This is one of the few larger animals, which are slower than humans. Instead of running away the Leopard Tortoise defends itself by withdrawing into its formidable carapace.
It is the fourth largest tortoise species in the world.
#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #pakamisagamereserve @pakamisagamereserve
This is my last wildlife image for 2021!
I took it this morning on a short game drive in the rain. As in the last few years I am enjoying the turn of the year with my friends at Pakamisa (www.pakamisa.com).
I hope all of you will have a great evening welcoming 2022!
#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #pakamisagamereserve @pakamisagamereserve
Sometimes a space in a picture invites the placement of a logo. Last weekend I took this Giraffe picture at Pakamisa in beautifully moody evening light.
A journey of Giraffes passed by the stables after all the horses were put into their boxes for the night. I think the logo fits neatly into the frame 😊.
#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #pakamisagamereserve @pakamisagamereserve
It is an incredible experience to drive into the bush, to turn off all lights, to wait 15 to 30 minutes until the human night vision is fully established, and then to enjoy the incredible view of the Milky Way.
Even with the naked eye it is possible to observe many constellations, some of the planets, and on a lucky day even a shooting star!
#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #pakamisagamereserve @pakamisagamereserve
I will be at Pakamisa for another very special weekend (see below of all details). Contact res@pakamisa.co.za for reservations.
Itinerary
James will show the guests how wild birds are caught, ringed and released back into the bush and Christian will provide valuable advice on bird and wildlife photography. Local field guide and birding specialist Chamu and horticulturalist Lizelle will conduct game drives and bush walks. Isabella Stepski, Pakamisa’s owner and horse enthusiast, is available for outrides.
Day 1 – Friday 10th September
From 12:00 Arrival
13:00 Lunch
15:00 Game drive or ‘flora and fauna’ walk
18:30 Meet in the bar with a talk about bird ringing 19:00 Four course dinner
Day 2 – Saturday 11th September
7:00 Tea, coffee and biscuits
7:30 Depart for birding ringing event
8:00 Bird ringing event
11:00 Brunch
15:00 Birding game drive or photography game drive or horse ride 17:15 Drinks as the sun sets, followed by a short night (owl) drive 19:30 Four course dinner
Day 3 – Sunday 12th September
7:00 Game drive or ‘flora and fauna’ walk
9:00 Breakfast
10:30 Smart phone photography lesson (optional)
11:00 Photography lesson (optional)
13:30 Brunch
15:00 Birding game drive or photography game drive or horse ride 17:15 Drinks as the sun sets
19:30 Four course dinner
Day 4 – Monday 13th September
7:00 Game drive or ‘flora and fauna’ walk
9:00 Breakfast
10:00 Smart phone photography lesson (optional) 12:00 Departure
Offered activities:
– Bird ringing event
– Birding game drives
– ‘Flora and fauna’ bush walks
– Photography game drives
– Photography lessons
– Horse riding
For more information and/or bookings please contact Isabella at res@pakamisa.co.za.
As all of you know the South African tourist industry has been very badly hit by all the COVID-19 measures around the world. Especially the need for quarantine in many countries upon return from South Africa has made it very difficult for any of you to plan a holiday in our beautiful country (even for fully vaccinated people).
Germany (and I am sure many other countries will follow) have changed the rules this month and re-entry quarantine is no longer required when traveling from Africa!
If you always wanted to go on Safari, if have saved your travel money during all the month of lockdown, and if you want to help a country in need then now is the best time ever to come to South Africa.
Thanda Safari (reservations@thanda.co.za) and Pakamisa Private Game Reserve (res@pakamisa.co.za) are two prime destinations for an unforgettable visit to the wild! … and they are my two of my favorite places on earth!
Contact them or me if you have any questions or if you need help with planning a trip to KwaZulu Natal, my incredible South African home province on the Indian Ocean (WhatsApp +27633294323).
Thanks and have a good week!
Ich
A Scarlet-chested Sunbird collecting nectar from an Aloe in the soft early morning light!
#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #pakamisagamereserve @pakamisagamereserve
📷 Picture by Christian Sperka
I enjoyed another successful birding weekend at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve. These are pictures I took of only a few of the bird species which we sighted on walks and game drives. The next birding weekend will be from 6 to 9 August. A few rooms are still available!
Contact res@pakamisa.co.za for more information or reservations
#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #pakamisagamereserve @pakamisagamereserve
The Little Mamba (my Suzuki Jimny 😊) and I are back for another birding weekend on Pakamisa Private Game Reserve. These weekends are a most relaxing combination of enjoyable birding, superb cuisine , invigorating walks and time spent with good friends. I took this picture yesterday evening in front of the Pakamisa horse stables.
#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari @thandasafari
@ChristianSperkaBirding
Many of my birder friends have ‘complained’ that most of my photography posts at @christiansperkaphotography are about mammals and only a very few about birds.
I have therefore decided to start a new Instagram account @christiansperkabirding and a new Facebook page http://www.fb.me/christiansperkabirding where 100% of all posts will be about birds.
Please follow either of them and feel free to share this information with anyone else who might enjoy my wildlife and bird photography. Thanks!
I will also create a ‘Birding Read-Only WhatsApp Group’ with the same posts in case any of you are not using social media but still would like to receive the picture posts. Just send me a message and I will add you to the group 😊
PS: The on-going bird quiz posts are separate and have nothing to do with this page.
#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari @thandasafari #pakamisagamereserve @pakamisagamereserve #krugernationalpark #mkuze #mkuzegamereserve #kruger @nashvillezoo #nashvillezoo
Christian Sperka Photography | Custom Luxury Tours 