Phil and Dawn Judd are no strangers to Africa. Living in England, they first visited Londolozi in early 2012 and have returned at least six times since their initial visit. Earlier this year we featured Phil’s images on our blog, and with their return to us in July, we have had the pleasure of once again browsing through his photographs.
“We have only visited Londolozi in summer, which we love because the area is so green,” says Phil. This is their first visit to Londolozi in winter and they’ve really enjoyed the change of scenery. “I love the soft light and colours of winter, especially for taking photographs. Animals blend in beautifully to their surrounds.”
Asked what they love most about the reserve, Phil is quick to respond, “First and foremost it is the variety of animals to be found. There is nothing that Londolozi does not have! Second, must be the staff. We love to return to the people we love, to the Londolozi family. “
Phil shoots with a Nikon D4 with a 600 mm lens. Below is a compilation of some of our favourite photographs from his visits in 2012 and 2013. Enjoy…
We loved this image of the cheetah looking straight at us, defiant and beautiful.
Watching elephants is always entertaining.
A rainy day for the pride.
Family time: mom and her youngsters.
A raptor finds a perch on a small branch.
The striking but small lilac breasted roller.
A baboon catches a ride on the back of its mother.
A lesser-masked weaver works on the architecture of his home.
This leopard does ‘meerkat’.
A cub takes a break from feasting on a zebra.
‘How do you like my Ox Pecker hat?’
A large kudu bull looks on while rain pours down.
Hippo wars: this photograph was more luck than judgement.
I love the colours of the Golden Orb spider.
We love to return to the people we love, to the Londolozi family.
And when will Phil and Dawn return? “I think we’ll book our next trip for spring in 2015, it’s another season that we have yet to experience!”
Photographed by: Phil Judd. Click here to view more of Phil’s work.
Watch this video until the end to see footage of the four Majingilane males roaring filmed by Dawn below. WARNING: This video clip will make you long for the bush.
Awesome pics. Amazing photo of the hippos
Hi Marinda. The hippos are always spectacular when they kick off, I am just glad to be some way from them with a telephoto lens when they do!
Stunning photos Phil! For some reason the video clip didn’t come through though so I couldn’t see it. Thanks for sharing all the beautiful photos! I think the Cheetah and the Lilac Breasted Roller are my favourites!
Thank you Jill. Sorry the video does not play there must be some error in your player for some reason. The Cheetah is amongst my favourite animals and the Lilac Breasted Roller is just so spectacular. I managed to get one in flight at sunset this time which I was really pleased with.
It must have been an Apple iPad flash issue Phil, because I did manage to open the video on my computer later on. I enjoyed it immensely and Dawn’s segment with the Majingilane was fantastic! It sounds like the rest of your photos are just as wonderful and I would love to see your photo of the Lilac Breasted Roller in flight if you are posting more photos in the near future!
Wonderful photos as always Phil, great to see your photography progressing.
Thanks Rich. Hopefully we will be back out in May for 8 days to top up my portfolio of various images. Each time I come out my photography improves in so many ways.
Wonderful images Phil. I’m looking forward to seeing more photographs from your recent stay at Londolozi.
Thanks Kate. I have been through most of my recent work and have certainly managed to get some great images again. The light this time was quite spectacular and both morning and evening sessions were really productive, especially enhanced when using the D4S with the 600mm lens. A great combination. I am glad I brought the spare D4 with the 80-400mm it saved a lot of time in not having to change lenses each time I wanted a different perspective.
Best video ever!! Dawn, you captured Londolozi in all of its beauty. Thank you–I will be back for a 3rd time in September.
Dawn actually only supplied the end footage of the four males roaring. All the other work and effort was entirely down the Rich Laburn. But a great video non the less and a good bit of collaboration.
Should have known it was Rich’s work. Every one of you has an eye for what is magical. Thank you.
Great photos and great film Dawn. You are right, it makes us long for the bush, we are returning in a month for our 3rd year and plan to visit again in 2015 .
Londolozi is always very consistent with the variety of animals in the area. Especially the number of leopards, lions and even the resident cheetah. I must admit to having a soft spot for the elephants though, I feel very relaxed around them, being close enough to hear them breathing and eating. Plus that deep rumble sound they make. Love it!
Bravo, Phil! I have one of your leopards….a pensive, lovely girl….on my desktop…..so, you are appreciated daily! Thanks again, Susan
Excellent! I too have that shot on my desktop.
Fantastic photos Phil!!! We are returning in April of 2015, so maybe we’ll run into each other! Thank you for sharing your exceptional work!
I am glad you like the images. Having just got back to the UK I have over 4,000 photos to go through. The light this time of the year is quite exceptional, and more flattering to the animals rather than the harsh light of December that I am normally used to.
Thank you Phil & Dawn. Both the pictures & video are stunning and yes the warning is so right! That cough of the Leopard & the roar of those 4 big guys is spine chilling but oh so typical of the bush. Hope to see more pictures soon.
Thanks very much. We were exceptionally lucky to be in the right place at the right time with the four Majingilane males right in front of us. Although I got some great photos, Dawn’s video captured the thrill of their combined roaring which was so much more atmospheric and made the hairs on my neck stand on end!