Tag: Africa

Zululand South Africa Wildlife Masterclass Workshop Report 2025

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In April 2025, I had the privilege of leading an extraordinary group of photographers on my Zimanga Africa Ground-Level Wildlife Masterclass — a full reserve takeover that provided unparalleled access to one of the most diverse and wildlife-rich regions in South Africa. I’ve long said that Zimanga is one of the most progressive photographic destinations on the continent, and this year’s workshop only reaffirmed that sentiment. With no outside tourists, no sharing with others, unrestricted access to world-class photographic hides, a dedicated team of trackers and guides, and a truly immersive experience in African wildlife photography, 2025’s edition was nothing short of a creative and wildlife-rich success.

There is something profoundly moving about photographing elephants at night. The darkness, punctuated only by subtle, carefully positioned lights, transforms a majestic subject into something even more powerful and ethereal. One of the absolute highlights of this year’s trip — and a resounding favourite among the group — was the overnight experience in the elephant bunker hide. Designed specifically for photographers, this low-angle, comfortable hide allowed us to witness enormous elephant bulls as they came to drink, bathe, and interact under the cover of darkness. Being this close to a fully grown massive Tusker is an awe-inspiring experience not to be missed.

The conditions this year were sublime. With mild evenings and clear skies, although it took some persistence, the waterhole was a consistent magnet for elephants. On one particularly unforgettable night, three bulls approached simultaneously, their massive forms silhouetted against the soft glow of artificial light, mist swirling from their trunks as they drank and sprayed water into the cool night air. The photographic results were staggering — dramatic lighting, perfect reflections, and razor-sharp detail made for world-class imagery. Every single participant came away with portfolio-worthy shots that captured the spirit and strength of these incredible creatures in a truly unique way.

While hides and low-level photo vehicles offer powerful opportunities, few moments compare to the sheer intimacy of walking with a wild predator. Zimanga is one of the only places in Africa where you can photograph free-ranging cheetahs on foot — and this year’s experience elevated that to another level. With the guidance of Zimanga’s experienced trackers and guides, our group approached a pair of cheetah brothers on foot in the open savanna. This pulse-quickening encounter brought a profound sense of connection to the natural world.

Photographically, walking with cheetahs is a dream. We could shoot from low angles, position ourselves with the light, and create immersive, personal, and alive images. The early morning light was golden and soft, with gentle dew clinging to the grass. The cheetahs moved with grace and elegance, pausing occasionally to look directly into our lenses, allowing everyone to create images filled with mood and eye contact. It was, without question, a highlight of the trip and an experience no one will soon forget.

In addition to the hides and on-foot cheetah experience, the photo game drives this year were exceptional. One of the distinct advantages of a full reserve takeover is the exclusivity — we were not restricted by schedules or other tourists. Each photographer had their own row of seats in custom-built vehicles explicitly designed for low-angle wildlife photography. This made a massive difference, allowing everyone the freedom to move, shift, and compose without obstruction. You haven’t photographed in Africa on safari until you have experienced one of these low-angle vehicles.

Weather conditions were ideal — cool mornings with mist clinging to the valley floors, building into warm, dry days with rich, directional light. This meant optimal shooting conditions nearly every session. We photographed everything from rhinos dust bathing at sunrise to giraffes silhouetted at sunset, to close encounters with lions resting in the shade of acacia trees. The ability to work low to the ground from the vehicle provided a completely different perspective, yielding more dramatic and intimate imagery than traditional safari setups allow.

Zimanga isn’t just about the big mammals. The bird photography opportunities this year were phenomenal. The lagoon hide, in particular, was a bird photographer’s paradise. The clean, uncluttered backgrounds and shallow water provided the perfect stage for capturing elegant images of African spoonbills, pied and malachite kingfishers, hamerkops, storks and more.

Our group spent several serene sessions in this hide, working with long lenses to freeze the dramatic dives of kingfishers and the deliberate wading of spoonbills as they hunted. The morning light filtered in just right, casting subtle highlights and rich colours that made for exquisite avian portraits and action shots. The hide design, with glass-fronted opening, allowed for complete immersion without disturbing the wildlife — a critical feature for this kind of delicate work.

