Ready for a unique experience?

Fotoreise Unberührtes Afrika

Untouched Africa

Zimbabwe Photo Safari

Untouched Africa

per person
Only one spot available

Zimbabwe Photo Safari

This trip was developed by photographers for photographers. You will be enchanted by the natural treasures of Zimbabwe. The majestic Victoria Falls are among the largest waterfalls in the world. The Hwange and Mana Pools National Park are two of the best and most animal-filled parks in southern Africa. Both are still relatively unknown to mass tourism and are off the beaten track.

This very exclusive photo tour Zimbabwe was developed by photographers for photographers. You will stay in the best camps in the middle of the parks.

25. August - 4. September 2024 (only one spot available, half a double room for a woman sharing)

11 days/10 nights from/to Victoria Falls

4 - 8 guests

Victoria Falls – Hwange National Park – Mana Pools National Park – Lake Kariba – Victoria Falls

English speaking photo guide (additional german speaking photo guide with 6 guests and more)

This Zimbabwe Photo Safari offers extraordinary highlights!

  • You will be accompanied by wildlife photographer, James Gifford. Learn how to take pictures like a pro!
  • This trip will give you far more chances to photograph animals and landscapes than a conventional safari. Travelling by safari vehicles as well as on foot will give you whole new perspectives.
  • Mana Pools National Park, the jewel of Africa and a UNESCO world heritage site, attracts a great number of animals during the dry season from May to October, who come to drink from the natural lagoons and the Zambezi river. The scenery is simply enchanting and the park is well known for its outstanding atmospheric light.
  • Hundreds of elephants gather at the waterholes of the Hwange National Park during the dry season.
  • The magnificent Victoria Falls offer a stunning photo opportunity.
  • Beautiful moods and a boat trip on lake Kariba.
  • After you put down your cameras you can return to the pretty camps and lodges and put your feet up. They are also known for their great food.
  • Small group with a maximum of 8 participants and two photo guides.

Photo Guide

Hannes Lochner

Hannes Lochner

Local Photo Guide

Thomas Brühlmann

Thomas Bruehlmann

Amazing Views Photo Guide

Price

25. August – 4. September 2024

CHF 13’500.- / USD 15’390.- | price per person sharing (half a double room for a woman sharing available)

CHF 15’550.- / USD 17’730.- | price per person in a single room (fully booked)

Included in the price

Photographic supervision by an English-speaking professional photographer

Guided tour in English & German

Workshops and discussions on pictures on location

Transfers from/to Victoria Falls airport

All transfers to the camps

1-night overnight stay in Victoria Falls

9 overnight stays in exclusive lodges and safari camps in the national parks and by the Lake Kariba

All meals starting from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the day of departure

Sunset cruise on the Zambezi

Entry fee to the Victoria Falls rainforest

Exclusive use of the safari vehicles

National park fees

Local drinks in the safari camps/lodges

2 game drives/activities per day

Laundry service in the lodges

Not included in the price

Arrival / Return Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Personal expenses

Lunch and/or snacks and drinks in Victoria Falls

Premium and imported beverages

Optional transfers and excursions

Tips

Visa fees

Travel insurance / cancellation costs insurance

Possible airport fees

Book today!

Any questions left?

Contact us!

What our clients say

Dieter

The careful selection of locations/lodges and the extremely knowledgeable and professional local guide made the trip through parts of Botswana a real highlight. The photographer James Clifford knows the places and positions where the animals can be put in the right light and imparts a lot of interesting information about the nature and behaviour of the animals in this unique environment. I returned home with many great pictures and numerous unique impressions.

Botswana Desert & Delta, November 2023

Sabine

The Zambia trip in June 2023 was marked by many great animal encounters and beautiful scenery. I especially remember a pair of leopards, about one year old, who were playing with each other and I even managed to take a picture of the female sailing over the male. Wonderful! Equally impressive, however, were the beautiful morning scenes. Antelopes and even lions presented themselves in the ground fog at sunrise! Once again, Thomas and Hannes took excellent care of us, and the local guides also did a good job. This makes us want to do more!

