humorous way and helped us to take great pictures. Definitely recommended!

Cats of the Kalahari, October 2021

Josy

The smell of the first big rain after the dry season I will remember forever! And the pictures of it are in my photo album and in my heart. Pictures that have become even more unique thanks to Hannes Lochner. It is a privilege to discover such an exciting area as the Kalahari. Even more so when Hannes Lochner is there. He showed us with humor and patience countless photo tricks and we were able to benefit from his enormous knowledge about photography, animals and nature. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Cats of the Kalahari, October 2021

Mathias

As always, excellently organized trip to the Kalahari with the guidance of Hannes Lochner. His knowledge of the Kalahari and photography gives even experienced wildlife photographers a final tip for a very special photo. Glad to travel at any time again with Hannes and Amazing Views.

Cats of the Kalahari, February 2020

Mathias

I joined for this trip directly after the cats of the Kalahari: the contrasts of both trips (Kalahari: desert steppes in beige versus Mashatu: rich green partly with yellow flower carpet) are fantastic! Very good mentoring by Hannes and Thomas, who can give even experienced photographers a tip or two. Very comfortable lodge with excellent staff, especially the local guides are to be emphasized.

Botswana's Best Kept Secret, February 2020

Urs

This was my seventh photo safari, but the first time during the rainy season. Seeing the different animals and birds in a green landscape is a unique experience. Thanks to the excellent guides from the lodge, who made sure that the rainy season had no negative impact on the number and quality of sightings of cats of prey, birds and other animals. The photo tour guidance by Hannes Lochner and Thomas was excellent, as usual for Amazing Views. Many thanks!

Botswana's Best Kept Secret, February 2020

Monika

excellent organization everything worked smoothly- breath-taking camp with best food and loving hospitality - perfect driver chosen who took us through thick and thin and to the most beautiful places - an unforgettable journey

Botswana's Best Kept Secret, February 2020

Yvonne

Since it was my first time on a photo safari, I was overwhelmed by the many impressions of the animals. The rainy season in Botswana was a pleasant travel time and the sight of the flower carpet was unique. The local driver and the guide were very keen to show us as many animals as possible. Thomas and Hannes Lochner always had good advice for taking pictures, thank you very much for the beautiful trip.

Botswana's Best Kept Secret, Februar 2020

Jutta

After Namibia, Botswana, India and Spitsbergen, "Untouched Africa" was my 5th trip with Amazing Views. I was totally thrilled again, the organization as well as the photographer James Gifford were extremely good. We were able to observe and photograph the animals - especially elephants - respectfully and yet from close up. Many thanks for unforgettable days.

Untouched Africa Zimbabwe, October 2019

Kerstin & Kristina

So far it was the most beautiful Africa trip with Amazing Views. So close to the animals, countless elephants, on a safari from early in the morning until late in the evening - it was simply a dream. Animals so close - you never forget that. And then in addition the best guide James at your side - and the adventure is perfect. Top organization from A (Amazing) - Z (Zimbabwe)!

Untouched Africa Zimbabwe, September 2019

Ruth

Zimbabwe is an unforgettable experience, far away from mass tourism, with intense closeness to wild nature combined with exceptional hospitality in the lodges. James Gifford supported and inspired us all tirelessly with his vast experience of wildlife as well as his photographic skills. Now all our cameras are professionally set up, thank you James!

Untouched Africa Zimbabwe, September 2019

Ute

This was our first trip with Amazing Views and I can only say that it was very well organized. Hannes Lochner is a great photographer and an extremely likeable person. He showed us "his Kalahari", which is so different from the usual safari destinations. Many thanks to Hannes and the Amazing Views team.

Photo tour Cats of the Kalahari, August 2019

Kristina & Kerstin

For the second time after 2019, we were able to travel to Namibia along with Amazing Views. Although Covid-19 made a lot of things more complicated, the organisation was smooth from A-Z. The Namib, the Dead Vlei, all the Oryx antelopes, helicopter flights, the countless evening moods were just fabulously great - and as a bonus we were virtually alone in many places. It couldn't have been better. And the Okonjima Game Reserve at the end was the absolute icing on the cake for us.

Secrets of the desert, March 2021

Rena

An excellently organised trip to the Kalahari with on-site support by the nature and wildlife photographer Hannes Lochner, who left no question unanswered and gave valuable tips on the respective camera model, the settings and the composition of the pictures. Pleasant accommodation, delicious food and time spent together rounded off the whole photo safari positively. Recommended for beginners as well as advanced photographers. Anytime again with Hannes Lochner and Amazing Views.