The scavenger hide delivered intense action and raw storytelling. Designed with photographers in mind, this hide is positioned over a natural carcass area frequented by vultures, jackals, and other opportunists. Over multiple sessions, we witnessed dramatic interactions as white-backed vultures jostled for position, jackals darted in for scraps, and marabou storks loomed over the chaos like prehistoric sentinels. On one particular morning we also had a visit from a majestic tawny eagle.

For those looking to create compelling behavioural imagery, these scenes were gold. Wings spread wide, dust flying, claws extended — every moment was charged with intensity. The hide’s positioning allowed us to shoot at eye-level, capturing the energy and aggression of these feasts in full cinematic detail. It was a reminder that even the less ‘glamorous’ wildlife encounters can result in some of the most potent images.

A trip of this calibre wouldn’t be complete without comfort and care. The accommodation at Zimanga is nothing short of luxurious — private, spacious rooms with views over the reserve, luxurious bedding, and all the modern amenities you could wish for. After long days in the field, returning to gourmet meals, fine South African wines, and a roaring fire created the perfect atmosphere for review, reflection, and camaraderie.

This level of comfort matters not only for rest and recovery but also for allowing participants to focus entirely on their photography. The Zimanga team handled every logistical detail flawlessly, from meal timing to equipment storage to hide scheduling. The exclusivity of having the entire reserve to ourselves meant no waiting, no distractions, and complete immersion—something that simply can’t be overstated.

Reflecting on the 2025 Masterclass, I’m already filled with anticipation for our return in 2027. Zimanga remains one of the only game reserves in Africa built from the ground up with photographers in mind, and our complete takeover ensures a bespoke experience designed to maximize photographic potential. This isn’t a workshop where you are forced to share a location with general tourists. This is a deep and private immersion that provides the opportunity to create an emotive portfolio of African images.

In 2027, we will once again take over the entire reserve. That means no sharing with tourists, no rigid safari schedules, and complete access to all hides and photo vehicles. Why is this so important? Simply put, by taking over the entire camp, we can offer multiple overnight and day hide sessions to everyone. This provides many opportunities that would otherwise be missed.

The itinerary will include overnight elephant hide sessions, walking with cheetahs, private photo vehicle access, avian hide time, and exclusive opportunities in the scavenger hide — all under ideal seasonal conditions. We’ll be visiting at the optimal time of year, when weather patterns bring soft light, mild temperatures, and increased wildlife activity. This time of the year, the rains have finished, and this also provides additional opportunities at the watering holes.

If you’re looking to elevate your portfolio, challenge your creativity, and experience Africa in a way few others ever do, Zimanga 2027 is the opportunity. With limited spaces available and the 2025 edition having sold out well in advance, I highly encourage interested photographers to reach out early. Please contact us to secure your place. Full details are available on our website at www.jholko.com/workshops This trip is not just a workshop — it is an immersion into the best Africa has to offer, with a focus on excellence, comfort, and the creation of truly world-class wildlife imagery. See you in 2027.

Namibia Dune Sea Landscape Masterclass Workshop Delayed until 2027

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A quick update that our planned May 2026 Namibia workshop has been postponed until 2027 due to a combination of our preferred accomodation availability and recent flooding in Namibia that has seen another of the chosen camps flooded and closed.

The workshop will now run from May 19th until May 30th, 2027, and include an optional extension to the ghost town of Kolmonskop, which will run from May 30th – June 2nd. This masterclass workshop has been designed to take in the best of Namibia and maximise the time on the field. Namibia is a vast country, taking many days to navigate by 4-wheel drive. During this workshop, we will fly by private charter planes between each location, vastly increasing our time in the field and minimising our transfer and transit times.

