We have launched a new photography trip to capture images of the Leopards of Sabi Sands in 2022, we will be staying in a lodge within a private reserve, which we will have solely for the use of our group. The reaction to this photographic tour has already been phenomenal, with two weeks already having been fully booked, but we have dates for a third week.

Due to our policy of not asking people to share & not having single supplements, this means that every participant, unless they are a travelling couple, are being accommodated in one of five luxury suites, all with en-suite bathrooms. If you are are a travelling couple, then you get a suite to share!

The lodge, Vuyatela, has redefined the meaning of an African safari, breaking the mould of “traditional” colonial-style décor by combining sleek modern design with innovative, funky African art & lots of vibrant colours. Collectively these suites can accommodate ten people, but we will not be filling the lodge, we will have a maximum of 7 photographers, including any guides, in the safari vehicle so for that reason we will have a maximum of 7 people only in Vuyatela.

The lodge, Vuyatela, sits within the reserve of Djuma, this reserve offers more than 7000ha of private land, bordering right onto the western boundary of the Kruger National Park. Djuma Game Reserve is a 9,000 ha private game reserve which is part of the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. This part of the African bush is a hidden gem, offering some of the most beautiful game viewing in Africa. The Kruger National Park is the home of the legendary Big Five which roam these unspoilt lands, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino & buffalo can be spotted from the comfort & safety of our open game viewing vehicles, accompanied by some of the most experienced safari guides & trackers in the business.

Djuma is quite simply one of the most breathtaking & refreshing safari locations in South Africa. Located on a small rise overlooking a dry river bed & dam where an endless variety of wildlife comes to drink every day, Djuma is shrouded in the wilderness & embodies the essence of what it is to be African.

Vuyatela Lodge in all its splendour is arguably one of the most luxurious African bush experiences available, & towers above its bushveld counterparts with a unique & extraordinary combination of modern luxury & traditional African culture.

For photographic guidance during this trip, NaturesLens are incredibly pleased to announce that we have a new guide joining the team, specifically for this & hopefully other South African safaris too. Clint Ralph is a South African wildlife photographer of some note, who knows the Djuma reserve, the Leopards of Sabi Sands & the larger surrounding area very well. It is his leopard & lion cub images that have been used to illustrate this announcement!

The main lodge area features a cosy indoor lounge & enormous fireplace (perfect for cold winter’s evenings), fabulous dining room with its hallmark chandelier made from Coke bottles opening onto an extended deck & boma area, complete with firepit, swimming pool & funky steel & timber viewing “tower” overlooking the dam. If we’re lucky, we might spot one of Djuma’s famous leopards stalking here!

Each guest suite has a private plunge pool, expansive viewing deck & freestanding “khaya” – a lounge with a tea & coffee station & wood-burning stove for those cold winter’s mornings & evenings.

You may wonder why we have chosen June & July – Clint describes these as ’the perfect months for photographic opportunities with the Leopards of Sabi Sands’, it may be a bit cooler than one would imagine, but we are going for the images – & we will just have to wear an extra layer.