Umgede Underground Hide Photo Safari

Welcome to Rhulani Safaris, Umgede Underground Hide Photo Safari. Immerse yourself in an unparalleled wildlife photography experience with Rhulani Safaris at Umgede Underground Hide Photo Safari, set in the serene Antares Bushcamp, located in the heart of the Grietjie Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger Park. Our Umgede Hide Photo Safari is an exciting package offered to photographers of all experience levels.

Why Choose our Umgede Hide Photo Safari?

• Unique Photography Hide: Positioned against a waterhole, our underground Umgede Hide offers unmatched access to Africa’s iconic wildlife, from elephants to elusive leopards.
• Big Five Territory: Situated in an unfenced reserve connected to the Kruger National Park, providing possible thrilling encounters with diverse species.
• Exclusive Access to Camp and Hide: Guests have exclusive access to Antares Bushcamp and Umgede Photographic Hide for the duration of our stay. With a maximum of 3 photographers, there is ample space for all in the hide. Camera support systems in the form of bean bags and gimbal heads are also provided.
• Photographic Excellence: Enjoy 24-hour access to the hide, designed for close-up shots, with expert photographic guidance throughout your stay.

What Awaits You at Antares Bushcamp

Exclusive Location

Antares Bushcamp offers the perfect blend of tranquillity and adventure. Just 1.5 hours from Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport, the camp boasts stunning vistas of granite outcrops, acacia-studded landscapes, and open grasslands.

Unique Wildlife Viewing

• Waterhole Magnet: The hide attracts a variety of species, from majestic elephants to colourful birds and nocturnal predators.
• Expert Design for Photography: Capture breathtaking moments with lenses ranging from wide-angle (16-35mm) to telephoto (500mm).

• Game Drives in Greater Kruger: Although not the major focus, there is an opportunity to do game drives for any guests wanting to stretch legs a bit and enjoy the scenery of the Balule Game Reserve. Should we get word of an exciting sighting happening close by, guests are able to hop on the vehicle and enjoy a game drive photographic experience.

Comfortable Accommodation

• Rooms: 4 en-suite, air-conditioned rooms for restful evenings.
• Facilities: A main lodge with a kitchen, dining area, pool, BBQ area, and TV for workshops.

Your Umgede Hide Experience

Around-the-Clock Photography

• Day & Night Access: Enjoy 24-hour access to the hide, equipped with WiFi, a minibar, and a coffee station for those late-night wildlife vigils.
• Optimal Lighting: Take advantage of side and front lighting during the day, with spotlights illuminating the waterhole at night.
• Soundscapes: An open hide without glass barriers ensures an immersive sensory experience.

Photographic Workshops

• Daily sessions focus on refining your wildlife photography skills, led by a dedicated Rhulani Photo and Film photographic specialist.

Relaxed Atmosphere

• Flexible schedules allow you to maximise time in the hide, with opportunities for afternoon siestas and casual breaks.

Additional Information

Fully-Catered Setup:

With an on-site chef to prepare meals (breakfast, lunch and 3 course dinner) so that all we have to focus on is the photography. A coffee station is also prepared throughout the night for extra caffeine to get you through the long vigils.

What to Expect

While nature offers no guarantees, the dry season increases the likelihood of exciting sightings. Common visitors include elephants, impalas, kudu, and a variety of birds, with occasional appearances by predators like lions or leopards. This is the perfect opportunity to trial creative skills using macro lenses, long exposures and flash photography to capture animals under the stars!