South Africa 2025 Highlights

As the sun sets for the year on another remarkable season of photographic safaris in South Africa, we can’t help but look back with huge smiles and full hearts. Over the past months, we’ve had the privilege of hosting multiple trips in two of our favourite destinations - Sabi Sands and Madikwe Game Reserve – each one unique, each one filled with awe-inspiring moments, and all made extra special by the wonderful guests who joined us.

From day one, the energy among our groups was contagious. Fun, laughter, and a shared passion for wildlife photography created a bond that turned strangers into friends. Together, we tracked and photographed some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife, enjoying sightings that will be etched in our memories forever.

Highlights? Too many to count – but a few that stand tall include watching leopards in their element, the raw power of lions on the move, the rare thrill of spotting a brown hyena, and perhaps the season’s crown jewel: the magical, once-in-a-lifetime sighting of a pangolin. For all who got to bear witness, this was a dream come true (and you can read more about that particular sighting here).

Throw in hundreds, if not thousands, of elephants of different sizes and personalities, rhinos both white and black, herds of buffalos and cute-fluffy hyena babies sniffing our vehicle tires... we were truly spoilt. We got to spend a luxurious amount of time with lion cubs, playing and eating, whilst also experiencing the thrill of the chase whilst trying to track the elusive wild dogs (or dawgs, as some enjoyed emphasising). Taking a moment for a spot of astronomy as darkness swept over the bush, eating great food round a fire and falling asleep to the excitement of what the next day will bring - life on safari is rich as it is diverse and we had our fill of nature's wonderment at every given moment (including the odd vehicle breakdown - part of the fun!).

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible hospitality and expertise of our lodge partners. Umkumbe Bush Lodge in Sabi Sands welcomed us with warmth, comfort, and excitement, ensuring that every moment in the bush was extraordinary. Extra thanks to our charismatic guide, Charne, who shone bright with enthusiasm, excellent knowledge and guiding skills that delivered so many great experiences that it's hard to imagine any future safari in the Sabi Sands coming close.

In Madikwe, The Last Word Madikwe provided us with the perfect base – a blend of luxury, tranquility, expert hospitality and access to one of the most diverse reserves in South Africa. To our guides, Damian and Sam, thank you for adding that special touch to every drive you took us on - your calm and confident demeanour coupled with your guiding precision and wealth of knowledge is unparalleled and we couldn't begin to imagine returning without knowing you were behind the wheel - you're both a credit to the industry and a joyful presence to be around. To the teams at both lodges: a deep thank you for making our safaris not only seamless but truly exceptional.

To celebrate and relive some of these magical experiences, we’ve put together a short video showcasing the highlights of the season. We invite you to sit back, enjoy, and let the sights and of wild Africa transport you there.

And if you find yourself dreaming of joining us on a future safari, remember – it’s never too early to start planning. We’d love to help make your wildlife photography dreams a reality.

Here’s to the memories we’ve made, and to the adventures still to come!