Image: Peter Maas Wildlife Photography

Whether you're a keen amateur, talented wannabe or seasoned professional, capturing Africa's iconic wildlife species on camera is invariably at the top of every discerning photographer's bucket list. Pungwe is fortunate to play host to regular photographic groups and guests who return again and again to flex their lenses, thanks to a team of staff who understand photographers' needs and the unbeatable beauty and biodiversity of the Manyeleti.

With the advent of the digital era, photography has become something that's accessible to almost anyone with a half-decent smartphone. Indeed, it's hard to keep up with the latest advances in phone cameras and capabilities and the ease with which you can edit and share photos and videos online. 

By far the majority of our guests use their phones as cameras during game drives, capturing the highlights of their safari with us and the experiences they have in the Manyeleti for posterity. Even our regular professionally led photographic groups use their phones for quick videos and the odd extreme close-up! 

So if you do come to Pungwe do not feel somewhat "less than" if you are using your phone to record lifetime memories in the making. We're more than thrilled to help you get the best shots possible. But if you want to get those superlatively crisp portrait shots of wildlife and sweeping landscapes, we do recommend you invest in a digital camera, whether it's a point-and-shoot, bridge camera or full digital SLR (DSLR).

If you go the DSLR route, then be sure to bring both a wide-angle and telephoto zoom lens (at least 300mm or higher) with you. And a beanbag, monopod or tripod for added stabilisation. We have a charging station in the lounge area at the bar for topping up batteries.

Guides Never and Isaac are very experienced at positioning the game vehicles for the best light and framing advantage, and if you tell them what you'd like to photograph they will go out of their way to help you get the shots you're after, aided by our skilled tracker and all-round wildlife enthusiast, Wonder Boy. 

Today's technology has taken the experience of wildlife photography to new heights, with the latest mirrorless cameras taking the world by storm. As a result, taking great photographs has never been easier and more fun, especially when you're staying with us in what has to be one of the most highly regarded photographic safari destinations in South Africa. 

The Manyeleti is a photographer's dream come true, especially here on the Pungwe concession where there is all the space you need to escape into one of the most prolific wildlife areas in the Greater Kruger National Park. Renowned for its lions and leopards, we're also blessed with regular cheetah and painted wolf (African wild dog) sightings, and lots of hyenas too. 

During the summer months the Manyeleti is filled with colourful birdlife as summer migrants come south to enjoy the season of plenty. The light is exceptional at this time of year, especially during the famed golden hours in the early morning and late afternoon and after heavy rainfall when the air is crisp and clear and the skies brilliantly blue.

In the dry, winter season, the soft light and dust help create exceptional mood shots, especially around our dams where wildlife concentrates and there is constant action and interaction.

The proof of the pudding is obviously in the eating, so let's look at a selection of images that guests who are also keen (and talented) wildlife photographers have shared with us, all capturing incredible sightings and the brand of wonderful wildlife experiences that Pungwe has become famous for.

Enjoy! 

Peter Maas

Brian Love

Kyra Girardin

Sharon Gilbert-Rivett