Jeremy Bears

Zimanga Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, August 14-20 2022

The inspiration for visiting the KwaZulu-Natal was the discovery of a game reserve focused on the needs of photographers. Zimanga is not inexpensive, but it sounded like a dream location. As it turned out, had a thoroughly miserable time, despite capturing many images in my week there. The management attributes these difficulties to me, and strongly contest my account of the stay on Tripadvisor. The one thing we do agree on is that Zimanga isn't for me. Sadly, despite my joy during my stays at two other lodges, the mere thought of this distressing week still sends me into panic, and it's killed any desire I had to return to Africa in the near future. Certainly, it is a long way from the wilderness experiences I have loved so much in other locations. I believe that we should observe the beauty of nature without manipulating or exploiting it for our pleasure. The photo above is of a cheetah; observing these animals was a positive aspect of my stay, and if you're able to overlook the way the reserve is run, you may find it a more positive inspiration.

White Rhino

Black-backed Jackal

Elephant

Zebra Waxbills

Ring-necked Dove

Cape Starling

Golden-breasted Bunting

White-backed Vultures

Leopard

Rhino Ridge Lodge, Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, August 10-14 2022

Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park is the oldest nature reserve in Africa and was far larger than the other two other places I stayed, allowing for viewing to take place within an entirely natural ecosystem. The landscape here is absolutely stunning, and I chose to stay at Rhino Ridge Lodge, which as the name would suggest is located on a hilltop with amazing views. The food and service here was in a different class to the rest of my visit to South Africa, and if you're concerned about luxury, it's a truly exceptional place to stay. The game drives were relaxed, with a focus on respect for nature and conservation. The rules of the park means that off road driving isn't allowed, but there were still some great sightings, and I appreciated that the lodge employs and supports the local community. This is of particular importance given that I found the poverty and extreme inequality in South Africa extremely distressing, particularly travelling from Johannesburg airport to the Zulu land.

Elephant

White Rhino

Kudu

Buffalo

Giraffe

Lion

Vervet Monkey

Rhino River Lodge, Manyoni Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, August 7-10 2022

In August 2022, I travelled to the KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, driving east from Johannesburg to the Zululand. I realise this is a departure from the usual theme of this blog, but my love of wildlife extends more broadly than bears, and wanted to share some of my images. For the first three nights, I stayed at Rhino River Lodge in the Manyoni Private Game Reserve. This was the least expensive of the three reserves I stayed at, but also the most enjoyable. The amazing wildlife viewing opportunities were accompanied with the most friendly atmosphere of the trip, and the game drives were longer than elsewhere. I regret that I didn't stay longer here. The lion encounters I had here were easily the most immersive of the entire two week trip. I had been a little apprehensive that this is not advertised as a specialist photography safari, but in fact my needs were accommodated extremely well.

Lion