This afternoon we had some winter rain. Despite the unusual wet weather for this season the Thanda guests enjoyed great game drives with Elephant bulls, a herd of Buffalo and this young Giraffe (in Zebra company).
Pakamisa
On Saturday and Sunday I was invited to a game reserve near Pongola named Pakamisa. This very special place specializes in exploring the African bush on horseback (for more information go to www.pakamisa.co.za).
I enjoy taking pictures of these beautiful horses in action. The really good news for me is that they recently got a new horse, which will be able to take my weight. I am looking forward to my first time on a horse 🙂
Ithala
Today I have spent my first day at Ithala Game Reserve in the North of Kwazulu Natal. Ithala is a beautiful mountainous reserve with many interesting tracks. I will spend three days of my off-time here.
Next to regular roads Ithala has some interesting 4×4 trails. Some of them are rather rocky and very challenging (Inclines for first gear low with center and back diff set). My Toyota Fortuner mastered the steepest one very well.
This image was taken after the ascent from top of the mountain …
… Once back in the plains I took this image of a male Giraffe at sunset …
… and just after sunset I encountered this male Ostrich along the road.
I also saw White Rhino, Zebra, Wildebeest, Kudu and many different bird species.
A good first day!
Sky over Thanda
On today’s Thanda Game Drive we encountered this Giraffe on a hill top under a beautiful sky.
Have a good week!
Symbols of Africa!
For me these are two true symbols for the African bush: Giraffe and Fever Tree! The Thanda guests on my vehicle enjoyed this beautiful scene in the morning sun.
The Fever Tree (Acacia xanthophloea) is a species of Acacia native to eastern and southern Africa. The trees grow to a height of 15–25 m. The characteristic bark is smooth, powdery and greenish-yellow in color It is one of the few trees where photosynthesis takes place in the bark. Fever trees are fast-growing and short-lived.
Magic Moment!
After a game drive with excellent Giraffe, Lion, Rhino and Hyena sightings we made our way back to the Lodge when the sun had set and the moon was providing the illumination.
This picture is by no means perfect. It is a freehand shot with very little light. But it represents the magic moment experienced by the Thanda guests – seeing a Giraffe moving soundless under the moon.
The Magic of Africa!
PS: For the photographers among you: f/5.6 – 1.6sec – ISO 1600 – 35mm – no support
Shade with a View!
This male Giraffe was looking for a shady spot in the middle of the day. A Marula Tree on top of one of Thanda’s hill was just the right place. And with a view, too 🙂
Funny Posture!
Yesterday, I caught this Giraffe in this funny posture just as it was getting on its feet from a sitting position.
Giraffe sleep only for very short periods, usually no longer than 5 minutes at a time and they cannot put their head down for any extended time, as they would risk brain damage from the increased blood pressure.
And a personal note …
For the next seven days my tracker Bheki and I are on leave. After driving Thanda guests for most of our 21 work days we have now one week of time to relax before getting back to work for another 21 day stretch. I hope to get a chance to go to Mkuze Game Reserve and to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve to get some animal pictures from different environments.
Leaving early!
This beautiful scene surprised the Thanda guests when the morning game drive left from Tented Camp.
The two female Giraffes enjoyed the warm morning sun together with their two young calves.
For real!
Male Giraffes are often sparring (a “not serious” fight for training).
Today we watched two bulls fighting for real. The impact of the skull (ossicones) onto the opponents body sounded very painful.
Christian Sperka Photography | Custom Luxury Tours 