The gem’s within Antares

Now came the time to see the gems within Antares itself.

I thought it simply can’t get more amazing than what I had already seen. Yet there was more firstly was the one of a kind hornbill deck which allows visitors to Antares to partake in a rare opportunity, the ability to view a breeding pair of hornbills from the comfort of a deck overlooking their nesting site.

I have never come across another lodge with such thoughtful ingenuity to provide its guests with the opportunity to witness a wondrous event in nature right from the comfort of the lodge. It spoke of ecological mindfulness to bring people and the wonders of nature closer together in a harmonious way.

Umgede Hide eye-level photography gold

Then came the moment to view the shining gem that is Umgede hide. A true one-of-a-kind bushveld wonder and one of the only true eye-level hides to be found anywhere near Hoedspruit.

Ian graciously showed me around the inside of the hide that is perfectly set up to accommodate any keen wildlife photographer. The hide is fully equipped with comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, a coffee station, and a mini-fridge for any cold beverages. As we sat looking out over the watering hole Ian entertained me with the many amazing stories of leopards coming down for a drink, elephant herds enjoying the water, and the occasional lion.

I was in wonder I could just imagine sitting in this stunning hide for hours as one can easily do.

I happily spent an hour or two in the hide admiring the bees and smaller creatures.

Bees pollinating water lilies

Suddenly a woodlands kingfisher came plopping down right in front of me, it was amazing this beautiful blue and white bird right in front of me so close I could reach out and touch it.

Umgede hide had me hooked and I didn’t even see a leopard or an elephant but I simply knew the underground hide was magic from the short while I spent there.

I can definitely say it’s not easy to tear yourself from the comfy seats to leave, as the anticipation of seeing more is constantly in your mind and the hope that just a little while longer in the hide will deliver wildlife photography magic.

Antares had me hooked and I can say I long to return there and to Umgede hide and I hope that all Djumba Ngala guests will join me on a photographic safari to this magic place.