You are invited to join NaturesLens during June 2022 for a fabulous wildlife photography tour to photograph the wildlife of Sabi Sands – with a particular focus on the leopards.
We will be staying within a private reserve with a fantastic lodge in an area of Sabi Sands; Vuyatela Lodge is the flagship luxury lodge of Djuma reserve, & is quite simply one of the most breathtaking & refreshing safari destinations 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, Vuyaltela 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.

You will be accommodated in one of five luxury suites, all with en-suite bathrooms, 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.
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.
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!
For the duration of our stay, between the dates of 11th - 18th June 2022, we will have the services of a chef on-site, who will be preparing some delicious meals for our group!
Djuma offers more than 7000ha of private land, bordering right onto the western boundary of the Kruger National Park. This part of the African bush is a hidden gem, offering some of the most beautiful game viewing in Africa. This 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.
As the dawn begins to break at the start of another magical day in the African bush, we will head to the vehicle & it is time to head out into the wilds to see what’s happening, making the most of the coolest part of the day & the magical early morning light.
At the end of the day, as the sun begins to dip, & the heat of the African day decreases, we will head out as this is the perfect time to spot the predators that call Djuma their home, taking in the magical “golden hour” of light for the ideal photographic opportunities.
For photographic direction, NaturesLens are incredibly pleased to announce that we have a new guide joining the team, specifically for this & hopefully other South African adventures too, Clint Ralph is a South African wildlife photographer of some note, who knows the Djuma reserve & the larger surrounding area very well.
Photographable Species: buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, rhino