Upload
others
View
1
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
A Wildlife Photographer’s Dream Come True
By Kathleen Reeder
In April 2014, I visited Ukutula for the first time. I was flying to Botswana to lead a wildlife photo
workshop in Botswana. Most of the group had a weekend layover in South Africa so I suggested that we
visit Ukutula based on a friend’s recommendation. Eleven wildlife photographers descended upon
Ukutula that weekend with an impressive arsenal of camera equipment. Our focus was on capturing
some fantastic photographs of lions. We filled the weekend with young lion interactions, several walks
with the lions and a game drive, and made some incredible photographs, but it was so much more than
a photo shoot. It was a wildlife experience.
The day I arrived at Ukutula that weekend, I knew it was a special place for three reasons. First I love
being close to wildlife, observing them and feeling connected to them as individuals. Second my passion
is capturing the essence of an animal’s spirit and life in a portrait of distinction. And third I enjoy helping
photographers capture their special moments in photographs. Ukutula satisfied all of these desires. It is
a place to experience your love of wildlife and capture those moments in photographs that family and
friends will love for years to come.
In May 2015, I returned to Ukutula for an extended 10‐day stay to lead small photo workshop groups. In
addition to the scheduled activities, Ukutula delighted us with “behind the scenes” up close interactions
with cheetah, spotted hyena and caracal. Everyone who attended said they loved the experience and
the photos they captured. For me it was a continued dream‐come‐true. The extended stay gave me the
opportunity to get to know the owners, Willi and Gill Jacobs and their family, who I respect for the effort
they show every day to the animals and to the Ukutula guests.
It is the pure love for these animals that created and drives Ukutula’s conservation mission. The
activities, accommodations, food and service were all outstanding. The staff was friendly, helpful and
professional. Most importantly, it was obvious the owners ensure that the animals are very well cared
for; and that our safety and theirs are the staff’s first priority.
Would I recommend Ukutula as a destination for wildlife photographers? Absolutely yes, especially to
those who want to have an up close wildlife experience. Am I going to visit Ukutula again? Nothing
could keep my away.
Kathleen Reeder lives in America and is an internationally
published, award‐winning wildlife photographer, instructor and
author. Her work has appeared on television, in magazines, on
internet sites and other publications including NBC's Today
Show and National Geographic. See more of her amazing
photographs and her available photography workshops at
www.KathleenReeder.com.