Safari Hides
Observing whilst being unobserved
- 11th July 2023
Hides are a fantastic addition to a safari experience. Whether they are in camp or in the bush, hides enable you to sit quietly, in exhilarating proximity to the wildlife, completely undetected. Strategically placed to gain the best sightings with no distractions or vehicle noises, observing wildlife in its natural state, as well as taking some sensational close-up photos!
With so much to see and do it is easy to miss the simple, yet privileged, pleasure of observing and listening. It is at these times when you start to identify individual characteristics of certain animals, their family make up and playful demeanours!
Hides come in all shapes and sizes to suit the landscape and subject you are focussing on. They can be the highlight for photographers after that “golden shot”, whether a pro or beginner. Or, for people like us here at Exceptional Travel, where we love hour after hour of watching nature do her thing, binoculars in hand.
These are just a handful of some of the hides we, and our guests, continue to enjoy:
ZAMBIA
Carmine bee-eater hide at Tafika, South Luangwa National Park
USP: Carmine bee-eater safari hide
Every September, as the heat is almost at it’s peak and the river at it’s lowest, the seasonal migration of Carmine bee-eaters arrive into the South Luangwa National Park to nest in the deep, soft, sandy Luangwa riverbank. This expertly camouflaged hide is built each year, made from locally gathered grasses and built into the bank overlooking the nesting birds. Basic but comfortable, the hide provides the most fantastic visuals of the colourful breeding colony.
NAMIBIA
Modern comfort at Anderssons Hide
USP: Subterranean photographic safari hide
Connected by an underground walkway to camp, guests can come and go as they please, in complete safety and comfort. Overlooking a productive waterhole with visitors of all sizes, guests can take photos to the camps photo suite to review and edit their images whilst speaking to in house researchers on the resident wildlife.
ZIMBABWE
Lion approaching the “termite mound” at The Hide
USP: Safari Hide Style
We love it! Blending into the neighbouring termite mounds, the hide at The Hide is a wonderful adventure in itself. Accessible along a 10m underground tunnel from the open deck, the area is teeming with wildlife providing an intense, yet completely safe, wildlife viewing experience. The camp itself was even built with an “A frame” viewing platform above the lounge, providing a birds eye view over the waterhole and beyond.
BOTSWANA
Mashatu elephants
USP: Underground safari hide with resident photographer
This elephant-proof, ground-level hide enables guests to view wildlife in the normal manner, but has been expertly positioned with specific consideration of the angle of the sun, the background and angle the viewer occupies in relation to the animals and birds to provide the best photographic opportunities. A professional wildlife photographer is also available to accompany guests and help them capture “that shot”. The hide at Mashatu is well known, and loved, for exceptional elephant encounters in particular.
KENYA
Lunch at the log-pile hide, Ol Donyo.
USP: Lunch with Big Tuskers
Less for the serious photographer and for those who love a long lunch immersed in the wild! What’s not to love?
If you are interested to go on a safari that incorporates a hide or two, please contact us us via email: info@exceptional-travel.com | call: +44 (0) 1608 638 777.
Fewer camps / lodges have a hide than you may imagine!