Zimanga Private Game Reserve, in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, is the first reserve in Africa designed for avid safari enthusiasts while satisfying the needs of modern wildlife photographers of any level, both who prefer a deeper appreciation of the bush and crave an unhurried exclusive experience.

Spread over nearly 70 square kilometres of pristine Zululand bushveld, fever tree forests and rolling hills, Zimanga is bisected by the Mkuze River and home to various animals and birds. Species including lion, elephant, leopard and cheetah roam freely across the region and can with luck be tracked down for unparalleled game viewing and photographic opportunities.

The lodgings available overlook the reserve’s central valley and is the ideal site to enjoy the splendour of the African bushveld and the wildlife it has to offer. Sixteen sophisticated and warmly designed rooms and magnificent communal areas provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy the genuine hospitality of this sometimes ignored corner of South Africa.

Several state-of-the-art photographic hides and fantastic vehicle safaris provide guests with a once-in-a-lifetime up close and personal experience with a variety of bird and mammal species ranging from common residents, the Big Five, to smaller, more rare species that call Zimanga home.

The lodge and Zimanga Private Game Reserve were designed with superb wildlife viewing and photography in mind. Around the area, there are various hides with reflecting ponds, providing for water-level photographs of the many species that visit them.

With no more than two clients per row and no time limit on sightings, guests will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with a range of bird and mammal species ranging from common residents, the Big Five, to smaller, more rare species that call Zimanga home.

Because the reserve is located on private land, it allows for night activities such as night game drives to look for nocturnal creatures going about their business, as well as a purpose-built, state-of-the-art night photography hide that is exceptionally comfortable in its own right and has provided many photographers with outstanding images of their own.