I had an excellent evening drive. First I spent an hour in between a breeding herd of Elephants feeding all around me and then I experienced some Lion tension between two brothers. One of them was attending to a female in estrous while keeping her away from his submissive rival. A lot of growling and paw-fighting. A not so quiet Sunday 😊!
Have a good week.
#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari @thandasafari #lockdownsafari
These are two pictures of the moon taken from Thanda Safari at exactly the same time in the early morning hours.
The picture on the top was taken with a Canon DSLR and a 500mm lens and the picture below with an iPhone XS Max. These two incredible tools often complement one another rather than compete.
Have a peaceful Sunday 😊
#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari @thandasafari #lockdownsafari
At the end of today’s game drive I took this short video of an Elephant bull following a breeding herd. Like a teenager he walked confidently down the road with a bit of a swagger before turning into the tree-line.
Have a good Sunday!
#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari @thandasafari #lockdownsafari
My favorite eagle, the Bateleur, has a French name which stands for ‘Tide Rope Walker’ or more freely translated juggler or acrobat (German: Gaukler / Zulu: iNgqungqulu). Due to its very short tail it got a very distinct way of flying which probably led to this rather unusual name.
It is the most colorful of the eagles in Africa. At Thanda we are at the Southern end of its distribution range and we are lucky to see them regularly on the reserve.
I realize that I have neglected my bird posts a bit over the last few weeks, but I will try to do better in the future 😊.
Have a good day!
#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #lockdownsafari #bateleur
After a very pleasant afternoon game drive I was on the way home as the sun was about to set. On the road, which leads to the Thanda Safari Lodge, this beautiful scene presented itself: Perfectly lit Giraffes in front of the Lebombo Mountains!
Enjoy your evening.
#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari @thandasafari #lockdownsafari
Now available for delivery world-wide!
Recently I had quite a few questions regarding my Thanda Cats coffee table book. Besides being available for purchase at Thanda Safari’s curio shops I can also send it to you wherever you are in the world.
Click here to have a look at some sample spreads from the large, 108 page, high quality, soft cover, 30x30cm, 12×12″ book. Also for price/shipping information and/or to order the book:
THANDA CATS by Christian Sperka
It is all about Thanda Safari’s Lions, Leopards and Cheetahs.
PS: I took the title page picture, the ‘Bird Watching Lioness’, in April 2013.
Spotted Hyenas often look like they are laughing. But fierce competition within their species and pressure from Lions provide very few reasons for laughter. I love to watch these incredible creatures, the leaders of nature’s clean up crew 😊
Have a good Wednesday!
Thandasafari @thandasafari #Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #lockdownsafari
I love the high-pitched sound Cheetahs produce when they are calling one another. This is a short video of a male coalition calling for a female nearby. We were parked right next to them and I was able to get this footage with my iPhone.
I hope you will enjoy your evening!
#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari @thandasafari #lockdownsafari
Walking through wet grass left one of Thanda Safari’s male Lion’s mane looking much darker than it really is.
But whatever the color, he is a handsome animal and he knows it 😊
Enjoy the day!
#Thandasafari @thandasafari #Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #lockdownsafari #lion #lions
On 22 May 2004, exactly 16 years ago, His Majesty King Zwelithini Goodwill kaBhekuzulu officially opened Thanda Safari Lodge.
Right now the only visitors at this most beautiful place are our animals, but we are looking forward to welcoming guests again soon, from all over the world!
#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari @thandasafari
