There is a different kind of anticipation that comes with a photographic hide. No engines. No repositioning vehicles. No rush to keep up with the movement of wildlife across the landscape. No stress to the wildlife. Instead, there is stillness, silence, and the growing tension of waiting for something extraordinary to emerge on its own terms. As the light shifts and the hours pass, you begin to notice details often missed on a traditional safari: subtle behavior, changing moods, reflections, interactions, and the quiet rhythm of the wild unfolding before you. For many photographers who have traveled with me across Africa, the hide experience became one of the most powerful and creatively fulfilling parts of the journey.
ZIMANGA takes the hide experience to an entirely different level, with a collection of world-class photographic hides designed around light, perspective, and extraordinary eye-level encounters. From reflections at the water’s edge to birds in flight and wildlife approaching within meters, each hide offers a completely different photographic opportunity. But Zimanga is not only about the hides. You will also spend time on traditional game drives across this beautiful private reserve, where off-road access lets you follow predators and position yourself for the best light, creating the perfect balance between the patience and intimacy of hide photography and the excitement of being out in the wild.
MASHATU, in contrast, is a vast private wilderness of ancient riverbeds, open plains, rocky outcrops, and magnificent baobabs, renowned for its exceptional elephant and predator encounters. Its photographic hides offer extraordinary eye-level perspectives, while off-road game drives give you the freedom to follow the action and work with the best light and backgrounds. Twilight drives carry the experience beyond sunset, when the landscape changes character and we begin to use spotlights.
Itinerary
Air travel delays can happen, so we recommend arriving a day early if possible. This helps ensure you don’t miss any part of the experience and allows time to rest before the adventure begins. Our team would be happy to assist with any pre-tour extensions for a seamless trip.
Day 1: September 12, 2028
Upon arrival at the international airport in Durban, South Africa, you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to our boutique hotel.
Official check-in time is 1400hrs
****If you arrive early, please do not hesitate to contact us about pre-tour arrangements.
Day 2: September 13, 2028
After breakfast, we will transfer to Zimanga
Lunch
Afternoon activity – hide or game drive
Day 3- 7: September 14 – 18, 2028
Hide and/or game drive activities in the morning and afternoon.
Each guest will have two opportunities for a night hide.
Day 8: September 19, 2028
After breakfast, you will transfer to Limpopo Valley Airfield for your transfer to Mashatu
Lunch at the camp
Afternoon and evening game drive
Day 9 – 10: September 20 – 21, 2028
Morning hide session and afternoon/evening game drive
Day 11 – 12: September 22 – 23, 2028
Hide and/or game drive activities in the morning and afternoon.
Each guest will have one opportunity for a night hide.
Day 13: September 24, 2028
We will have one last game drive and breakfast, then transfer to the airstrip for our final charter to Kasane. We will arrive in time to catch the flight to Johannesburg, where most flights connect. Flights can be booked from 2:00 PM onward.
Important Details
The Price – EYE to EYE Zimanga and Mashatu
The price of this Legacy Safari is $21,895.00 based on shared accommodations.
A single supplement is $4,895.00 if available. Single accommodations are limited to 4. We will honor single accommodations as requested, in the order registrations are received.
Due to the limited number of spaces available, if a solo guest is willing to share and we can match them with another guest of the same gender, we will do so. If we cannot match a solo guest with another guest of the same gender, we will charge a single supplement.
A USD $7,000.00 Non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration to secure your spot. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover your investment. Many travel insurance companies will allow you to buy insurance to cover your deposit and increase the amount as you make payments.
Conditions
*** The cost of this safari is based on a minimum of 6 participants. Due to the charter flights, if there are fewer than 6 participants, a fee of $2,995.00 will apply.
Payment Terms
- USD 7,000.00 non-refundable deposit to confirm your place on this safari
- 2nd payment of USD 9,00.00 + a single supplement (if applicable) is due June 1, 2027
- The final payment/balance is due May 1, 2028
- We highly recommend trip and cancellation insurance to protect YOUR investment.
Price Includes:
- Two charter flights with extra weight allowance – 35kg/77lbs
- Transfers on the day of Arrival
- Private ground transport to Zimanga
- Accommodations on a shared basis
- All meals, starting with breakfast on September 13, up to breakfast on September 24
- Local beers, spirits, soft drinks, house wines and laundry included at lodges and camps
- Bottled water on all game drives
- 2 Private safari vehicles
- Exclusive hide sessions at Mashatu
- Exclusive hide sessions at Zimaga
- All National Park fees, Game Reserves entrance fees, and taxes
- Experienced safari agent to help you with pre- or post-safari extension.
What’s Not Included:
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Personal purchases (such as curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls, internet, laundry…)
- Gratuities for the guides, staff at accommodations, and airport transfers ($30 -$40 per day)
- Pre- and post-safari tours
- Meals and accommodations before or after the safari
- International flights to and from the African continent
