The Jackal & Hide
Underground Photography Hide
The Ultimate Big 5 Photography Hide
Experience the African bushveld from an entirely new angle. Situated around a bustling waterhole, the brand-new underground photography hide at Mongena Private Game Reserve offers an immersive, uncompromised window into the wild.
This custom-built underground photo hide can accommodate 8 people and has been thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment, ensuring that the wildlife remains completely undisturbed by your presence. The waterhole attracts a rich variety of species, giving you a front-row seat to spectacular, natural animal behavior and premier Big 5 safari photography. Positioned precisely to optimize natural lighting and perspective, the hide allows photographers to capture stunning, eye-level reflections of animals as they come down to drink.
Whether you are a passionate wildlife photographer tracking the perfect portfolio shot or an avid bird watching safari enthusiast enjoying the quiet rhythm of nature, this hide provides the ideal blend of comfort and utility to patiently await incredible wildlife encounters.
Features of the Hide:
- Prime Wildlife Location: Situated in a high-density game area, the hide receives a variety of animal species on a daily basis, offering an unpredictable and thrilling experience with every single visit.
- Eco-Friendly, Solar-Powered Design: The structure is fully solar-powered, ensuring a silent, sustainable footprint that respects the surrounding environment.
- Premium Guest Comforts: Stay comfortable and focused with our bean-to-cup coffee machine, giving you a fresh brew while you wait. Every hide session also includes a complimentary drink and snacks.
- Waterhole Live-Stream Camera: Equipped with an integrated live-stream camera system, keeping a constant eye on the waterhole action even before you step inside.
Booking Information:
- The hide can be booked for a 3-hour session at a time (including 30 minutes for transfers to and from the hide), allowing plenty of time to settle in and let the wildlife adjust to the space.
- To maintain a quiet, intimate experience, the hide accommodates a maximum of 8 guests per session, and an experienced guide is always present.
- Your session includes hassle-free transfers to and from all of our camps.
- Guests staying on a full board package at Main Lodge or Little Mongena can choose to replace their standard activities with a hide session at an additional cost.
- You don’t have to stay with us to experience it! The Jackal & Hide photography underground hide can be booked even if you are not an overnight guest.
While the waterhole is an active hub year-round, it truly shines during the dry winter months when local wildlife relies heavily on this permanent water source.
The best months to book your session and experience the animals coming to drink at our waterhole photography hide are from June to November.