Photo Tour Two Rivers, Zambia, June 2023

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

Brigitta

Travelling with Amazing Views and their photo guides is perfect. Not only are we at the photo hotspots at the right time, we also get great professional advice and support. And peace and quiet when the rest of the masses of tourists are out and about. The support was unrivalled. We were in very good and experienced hands with both Hannes and Floyd. Hannes was perfect and had a lot of patience with us. He was happy to share his knowledge with us. He is a very enthusiastic photographer himself and this rubbed off well on the group. The length of the trip was perfect, there were many new impressions and experiences that I still have to digest, so longer would almost be too much of a good thing. I loved the trip, despite the sometimes very early hour.

Secrets of the desert, March 2024

Anja

My expectations of this trip were very high, as I had already travelled to Namibia three times before as a self-driver. In the end, I flew home with many unforgettable impressions and my expectations were exceeded by far! A perfectly organised trip with great accommodation, scenic highlights and a fascinating animal world (whether Little Five or Big Five) - from the first to the last day. There was a lot of input from Hannes on how to take the perfect photo, so that at the end everyone flew home with successful photos in their luggage. This trip definitely makes you want more! A big thank you to Jenny and Thomas for the great organisation and Hannes for the great support on site. It was great fun travelling with you. The next trip is already planned...

Secrets of the desert, March 2024

Kristina & Kerstin

We were able to travel to Namibia with Amazing Views for the second time since 2019. Although many things became more complex due to Covid-19, the organisation was smooth from A to Z. The Namib, the Dead Vlei, all the Oryx antelopes, helicopter flights, the countless evening scenes were simply fabulous - and as a bonus, we were virtually alone in many places. It could not 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

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

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

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

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
Banner Blog Reisebericht Hwange Mana

Travelogue Hwange & Mana Pools

  • Destination
  • Departure
    22.08.2022
  • Return Time
    01.09.2022
1

Day 1 – Arrival Victoria Falls

You will be collected from the airport at Victoria Falls and driven to your Hotel. You can then spend a pleasant afternoon around the hotel till you’ve settled in. Enjoy the surroundings overlooking the spray of the Victoria Falls or walk through the beautiful gardens of the hotel. In the early evening, we board a small exclusive boat to take a pleasant sunset cruise across the Zambezi river. Here, you will get an informal introduction from our photography guide, James Gifford. Then we head back to the Hotel where a delicious evening meal will await us.
Fotoreise Unberührtes Afrika
2

Day 2 – From Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park

Today we get up early. We are off to visit the mighty Victoria Falls. The natives call the waterfall ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, or ‘Smoke that Thunders’. The waterfall drops to a depth of 110 metres and is a spectacular photo opportunity. We wait till we get the right light before taking pictures. After eating breakfast in the lodge, a charter flight will take us from Victoria Falls to the Hwange National Park.
This is the largest national park in Zimbabwe and is best known for its extensive elephant population. There are also large populations of giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and, of course, lions. You will spend the next three days in a beautiful lodge in the middle of the national park. Although small, the camp offers excellent infrastructure. From your deck, you will be able to observe the animals as they come to the lodge’s waterhole. Our exclusive safari vehicle will set off in the afternoon to take the group on their first game drive.
Fotoreise Unberührtes Afrika
3

Day 3 and 4 – In Hwange National Park on the edge of the Kalahari Desert

You will spend two whole days in Hwange National Park under the supervision of our photography guide. We will set off early each morning and late afternoon to go on a game drive so that we get the best light. You will have a good chance to photograph predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas and leopards, in addition to elephants, buffaloes, zebras and various species of antelope.
Your photography guide, James, will always be on hand to offer tips and tricks. You can relax in the lodge between game drives. James will also offer short tutorials on various topics concerning photography if requested/required. Of course, he will also discuss pictures you have already taken and help you to shoot even better pictures on your next game drive.
Fotoreise Unberührtes Afrika
4