Cats of the Kalahari, August 2019

Liliane

I have been to Botswana with Amazing Views before, I was also lucky enough to go on the first trip to Churchill to see the Polar Bear babies. All trips were unforgettable. Now again, to travel to Botswana during the rainy season was awesome for me. To photograph the animals between the lush green and yellow flowers, and to see them rolling around in it was fantastic. Plants, which I had thought to be dead in October, came back to life. Unique and an unforgettable experience. The trip was as usual, very well organized and everything went like clockwork. The lodge was super. Excellent support by Thomas and Hannes Lochner, who explained or showed with a lot of patience again and again the right adjustments and the right perspective. Not to forget the drivers and trackers who tried tirelessly to fulfil our wishes. I am thrilled. Many thanks to all.

Botswana's Best Kept Secret, February 2019

Speedy

As a repeat offender, I have already been on the road with Amazing Views several times! As always, the tour was very well organized. Expectations are exceeded again and again. Best guides guarantee for an unforgettable experience! Absolutely recommendable! - A big praise to Thomas and Jennifer! - Keep going!

Namibia, November 2018

Mathias

A great trip over four outstanding, but also very different stations within the Okavango Delta. Both the driving and the photo guides provided unforgettable moments and helped with words and deeds to "shoot" fantastic photos. My rather high expectations were even exceeded. For a wonderful trip, many thanks to Amazing Views!

Botswana Wildlife Explorer, October 2018

Reto & Marlene

"Amazing Views" lives up to its name. We took home unforgettable impressions from a varied, very well organized and exclusive tour to a fantastic wildlife area. Thomas and James led the group in a friendly and professional manner and knew how to respond to each participant individually. We felt very comfortable, even though the hyenas, hippos and elephants regularly visited our camp at night. Predicated as very recommendable ... actually a must

Botswana Wildlife Explorer, October 2018

Sonja & Jürgen

We were back in Botswana after 30 years and felt wonderfully looked after by Thomas and James, and the whole team of Letaka Safaris. We would never have imagined such a great trip. From the competent photo and tour guide of James to the extraordinary beautiful campsites and the interaction with the nice fellow travellers, there was nothing to complain about. We can only recommend everyone to join this trip. To Amazing Views, you are top!

Botswana Wildlife Explorer, October 2018

Corinne

The Amazing Views have organized an absolutely great trip. Letaka Safaris offered a great organization. The rangers are very good drivers and very successful with their game drives. Their great knowledge in interpreting footprints and the perception and interpretation of animal sounds was terrific, so that we had many impressive moments while discovering this animal world in such a great landscape. With James, the whole thing was topped: an extremely good photographer, with a knowledge he was able to convey very well. I have profited enormously from him. His warm way of leading the group was absolutely terrific. A great trip with unique impressions and pure emotions. Thank you all for this experience, it is unforgettable.

Botswana Wildlife Explorer, October 2018

Manfred

A very well organized, "little" adventure which - fortunately away from the mass tourism streams - gave me many impressive, some touching and moving, several unique moments in the African wilderness. The photographer, James, not only has an excellent feeling for the motif and the right moment, but also for the different needs and requirements of the individual participants. All in all a successful trip, which not only fully met my expectations but in some aspects even exceeded them.

Botswana Wildlife Explorer, October 2019

Sue

The trip was very well organized, and the accommodations were great. The guidance of James Gifford was again very good. He knows how to give you good tips in a pleasant way and makes every effort to ensure that everyone in the group gets their money's worth. The Bushwalks were a new but sensational experience for me. Getting close to a bull elephant at about 2 m and being able to take pictures will probably leave a lifelong impression on me. Many thanks to James and Amazing Views for this exciting trip!

Untouched Africa, September 2018

Urs

I liked the photo tourUntouched Africa very much. It was top organized and excellently guided by James Gifford. The Victoria Falls are impressive and the richness of species in Hwange and Mana Pools is great. A highlight was a short bushwalk in Mana Pools, which made it possible to photograph a passing bull elephant from a distance of two meters! Many thanks to James and Amazing Views for this great trip!

