ANTARES BUSHCAMP AND UMGEDE HIDE
A PHOTO EXPERIENCE
Ever wondered about what an experience is like at Antares Bushcamp and Umgede Hide? I would like to start this blog by stating that I am no expert on underground photographic hides, neither have I travelled extensively for such purpose, however they provide a unique element to wildlife photography and my visit at Antares Bushcamp in Umgede Hide has sparked something which I believe will produce staggering results!
I recently spent a total of 4 nights at Antares Bushcamp in Umgede Hide, located in the Grietjie Nature Reserve (Greater Kruger) where I hosted a group of keen wildlife photographers who actually made the original suggestion to go. Until recently, I had not been particularly interested in underground or overnight hides as the industry is quite saturated and you can only take so many hide images before it becomes overly repetitive. In today’s world with artificial intelligence no longer a possibility of the future, but the reality of now, I have found the beauty in photography not only in the moments captured on camera, but rather the magic of the experience captured in memory.
Upon arrival at the small and tranquil camp, we were met by the friendly owner – Ian Owtram – welcoming us with open arms and a broad smile. After a brief overview of safety precautions and what can be expected during our stay, we stepped out onto the front foyer and were immediately greeted by a herd of elephant quenching their thirst at the water hole situated in front of the hide. The scene was tranquil yet exciting, setting the stage for what was to come over the next four nights.
Across the following four days we enjoyed daily elephant photography opportunities as well as general game such as impala, bushbuck, duiker, various species of birds and terrapins. There was constantly something happening at the hide, however it was the elephant populations that kept our shutters rolling, with several herds visiting every day throughout the duration of our stay.
We were treated the one evening with a lion pride coming to the water for a drink, quenching their thirst only a mere 6m from where we were sitting. It is one thing to photograph these big cats from the safety of a vehicle, however a completely different and exhilarating experience to sit at eye level, staring at them through nothing but thin air. The pride moved off, however a young cub returned a few hours later for a second drink, providing us with exceptional photographic opportunities.
Ian mentioned that the night before our arrival there were two leopards that visited the water hole, and the evening of our departure another pride of lions came down for drink. One morning as we were sitting waiting for the sun to peak over the horizon, Ian came down to the hide with exciting news – that a pride of lions were feasting on an elephant carcass nearby, so we left the hide and went to go photograph the unique sighting. Having the opportunity to sit at the hide or go on a game drive gives guests the best of both worlds, and in this case, it paid off as nothing else was seen at the hide while we were out photographing the feeding lions.
Despite the wonderful sightings enjoyed during the duration of our stay, I must admit the tranquil ambience of the camp certainly stood out for me as a highlight. With the freedom of venturing down from your room to the hide (a short 1-minute walk within a fenced in area) on a 24 hour basis is a fantastic bonus and with air conditioned rooms it makes an afternoon nap exceptionally enjoyable. The camp is small and intimate, allowing only private groups so you do not share the accommodation or facilities with other guests – perfect for photographers.
Being a self-catered camp, Antares provides guests with all the cooking facilities required, which are cleaned daily by friendly staff. Umgede Hide also has a fridge and coffee station, perfect for the long nights of waiting for the action. Once again, the peaceful atmosphere is something absolutely surreal, and it’s impossible not to completely indulge into nature while staying at the camp. A valuable lesson learnt while at Antares was the reminder to see and appreciate the small things, from insects and birds to the change of a breeze, all forming part of nature’s great wonder.
I have been asked many times about the predator sightings at Umgede, and no I can’t promise you that you’ll see the big cats, however an experience at Antares is about connecting with nature in a tranquil environment that rejuvenates mind, body and soul while learning to capture the moment and not only take a good image. There are creative photographic opportunities which are not possible at most other lodges or underground hides that only allow for shorter viewing periods.
I look forward to hosting future photographic safaris at this wonderful location in what I believe will be a wonderful safari experience for all.
Experience the beauty of our Umgede Underground Hide Photographic Safari here.
Armand Grobler
Rhulani Safaris – Owner
