Amazing moments from our favorite safari photo hides
I’ll never forget, sitting hours watching birds and antelope visit a waterhole, and then seeing three lions come lurking out of the bush for a drink.
If you're passionate about getting a new perspective on Africa's magnificent wildlife, there’s no better way than visiting a camp with a productive photographic hide.
They come in many shapes and styles, but they all deliver a uniquely magical experience: being immersed in nature and sharing space with impressive wildlife.
Photographic hides aren’t just for avid photographers and wildlife documentaries. A few select safari camps feature photo hides in a wide variety of settings.
From logpiles to treehouses, these safari camps go beyond the traditional game drive experience by providing strategically placed hides that allow you to get up close and personal with animals in their natural habitat.
You don’t need a fancy camera and big lens to have great opportunities to capture stunning images of Africa's diverse wildlife.
Here are just a few amazing moments from our favorite safari camps that feature a photo hide. It’s an extraordinary blend of comfort, utility, luck and a little luxury for an extraordinary wildlife experience.
Top 8 Photographic Hides on Safari
What is a photographic hide?
A photographic hide, also known as a photo blind, is a concealed shelter designed for photographers to observe and capture images of wildlife without being detected by the animals.
Kaingo - South Luangwa - Zambia
Here are some key features and functions of a photographic hide:
Concealment: The primary purpose is to hide the presence of the photographer. Hides are often camouflaged to blend in with the natural environment, making them less noticeable to animals.
Observation Openings: They have strategically placed openings or windows through which photographers can point their cameras. These openings can often be adjusted or closed to prevent animals from seeing movement inside.
Comfort: Photographic hides are designed to provide a certain level of comfort, allowing photographers to stay hidden for extended periods. They may include seating, space for equipment, and protection from the elements.
Accessibility: Some hides are permanent structures built in key wildlife areas, while others are portable and can be set up temporarily in different locations.
Quiet Environment: The design and materials used in hides help to minimize noise, ensuring that photographers can move and operate their equipment quietly without alarming the animals.
Photographic hides are widely used in wildlife photography, birdwatching, and ecological research, as they allow for close and unobtrusive observation of animals in their natural habitats.
What do photographic hides add to the safari experience?
Close Encounters: Hides allow photographers to get closer to wildlife without disturbing the animals. This proximity results in more detailed and intimate shots.
Natural Behavior: Animals are more likely to behave naturally when they are unaware of human presence. Hides help in capturing authentic and spontaneous moments in wildlife.
Safety: They provide a safe environment for photographers, keeping them protected from potentially dangerous wildlife encounters.
Steady Platform: Hides offer a stable base for photography equipment, helping to reduce camera shake and improve the quality of images.
Weather Protection: They offer some shelter from the elements, allowing photographers to continue shooting in adverse weather conditions.
Better Angles: Many hides are strategically placed near waterholes, feeding areas, or animal trails, offering optimal vantage points for capturing stunning shots.
Learning Opportunities: Being in a hide for extended periods allows photographers to observe and learn about animal behavior and interactions, enhancing their overall wildlife photography skills.
