Capturing Moments: David and Kate's Unforgettable Pre-Wedding Safari Adventure

David & Kate’s Pre‑Wedding Safari Adventure at Qwabi Nature Reserve

David and Kate travelled from the UK to celebrate their wedding in Cape Town, and planned a special pre‑wedding safari at Kapama Private Game Reserve so their guests could experience the wild side of South Africa. When unexpected floods hit Hoedspruit and turned their original venue into mud and water overnight, everything had to change at the last minute. Within hours, a new plan was in place: Qwabi Nature Reserve in the Waterberg. After a six‑hour drive, we found ourselves in one of the lushest, most breathtaking landscapes I’ve ever seen, sharing an unforgettable safari with a group of friends and family from all over the world.

When Plans Change Overnight

Some stories don’t go according to plan – and that’s exactly what makes them unforgettable.

David and Kate live in the UK, but their story stretches across continents. David is originally from Germany, Kate from the USA, and together they decided to celebrate their wedding in Cape Town, surrounded by the people they love most. Because so many of their friends and family had never been to South Africa, they wanted to add something truly special to their wedding experience: a pre‑wedding safari.

Their original plan was to host this safari at Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit. It was the perfect idea – until nature had its say. Heavy floods swept through the Hoedspruit area, and the day before their arrival, Kapama was covered in mud and water. Roads, river crossings, and access points were all affected. Suddenly, everything had to change.

What followed was a whirlwind of phone calls, quick decisions, and a whole lot of faith.

The moment it became clear that Kapama wouldn’t be able to host them, the call was made: the venue had to change. With guests already en route from across the globe, there was no time to waste.

There was no hesitation on my side. I immediately packed my gear, loaded up the car, and hit the road for the six‑hour drive north.

It felt like an adventure even before I arrived – a real testament to how travel, love, and wild places rarely follow a script.

Qwabi Nature Reserve: A Different Kind of Bushveld

Pulling into Qwabi Nature Reserve, I instantly knew the last‑minute change had turned into something incredibly special.

The Waterberg has a very different feel compared to the eastern bushveld around Hoedspruit. The landscape rolls and rises, the vegetation changes, and the colours are deeper, richer. The heavy rains that had caused so much chaos further east had left the Waterberg unbelievably lush. I have genuinely never seen the bush so green, so dense, and so alive.

Even though the flood hadn’t hit this part of the province as hard, the clouds still hung low and dramatic, stretching over the hills and valleys. It added a moody, cinematic atmosphere to the entire experience – soft light, deep greens, and a sky full of texture.

One of the most remarkable parts of David and Kate’s pre‑wedding safari was the group itself. It felt like a small world conference gathered in the middle of the bush.

With David originally from Germany and Kate from the USA, and the two of them now living in the UK, their circle of friends and family comes from literally all over the world. Different accents, different backgrounds, different stories – all meeting in this one wild corner of South Africa.

From a photographer’s point of view, Qwabi was a dream.

The textures of the landscape, the softness of the post‑rain light, the rich greens – it all came together perfectly. Every frame felt full of life. David and Kate moved so naturally in this environment, laughing with their friends, soaking in the experience, and just being completely present.

The clouds, once a worry for everyone, ended up adding an incredible mood to the images – soft, even light with dramatic skies that only made the colours of the bush stand out more. It was different to the typical “golden sunset” safari look, but in the best possible way: raw, honest, and deeply atmospheric.

Turning Disruption into Something Extraordinary

Looking back, it’s hard to believe how close this experience came to not happening.

The floods in Hoedspruit could have easily turned their safari plans into a complete cancellation. Instead, with quick decisions and a willingness to adapt, David and Kate’s story took a different route – one that led them to Qwabi Nature Reserve and the Waterberg’s unique beauty.

For me, it was a powerful reminder of why I do what I do. Being able to say “yes”, pack a bag, drive six hours, and arrive in time to capture a story like this is a privilege.

A Safari Experience They’ll Never Forget

David and Kate’s pre‑wedding safari at Qwabi Nature Reserve was many things at once: a Plan B that turned into a highlight, a gathering of nations in the African bush, and a celebration of love, resilience, and wild places.

We absolutely enjoyed our time at Qwabi. From the lush, unimaginable greenery to the warmth of the people, it felt like the perfect beginning to their South African wedding journey.

In the end, their story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, when the original plan gets washed away, what replaces it can be even more magical than you imagined.

David & Kate, thank you so much for allowing me to capture the amazing energy of your inner circle, the love, joy and excitement of this experience.

Lots of Love

Lou xxx