A Three Day Immersive Wildlife Filmmaking & Photography Experience in ZULULAND
Come as a novice, leave as a guru
This is not a workshop.
This is not a tour.
This is a creative expedition into the wild heart of ZULULAND.
The Bonamanzi Wildlife Filmmaking and Photography Experience is a three day, fully immersive adventure set within the spectacular wilderness of Bonamanzi Game Reserve in the heart of Zululand. Designed for storytellers, photographers, filmmakers, and nature enthusiasts.
this unique experience allows you to learn by living the story.
From ancient fever tree forests and open savannahs to tranquil wetlands and spectacular wildlife encounters, every day is carefully designed to inspire, challenge, and develop your creative vision. Whether you are behind the camera for the first time or refining your professional skills, you will gain practical experience while capturing the beauty, drama, and emotion of one of South Africa's most remarkable wildlife destinations.
BONAMANZI GAME RESERVE Wildlife Filmmaking & Photography EXPERIENCE
The Experience
Over an unforgettable three day experience, you will immerse yourself in the diverse ecosystems of Bonamanzi Game Reserve, guided by a 37 year veteran wildlife filmmaker, director of photography, and photographer. Learn how to capture powerful visual stories in authentic, real world environments while developing the technical and creative skills needed to produce compelling images and films.
Throughout the experience, you will photograph and film:
-
Iconic African wildlife in their natural habitat
-
Birds, reptiles, insects, and the often overlooked smaller wonders of the bush
-
Dramatic landscapes, wetlands, fever tree forests, and golden African sunsets
-
Wildlife behaviour and intimate natural moments
-
The night sky, with opportunities to explore long exposure and astrophotography techniques
-
Conservation practices and the art of ethical wildlife storytelling
This is more than a photography course. It is an opportunity to slow down, observe, connect with nature, and learn to tell meaningful stories through your camera while experiencing the beauty and diversity of Bonamanzi Game Reserve.
What's Included
✔ Three day guided Bonamanzi Wildlife Filmmaking and Photography Experience
✔ Two nights' accommodation at Bonamanzi Game Reserve
✔ All meals throughout your stay
✔ Daily game drives and practical field sessions
✔ Hands on instruction and mentorship in:
-
Wildlife photography
-
Wildlife filmmaking
-
Visual storytelling and narrative development
-
Camera techniques and field craft
-
Composition, lighting, and creative vision
-
Ethical wildlife practices and conservation awareness
✔ Certificate of Completion presented at the end of the course
✔ Complimentary Bush Book presented on arrival as your personal field journal and creative companion
✔ Small group learning to ensure individual attention and personalised guidance throughout the experience
Group Size & Structure
To protect the experience — and the wild places we visit — numbers are strictly limited.
-
Minimum: 10 participants
-
Maximum: 18 participants
This ensures personal mentorship, creative space, and meaningful access to wildlife and environments.
Who This Is For
This EXPERIENCE is ideal for:
-
Aspiring or established photographers & filmmakers
-
Conservation storytellers
-
Adventurers seeking depth, not luxury tourism
-
Creatives wanting to reconnect with nature and purpose
-
Anyone ready to invest in their craft through experience
No ego. No rush. Just learning in the wild.
Pricing
3 DAYS bonamanzi Filmmaking & Photography Expedition
R6500 per person for 3 nights, friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon, food and accomodations included on a 4000 hectare game reserve, also included are game drives, guided walking trails and a Bush Book publication to the value of R500.
-
All accommodation
-
All meals
-
Full expedition guiding
-
Professional instruction & mentorship
-
Certificate & Bush Book
(Flights, visas, insurance, and personal gear not included.)
Availability & Enquiries
Due to the small group size and extensive planning involved, spaces are extremely limited.
📩 Contact us directly for:
-
Upcoming dates
-
Detailed itineraries
-
Equipment recommendations
-
Booking & payment options
BONAMANZI FILM AND PHOTGRAPHIC EXPERIENCE
WhatsApp +27 822620196
bushbookpublications@gmail.com
Step in as a student. Step out as a storyteller.
VIDEO TEASER FROM YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Your instructor
Ryan has written, produced three full-length feature film thrillers (each gaining international distribution): 'Lords of Exile' 'The Parricidal Effect' and 'Ten Deaths Of Hamlet'. These are available on various streaming platforms including Amazon. One of Ryan's solo accomplishments is the tracking and filming of the extremely endangered and protected, never previously filmed, Himalayan wolf, which has become a documentary under the title 'The man who cried wolf' Another humanitarian project had Ryan sailing across the South Atlantic in an 84 foot sailing vessel collecting micro plastic samples and researching whale sharks and devil rays off the coast of St Helena island. The film is titled'Wakanui - Between The Ocean And The Deep Blue Sea'. Also available on amazon.Ryan is currently working on an environmental series called 'Mysterious Creatures' which put Ryan in the heart of South Africa's very own rainforest where he tracked and filmed the last standing Knysna elephant who roams on her own in the vast wilderness of Knysna. The 'Mysterious Creatures' series delves into the fragile, yet intricate dynamics of the social structure, emotions and behaviour of illusive and mysterious creatures around the world, and how human involvement influences their role on this planet.