Wildlife Photography in the Waterberg and Welgevonden Reserve

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Picture of Pim van de Leur

Pim van de Leur

Creating images and videos for safari lodges in Africa.

A photographer's perspective of Welgevonden

The Waterberg region is home to Welgevonden Game Reserve—a place I’ve been lucky enough to explore over four visits, racking up more than 17 nights at Sediba Safari Lodge. Each trip has given me a deeper connection to this unique reserve, both as a wildlife photographer and as someone who simply loves being out in nature.

Why Welgevonden Stands Out

For me, Welgevonden has that special something. The light here, especially at dawn and dusk, transforms the landscape. It hits the mountains early, creating shadows and contrasts that photographers dream about. In the north, the reserve offers rugged rocky outcrops and plains, while the south opens up like a mini Serengeti—wide-open areas with ridges around the edges. And those sunsets? Perfectly paired with a sundowner drink in hand after a day behind the lens. Oh, and it’s malaria-free, always good to know.

Photographing Rhinos With Full Horns

One of the big reasons I love shooting here is the chance to photograph rhinos with their full horns. Many reserves have to dehorn rhinos to discourage poachers, but Welgevonden has had solid success with their anti-poaching strategy, allowing these animals to keep their horns. To me, that’s essential—being able to capture the rhino as it’s meant to look. It’s rare to find a place where this is possible, and it makes Welgevonden a top spot for anyone serious about wildlife photography.

One of my favorite memories was photographing a newborn rhino, just hours old. There was a storm rolling in, creating a dramatic background for this tiny, fragile animal. The rain didn’t spare us, but honestly, the photos that came out of that experience made it worth every soaked second.

Photo of rhino with long horn taken at 200mm (no crop).

Up-Close Predator Action

I’ve shot in well-known reserves like Kruger, Thornybush, and Sabi Sands, but I’ve had some of my most intense predator encounters here in Welgevonden. The setup of the landscape somehow seems to bring out incredible animal interactions. For example, I watched a father lion repeatedly chase and clash with his son over territory—a saga that stretched across several days. Then there was the cheetah hunt, where a cheetah stalked an impala right up to our vehicle and made the kill. That was my first documented kill shot, a true highlight as a photographer.

Shooting from Low Angles

One of the perks here is the chance to get out of the safari vehicle at certain safe spots. Being able to go low to the ground for a shot is a game-changer. It adds a whole new perspective to images of elephants or rhinos, making them look even more imposing against the open plains. With plenty of wildlife and diverse terrain, there’s no shortage of opportunities to try out different angles.

Recommended Gear for Welgevonden

If you’re heading to Welgevonden for photography, bring the right gear. I’ve shot most of my photos here with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, occasionally adding a 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverter. But if you have a 400mm or even 600mm lens, bring it. The safari vehicles can’t always get super close, so a longer lens gives you that extra reach, especially on the wider open plains.

Photo of the elephant taken shot with 200mm (no crop).

The Challenges of Photographing in Welgevonden

No reserve is perfect, and Welgevonden has its quirks. First off, it’s big. Sometimes that means a long drive to get to the action, which can be a bit of a patience test. However, Sediba’s guide, Moyo, knows the place inside out and never hesitates to make those long drives if there’s something worth seeing. I’ll never forget a 6.5-hour game drive one morning just to get to a cheetah on a hunt.

The other thing to be aware of is that most of the reserve is off-limits for off-roading. This means we’re sticking to the tracks, which can limit how close we can get for certain shots. It’s a policy designed to protect the vegetation, which I respect. And honestly, I haven’t missed any key shots because of it, even when shooting from the tracks with a 200mm.

Packing Tips

Here’s a tip I learned the hard way: pack smart. You’ll leave your car at the gate, and all your luggage goes onto the safari vehicle to reach the lodge. The first time I visited, I had way too many small bags full of camera gear, which was a pain. After that, I learned to pack efficiently, making things easier on myself (and the guides).

Photo of lioness taken with 200mm + 1.4x and small crop.

Wildlife Encounters and What You Might See

Welgevonden offers a wide range of wildlife, from predators to plains game. Over my visits, I’ve had the chance to photograph lions, cheetahs with cubs, buffalo, elephants, rhinos (more than a few), zebras, hartebeest, giraffes, black-backed jackals, and blue wildebeests. The birdlife is also great, especially birds of prey, and there are plenty of smaller animals around too. Each trip brings something new and adds to my growing portfolio.

Final Thoughts on Welgevonden and Sediba Safari Lodge

If you’re serious about wildlife photography or just want a solid safari experience, the Waterberg, Welgevonden and Sediba Safari Lodge should be on your list in my opinion. It’s a place that feels raw and real, and the access to animals, the variety of terrain, and the guiding expertise at Sediba all add to the experience. After each trip, I leave with more than just photos—I leave with memories that keep me coming back.

Whether you’re capturing rhinos with horns intact or waiting out a storm for that perfect light, Welgevonden delivers moments that stick with you. It’s not just a reserve; it’s a place that shows you something new each time you’re there.

Photo of rhino with newborn calf in the rain shot at 200mm (no crop).

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