The fiscal quarter has seen increased revenues and lower costs. The general market outlook is positive and… Ok, I have probably lost half of the people who foolishly clicked on this link already! After guiding at Londolozi for three years, a combination of good timing and good fortune saw me, rather than returning to Johannesburg, take up a position in the finance office here at the lodge. Despite being largely based in the office, my passion for the bush and photographing it’s inhabitants has not diminished. As such, I try and make an effort to get out as often as possible. Having an office job that allows me to do this is truly amazing, and I have numerous jealous friends who made the decision to leave the bush for the so-called “real world”.
So when most head out of the office and into an hour of traffic, I am fortunate enough to spend my hour accumulating the pictures and experiences below. Well, I better get back to some real work before they realise I am gone!
One of the Nanga cubs peers inquisitively out of the long grass
Leopards are usually associated with thick bush and obscured views – we were fortunate one day to encounter the Nanga female and her two cubs crossing a clearing in good light.
A lot of a young leopard cubs early life is spent waiting around for mom!
Having a sibling though can help pass the time and play time forms an important part of learning.
Trying incredibly hard to keep his eyes open, one of the Nanga cubs rests in the sun on this log
Panning the camera using a slow shutter speed allows you to achieve this effect, where the head is sharp but the motion blurred. It can be a bit hit and miss – I think I took around 50 shots and got just one right on this occasion.
One of the Sparta females yawns in the late afternoon sun
A brave young male subadult from the Sparta Pride approaches on of the Majingilane males – in time the males won’t be so receptive to this and will drive the young males out of the area.
Another yawn from a Sparta female as she prepares for a night on the hunt. The use of side-light from another vehicle helps achieve this effect
Again, side – lighting has been used here. The surrounding darkness makes the male look oven more menacing than usual.
The Nanga Female finds a use for one of her cubs – the perfect chin rest!
Another Nanga Cub photo – as you can probably tell from the spread of photo’s, if I can find time to head out it is usually in pursuit of these two cubs!
One of my favourite photos is this one of the male cheetah perched on a termite mound at sunset
No moon and a winter night sky set the perfect conditions for this photo of a leadwood and the Milkyway, taken near Lex’s pan.
I guess every job has it’s own challenges – as this young Sparta Male illustrates – seems to have been a long night at the office for him!
Written and Photographed by David Dampier
Spectacular, David! So glad you are able to suffer through the mayhem to get out and capture photos like these!! 😉
I too work in the finance department, however I must admit I am jealous of your commute. Mine is only about 11 minutes, but not even remotely close to these experiences. I miss the trail, the views, the animals, the people…. Longing for Londolozi. I Will have to make do with being there vicariously through this site until I can come back.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Great shots! Thanks for sharing, particularly the Nanga cubs!
got me to click! glad i did, for the pictures! of course, i will click on anything Londolozi posts 🙂
thank you as always for sharing.
Have accounting degree and will travel. Do you need an assistant?
David–you are the luckiest man in the world.
It’s interesting (at least to me) how many ‘finance’ gurus wind up in the bush as rangers and back again into finance, e.g. Mike Miller. The mom using cub as a chin rest is marvelous!
great photos, great comments. If I was younger I would give anything to work and live at Londolozi, you are very fortunate!
David that was the best & most exciting Financial Report I have ever “read”. Your pictures are really beautiful and I guess that means you do have time to get out of the office now & again, so don’t be shy we await more from Londolozi & you. Thanks for sharing.
What a pity I’m not an accountant! What a life, I am so envious! Beautiful photos of the cubs, thank you!
Wow, wish my office job was like that!
Great cat photos!
Love, love those cubs! All great photos.
The last photograph looks like the lion is doing the fish yoga pose;)
Very cool!
Amazing photography and animals!;)
Great photos – thanks for sharing!
Great photos David! I especially like the night sky shot and the last one of the young Sparta male….I know how he feels, my work week is going pretty much the same. I will trade my “real world” job for yours any time!! You are definitely the luckiest guy I know, getting to go to work every day there!
Amazing pictures David! I have been wondering how someone with my vocational skills could be made indispensable to the Londolozi team! Alas, it is not to be!
Doyleski, good to see some of your work again!
Seems the office hasn’t made you lose your touch. Great photos bud!
Jamo
Amazing Doyle!! The cheetah sunset pic is insane!
By the time I get to Londolozi the cubs will have grown. Grossly unfair.
Doyle it is so good to have your photographic talent back on the blog…
I think you should get out of that office more judging by this incredible selection of images!
HI DAVID,
WELL DONE ON YOUR MAGNIFICENT SHOTS!
I LOVE THOSE LEOPARD CUB SHOTS! WOW! THEY ELUDED ME ON MY VISIT, SO IT IS SO NICE TO SEE SUCH GOOD PHOTOGRAPHS OF THEM.
WELL DONE, AND I FEEL SORRY FOR YOU BEING SO STRESSED OUT AT LONDO’S! DO NOT OVER DO THINGS, THINK OF US FIGHTING OUR WAY THROUGH THE DAILY TRAFFIC!
KIND REGARDS,
TED.
These are beautiful shots David – thanks so much for sharing!
David, your photo of the evening sky is EPIC! Beautiful!