On the South Western Coast of Africa, where the icy Atlantic Ocean meets the world’s oldest desert, lies a place known for its incredible landscapes and abundant wildlife. The unique combination of desert, grassland and cold ocean currents form a one-of-a-kind terrain found only here. For this reason, landscape photographers from all over the world journey to the Namibia Desert to try to capture its dramatic dunes and ethereal beauty. This landscape masterclass has been designed to provide the ultimate experience to capture the incredible opportunities offered in this fantastic country. Perhaps best of all, we will be flying between our different locations, saving many days of driving in the hot desert.

The goal of this masterclass workshop is to photograph the breathtaking desert landscapes of Namibia. This workshop has been designed to provide unparalleled landscape opportunities with a balance between flexibility and luxurious accommodations. This exciting new workshop has been custom-tailored to take in the very best of Namibia. It includes iconic areas like the Dune landscapes of Sossusvlei and several other breathtaking locations offering unparalleled opportunities. We also have an optional extension for photography at the incredible abandoned ghost town of Kolomonskop. There will even be a cultural aspect as we visit the Himba.

This exclusive workshop is for a strictly limited number of just 8 participants plus a leader and guide and is dedicated to the photography of desert landscapes of Namibia. If you are excited by the idea of travelling to the oldest desert in the world with a small group of dedicated photographers, now is the time to secure your place. Please contact me for further details. Places are very limited and once they are spoken for that’s it (some places already spoken for).

Namibia Dune Sea Landscape Masterclass Workshop 2026

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Today, I am excited to announce and officially open the bookings for an all-new Namibia Dune Sea Landscape Masterclass workshop. The workshop will run from May 19th until May 30th, 2026, and include an optional extension to the ghost town of Kolmonskop, which will run from May 30th – June 2nd. This masterclass workshop has been designed to take in the best of Namibia and maximise the time on the field. Namibia is a vast country, taking many days to navigate by 4-wheel drive. During this workshop, we will fly by private charter planes between each location, vastly increasing our time in the field and minimising our transfer and transit times.

On the South Western Coast of Africa, where the icy Atlantic Ocean meets the world’s oldest desert, lies a place known for its incredible landscapes and abundant wildlife. The unique combination of desert, grassland and cold ocean currents form a one-of-a-kind terrain found only here. For this reason, landscape photographers from all over the world journey to the Namibia Desert to try to capture its dramatic dunes and ethereal beauty. This landscape masterclass has been designed to provide the ultimate experience to capture the incredible opportunities offered in this fantastic country. Perhaps best of all, we will be flying between our different locations, saving many days of driving in the hot desert.

The goal of this masterclass workshop is to photograph the breathtaking desert landscapes of Namibia. This workshop has been designed to provide unparalleled landscape opportunities with a balance between flexibility and luxurious accommodations. This exciting new workshop has been custom-tailored to take in the very best of Namibia. It includes iconic areas like the Dune landscapes of Sossusvlei and several other breathtaking locations offering unparalleled opportunities. We also have an optional extension for photography at the incredible abandoned ghost town of Kolomonskop. There will even be a cultural aspect as we visit the Himba.

This exclusive workshop is for a strictly limited number of just 8 participants plus a leader and guide and is dedicated to the photography of desert landscapes of Namibia. If you are excited by the idea of travelling to the oldest desert in the world with a small group of dedicated photographers, now is the time to secure your place. Please contact me for further details. Places are very limited and once they are spoken for that’s it (some places already spoken for).

Photograph of the Month July 2024 Cheetah Brothers at Play

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The photograph of the month for July 2024 comes from my recent Zululand South Africa masterclass workshop (Read the Trip Report) and is of two Cheetah brothers playing at sunset. This was an extremely fortunate situation whereby we came across the Cheetahs in an open area of the game reserve right at sunset. I had the luxury of choice of how to shoot this scene and could have chosen to side-light it or even to take it front-lit. However, it was immediately clear to me that the backlight would provide the most dramatic image. The key to this sort of image is to always expose the brightest part of the frame (the sun) and to let the shadows fall where they may. In this exposure, the shadows were quite dark, and I opened them just slightly in post-production to give just a hint of the Cheetah’s spots. Of course, the moment is dramatic, with both Cheetahs off the ground. A fast shutter speed ensured both cats were sharp, and I stopped the 400mm f2.8L lens down to f6.3 to ensure I had sufficient depth of field to keep both cats sharp. The low angle of view was achieved by lying down in the grass – one of the key benefits to this particular location.

