3 of 6 places available
An ex expedition
ZIMANGA 2027 – SOUTH AFRICA
Exclusive photography trip for 6 photographers with Fernando Sánchez de Castro
From September 12 to 20, 2027
After our experience in Zimanga in 2027, we returned to South Africa with an even more comprehensive program: 6 nights in the reserve, only 6 photographers, private safaris and two full nights in the spectacular Umgodi and Tamboti night hides.
Zimanga is not a conventional safari. It is a private reserve conceived from its inception with nature photographers in mind, combining safaris with an extraordinary network of hides designed to achieve perspectives, reflections, and situations that are difficult to obtain in any other way. Zimanga
1. THE DESTINATION: ZIMANGA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Zimanga Private Game Reserve It occupies approximately 70 km² of savanna, forests and hills crossed by the Mkuze River.
Lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, different species of antelopes and a huge diversity of birds are part of the fauna that we can find during our stay. Zimanga
September also coincides with one of the driest periods of the year. The reserve itself notes that activity at its night hides is usually more consistent during the dry months, roughly between May and October. Zimanga
2. PHOTOGRAPHIC HIDES
One of Zimanga's great differences is its network of hides built specifically for wildlife photography.
During our stay we will combine different photo sessions, including Lagoon Hide, the reflection hides Mkhombe and Bhejane, and other facilities included in the booking plan.
The hides allow you to photograph practically at water level, achieve very clean backgrounds and work with reflections, backlighting and extremely low perspectives. Zimanga
UMGODI + TAMBOTI: TWO NIGHTS IN THE NIGHT HIDES
This will be one of the most special experiences of the trip.
Our program of 6 nights It allows us to perform the two night hides in Zimanga:
Umgodi Overnight Hide
Tamboti Overnight Hide
We will perform a night session in each one, entering in the afternoon and remaining in the hide throughout the night until the following morning. Zimanga
Both are designed for photographing large mammals from practically water level. Umgodi has a drinking area located a few meters from the photographers and uses specific lighting after sunset. Tamboti is a newer, larger facility also designed specifically for long night sessions. Zimanga
Elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and other animals may approach at night. As always in wildlife photography, sightings can never be guaranteed.
3. PRIVATE PHOTO SAFARIS
The hides will be combined with open vehicle safaris through the reserve, looking for both large African mammals and interesting situations from a photographic point of view.
When we stayed in Doornhoek Homestead, Our group has a dedicated vehicle and guide. This allows us to enjoy safaris without the usual traffic congestion found in other African destinations and to work with much greater peace of mind. Zimanga
The official six-night program combines the two night hides with day hides and different safaris, so throughout our stay we will be alternating photographic experiences. Zimanga
4. A GROUP OF ONLY 6 PHOTOGRAPHERS
This trip is limited to 6 participants.
A small group means more space for our equipment, greater comfort during travel and, above all, a much more focused photography experience.
Fernando Sánchez de Castro, from Hides del Tiétar, will accompany the group throughout the trip, in addition to the professional guide from Zimanga in charge of activities within the reserve.
5. DOORNHOEK HOMESTEAD: OUR HOME IN ZIMANGA
During the six nights we will have Doornhoek Homestead for our group.
We will not be spread across different accommodations: we will share a private house within the reserve, with double rooms with bathroom, common areas and spaces to rest, download the photographs and discuss the sessions after each day.
In addition, the booking provides our own guide and vehicle during your stay.
6. PROGRAM – SEPTEMBER 12-20, 2027
September 12
Departure from Spain to South Africa.
September 13
Arrival in South Africa and transfer to Zimanga Private Game Reserve. Check-in at Doornhoek Homestead.
September 13–19
6 nights in Zimanga, combining photo safaris, daytime hides and the two major night sessions:
1 night – Umgodi Overnight Hide
1 night – Tamboti Overnight Hide
The rest of the program will be divided between safaris and different hides according to the planning done by Zimanga.
September 19
Departure from Zimanga and beginning of the return journey.
September 20
Expected arrival in Spain.
Departure and arrival times in Spain may vary depending on the final flight combination.
7. PRICE
€4,900 per person
Only 6 seats.
The price includes
6 nights at Zimanga Private Game Reserve, Accommodation at Doornhoek Homestead, full board, water, coffee and tea, soft drinks, local beers and beverages and house wine; safaris and photographic activities included in the program; day hides; one night at Umgodi Overnight Hide and one night at Tamboti Overnight Hide; Conservation fees and taxes; transfers included in the trip organization between airport and reservation; and accompaniment during the trip.
Does not include
International flights, travel insurance, specialty or imported drinks, tips, personal expenses and any service not expressly indicated as included.
Flights will be arranged separately. We will try to coordinate the group to travel together and find the best possible combination, although each participant can arrange their flight independently.
8. RESERVATIONS
Zimanga has a very high demand and available dates do not remain blocked indefinitely.
For this reason, places for this trip will be closed as soon as we complete the group and can definitively confirm our reservation with Zimanga.
If you're interested, Contact us as soon as possible.
