Through the Lens at Kavinga: A Photographer's Wild Escape

If you're passionate about wildlife photography & videography, there are few places on Earth that rival the raw beauty and intimate wildlife encounters I experienced at Kavinga Safari Camp — a secluded gem perched on the cliffs of Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park. 

Nestled within its own private concession along the dramatic Ruckomechi Riverbed, Kavinga feels like a world apart. The camp overlooks a waterhole that acts as a natural magnet for wildlife, with the Zambezi Escarpment painting a breathtaking backdrop to every shot. 

First Light and the Waterhole

Each morning began before sunrise, camera in hand, as the light slowly revealed the silhouettes of elephants, buffalo, and impala drinking at the water's edge. Located on a cliff, my tent offered panoramic views that made the early wake-ups worthwhile — and every frame seemed to tell a story. Kavinga Safaris

But the heart of Kavinga's photographic magic lies not just in the vistas, but in its underground hides. Designed to blend seamlessly with the environment and placed at eye level with animal tracks, these hides brought me face-to-face with wildlife in ways few photographers ever get to experience. It's one thing to photograph elephants from a distance — it's another to watch them stretch their trunks mere metres away as the sun dips low. 

Photography That Changes You

What sets Kavinga apart isn't just the wildlife or the scenery — it's the intimacy of the experience. With just a handful of guests in the camp, you truly feel like you're part of the landscape, rather than a visitor to it. From elephants playing in the pan to lions padding quietly at dusk, every moment was a chance to capture something remarkable. 

Whether you're a seasoned photographer chasing the perfect frame or a passionate traveler wanting more meaningful encounters with nature, Kavinga delivers. It's wild, beautiful, sometimes unpredictable — and always unforgettable.

Watch above my 4K movie about Mana Pools