SOME HIGHLIGHTS

At the crossroads of Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe, a highly varied landscape unfolds, shaped by rivers, sandbanks, mopane and mashatu woodlands, open savannas and dramatic rocky outcrops. Together, these environments form the Northern Tuli Game Reserve – a private conservation area covering more than 71,000 hectares and divided into 36 properties. The diversity of habitats makes the area exceptionally rich in wildlife, ranging from chameleons and birds to Africa’s iconic large mammals.

The Tuli region hosts one of the largest elephant populations in southern Africa. More than 1,000 elephants roam the area, and encounters with these elegant giants are one of the absolute highlights of the journey. Sightings often take place at very close range, offering outstanding opportunities for varied and intimate elephant photography.

Leopard is one of Tuli’s greatest attractions. The rugged terrain, riverine ravines and wooded areas create ideal conditions for these elusive cats. They are frequently found relaxed and resting comfortably in the large mashatu trees (nyala berry trees). It is no exaggeration to say that Northern Tuli Game Reserve is one of the very best places in Africa to see and photograph leopards. Several lion prides inhabit the area, and with a bit of luck we may encounter cubs. Cheetahs are more uncommon here, but they do occur in the region and may appear if fortune is on our side.

Naturally, the reserve is also home to a wide range of grazing animals, and during the green season many species have young. Newborn impala are particularly common, but wildebeest, eland and zebra calves and foals are also frequently seen.

In addition to the classic safari species, the area offers opportunities to photograph some more unusual animals. Brown hyena occurs here and can be encountered both in the early morning and evening near their dens. As the brown hyena is far rarer than the spotted hyena, sightings are often a highly appreciated highlight for wildlife photographers.

Birdlife is rich and diverse, providing many exciting photographic subjects. Birds of prey are especially prominent, with chances to photograph species such as Verreaux’s Eagle, often seen soaring above the rocky formations. Barn Owl is present in the area and can sometimes be photographed around our camp. With some luck, both Spotted Eagle-Owl and Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl may be encountered during evening and night drives. Southern Carmine Bee-eater and White-fronted Bee-eater both breed in the area, and in December their fledglings are out of the nest but still being fed by adults. This creates excellent photographic opportunities, as the young birds often perch openly while waiting for food deliveries.

THE GREEN SEASON
In December, the dry season in southern Africa comes to an end and the rains begin to fall, transforming the landscape rapidly from dry, dusty yellows into fresh shades of green as water returns to the rivers. Mopane and mashatu trees regain their leaves, and grasses recover quickly. Depending on the timing and amount of rainfall, open grasslands may be covered in yellow flowers – something that can occur anytime between November and March and is nearly impossible to predict.

While the green season can make animals slightly harder to spot in dense vegetation and tall grass, this is rarely a major issue in Tuli. Photographically, however, the lush environment adds depth, color and atmosphere to images. The green season also brings longer days, with earlier sunrises and later sunsets. Dramatic cloud formations often build up in the sky, adding further visual interest, and the air is clearer due to reduced dust levels.

Photography is conducted from open safari vehicles, with ample time given to each situation. The pace is calm and adapted to light and animal behavior, allowing photographers to work thoughtfully with composition, backgrounds and variation. The focus is on quality rather than quantity – on creating well-considered images rather than quick sightings.

THE CAMP
We stay at Serolo Camp, which offers a personal and nature-immersed experience where the wilderness is always close. Wildlife moves freely through the area, and evenings are often spent around the campfire with the sounds of the savanna as a backdrop. There is plenty of space for image reviews, discussions about the day’s experiences and preparation for the next day’s photography.

We have booked the entire camp exclusively for our group. As the reserve is private and only one other camp exists in the area, vehicle numbers are very limited – a maximum of four vehicles – and there is never any crowding at sightings. Often we are completely alone, or share the moment with just one other safari vehicle. The private status of the reserve also allows off-road driving (under strict guidelines), greatly enhancing photographic opportunities and creating a truly exclusive safari experience.

PHOTOGRAPHIC LEARNING
Throughout the journey, our photographic leader will continuously provide guidance tailored to your experience level and needs. Field instruction is fully personalized, and we will also hold theoretical sessions covering photographic techniques relevant to the conditions and subjects we encounter. The training adapts both to the group’s skill level and to the photographic opportunities that arise.

During our days in Tuli, the focus is firmly on African wildlife. Leopards and lions are the dominant big cats in the area and will naturally receive significant attention, but we will never overlook strong photographic opportunities involving more common species. We will also dedicate time to working with the brown hyena, a species that is often difficult to approach elsewhere. Emphasis will be placed on image creation and storytelling, with the goal of building as broad and varied a portfolio from Tuli as possible. Techniques for conveying motion in images, such as panning, will also be explored and practiced.

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