I always admire the ingenuity of safari folk when it comes to creating hides from which we can watch wildlife in secret. The classic spot, like the lovely hide at Ol Donyo Lodge, is by a waterhole – being so close to thirsty animals without them knowing often results in phenomenal wildlife photographs, from sudden splashes to contemplative reflections.
If you’ve ever marvelled at images of elephant toenails and eyelashes, chances are they were taken from a hide. Of course the drier the area, the more action you’ll see at a waterhole, and one of my favourite experiences while in Namibia is to wait at the sunken hide in Etosha – our eyes level with the water – for the black-faced impala to slake their thirst.
Of course we’re not the only ones to have figured out that waterholes are magnets for game, so be prepared for possible predator ambush action, which makes hiding out even more thrilling.
