Jess Watt has been at Londolozi for almost two years and has recently moved from being a camp manager at Founders camp to our new assistant operations manager. She has always had a huge passion for the bush, has been in the industry for over three years and is incredibly committed to it. With her passion for the bush comes a passion for photography and she has asked me to create a blog on her behalf in order to share this passion with you all. Thank you Jess for your wonderful writing and breathtaking pictures, we look forward to having you with us as a more permanent blogger!
Enjoy it….
Swallows danced on light wing above Weaver’s Nest pan. Thirsty from the heat they descended to sip from the water. But everyone’s attention was not towards the sky but on the token cat lying in the grass next to the pan in the westerning light. The male cheetah looked like he had no intention of moving for the rest of the evening but everyone on the vehicle remained expectant. The air was so crisp after all the rains – the Drankensberg Mountains felt like they were within fingertip reach. This section of terrain empires occasional Marula trees and Apple Leafs but is mainly grassland; well-suited cheetah territory. And it was glowing. Temptation was to capture the moment through my lens but a single frame could not do it justice.
Setting his eyes on the impala in the distance – Photographed by Jess Watt
Then with as much direction and intention as day turns to night the cat had fire in his eyes. He intercepted the presence of a young impala with her lamb in the distance. His awareness unimaginable and the mood of the moment changed instantly. Something was unfolding…
One can see the fire in his eyes – Photographed by Jess Watt
The impala pair bounded carefree through the long grass while the cheetah instinctively gained meters towards them inconspicuously. The speed of the movement heightened the excitement on the vehicle. We followed in hot pursuit through the long grass trying to keep a visual on the chase. I distinctly remember the chaos of white-tipped tails of all three animals. The flash of white was the complete antithesis of surrender. This moment was about survival.
After the chase he is very satisfied with his kill – Photographed by Jess Watt
The cat had set his sights on the lamb and through precise execution and instinct he won his prize. The impala’s maternal bond was instantly evaporated but the cheetah refuelled his life energy.
Experiencing a kill from beginning to end out here remains controversial and emotionally unsolved for most. I know I float somewhere between emptiness for a mother’s loss of new life and evolutionary astonishment for survival of the fittest.
On his way to find a comfortable place to have his meal
Fantastic! Well done Jess!
Jess was our Camp Manager at Founder’s this past May 2012. She was outstanding! So glad to hear of her new duties at Londolozi….but, even more glad to witness her talents at writing and photography! Looking forward to more in the future, Jess…..
Great story and pictures. My wife and I are bringing two of our daughters to Londolozi in June. I’m an amateur photographer and I’m interested in learning what to expect while shooting in Africa. I want to be as prepared as possible for this once in a lifetime opportunity. In future blogs, could you please give some information on equipment and techniques used to get your photographs. Thank you.
David, We visited Londolozi last July and like you viewed this trip as a once in a lifetime opportunity. After visiting Londolozi, we hope to return many more times. During our safari I used two Canon Mark IV’s with a 70-200mm f/2.8 on one camera body and the other had a 300mm f/2.8. I also had a 1.4 extender as well as a 16-35 f/2.8 lens at the ready. Those lens typically allowed me to capture every shot I wanted. Remember to bring plenty of memory cards or an external hard drive to store your pictures. You and your family will have the trip of a lifetime at Londolozi!
Hi David,
For this specific blog Jess was using a Nikon D90 with a 55mm-200mm Lens. I will definitely make sure there is more attention on the technique and equipment of the photos in future blog. A good blog to look at that has recently come out is the ‘After the rain’ by David Dampier, all the equipment and techniques are added on all the photos.
Thank you for your interest and we look forward to seeing you and your family in June!
Regards,
Kate
Congratulations, Jess! I look forward to reading your blogs.
I think the Cheetah has the most gorgeous eyes!
Thank for this peek into your beautiful world.
Well done Jess, and thanks for looking after me when I came to Founders last April. I’m back there in 2 weeks! – can’t wait, and this time my husband is joining me for his 3rd visit (and my 4th). It would be lovely to see you if you’re around, and I’m also really hoping to see this cheetah!
Jess, congrats and thank you for your story and photos. I look forward to meeting you at Londolozi soon.
Best,
Jenifer
Congratulations, Jess. So that means you won’t be in Founders in November but I hope you’ll stop by for a quick aloha when I’m there. Can’t wait for your blog and photos.
Muzeltov Jess…Thank you for the Awesome photos…its so Wow!!!!
Well done Jess! Great pics and well written… love it! Can’t wait for the next one.
Well DONE my vriendjie!
I am so proud of you!
Nx
Awesome work Jess-dogg! So happy for your new position, and sure you are going to do absolutely wonderful there! Look forward to seeing some more stunning images from you! Keep it up 🙂 x
Thank you everyone for your comments! Until the next story…
Very nice, Jess!
Jess, you served as our driver and guide during a Backroads tour group stay at Londolozi Varty Camp in March. Incidentally, you were the best guide, and Shad the best tracker. You mentioned that you and your fiancé Duncan would use a blog to tell about your travel adventure as you headed north to Kenya this month. I copied “jessandduncsadventure@wordpress.com” but that comes up blank. I’m very interested in your trip. Can you pass on your blog site again, please? Regards, Dave Mills, Wyoming, USA