I am offering this masterclass workshop again in May next year -May 7th to May 16th 2025. Whether it’s your first visit to Africa or you’re a seasoned safari-goer, the 2025 Zululand ground-level wildlife masterclass offers an incredible opportunity to photograph African wildlife at eye level. The exclusive camp takeover provides unmatched access and flexibility, enhancing the photographic experience for all participants. With only a few places remaining, please contact me soon to secure your spot. This workshop is an extraordinary adventure, offering unique and powerful photographic opportunities.

Zululand South Africa Wildlife Masterclass Worskhop Report 2024

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In June 2024, I led what has become an annual (and much looked forward to) ground-level wildlife masterclass workshop in Zululand, South Africa. While African safaris are commonplace, the opportunity to work at ground level with wildlife (including Cheetahs) is unique and incredibly special. This approach provides chances for emotive, dynamic and powerful photographs that are impossible from traditional safari vehicles. Seeing cheetahs from the ground, walking with them, and photographing them on the hunt offers an unparalleled experience, as does the opportunity to photograph from custom high-end hides designed from the ground up for photographers. Not only does this workshop offer these opportunities, but it also boasts some of the only low-angle safari vehicles in all of Africa. Add all this together, and you have photographic opportunities that are simply unmatched anywhere in Africa.

This year’s workshop took place in Zimanga; a private game reserve in Zululand, spanning over 70 square kilometres and home to numerous species, including those beyond the African Big Five. The reserve features several state-of-the-art hides, enabling photography at ground level and at night, when many species come to drink at water holes. These overnight hides offer dramatic and unique photographic opportunities. In addition, this year we also took the opportunity to photograph at night from custom low-angle safari vehicles with spot lights to capture dramatic images of lions on the hunt.

For the duration of this workshop we had the entire game reserve to ourselves, allowing us unparalleled access and flexibility in our activities. This setup enabled us to tailor each day to the participants’ needs, enhancing the quality and variety of their photographic portfolios. Full camp takeover such as this is the key to ensuring everyone maximises their opportunities during our stay. Of course, anyone can visit a game reserve on their own, but being part of a full camp takeover means you get a lot more time in the hides and a lot more preference selection on daily activities. What this translates to is a far better portfolio of photographs at the end of the trip.

The highlight for many this year was the chance to walk with and photograph wild cheetahs on the hunt. This ground-level perspective is a game-changer, offering dramatic and unique shots of predators from a low angle. This year, we had several unique encounters, including some very close and dramatic moments with two fabulous Cheetah brothers. We were also fortunate to have outstanding backlit opportunities at the end of the day. This type of light is my favourite to photograph wildlife, and some beautiful photographs resulted from this session.

The overnight hides we use are equipped with kitchens, flushing toilets, and sleeping beds. They provide comfort and readiness for action with infrared triggers to alert you when wildlife is approaching. These hides are unmatched anywhere else in Africa and provide opportunities for dramatic and unique photographs of wildlife at night.

During the workshop, we also photographed various African bird species, including the beautiful Malachite Kingfisher (a personal favourite), with lenses as short as 70-200mm. This year, I did not keep a complete bird list, but sightings included many incredible species of Eagles, Vultures, Owls, and more.

I am offering this masterclass workshop again in May next year -May 7th to May 16th 2025. Whether it’s your first visit to Africa or you’re a seasoned safari-goer, the 2025 Zululand ground-level wildlife masterclass offers an incredible opportunity to photograph African wildlife at eye level. The exclusive camp takeover provides unmatched access and flexibility, enhancing the photographic experience for all participants. With only a few places remaining, please contact me soon to secure your spot. This workshop is an extraordinary adventure, offering unique and powerful photographic opportunities.