Rhulani: A Photo and Film Company

Rhulani Photo and Film – The Journey.

Background

As with most achievements in life, Rhulani Photo and Film began as a dream. From the age of twelve, Armand Grobler had a deep fascination with the natural world – often catching lizards and snakes and making mini documentaries as he imitated his Australian hero, Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter.

Having grown up on the shores of Sydney, Australia, Armand’s passion for nature eventually led him across Indian Ocean to the endless plains of the African savannah, chasing his dream of becoming a professional wildlife photographer.

It was the countless BBC, Nat Geo Wild, and Animal Planet documentaries that fuelled his love for Africa. At just nine years old, Armand had left his country of birth, South Africa, to begin a new life in Australia. Eleven years later, he returned to South Africa with a single dream – one that would take him and his guests into some of the African continents most beautiful, captivating, and magical places.

In 2017, Rhulani Safaris was born. What began as a humble operation in South Africa’s Manyeleti Game Reserve has grown into a thriving company offering specialized photographic safaris across South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia. Rhulani has become known for delivering exceptional wildlife experiences, combining exquisite photographic opportunities with hands-on learning and field expertise.

Yet photo safaris were only part of a greater vision – one that would soon expand into publishing, photography, and film production.

Photo and Film Productions

In 2014, a beautifully illustrated coffee table book on South Africa’s Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park caught Armand’s attention – standing out among the rest in a local bookstore. That simple purchase sparked a lifelong passion: the dream of becoming a professional wildlife photographer, storyteller, and published author.

Ironically, during his school years, Armand had failed both Photography and English – eventually giving up on the first, and unfortunately unable to escape the second. Yet, these early setbacks laid the foundation for a remarkable comeback driven by pure passion and perseverance.

Later that same year, Armand reached out to the publishing house (HPH Publishing) hoping to publish one of his own. His request was rejected and the dream was shelved… for now.

Fast forward to 2019: on his birthday, Armand met Hannes Lochner, the very author of that Kgalagadi book that had once inspired him. After receiving a copy of Hannes’ latest work on the Okavango Delta, Armand reignited the dream he’d let go of years before. Within months, he was back in action – organizing gear, permits, and investors.

Two years later, he published his first book, “Photo Safari – Kruger.” The book quickly became one of South Africa’s top sellers of 2022, even earning a place in South Africa’s prestigious, Upscale Living Magazine’s “Summer’s Top Books” list alongside Wilbur Smith’s Storm Tide. The book sold out the following year, by which time Armand had already begun work on his second publication – one that would take him into his favourite place on Earth: the Okavango Delta.

By 2025, Armand had published two high-quality coffee table books, each accompanied by a cinematic trailer film to promote the publication. His second book, “Eden: Soul of Africa,” launches on 12 December 2025 and promises to be another bestseller – rich with evocative photography and a deeply inspiring narrative. But once again, the story doesn’t end there.

photo safari book

Rhulani Photo and Film

In November 2025, Armand returns to the Okavango Delta to begin his third major publication (DC III). This time, however, there’s a new dimension — film.

Partnering with close friend and fellow photographer Helgardt Pretorius, and with support of Canon South Africa, the duo embarks on creating something truly groundbreaking – a combined photo and film project set to release in 2029.

This project marks the beginning of a new creative chapter: inviting audiences behind the lens to experience Armand’s world of full-time wildlife photography. Through film, viewers will witness the daily challenges, triumphs, and emotions that come with capturing that perfect wildlife moment.

Transitioning from still photography to professional wildlife filmmaking is no small task, but with his dedicated team, Armand embraces the challenge. Together, they continue to learn, grow, and push creative boundaries.

And it is through this evolution that Rhulani Photo and Film is born.

Rhulani will always remain a photographic safari company at its core, continuing to deliver the exceptional guest experiences that have defined its reputation. The major shift lies in expanding focus toward large-scale photographic and film productions – projects designed to enhance audience engagement, share knowledge, and inspire future generations of photographers and conservationists.

While some upcoming guest-related projects remain under wraps for now, exciting new experiences are already in the pipeline – all crafted to bring guests closer to the wild, through both lens and story.

In a rapidly evolving industry, Rhulani Photo and Film seeks to stand apart. In a world filled with quality safari companies, it is creativity, storytelling, and authentic connection that will define the next chapter.

Past and Current Projects

Armand and Rhulani Photo and Film have been involved in several notable projects across the globe, including:

Thank you for taking this time to read about our latest chapter. We look forward to sharing our future projects with you, and to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors with our future guests.

Should you like to collaborate with Rhulani Photo and Film, please get in touch via the email address provided: bookings@rhulanisafaris.com

Yours Sincerely,

Rhulani Photo and Film Team