Winter is a time that has much appeal, it is also a time that brings much hardship. It is a time that sparks our memory and plays with our senses. When we feel it we remember. The bite of a cold morning wake up, the mysterious hanging mist, the richness and warmth that is brought by the sunrise and then the setting of the sun, a ball of fire that warms the earth then disappears below the skyline and with it brings the darkest, coldest night. Winter is a time where animals spend much of their time in search of vital resources like water and food. There is no rainfall and the grass is brittle and dry.
Winter for me is a time of colour and light. The caramel grass and burnt orange teak leaves, the shades of rust, copper, gold and brass, the rich golden morning light and the pale blue skies. A withdrawn sunset that fills the sky with a palette of colours only the naked eye can behold and cherish. Once you have managed to deal with the icy cold mornings and open your mind to what can be achieved, winter is the most amazing space.
The iconic view from our airstrip with the kist and rising sun.
Rolling hills to the east.
An early morning in the mist with the rising sun.
The Mhungeni pride wakes up in the warmth of the rising sun.
Backlit with golden rays and misty days.
A Mhungeni female surrounded by sunlit grass stalks.
The Marthly male adorns a golden winter sunrise.
Mornings warming up with some busy Guineafowl.
Sunrise on the airstrip.
An approaching Majingilane male lion in the caramel coloured grass.
A pale sky and soft light is a huge appeal in winter.
The Tamboti female backlit by some afternoon rays.
An ox pecker is some winter shades.
The Dudley Riverbank female in the setting sun.
Dust bathing in the sunset.
Afternoons spent with large herds of buffalo are always a favourite.
The silhouette of a male cheetah at sunset.
Late afternoon sun with two new young male cheetah brothers.
Sunsets with a giraffe and her new born calf.
A photograph I have been looking for, for a long time now.
Written and Photographed by: Mike Sutherland
Really the most amazing photo’s. Awesome in the golden light
Truly magnificent sequence of photographs around this theme. Well done Mike.
Mike–you are a true artist.
Agreed!
Thank you Arden! Look forward to seeing you later in the year!
I was there for the last elephant shot. Epic! I hope you’re well, Mike.
Did you get a similar shot as well Kristine?
What an awesome moment it was Kristine! Sure you must have something similar!
Wonderful Mike. Thanks so much for sharing with us 🙂
Beautiful, beautiful photographs Mike! I love every one of them!
I love them all! I can’t decide on a favourite. Thank you for sharing.