It has been a productive year for me, travelling around Southern Africa. I spent most of my time in the Kalahari and Botswana this year, which I can say are hard to beat for photographic opportunities. So I thought to close off the year, I’m going to go through some of my favourite images from the year and where they were taken. So without further ado, here are my favourites for 2024.
The kgalagadi
I spent almost 30 days in the Kgalagadi this year on 3 separate trips with guests. The thing that always attracts me to the Kgalagadi is the light! There are few places that give you almost a full hour of proper golden light. The Kgalagadi also seems to always deliver something interesting happening. Whether it’s a bird explosion or some or other insect emergence , somethings always happening in this desperate landscape.
This year there was a lot of Lion cubs in both the Auob and Nossob rivers, as well as a massive emergence of Armoured Crickets, followed by the Burrowing Ground Beetles that scavenged their carcasses. It was a little drier this year than the last few years, but the sightings we had were really good and quite unique. The bird photography was on the next level this year, and presented us with many great opportunities.
So the Kgalagadi was really productive this year. These images give you an idea of what to expect in the Kgalagadi, but the reality is that you never know what to expect in the Kgalagadi. If you’re interested in doing a Kgalagadi Photo safari with me in 2025 or 2026, I’ll be doing some very well priced trips to this incredible destination
The Tuli Block
This is a premier Photo destination, at a fraction of the normal costs. The value for money at Tuli Wilderness is probably the best in the business at the moment.
This year I did 2 safaris here, and the wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities are incredible. Plenty of Elephant, amazing Leopard and Lion viewing and a very good chance of some real rarities. The strength of this amazing reserve is the variety in habitats and landscapes from the rocky outcrops to the massive Limpopo river bed. The biodiversity because of this is incredible, and presents some really great opportunities for any wildlife photographer. Needless to say, we came away with some awesome Wildlife images. You might even be lucky enough to see the Pets Fishing Owl on the Limpopo river.
Mashatu
Right next to Tuli Wilderness, this is the premier Wildlife photography destination in eastern Botswana. And is without a doubt my favourite place to photograph Leopard anywhere in Africa. Coupled with the incredible hides, Mashatu is most definitely a must do for any wildlife photographer.
I had several trips to Mashatu this year, which provided my guests and I with a multitude of phenomenal sighting. Leopards, lions and even cheetah set against the harsh landscape.
Mashatu is undoubtably one of my favourite destinations, and always deliver on the goods. C4 Photo safaris also recently opened their second hide, which I’m 100% sure will produce some of the most iconic images in Africa. Already, the Lala Limpop hide is producing images not seen anywhere else in Southern Africa.
Chobe River
Although only spending a few days on the Chobe river this year, we were presented with a multitude of incredible African scenes and photo opportunities. This is by far one of the best places for bird photography, as well as elephant.
This year we were even surprised by a Pel’s Fishing Owl on the river. The Owl didn’t just give us a glance but almost 45 minutes of prime photography. Not only was this only the second time I’ve ever seen this elusive Owl but the first time I was able to get any image of it. To say I’m happy with this is an understatement, but I’m even happier that my guests got to experience this with me.
Private reserve in the Kalahari
This is the second safari I’ve done to this extremely remote corner of the Kalahari in South Africa, and all I can say is I’m yet to be disappointed by this gem. My safari here for 2025 is already sold out!
There’s something about having 95,000 hectares to yourself that just sweetens the deal for a photo safari. This year we had great Rhino, Elephant, African Wild dog and Cheetah sightings. The filler sightings were just as good, Springbok, Oryx and eland crossing massive Calcrete pans, adding to an already dramatic landscape.
Greater Kruger National Park
I had the opportunity to head to my old stomping grounds in the Greater Kruger national park in South Africa this year. I joined American photographer, Joe Merino, in the Timbavati private Nature Reserve for 4 nights. I’ve always had a sentimental connection to this part of the world, and I loved getting back there. Our biggest target here was African Wild dogs, and we had one unforgettable afternoon with a large pack.
I’ll be heading back to the Timbavati again in June 2025, so I’m really looking forward to spending a bit more time, revisiting the area that stoked my passion for photography.
2025 is also going to be a really big year, I’ll be in Mashatu, Zambia, the Okavango Delta and I’ll be returning to Uganda again. So I am really very excited for the year ahead.
I wish you all the best for the year to come and happy and exciting travels.
