What a surprise when I arrived at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve this afternoon!
These little Ostrich chicks were on a walk-about with their parents when I got to take these pictures.
The Ostrich mom and dad were very alert to ensure that nothing would harm there young ones. I used a long lens and kept my distance 🙂
Sometimes people ask me why I live in the middle of the bush and why did I give up a well paid executive’s life in the city. Well, here is a large part of the answer.
When I took a break from my computer work today (yes, that is still part of my job, even in the bush), I stepped outside the building. Here is what I watched while I had lunch:
Five beautiful Kudu bulls strolled past Thanda House, just along the tree line. A group of Nyala was browsing along the fence while two Hadeda Ibises were looking for food under the fever trees in the garden. A group of Vervet Monkeys were playing on the house roof and in the trees. Impalas, Wildebeest, Zebra and Giraffes moved past my front gate towards the nearby waterhole. Three semi-resident Warthogs had their lunch and a beautiful butterfly was looking for nectar.
And all of this on a clear and sunny day! Any other reason required? 🙂
And now I am off to Pakamisa for a few days break – from Paradise to Paradise!
Thanda House – My home in the bush!
Off to the water past my gate.
Browsing and grasing for lunch.
A Kudu midday stroll …
At the waterhole.
Looking for lunch 🙂
No words – just enjoy the images 🙂
The last few days Thanda guests enjoyed summer temperatures, making good use of the pools at the Thanda Safari Lodge, Thanda Tented Camp and the Villa iZulu.
The Thanda Elephants did the same, enjoying a mid-day drink and bath. As always an impressive sight!
Just before I went off work for seven days I was able to participate in a Hyena capture operation (five Hyenas were to be transferred to another game reserve).
Then I spent a few days at Pakamisa enjoying a bit of riding, excellent company and superb food! It was great that Magdel and Warren from Thanda were able to join me at Pakamisa for a one night stay. This picture shows all of us leaving the stables for a morning ride.
Isabella took this group picture of me, Badger and the warthogs 🙂
I also did a “romantic drinks at sundown” photo shoot. I like the results.
I was sitting for eleven minutes at Thanda’s South Gate entrance and watched the little bird bath opposite the sitting area. Eleven bird species came down to drink 🙂
Birding fast and furious!
PS: Quite a few people have heard about my car accident last night – I am perfectly OK – If you want to read the complete story go to http://wp.me/P1rzfb-1js
Sometimes an image is just right!
I titled this one: Give me patience …
It is one of my favourite 2014 images.
Well, I usually try not to publish pictures of me making silly faces. But this one I have to post. While I was at a Cheetah interaction this week I tried to demonstrate to my guests how close you can get to these beautiful cats. But this Cheetah male decided I needed to be smacked for my daring. No harm done, but it was a great laugh for all the people watching.
A memorable moment with a silly face 🙂
PS: Thanks Grasie for taking this great picture – even with my silly face in it!
… you are sitting quietly in the bush and watching six little Lion cubs playing all around you. Well that is the experience we had on today’s evening game drive. While the adult Lions were sleeping soundly in the thick bush little ones moved about, climbed trees, stalked one another and ran around like all small kittens do.
This picture is my favourite shot from this magic encounter! The little Lion on the left got interested in the clicking of my camera and posed for a portrait.
Christian Sperka Photography | Custom Luxury Tours 