Experiencing the Mhondoro Waterhole Hide for the first time was a truly transformative experience for me. I’d describe it as a ‘senses overload’ because not only do you witness a breathtaking view, but you also hear the sounds of animals drinking from the waterhole and feel the gentle breeze on your face as you get up close and personal with nature’s wonders.
A Unique Perspective from the Underground Tunnel
The Mhondoro Waterhole Hide is a unique underground tunnel directly connected to the main lodge. This 65m-long tunnel, lined with stunning wildlife photographs taken at the hide, leads to a peaceful haven of tranquility. Constructed with reinforced concrete, the tunnel is both strong and safe. Once you enter the hide, it’s hard to believe how close and at eye-level you are with the animals drinking at the waterhole. We call this an “eye-level” waterhole because, seated within the hide, you’re exactly at the height and level of the animals—a perfect setup for superb photographic opportunities. No guide is needed to access the hide, allowing you the freedom to enter at any time and stay as long as you wish.
Endless Photo Opportunities for Aspiring Wildlife Photographers
As an aspiring wildlife photographer, I’ve spent countless hours in the waterhole hide. It offers endless photo opportunities with no disturbances, allowing for those ‘one of a kind’ shots. Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa is the first and only luxury safari lodge in South Africa to offer this unique tunnel and waterhole hide, providing intimate wildlife encounters from a safe and remarkable vantage point.
Advantages of the Mhondoro Waterhole Hide
- Low-Level Photography: Shooting from a low angle gives a unique perspective, making animals appear larger and more majestic—a respectful way for photographers to capture the grandeur of wildlife.
- Inclusion of Scenic Backgrounds: Using short focal lengths allows for the inclusion of the sky or the beautiful landscape, enhancing the overall composition.
- Close-Up Bird Photography: The hide allows you to get close enough to capture detailed shots of birds.
- Anticipation and Thrill: There’s always a sense of excitement while waiting for animals to arrive at the waterhole.
- Undisturbed Wildlife Viewing: The hide lets you observe wildlife without disrupting their natural behavior.
Regular visitors to the waterhole include a couple of elephant bulls, often joined by various species such as impala, kudu, waterbuck, warthog, wildebeest, baboons, red hartebeest, and occasionally, cheetah and rhino.
TIP: When planning your next safari to Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa, remember to bring a camera with a flexible lens for both long-distance shots and close-ups at the waterhole. A memory card with at least 8GB of space is highly recommended. Prepare yourself for a photographic experience of a lifetime!
Mhondoro Ranger – Marcus Hack
