I was working with a guest earlier this week editing her photographs when she turned to me and said, “Everyone here is so happy and friendly…” I replied: “It must be the environment that we live in!” It’s true everyone at Londolozi is happy and I know this has a lot to do with the wonderful, calming surroundings that we live in. It is an amazing privilege to live at a place where everyday holds something new, and where you wake up to chorus of birdsong and go to sleep to lions roaring and hippos grunting – how can you not be happy? When you love the place where you live and the work that you do, this definitely reflects and is noticed.
With these happy thoughts in mind, I have found some of the best images of April, the ones that really make us happy and I am sure that they will make you feel the same way!
The Nanga Female and her cub provided us with endless joy as we watched her showing her little one the ways of the world – read Nick’s blog on the mother and cub. You’ll also see that elephants dominate our choice of images this month, the tusker, well documented in our Week in Pictures, is definitely a favourite.
Enjoy the best of the month in images.
Out in the open, a rare sighting of Nanga and her cub in an open area. (Canon EOS 1 D, f4, 1/3 200) Marion Vollborn
A subject I have dreamt of photographing for a long time. This ‘big tusker’ has been seen only a handful of times in the last few weeks. I have had just one brief sight of him and feel no photograph will do his tremendous size any justice. Here is my portrait of him, though; shaded and wrinkled with history. (1/500 at f/2.8; ISO 1000) Sean Cresswell
Post processing can be a time consuming process, with a lot of trial and error. It look me a couple of times to get this image of the Styx Male to a point where I was pleased. (Nikon D4 + 300mm f2.8 lens; 1\640 at f5.6; ISO 500) Don Heyneke
The pure beauty of the Tamboti young female as she scans the area for a potential threat or prey. I(so 1000 F5,6 1/500 second.) Trevor Ryan McCall-Peat
A raging sun rising through the mist and drizzle; outlooking from atop Ximpalapala koppie. (1/160 at f/11; ISO 200). Sean Cresswell
The magnificent elephant bull that has been seen around the place, breasting a hill on Ximpalapala crest. (f4, 1/640, ISO 800). James Tyrrell
A beautiful setting early one morning as the mist only just revealed a single Elephant feeding in a clearing as the rest move away out of frame. A cold Leadwood tree towers the majestic mammal. (1/250 at f/4.0; ISO 200). Sean Cresswell
The Nanga cub distracted by a bird flying by (Canon EOS 50, 200mm focal length, f4, 1/100) Nick Kleer
The Tsalala pride on fast-forward. Lots of energy from an unknown meal two nights before (they were found in the morning with full bellies) meant that it was all systems go when they got to the river, and the sub-adults could be let off the proverbial leash.( f3.2, 1/1600s, ISO 1000). James Tyrrell
The Piva Male emerges from the dark. A long post process, using an under exposed brush tool. (Canon 600D + 70-200mm f4.0 lens; 1/640 at f5.0; ISO 200) Don Heyneke
Written by: Kate Collins, Blog Editor
Photographed by: Don Heyneke, Marion Vollborn, James Tyrrell, Nick Kleer, Sean Cresswell and Trevor Ryan McCall-Peat.
Can you choose your top three? Share your favourite ones with us in the comments below.
Wow, all stunning images Kate! I think my top 3 favourites though are (1) Nanga with her new cub…the cub’s eyes are so spectacular and full of wonder and Nanga shows such motherly care and protectiveness. (2) Sean’s big tusker…what a beautiful picture of an incredible Elephant, and (3) Sean’s Elephant in the mist — a lovely shot of the Elephant and the beautiful Londolozi landscape. I also love the image of the beautiful Tamboti young female, who holds a special place in my heart as I was so lucky to have seen her as a young cub in 2013…she has grown into such a beauty.
Excellent choices Jill. Thank you so much for sharing. Looking forward to what May has in store for us.
Great selection of photographs, Kate. No wonder you’re all so happy.
Thank you Dave! 🙂
So cool — your blog has motivated Jeff to get his photos edited and sent off to you!!! Sean, love the photo of the sun rise – as I was there watching it happen! And yes, you all are such a beautiful place to spend time…Londoz, and the people are beautifully intoxicating!
Wonderful Jenifer, please so ask Jeff to send us his pics! My email: kate.collins@londolozi.co.za
Thank you 🙂
Thank you, Jenifer, what a special morning that was. The sun only made a short appearance before those clouds moved in, but to share it with you, Jeff and Freddy was unforgettable. Any sunrise holds a special place in my heart, as it is!
I have to go with the following:
1) Nanga and her cub
2) The full on shot of the ‘big tusker’
3) Tied, the serenity of the big tusker on Ximpalapala crest AND the energy of the Tsalala pride
All are beautiful shots and I hope to be this fortunate when I arrive next week. We are so excited
David
BTW – The portrait of the Tamboti young female is gorgeous but had some tough competition.
Hi David, very exciting to hear you will be with us next week! I am sure you will have some great sightings – would love to see your pictures. 🙂
Beautiful reminders of why I love Londolozi. The happiest days of my life were spent at Londolozi, getting up before sunrise and staying out until after sundown….making certain we didn’t miss anything. Great article Kate, as always.
Thank you Ed, we miss you here, really hope we will see you again soon, holding thumbs!
Stunning photos this month. Love the leopards, especially Nanga with her cub out in the open. The big elephant bull is amazing. Great image.
Thank you Marinda, I hope you have had some time to relax and enjoy the Kruger Park, would love to hear about your trips.
Thank you for these selected images Londolozi, they’re absolutely wonderful. I particularly like: Nanga and her cub, The Big Tusker, and Raging sun rising from atop Ximpalapala koppie.
They make me ache for the African bush …