Looking up at Elephants
Visiting a special place
As wildlife photographers, our passion lies in capturing the beauty of nature. Our photographic journeys take us to various locations, both within the Netherlands and abroad. These excursions lead to unforgettable moments when we encounter wildlife in their natural habitats, often exploring on foot. However, we also browse websites of organizations offering hides, as they provide an excellent opportunity to observe animals up close without causing any disturbance. While there are many exclusive hides available, some come with a hefty price tag, making it a challenge to find an ideal option at eye level. In our quest, we were fortunate to stumble upon Umgede Hide, located at Antares Bush Camp, during one of our online searches.
Umgede Hide is an underground photography hide situated beside a tranquil waterhole in the Greater Kruger area. It's important to note that Kruger National Park (KNP) and the Greater Kruger are distinct, with KNP being state-sponsored and the Greater Kruger comprising a collection of private game reserves adjacent to KNP. These reserves work in harmony, and in 1993, they received permission to remove the fences separating KNP and the Greater Kruger, creating a larger, unified wilderness where wildlife roams freely.
Last summer, we had the privilege of booking Umgede Hide for a two-night stay during our visit to South Africa. It's worth mentioning that the hide is part of the Antares Bush Camp, so booking accommodation there grants you exclusive access to this remarkable hide. The owner of Antares, Ian Owtram, is very friendly and resourceful, always willing to share valuable insights about the local wildlife and their natural habitat. He even offers inclusive game drives, adding to the overall experience. All in all, it was a remarkable opportunity we couldn't pass up.
Nightly encounters
During our stay at Antares’ Bush Camp we immersed ourselves fully in the hide's experience. We rarely left the hide, only stepping out for basic necessities such as meals, restroom breaks, or showers. Even during these brief absences, we ensured that at least one of us remained in the hide. After all, you never know which magnificent creature might make an appearance, ranging from members of the Big Five to more common antelope.
During the night, we took turns on watch duty. One of us would rest while the other kept a vigilant eye out for any signs of wildlife. These nights were nothing short of spectacular. In this remote part of the world, millions of stars illuminated the sky, creating a breathtaking backdrop. Whenever animals arrived at the waterhole to quench their thirst, it provided ideal opportunities for our photography. We witnessed groups of elephants, led by the matriarch, approach the waterhole, their presence accompanied by the noisy slurping of water. However, if anything seemed amiss, the matriarch would emit a ferocious growl, prompting the entire group to vanish within seconds. It was remarkable to see how such massive creatures could disappear into the foliage in a matter of moments.
Staying alert throughout the night and waiting for those perfect photographic moments was undoubtedly a challenge, but it was a challenge that proved well worth it. We had the privilege of observing numerous animals, listening to the mysterious sounds of nature at night, and gazing in awe at the splendid view. Once again, the wonders of this natural world left us in quiet contemplation, reminding us of the unrivaled beauty of God's creation.
Elephant seen from Umgede Hide
Elephants under the stars
Elephant trunk close-up
