Armadillo Media

10/08/2026

T H O M A S ° F A M I L Y

10/08/2026

MERV + ASH

09/08/2026

Gareth Meijsen

11/07/2026

My absolute favourite Dullies family!

08/07/2026

Its such an honor to work with the amazing people behind the cause.

02/07/2026

Let me introduce myself.

I am Nicolene, I'm a photographer, visual storyteller and creative director based in South Africa. For me, photography has never been about perfectly posed pictures. It's about preserving the feeling of a moment before it quietly slips away.

The way someone laughs when they forget the camera is there. The warmth of the last light before sunset. The look between two people that says everything without a single word.

Those are the moments I live for.

With over 11 years of experience photographing luxury lodges, wildlife, events, families, brands, and people, I've learned that beautiful images don't happen by accident, they happen when people feel comfortable enough to simply be themselves. That's why I don't just take photographs; I guide, coach and direct every session in a way that feels relaxed, natural and fun, allowing genuine emotion to unfold.

Golden sunsets are my weakness. They still make me smile like a little kid. That last warm breath of daylight reminds me to slow down, to notice the beauty around us and to capture life exactly as it feels in that moment.

Whether I'm creating content for a luxury safari lodge, documenting an event, or photographing your family, my goal is always the same:

To create timeless photographs that don't just show what happened, they let you feel it all over again.

If I could choose one motto it will be the following:
"I don't chase perfect photographs. I chase the feeling behind them."

01/07/2026

26/06/2026

23/06/2026

🏆🌿 WE HAVE A WINNER! 🌿🏆

After five days of intense competition in the heart of the Greater Kruger, Sarah Barratt of Thornybush was crowned Safari Guide of the Year 2026!

Sarah impressed throughout the week, ultimately claiming top honours in the Guided Game Drive and Industry Ambassador & Professionalism categories on her way to the overall title.

A huge congratulations also goes to Otto Scribante of Singita, who was named Runner-Up, delivering an exceptional performance across multiple challenges.

In her acceptance speech, Sarah paid tribute to her fellow finalists, describing it as a privilege to compete alongside such talented and passionate guides.

As SGOTY celebrates its 15th year, this week's competition once again showcased the extraordinary skill, dedication and professionalism that define South Africa's guiding industry.

Congratulations to Sarah, Otto, fellow finalists Samantha Snodgrass, Patrick Kepe and Jordan Davidson, and everyone who made SGOTY 2026 such a memorable event.

Watch this space for a full press release with all the category winners and information.

And what a better venue than the exclusive Klaserie Drift Amani, part of the Klaserie Drift Safari Camps, deep in the heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve .

Photos: Armadillo Media