In the Week in Pictures you will notice that many of my images are taken in the Sand River or at waterholes where animals have come to drink – their predictable behaviours due to the dry weather we are experiencing. The highlight of this week was watching the Tsalala pride as they cooled off in the river, wading in and playing together in their mischievous ways. Large elephant breeding herds were seen flocking to the water creating a beautiful canvas as they gathered for a late afternoon drink. While most of my sightings are dominated by leopards, lions and elephants, we have also had sightings of smaller animals that are always enchanting to see. One such sighting was of a slender mongoose that I feature below, a very shy and solitary fella!
Enjoy your weekend and tell us what you think of the images this week – we’d love to know.
The dawn chorus ringing out we pause to watch the day begin with some zebra in the foreground.
The incredibly beautiful Nanga female.
Dark clouds provide a dramatic backdrop for this zebra foal and a sea of impala.
The causeway is a hot spot at the moment, animals are being drawn in by drying water sources.
The black tip of a slender mongoose tail is usually all that one sees before it darts into the bush. A shy solitary animal – photographic opportunities are few and far between… This is my first image of one!
A pocket of light illuminates the Piva male. The leopard is growing both in confidence and stature everyday.
A river monster.
A member of the Mhangeni pride soaks up the morning sun. A drier winter than usual could spell disaster for the resident buffalo as the pride begin to hone their skills and as cubs get bigger.
A wedge of colour.
The Tsalala pride cross the river, a sighting I have dreamt of!
Two of the playful young males
Elephants are already flocking to the river for water.
Risen from a slumber by a scent carried on the wind.
The prehistoric beauty of a rhino at sunset.
Written and photographed by Simon Smit
Stunning pics this week Simon! Love the big herd of elephants. Great images of the Tsalala pride in the river.
I agree….stunning shots! The Piva male is so HANDSOME!! Yes, and the gorgeous and graceful Nanga female; love her! The Tsalala pride pics exude their power. I’ve seen other shots of them recently, but these make me feel their power. I’m trying to keep up with the story, so I think they may be older now than the last pics I saw. Creative shot of the “river monster”, and brilliant, really because as a viewer I knew right away what it was and felt all the apprehension I would feel if looking at a complete photo!! I could go on and on…LOL, but I’ll spare you!!
Thank you for sharing; it’s the highlight of my week. Great job!
Amazing pics simon I love the elephants crossing the river
Love the ‘Wedge of Color’ and the Piva Male and the rhino shot – the impact of light in all 3 is special!
The photo with the single elephant is stunning! The unusual composition makes the photograph that much more intriguing! Love these and can’t wait to be there this May!
The elephant shot is fantastic, wonderful to see so many of them!
Simon, the Nanga & Piva Leopards are just as always stunning! I also love the ellies crossing the river, but the Hyena catching the breeze deserves a mention as does the Slender Mongoose, but as always thank you for making my weekend so special! Have a good one too 🙂
Simon, these pictures put me back in Londolozi so I thank you for that:)
Beautiful shots Simon! I love the ones of the Tsalala pride in the river and the Piva male and Nanga female. Thanks for a great week in pictures!
Absolutely stunning…and I cannot wait to return to Londolozi this June!
HI SIMON,
STUNNING SHOTS FRIEND, I LOVE HOW YOU HAVE USED THE LIGHT, WHICH AFTER ALL IS WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY IS ALL ABOUT! THANKS FOR SHARING.
KIND REGARDS,
TED.