As the plane descended to the landing strip I could feel an overwhelming suspense in my chest, as if I had been waiting to exhale since the last time I was in the Sabi Sands. I had left home on the other side of the world with a blessing from my husband and young son to fill my heart and memory with the sights, sounds and smells of the bush. And so here I was, without my family, at Londolozi. For many of us, an African safari is a dream, perhaps even an once-in-a-lifetime experience. I was determined not to waste this incredible opportunity.
An amateur photographer at best, I decided on a photographic safari in order to do justice to the incredible sightings at Londolozi. Tanya at Africa Direct arranged for Hilton Kotze, a professional photographer and photographic host to help me faithfully capture the images in my heart. I hired extra cameras, lenses and equipment support and together with ranger Mike Sutherland and tracker Mbongeni, we traversed this amazing place in our own vehicle.
I am so fortunate to have had such gracious and friendly hosts at Londolozi, people with a deep understanding, respect and love for this incredible place. Mike generously and expertly guided me, teaching me about the land and all within her. Hilton constantly instructed me, helping me to see the shot, and how to capture it. Together Mike and Hilton were able to anticipate the behaviours of the wonderful creatures here and thus we could prepare for some fantastic photographic opportunities. They were tireless and kind hosts and I am so fortunate to have shared this amazing experience with them.
Some of the most beautiful sights can also be the most difficult photographically – shooting in low light at dawn and dusk; spotlighting at night; animals in the shade seeking refuge from the spring sunshine; movement. Hilton helped me to overcome these difficulties and make the most of the light available. He also tutored me in how to handle and process my photographs post-capture in the Creative Hub at Londolozi – a welcoming and dynamic space where we could work on and print images. I am proud to have a gorgeous canvas that was printed right at Londolozi to take home with me. My deepest gratitude goes to Hilton and Mike for allowing me to see and photograph the most amazing subjects.
Hilton and I holding my canvass print at the Londolozi Creative Hub
But ultimately this is not a story about all the incredible and dedicated people I met here, nor is it about the unparalleled sightings. It is not even about the beautiful, luxurious and professional Londolozi experience which is uplifting and calming all at the same time. It is about doing justice to this place, about capturing faithfully the heart and soul of the bush and having memories that you can feel viscerally. I wanted that, to remember the feeling of Londolozi. Whether you are a novice like me, or an experienced photographer I would encourage you to take a photographic safari. You will never regret it. You have dreamt about this trip for so long. Seize the opportunity, live the hardest you can, and capture the best images above and beyond your furthest imagination.
My eyes and ears were bombarded with unbelievable sights and sounds! My heart swelled not only because I was in the bush, but also with the kindness and humanity of the people who live and work here.
Written and Photographed by: Shanel Cameron
2014? Need to try a photographic safari….Londolozi is in my heart every day and that would be the ‘cherry on the sundae” to experience.
Beautifully written and captured, Shanel. I, too, was at Londolozi last week (we spoke briefly) and your photos bring back all the incredible memories. Thanks for giving me the inspirtation to start working on my 2000 plus photos! Dean and Elmon provided an unforgettable experience for us, and the rest of the staff was so caring and accomodating. Your words capture the spirit of Londolozi and your photos capture the spirit of the animals. It’s difficult to separate the two. You speak of the heart and soul of the bush. That is what Londolozi offers all who are willing to receive it.
well done Shanel , lovely blog
WOW!!! AWESOME IMAGES!!! (Particularly fond of the Hippo…looks like a Hippo in a cloud:) ! )
The portraits of the cats are stunning, especially those at night! Thank you for sharing!
Absolutely wonderful. Just what I need to do!, can someone tell me how to process the monochrome leopard. It is stunning! Thank you Shanel.
Truly stunning photos Shanel. We were also at Londolozi last week. This was our second visit and hope to return many more times as it is imbedded in our hearts.
That was wonderful Shanel! You now have photographic memories that you will look back on for years to come & enjoy with your family! They are all beautiful and there are so many specials that I find it difficult to pick a favourite.
I am sure you will be back in a few years time with more photographic experience in your home country, that you will be a pro next time round.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for the lovely feedback, I would certainly encourage all those interested to chat with Tanya at Africa Direct about a photographic host at Londolozi, it was really, really worthwhile.
Carol, the leopard was processed in Lightroom using the brush tool with saturation all the way down and contrast up a little, then the eraser was used to erase the decreased saturation from the eyes to let the colour come through.
Hi Chanel,Enjoyed your photos very much.They are all outstanding and what a pleasure to read your stories- well written and excellent content.A job very well done!!!!!!
Apologies for not giving proper credit to Brendon Cremer who took the photo of the Londolozi vehicle, and Kate O’Neill who took the photo of Hilton and me with the canvas printed at Londolozi!
Hi Shanel, We met at Londolozi. We are just back home from our trip. You made beautiful pictures and we know:Londolozi is a very special place.
Wow – it took me a few weeks, but I finally found this extraordinary blog! Shanel, your photos are fantastic. Thank you for sharing – LOVE the new safari concept. Again, feeling so grateful to be a part of this international family….