Another Incredible Safari at Kishindu Tiger Canyon
I’ve just returned from yet another fantastic private safari to Kishindu Tiger Canyon, and once again, this incredible conservation reserve did not disappoint.
Kishindu is an extraordinary place to photograph not only tigers, but also some truly remarkable cheetahs. What makes the reserve so special, however, goes far beyond the incredible photographic opportunities. The conservation work taking place here is exceptional, particularly the success they have achieved with their tiger population, as well as the remarkable cheetah conservation programme.
The cheetah success story on the reserve is particularly impressive. Through their work, cheetahs have not only been successfully established and diversified within the reserve, but animals have also been reintroduced into several other reserves across Southern Africa. It is a fantastic example of how carefully managed conservation projects can contribute to the wider protection of these incredible predators.
My guests and I had an absolutely amazing time on the reserve. Despite a cold front moving through during our stay, we still managed to have some fantastic encounters and capture some incredible photographs of several of the tigers.
We spent a substantial amount of time with two young sub-adult tigers, and they provided us with some unforgettable photographic opportunities. They were incredibly playful, chasing one another through the reeds, jumping over water and generally getting up to all sorts of mischief.
One of our particular target images for the trip was to photograph a tiger lying on the rocks, and we were incredibly fortunate to have several opportunities to capture exactly that. Watching these young tigers interact and play was every bit as entertaining as it was rewarding photographically.
On the cheetah side of things, we were incredibly fortunate to witness a mother with her three sub-adult cubs successfully hunt.
We were able to watch the entire sequence unfold from beginning to end, which is something truly special to witness, let alone photograph.
With four hungry mouths to feed, this mother is almost constantly on the lookout for her next meal. The youngsters certainly don't make things easy for her either. Their excitement can sometimes get the better of them, and they have a tendency to give chase before they perhaps should, potentially jeopardising the hunt.
But she has successfully raised all three cubs to this age, and watching her manage them while continuing to hunt and provide for them was an incredible experience.
The lodge itself is another highlight of a trip to Kishindu.
It is a wonderfully small and intimate lodge with just three rooms, creating a very personal atmosphere. The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the food is absolutely fantastic.
And then there are the views.
From each room, you have a view that you could quite happily sit and stare at all day. It is the kind of place where the experience continues even when you aren't out on a game drive.
Overall, we had an incredible week at the reserve, with numerous photographs captured of these magnificent cats.
The tigers certainly stole the show — as they should. They are among the most incredible animals to see and photograph, but simply watching them go about their daily lives in such a remarkable environment is an experience in itself.
I always look forward to returning to Kishindu. It is an amazing place to visit and, unfortunately, one that I feel is often misunderstood by people who have never experienced it for themselves.
Once you spend time on the reserve and see firsthand the conservation work taking place, the dedication of the people involved, and the successes they have achieved, it becomes very clear what a special project this is.
It is a conservation story that deserves support, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to share another fantastic week there with my guests.
I’m already looking forward to returning in the near future.
