The season’s change continues to slowly transform the African bush as the days lengthen, the temperature rises and the flowers begin to bloom. I have spent my time enjoying the last throws of dust filled air, golden-dry grass and starry nights. I have been fortunate enough to have viewed some incredible displays of behaviour from the youngsters of the bush in the last few weeks. Elephant and rhino calves have provided hours of enjoyment as they seem to be loving the warmer weather, while hyena and leopard cubs continue to win over the hearts of countless guests.
I have compiled this selection from the last 3 weeks of my work cycle, I hope you enjoy!
The female ostrich raises her wings and is illuminated by a backlit sun. Ostriches do this for two reasons: one is as a courtship display and the other is to provide a cool breeze to the underside of the wings and top of the legs. 1/1000 at 5,6; ISO 1250
The first few flowers of a Tall White Squill (Drimia altissima) pop out of the dry, barren earth. This incredible plant will continue to grow up to about 1m tall! 1/1250 at 5,6; ISO 800
A young elephant calf clumsily plays with its trunk… 1/1250 at 5,6; ISO 400
…it takes a few years to master this intricate collection of muscles. 1/1250 at 5,6; ISO 400
A calf takes a moment of rest from play to suckle from its mother. 1/1250 at 5,6; ISO 400
A tender interaction between a mother and calf. 1/2500 at 5,6; ISO 1600
A terrapin chooses a risky spot to sunbathe on a hot afternoon. 1/500 at 5,6; ISO 400
Rest time! 1/1250 at 5,6; ISO 1600
It was a scorcher of an afternoon and when we found tracks of a male leopard heading south towards the Tugwaan drainage line, we knew the best spots to check. The Inyathini male was resting against the cool wet soil and peered up at us as we viewed him from the southern bank. 1/200 at 5,0; ISO 800
As the temperature increases, we are starting to see more snake tracks across the road. As I drove out of the car park recently I heard a small squeaking sound to find this Olive Grass Snake, killing a frog. 1/250 at 5,6; ISO 400
One of the Mashaba female’s cubs peers curiously out from a large Weeping Boer-bean tree. 1/160 at 5,6; ISO 1600
The Mashaba female intently scans the area for potential danger. She was leading her two cubs to a bushbuck kill that she had stashed in a tree along the banks of the Sand River, and wanted to ensure that no rival predators had arrived on the scene. 1/500 at 5,6; ISO 1600
A Matshipiri male lion slowly closes his eyes as the mid-morning heat takes its soporific effect. 1/640 at 5,6; ISO 400
The female ostrich’s flexible neck results in an abstraction of feathers. 1/500 at 5,6; ISO 1250
Prehistoric-looking feet of the ostrich step closer and closer. 1/640 at 5,6; ISO 1250
A Red-billed oxpecker feasts on one of the largest ticks I have ever seen on a buffalo. 1/500 at 5,6; ISO 2500
A young rhino calf leaps against his mother’s back while she enjoys an afternoon siesta. 1/500 at 5,6; ISO 800
A crystal clear reflection of the Tatowa female as she quenches her thirst at Makhotini dam in the southern part of the reserve. 1/1250 at 5,6; ISO 500
Written and photographed by: Andrea Campbell, Londolozi Ranger
Stunning pics Andrea. Love the giraffe
Great pictures! So many precious babies 🙂 I love the giraffe picture too.
Whoa! The closeup of the ostrich’s feather is stunning!! Love that one
Thank you so much Phoebe. I really did think it came out as quite an interesting shot. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Love looking at the photos! Reminds me of our trip this past fall!
Wow Andrea, you have made it incredibly difficult to choose a favourite, so I will just say the Giraffe Mom & Calf take top prize, Rhino calf & all the rest are just out of this world – Thank you & have a wonderful week & weekend 🙂
Thanks Wendy. If it helps, I can never choose a favourite – each sighting holds such value and each shot is a memory of that!
great pics. THANKS.
Fantastic pictures. Thanks!
Thank you Amy, I have just had my waking “fix” of Londolozi!
Just loved the giraffe shot,& that dear little elephant, so cute.
Thanks Susan! Andrea here, not Amy but glad you enjoyed the shots!
Great blog and beautiful images Andrea. I especially love the Giraffe and baby, and also the Rhino calf! Thank you for sharing your incredible pictures!
Wonderful pics Andrea, I really enjoyed the texture of the ostrich feathers
Beautiful Pics, Ands! The contrast between the golden coat and the black mud in the photo of the Inyathini male is awesome!
The Tatowa female was a reflection? Wow…loved the rhino, giraffe and elephant calves. The Ostrich is still very entertaining. Mashaba and the cubs look great.
Thanks Brian! Yes, the Tatowa shot is a reflection – it was an incredibly clear and still day and luckily for me the light was perfect!
I see pictures from this blog weekly and I would say Andrea that these are some of the best I have ever seen. It seem to touch my heart with warmth especially the Giraffes.
Thank you for sharing.
Loved these images Andrea.
I love the photo of the young rhino calf.