Africa offers a diverse and thrilling array of safari experiences – but for wildlife photography lovers, her best-kept secrets often lie quietly concealed in reserves with dedicated photographic hides. WORDS Claire Roadley
A hide is exactly what it sounds like: a discreet, purpose-built structure that allows photographers and nature enthusiasts to observe wildlife up close, without being seen. Positioned near waterholes, salt licks or well-used animal paths, they promise a steady rhythm of activity. Designed to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, hides minimise disturbance, allowing for more natural behaviour than you’d typically witness on a game drive or on foot. Many sit at water level or are sunk into the earth, offering intimate angles, striking reflections and beautifully composed shots.
While some remain rustic, a new generation of high-end hides is emerging, with comfortable seating, adjustable viewing slots, camera mounts and even charging points for longer sessions. A select few offer overnight stays, opening a window into the nocturnal world. At places like Mashatu, the Lala Limpopo hide even features adjustable back and side lighting.
Some hides are tailored for specific sightings – from bird hides with glassy reflection pools to setups geared for nocturnal predators like hyena, civet and honey badger. They also provide a safe vantage point for observing larger animals such as elephant, lion and leopard.
But hides aren’t just for photographers. Even without a camera, the quiet anticipation and raw proximity of the wild is unforgettable – that simple “hide and peek” thrill!
Here are some of Africa’s finest hides, offering unforgettable encounters for photographers and wildlife lovers alike:
Onkolo Hide at Onguma Nature Reserve (Namibia)
Situated on the eastern fringe of Etosha National Park, Onguma’s Onkolo Hide offers stunning views and creative angles at water level in Onguma Nature Reserve. It’s an ideal spot for capturing diverse wildlife and birdlife in beautiful light. It also offers ablution facilities for those who wish to linger longer – and is best enjoyed with a guide. Many award-winning photos have been captured in this hide. They will also be introducing a new “sound safari” experience in the hide in the coming months, so watch this space!
There is also another gorgeous water level hide located at Onguma Camp Kala which guests can access at any time, just below the lounge deck, overlooking the watering hole. With only four suites in the whole camp, Camp Kala’s hide is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive photo hides you will find anywhere!
Mhondoro Hide in the Welgevonden Game Reserve (South Africa)
Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa is located within the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo. One of its many highlights is its underground waterhole hide, which is connected to the main lodge by a 65-metre tunnel. This allows guests easy and safe access at all times, including nighttime, with or without a guide, to enjoy front row seats to the animals drinking and bathing in the waterhole right in front of the lodge. This flexibility is great for those who might not want to spend hours on game drives and of course for families, although children do need to be quiet so as not to disturb the wildlife.
This hide is especially good for low-angle photography through lovely large horizontal windows, ideal for photographing elephants, rhino, zebra, and birds. Camera cushions and a small drinks bar are provided so that guests can enjoy many hours observing the wildlife from this handy hiding place in comfort.
Mahlasela Hide at Tembe Elephant Park (South Africa)
Tembe Elephant Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal is mostly known for its large indigenous bull elephants with their huge tusks, but its Mahlasela hide is also a prime location for spotting all of the Big Five as they gather around the waterhole.
The live ellie-cam, hosted by Africam, based at Mahlasela, has been in operation for well over two decades and has won over loyal followers from around the globe, many of whom dream of visiting in person, and often do! You can check out some of the highlights including leopards, lions being chased away by elephants – and even a few porcupines here.
This hide was also recently upgraded to be fully accessible with a new lower-level viewing area and a wheelchair friendly toilet on the hidden access pathway – right in the middle of the bush! Not everyone enjoys a tree-wee!
Matebole Hide at Mashatu Game Reserve (Botswana)
The underground Matebole Hide at Mashatu is a dream location for photographing elephants and other wildlife. Created from a sturdy shipping container in 2012, it has since become a renowned hotspot for photographers, with C4 / PhotoMashatu offering expert guidance. Many award winning photos have been taken here including Greg du Toit’s Essence of Elephants, which won him the acclaimed “Wildlife Photographer of the Year” award in 2013.
The hide comfortably accommodates up to eight photographers, allowing them to lay out their lenses and capture the classic scenes of Mashatu as they unfold before them. Mashatu offers a “family hour” between sessions so that families with younger children can also get a taste of the Mashatu magic – and can try their hand at fun things like recording timelapses on their mobile phones. PhotoMashatu has also recently made Matebole hide far more accessible, replacing the old ladder down from the roof of the container with a beautiful new walkway and side entrance. Much easier for those carrying heavy cameras too!
Lala Limpopo Overnight Hide at Mashatu (Botswana)
Mashatu also offers a fabulous Lala Limpopo overnight hide for those looking for a very exclusive, immersive nocturnal photography experience. With innovative adjustable lighting and two comfortable bedrooms to lala (sleep) in – up to four guests can capture incredible images from dusk till dawn. With windows at ground level, you can observe elephants and other nocturnal wildlife drinking some three meters away. Nighttime sensors around the waterhole alert you to animal presence, ensuring you never miss an opportunity. There’s also a kitchen, lounge, bathroom, courtyard, and photographic area, as well as a room for your PhotoMashatu guide. The experience is offered from March to the end of November each year before closing for the rainy season.
Jaci’s Terrapin Hide at Madikwe Game Reserve (South Africa)
After unprecedented flooding along the Marico River in early 2025, Jaci’s Lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve suffered extensive damage but will be relaunching in July 2026 as Jaci’s Private Lodge with 10 newly designed Safari Suites with private decks overlooking the river. Also returning is Jaci’s Terrapin Hide which is accessible via a tunnel, to the middle of the waterhole in front of the lodge. With 270° water level views, this hide is another photographer’s dream come true! Madikwe is renowned for its wildlife viewing with flourishing populations of lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, black & white rhino, wild dogs, cheetah, brown & spotted hyena, hippo, and giraffe.
Whether you’re aiming for award-winning shots or simply to immerse yourself in nature, Africa’s hides offer unparalleled and unforgettable wildlife encounters. I think some my favourite safari memories have been captured (both on film and in my memory) in some of these wonderful hides!
