Tawny grass and crisp cool mornings that make your eyes water have been spoken about for a while now. Incredible game viewing is another thing that is associated with the dry short days at this time of year. All the anticipation is finally over and we are thoroughly enjoying the above mentioned elements and more. These are the things that make us long for winter long before its arrival and these are just some of the results, here is the week in pictures!
A sub adult white rhinoceros gives us a second look.
A rare sighting of the Tutlwa female’s female cub, a sighting so good it almost seemed like she was trying to make up for lost time.
Greg Pingo and Andrea Sithole wait with their guests for wild dogs to burst from the bush shortly before following them after a successful hunt.
Remnants of the hunt on the wild dog’s face closest to camera.
One of the more incredible lion sightings I have ever had.
The cubs of the Tsalala pride greet one of the short tempered Majingalane males.
Lion cubs playing in the Manyelati River will forever be etched into my memory.
The Dark maned majingalne looks toward the rising sun as he smells where the pride had just been lying.
The only bits of colour in a massive heard of buffalo, Red billed oxpeckers.
The beautiful gentle eyes of a young elephant.
Magic winter light.
The sun bursts through the leaves as the female Tutlwa cub enjoys the vantage point.
Framed by the branches of an ancient Jackelberry tree that is likely to have had hundreds of leopards use it as a resting point over the years.
The vomba young male goes unnoticed by an elegant giraffe.
Different generations of hyenas keep us entertained at their very busy den.
I have a real soft spot for the winter months and all they bring. Which is your favourite time of year to come on safari?
Written by: Simon Smit
Photographed by : Simon Smit
Simon, your photos are breathtaking! Well done. For me, I like to be on safari always, so give me a season, I’ll be there….
Simon–this blog is one of the most awesome blogs I have ever seen. Thank you so much for the rhino picture. They are my very favorite animal on this planet, along with the rest of the wild world. For my 3rd visit, I am coming in September. This is my favorite month, although last March was pretty spectacular too. Any season is a good one.
Amazing pictures. Visited in August. Londolozi is heaven on earth.
They r amazing especially the animals look healthy !
I do believe June through to September are the best for the lack of mozzies, but the bush is great any time of the year. I love your Rhino pic but the rest are spectacular too. Thank you Simon & enjoy the weekend 🙂
Great photos especially the opening Rhino shot, for such an iconic animal they seldom produce great photos
Thank you all! Some amazing opportunities of late. Every season has its merits but this time for me is the ultimate!
Beautiful, beautiful photos !! I would grab any opportunity to visit the bush, no matter what season, although Jun-Aug is my best! Love the cubs playing in the river bed.
Fantastic photos. Love the tutlwa young female. Awesome
I agree with what the others have said – absolutely beautiful pictures! We are dreaming of the day we will return! I do have one question – I have read that many places are no longer showing pictures of rhinos (or at least not current pictures) to not give away the location due to poaching, has this been something that you have considered doing? I absolutely love rhinos and certainly enjoy seeing the pictures, I just worry for their safety.
Thank you,
Amy
p.s. I suspect you have thought of this since I know you also love the animals – just wanting to hear your thoughts.