Day 5 – From Hwange to Mana Pools National Park

After a final game drive in Hwange National Park, we head back to the park entrance. We then fly directly to the legendary Mana Pools National Park. Mana Pools, in our opinion, is one of the most beautiful and spectacular wildlife reserves in southern Africa. You will love it! We will spend the first few days in a comfortable tented camp right on the banks of the Zambezi. The comfortable tents feature twin beds, toilets and showers.
Fotoreise Unberührtes Afrika
5

Day 6 to 8 – On the trail in Mana Pools along the Zambezi

We will spend three whole days along the Zambezi river going on safari photography tours by vehicle, walking safaris or even canoe trips. Mana Pools is not only known for classic wildlife photography but also for the enchanting and even magical natural light it offers photographers. You will be able to spend your time together with the guide exploring landscape photography and taking pictures of the awe-inspiring starlit sky at night.
Fotoreise Unberührtes Afrika
6

Day 9 to 10 – Further to Lake Kariba

In the morning we will fly to Lake Kariba where we will spend two following nights in a beautiful Lodge. Enjoy the fantastic views of the impressive lake. We will lead you to other great photo opportunities with boat- and safari vehicle. You have good chances to photograph a stunning sunset or elephants and antelopes wading through the water.
Our lodge is a perfect place to slow down and gather together all the great experiences and impressions of the tour.
Fotoreise Simbabwe
7

Day 11 – Back to Victoria Falls

In the morning we will fly back to Victoria Falls. Here is where you get on your international flight or continue on your holiday under your own steam.

Accommodation

Enjoy an ‘Out of Africa’ experience

Victoria Falls – A charming Hotel very close to the Falls

Our lodge in Victoria Falls is centrally located and close to the mighty Victoria Falls. It has a large garden. The Victoria Falls National Park borders directly on the garden of the lodge. It is not unusual to see grazing warthogs or impala directly from the garden. The lodge consists of the main building with reception, restaurant and swimming pool. The rooms have a bathroom, air conditioning, fan, safe and coffee/tea station.

Hwange National Park – Luxury Lodge

You will spend the night in an authentic yet luxurious camp in the heart of Hwange National Park. It lies in a secluded location on an acacia island with breath-taking views across the savannah and offers guests the perfect mix of old African charm and elegance. There is a spacious recreation tent and a swimming pool to relax in. There are also good spots to observe the camp’s own waterhole. The camp consists of six elegantly appointed tents with en suite bathrooms, toilets, showers and large terraces.

Mana Pools National Park - Tented Camp

You will spend the first three nights in an exclusive tented camp on the Zambezi river. This mobile, rustic camp is built right on the banks of the Zambezi, which is the route by which guests arrive. One of the main attractions are the game drives in open safari vehicles along the river’s edge, taking you deep into the heart of Africa. With a bit of luck, you will be able to see eland antelopes, elephants, African hunting dogs, waterbuck, herds of buffaloes, kudu, lions and leopards.
The camp consists of 5 tents with en suite bathrooms, toilets and open air bush showers. The camp gives the term ‘glamping’ new meaning through its attention to detail, the 12-volt lighting and the charging stations for cameras. A well-appointed main tent offers a dining and seating area.

Lake Kariba

This beautiful and comfortable Lodge is located on the hill with great views of Lake Cariba. The rooms have private bathroom and lake views. WiFi is available in the Lodge. Batteries can be recharged in your room.

Luggage

The luggage weight limit for our photo tours is 30 kg per person, including hand baggage and camera equipment, which is high for the sort of small planes used for our flights (The normal limit is 20 kg). Baggage may only be in the form of soft sports bags or duffel bags.

Fitness level

The trip is not particularly physically demanding. You will only go on easy to moderate walks during our walking safaris.

Health

For trips to Zimbabwe, malaria prophylaxis tablets and the usual vaccinations are highly recommended. Please consult with a doctor specialising in tropical medicine, or your family doctor. You must take important medication with you from your home country, as there is no guarantee that you will receive the desired medication in Zimbabwe. All important medicines should be carried in your hand luggage.

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.

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 in an emergency.

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

Untouched Africa

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

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

Personal Details - Guest 1

Personal Details - Guest 2

If accommodation option "double" has been selected

Declaration

s
You don't have permission to register