There’s something deeply special about the African wilderness: the stillness, the raw beauty, and the unforgettable encounters that stay with you long after you’ve left. For our recent competition winners, Zander and Stefni Rautenbach, this experience was more than just a getaway; it was a return to something that has become part of who they are.
After winning an incredible safari escape, the couple set off on their adventure from 29 November to 04 December 2025, experiencing two remarkable lodges, breathtaking wildlife sightings, and moments that will last a lifetime.
Zander and Stefni visited Nyala Safari Lodge in the Balule Nature Reserve, as well as Chacma Bush Camp in the heart of the Maseke – Balule Game Reserve. In this way, they were able to maximise the number of sightings that they saw across the Greater Kruger.
We caught up with them to hear all about their journey.
Their love of wildlife began with their honeymoon
Before diving into their prize experience, Zander shared how their love for wildlife began:
“Our wildlife journey truly began after our honeymoon. We spent a year saving and dreaming, and when the time finally came, I surprised Stefni with a trip to Mkuze Falls. That trip changed everything for us.”
What started as a personal passion quickly turned into something more as they explained, “We realised our wildlife photographs weren’t just memories for ourselves — they were stories we wanted to share.”
That realisation sparked the creation of their photography platforms, where they now document and share their experiences in the wild.
The prize
Their prize included:
- Three nights at Nyala Safari Lodge
- Two nights at Chacma Bush Camp
- Two pairs of Sapmok vellies, complete with socks and care kits
- A Fieldbar cooler box, perfect for future adventures
Their stay included all meals, teas, and coffees, which allowed them to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
Nyala Safari Lodge – “It felt like coming home”
Their journey began at Nyala Safari Lodge, and it set the tone beautifully. “Nyala Safari Lodge felt like coming home. The landscape was absolutely breathtaking, and from the moment we arrived, we were made to feel incredibly welcome,” Zander and Stefni said.
From the intimate atmosphere to the thoughtful details, every moment stood out. “The staff treated us like royalty… and our guide, Amy Coetzee, truly made the experience unforgettable.”
Amy’s passion and knowledge of the bush elevated every game drive, while small touches, like ensuring Stefni always had her coffee ready, made the stay feel deeply personal.
Chacma Bush Camp – “An intimate and lively escape.”
At Chacma Bush Camp, the experience shifted but remained just as memorable. “It had a more modern yet rustic feel, and the communal atmosphere was the perfect balance of lively and relaxed.”
Here, connections went beyond wildlife. Zander told us about one special moment, “Stefni befriended a gentleman from Japan… We experienced his first Big Five sightings with him.”.
Sharing those once-in-a-lifetime moments with someone seeing Africa for the first time added a whole new layer to their journey.
Moments that took their breath away
For wildlife photographers, every sighting tells a story, but some moments stand above the rest. Such as, “Seeing the leopardess Khanu at Nyala Safari Lodge was unforgettable. She was up in a tree, feeding on a young impala, a moment we’ll never forget.”
And then, at Chacma, “A small pride of lions surprised us. We spent a long, peaceful time with them… it felt like a gift from the bush.”
Even the unexpected moments became highlights:
- Getting completely soaked on a game drive — and laughing through it
- A curious white rhino interrupts their sundowner
- Late-night bush baby sightings (Stefni’s personal favourite!)
The magic of the bush
When asked what makes the bush so special, their answer was simple yet powerful: “It’s the stillness, the kind of quiet that grounds you and reminds you how small yet connected you are.”
For them, photography is just one part of the experience. “Capturing wildlife is a privilege, but simply being there is already enough,” they said.
Advice for aspiring wildlife photographers
Zander and Stefni are completely self-taught, and their advice reflects that journey: “Follow your gut instinct and truly observe the bush. Knowledge is key, but the bush is unpredictable. Expect the unexpected.”
And perhaps most importantly: “Sometimes, you simply get lucky and are blessed with unforgettable moments.”
A journey of gratitude
Winning this competition meant more than just a trip. “We don’t get to travel as often as we’d like, so this opportunity meant more to us than we can express.”
Their story is a reminder of why experiences like these matter, not just for the places visited but for the memories created.
Follow their journey
If you’d like to see more of their incredible wildlife photography, you can follow them here:
- Instagram: @Zr4_photography
- Facebook: Zander & Stefni Rautenbach Wildlife Photography
