Blue Wildebeest
Masai Mara, Kenya
Aug 31, 2011
Aug 29, 2011
Do I Have Something In My Teeth?
Having so much fun in the Masai Mara...I'm now on the Western Trans-Mara side and have seen so much in the last couple of days including Cheetah, Lions and a river crossing :-)
Aug 27, 2011
Banana Bird
By the time I get home, I'll have been gone for 5 weeks dividing my time between South Africa and Kenya to scout for our upcoming Nature's Photo Adventures workshops.
In South Africa I spent time around Cape Town, The Sabi Sands, Kruger National Park and Joburg.
I tortured my poor guide Robert, making him stop for every Yellow Billed Hornbill we saw - and they are all over the place! I recorded a video when we stopped at a picnic site for lunch and he had a hard time fending them off. You can hear me laughing in the video but 5 min. later the tables were turned....I was just about to take a bite of my lunch and one came and stole it right from my mouth, smacking me in the face in the process. Thief.
If it wasn't the Hornbills, it was the Vervet Monkeys. One in particular was very aggressive and charged me a few times with his teeth bared. I stood my ground and yelled at him but he'd charge over and over again. Somehow I don't think he'll be around for long.
Kenya's itinerary has been keeping me busy with visits to Nairobi, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara.
I love how different the two countries are from one another. I've had completely different experiences in each place and seen so many incredible moments.
I've been burning the candle at both ends but will have lots to share on my return. Time to finish uploading CF cards to the computer, charge my batteries and head to bed! The Hyena's are making a tonne of noise outside right now but I'm so tired that I think I'll be able to sleep through anything ;-)
Aug 26, 2011
Aug 21, 2011
Big Five Feline
We tracked this guy for a while in the Sabi Sands...getting some nice close views!
I stayed at Nkorho Lodge and it was one of the most enjoyable places I've ever visited. Great food, an infinity pool overlooking a very active watering hole with visits from jackals, cape buffalo, elephants, rhino, hyena, fish eagles, zebra, various antelope species and wilderbeast. It also had large luxury rooms and comfortable outdoor decks, not to mention an OUTDOOR shower. I want one at home although I don't think it would have the same feel in the middle of winter ;-)
Since the Sabi Sands border with Kruger National Park is unfenced...it was also interesting sitting out on the deck at night and seeing animals pass though the camp. (although I'll admit I was a bit nervous at hearing all the sounds and not knowing if something was watching me.) On my second night I watched as a serval walked right past my deck and gave me a look before heading away in the direction of the waterhole.
Thank you to all the staff at the lodge, you guys are amazing!
Aug 19, 2011
Can I Help You...
I know most people go to Africa for the cats and other big five...but I couldn`t forget the owls ;-)
Barred Owlet
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Aug 18, 2011
Last Light
After Cape Town, I got on a flight back to Joburg and was off to the Sabi Sands and Kruger.
When I started planning this trip, I contacted at least 7 or 8 different companies to inquire about a guide for this private safari and future Nature's Photo Adventures workshops. It can be so hard to know who to trust and your guide is the most important decision to make on a trip like this. Do they know the right locations, can they prepare an itinerary that puts you in the best parts of the park at the right time of day, do they have any experience with photographers and know how to read the light and visualize a scene etc.
I was lucky to find Robert....my time in the Sabi Sands and Kruger is something I'll never forget and I really don't want to leave. He instively knows what I need and positions the vehicle on the right angle for the best light. He's taken care of every little detail and all the big ones. Not only that, it's felt like spending time with a friend and I've thouroughly enjoyed his company - even though I did have to put up with a fair amount of teasing ;-)
No Robert - I will not eat Kudu. I don't care how good they taste.
Male Kudu
Satara Camp Area
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Aug 13, 2011
Who Are You Calling A Jackass?
I've been dreaming of visiting Africa for as long as I can remember...and it's even better than I ever imagined. South Africa is truly magical.
When I was in Cape Town, I stayed at the Boulders Beach Lodge so I would be close to the Penguins. I had no idea how close I would be.
I actually had two babies that spent most of their time right outside the door to my room which faced out into a courtyard.
The first morning (and each one after that!) they woke me up before my alarm went off with their braying calls.
Aug 9, 2011
Life Is Good :-)
Usually I post at least every few days, so I know I've been quite lately....I've been travelling and really haven't had any time yet to even look at any of the photo's from the trip, let alone edit and post them.
Having WAY too much fun experiencing all the new sights and opportunities :-)