Wildlife Dreams: South Africa

Part 1 of 2

A Wildlife Photography Adventure in South Africa: My Adventure Through the Western Cape

South Africa surprised me! I had no idea just how transformative this trip would be for both my photography and love for wildlife. My adventure, led by my travel guru queen, Lindsay Mukaddam from One Girl Wandering, took me through the breathtaking landscapes of the Western Cape along the famous Garden Route, where I found myself immersed in the natural beauty and untamed wilderness of this incredible part of the world.

For me, this trip marked the beginning of my exploration into the world of wildlife photography. While I’ve always been captivated by nature’s wonders, I had never ventured into capturing the rawness of wildlife through the lens until this trip. And let me tell you … I’m now HOOKED!

CAPE TOWN + BEYOND …

We began our adventure in Cape Town, where the majestic Table Mountain stood as a silent sentinel overlooking the vibrant city below. The clouds wisped down the ledges like a pillowy tablecloth creating such a beautiful and dramatic texture perfect for black and white photography.

After our cable car ride up Table Mountain, we ventured down to Cape of Good Hope, the most southwestern part of Africa! (see pics below)

The Garden Route: A Photographer’s Dream

After our time in Cape Town (which was my favorite city we visited), we took off on a grand road trip through the Western Cape of South Africa via the Garden Route—a coastal road that winds through some of the most scenic and diverse landscapes in South Africa. The drive itself was mesmerizing, with towering cliffs on one side and the vast, unspoiled beaches of the Indian Ocean on the other. But the true magic began when we ventured into the game reserve and animal sanctuaires that dot this spectacular region.

From the iconic African elephants and graceful giraffes to the elusive big cats and flocks of vibrant birds, the Garden Route offered an abundance of wildlife. It TRULY is a photographer’s paradise!

The Nikon Z 180-600mm: A Game-Changer for Wildlife Photography

I need to give a little moment for my photographers who are interested in the gear I used to capture all of the wildlife and fauna of South Africa. For this trip, I rented a Nikon Z 180-600mm lens—a powerhouse for wildlife photography. I knew this trip would push my skills to new heights (and it really did!), and having the right equipment was crucial. The 180-600mm lens allowed me to shoot from a distance, capturing intimate moments without disturbing the animals. With its incredible zoom capabilities, beautiful compression and sharp focus, it allowe me to capture the wild beauty of the magnificent wildlife of South Africa! I felt like a real National Geographic photographer! We nicknamed her “BERTHA” because she was a big gal. ha ha!

ENOUGH CHITTER CHATTER ….

I’ve gabbed on enough about how amazing South Africa is and put enough keywords that SEO is happy! So, let’s get to the main event, sharing my favorite images from this trip! I shot nearly 4,000 images on my Nikon Z 8 and Nikon Z 180-600mm lens, which was MORE than enough to spark a new love of wildlife photography deep in my soul. I’m REALLY excited about it!

I truly had a mindset shift with this photography expedition. I thought incredible, and quality wildlife photography art was just reserved for veteran National Geographic photographers, but after this trip, and the work I created, I think I’m on my way to swimming in the Nat Geo seas with the big boys! Let’s see where this new passion can take me …