News Article
4 September 2025
Photographic hides are one of those little gems worth looking out for when choosing a safari lodge. These cleverly designed spots are often sunken into the ground or tucked neatly into the landscape, usually facing a waterhole that attracts animals throughout the day. Thanks to their prime locations, you can watch and photograph wildlife from close quarters, all while the animals remain completely undisturbed.
The beauty of a hide is that there’s no rush. Unlike a game drive, you can settle in for as long as you like, waiting for that dream shot or simply soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. Many are built at ground or water level, which means you might find yourself eye-to-eye with an elephant or snapping intimate portraits of birds as they come in to drink.
Some hides keep things simple, think rustic wooden shelters that melt into the bush, while others are more luxurious with padded chairs, fully stocked bars, charging stations and even Wi-Fi.
Whether you’re after the perfect photo or just a magical way to slow down and connect with wildlife, a hide offers something truly special, and we wanted to share a few with you today. This isn’t a full list, but rather a little snapshot of the fantastic photography hides you’ll find across our portfolio.
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Sungani Lodge offers a truly immersive photographic safari experience, thanks to the head guide, who is an incredibly talented photographer. Michael Davy has developed a whole network of hides scattered across the property.
Each hide provides a unique vantage point over busy waterholes and open plains, allowing photographers the best chances to capture a variety of wildlife.
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Puku Ridge is a favourite with Ludo, Love To Explore’s founder, and the new photographic hide adds to the reasons we love it. Tucked just below the main deck, it overlooks the lodge’s waterhole, where animals wander freely throughout the day.
With cushioned rests, full-length viewing windows, and spots to lie flat, the hide lets photographers experiment with angles and perspectives while staying comfortable, making it easy to wait for the perfect shot.
Chobe National Park, Botswana
At Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge, the hide is all about front-row seats to Botswana’s incredible wildlife. Overlooking the waterhole, it’s the perfect spot to settle in and enjoy the show. Set right in the heart of the lodge, the hide is easily accessed throughout the day.
Like you might guess, given the lodge’s name, elephants are one of the main draws here, often arriving in large herds, but you might just as easily catch sight of lions, hyenas, or a parade of antelope stopping by for a drink.
Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Zimbabwe
The Malilangwe landscape is a photographer’s dream, with dramatic granite outcrops and shady forests creating a striking backdrop for wildlife. Singita Pamushana’s underground hide makes the most of this setting, tucked discreetly beside the dam.
For keen photographers, the drier months are the perfect time to visit, when wildlife is drawn to the water and you can watch elephants wading through the shallows, a fish eagle sweeping overhead, or buffalo crowding the shoreline for a drink.
South Africa
Set right at water level, the Elephant Hide at Impodimo gives you a front-row seat to the comings and goings of the waterhole, with frequent sightings of herds of elephants stopping to drink and bathe. With air-conditioning and a fully stocked bar, you can easily while away an afternoon.
For those with a camera, the hide’s clever design means you can capture some wonderful close-up moments, and there are a number of talented photographers within the lodge’s guiding team who are on hand to share advice.
Chyulu Hills, Kenya
Ol Donyo’s photographic hides are a dream for keen photographers. Built at ground level beside the lodge’s waterholes, they give you the chance to capture wildlife against the backdrop of the Chyulu Hills. With one sunken hide and one open-air hide, there is a variety of different views to observe.
The hides are set up with cushioned rests and thoughtful design details, and the sunken hide enjoys a coffee machine and mini-fridge, so you are well set up to spend a few hours in comfort.
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