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.