Dust looms and radiant skies remind us that winter has settled in. Animals are forced to water that somehow stays above the parched land. Paths form patterns that cut through the bush like veins across the land. After the winter solstice we are on the slow road back to summer… With spectacular sightings like the ones we’ve seen below, there’s no need to wish away the time.
Enjoy the week in pictures!
Some of the most striking colours we get out here. The Impala Lily flowers when the bush is at its most dull, further enhancing its beauty.
A piercing gaze, the rugged Marthly Male.
A weary hippo slowly breaks the surface to see if we have moved off.
An amazing day ended in the most incredible way.
A hyena on the prowl hung around just long enough to grab this shot.
Only a few days old we were some of the first people to see this baby giraffe. It even had its umbilical cord still attached.
A splash of colour.
One of the females in a massive herd of buffalo about to have a drink to carry her to the next relentless day.
Amazing light on a rare sight, leopards mating, the Mashaba female and the Marthly male potentially help further the species.
It is not easy going and there is a little tension between the two predominantly solitary cats.
The horns of a young male bushbuck only just visible as he lifts his head to investigate a noise in the thicket.
The day fades and gives way to the stars.
Playful hyena cubs enjoy the last warm rays of sun for the day.
A secretary bird combs the grasslands for a snake to feed on.
Dappled light on what I think are the most beautiful eyes on any lion – the Hip Scar Majingilane.
What stirs in you when you look into the eyes of a big male lion?
Written and Photographed by: Simon Smit
Beautiful pics. Love the one of the Hip scar Majingilane
Wonderful week. Thank you. Hip scar makes me happy that I will be able to visit him in 3 more months. Can’t wait to be back in the bush.
Thank you Simon, for another amazing week in pictures.. Hip Scar’s picture is indeed beautiful.
I love the Impala Lily and the leopards and the buff with the green splash of color.. Oh heck, I love them all.. An amazing place you live in.. Paradise by my standards.
I think Hip Scar takes the prize tonight, but they are all beautiful Simon thank you. Have a good weekend in your paradise
Beautiful photos Simon! The Majingilane is my favourite though. They are so regal and amazing to watch and when you are lucky enough to make eye contact, I always wonder what they are thinking. Just an incredible experience.
Great use of black and white photography, my favourite is the young impala, you may see hundreds of impala but getting a good photo of them is incredibly difficult.
Beautiful photos Simon!! The black and white lion is amazing!! Were these taken with the 300mm fixed lens you were using? You’ve Inspired Gary and I.