Untouched Africa, September 2019

Isabelle

Traveling with Amazing Views is the best. The most beautiful spots are discovered and photographed, and the coaching is unique. Each participant is picked up and promoted at his or her level. It was and is amazing with amazing views! Travelling with you has a huge potential for addiction. Hardly at home you want to book a new trip right away. You will not get rid of me so quickly. Sorry! 😉

Namibia dream landscapes, April 2018

8 days

6 guest + 1 guide Age

Africa

Photo Guide Hannes

Tours with availability

Wildlife

Destination
South Africa
Departure
06.05.2020
Return Time
13.05.2020

From our gallery

The most beautiful impressions from Ziamanga.

Day 1 – Arrival to Durban

After your arrival in Durban you will meet Hannes Lochner in our Guest House. After an introduction for the program of the coming days you will enjoy a dinner together.

Day 2 – Zimanga Game Reserve

Right in the morning you will take a drive in a comfortable van towards Zimanga Game Reserve. You will reach the reserve around noon. The first game drive or the first photo-hide session is on the program for the afternoon.

The Zimanga Game Reserve is specialized in nature and wildlife photography. The Game Reserve has built several photo hides together with renowned wildlife photographers. These enables the animals to be observed and photographed undisturbed. All photo hides are equipped with comfortable chairs, tripod devices and gimbal heads.

The Game Reserve has splendid variety of animals. In addition to the coveted Big Five, there are opportunities to photograph cheetahs, hippos, giraffes, hyenas, zebras and many more. There are also over 400 bird species in Zimanga, many of those are found almost exclusively in Southern Africa.

Besides Hannes Lochner you will be looked after and mentored by the resident guide and photographer Calvin Kotze.

Day 3 to 7 – Zimanga Game Reserve

There are two activities on the program each day. You will have a chance to photograph the great variety of wildlife and birds from underground hiding places and safari vehicles. Guest has also the opportunity to spend two nights in the "Overnight Hide". This underground hideaway offers fantastic conditions for unique, unusual wildlife shots. The Overnight Hide is located at a small waterhole and is specially illuminated at night. The animals visiting the waterhole drinks only a few meters away from the photographers! Comfortable chairs, tripod devices, toilet and beds ensure a comfortable stay.

Your photo guide Hannes Lochner is always at your disposal with tips and tricks. Between the game drives you can relax in the camp. Depending on your wishes and needs, Hannes offers short tutorials on different areas of photography. Of course, he will also discuss with you about the photos you have already taken and help you how to take even better pictures on the next game drive.

Day 8 – End of a photo tour

After the last morning activity, you will be driven back to Durban where you will start your individual journey home or onward travel. Departures from Durban should not be booked before 3pm.

Accommodation

Durban

You will spend the night in an elegant Bed and Breakfast near the beach. In the evening you will be spoiled with a delicious dinner.

Zimanga Game Reserve

The comfortable rooms have a bathroom with shower, air conditioning, refrigerator and a desk with electricity connections.

There is a small souvenir shop at the lodge, a meeting room for photo discussions, a swimming pool and a spacious main building with a small library. Wifi reception is available at the lodge.

Climate

South Africa can be visited all year round. In the summer months from November to April it is hot and depending on the region it can rain. In the dry season from May to October the temperatures are pleasant. In winter, between July and September, it can be relatively cool. In October it gets warmer again.

Fitness level

The journey does not require any special physical requirements.

Double room

Single travellers can book half of a double room. If there is no other guest who wants to share the room, the single room surcharge will apply.

Entry requirements South Africa

For entry into South Africa, Swiss and EU citizens require a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of return and contains more than two free pages. Please check the exact conditions again before you start your journey.

Insurance

We strongly advise you to purchase insurance for cancellation and return journey costs, which will be needed in the event of a secluded region being evacuated, a local hospital stay or return travel costs to your home country.

Travel information FDFA

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA regularly publishes information on countries in which there may be security policy or other risks. The FDFA's travel advice is based on its own trustworthy sources of information. These travel tips can be found on the FDFA's website: www.eda.admin.ch

The Terms and Conditions

T&Cs of Amazing Views & Adventure Tours apply, as well as all other conditions which are listed in the descriptions for the respective trips.

Prices

We reserve the right to change prices (especially due to exchange rate fluctuations)

Photo Tour Registration

Zimanga on Focus

Please fill in the form below with the requested details and return it to Amazing Views Photo & Adventure Tours. We will send you a trip confirmation and an invoice for the deposit. Bookings are held as provisional until the required deposit is received.

Photo Tour Details

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When choosing option "Single" a single supplement might apply (please see respective tour itinerary)

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