“Nature gives to every time and season unique beauty; from morning to night, as from the cradle to the grave, it’s just a succession of changes so soft and comfortable that we hardly notice the progress.” — Charles Dickens
Poets and writers have been trying to express the melancholy associated with the change of seasons since the beginning of time. The seasons bring change and within each season there are constant moments of beauty before coming to a surprising end. There are constant subtle changes in the build-up to the big moment. I don’t like change, it’s in my nature to be resistant to change. Even though each season has its individuality, and I appreciate the change once it’s taken place, there’s an anxiety that comes with that build up to the moment. I find that there is certainty and comfort in what is known, which makes the unknown that much more intimidating. It often leads me to forget about how special the here and now is, and how important it is to embrace each moment and to be present in every moment. Change is inevitable and it needs to be accepted. Knowing change is coming tends to spark a bit of nervous energy and excitement within all of us, making us feel like we need to prepare ourselves and brace for impact even when it’s as simple as allowing the seasons to turn. I get excited once the season adjusts, it is a gateway to new unique moments and challenges.
Londolozi is on the verge of a dramatic change and everyone is holding their breath for the rains to come within the next month. Currently the wilderness is filled with warmth, dust, excitement and golden light, after the rains arrive that will disappear as if it wasn’t ever there. Before the transformation I thought I would share some of my favourite images from the past week that give the feel of the current season. My hope is that it helps inspire you to squeeze the most out of every moment and if you having trouble accepting change you can feel less alone in your hesitancies.
Even though the mornings have warmed and there is no longer a need for 4 layers of thermals, jerseys and jacket this hyena cub still took comfort basking in the morning sun.
Nothing can replace an African sunset, we managed to find a Pied kingfisher perfectly in its aerial perched silhouetted in the warm sky.
The Sand River filled with elephants in search of a constant source of water and lush vegetation. With so many elephants around there is always away to appreciate them in a different way. I have had a fascination with the texture of their skin and the story it tells.
The old nomadic Kaxane male was seen curiously and cautiously moving through the open grasslands. Will it be the last time he will be seen?
He was born to the Kapen female in 2005, and upon independence moved south the lower Sabi Sand.
A portrait of a giraffe moments before the sun disappeared.
Ever wondered how this beautiful bird got its name? Marabou was a French word originating from the Portuguese word “marabuto”, which in turn comes from an Arabic word meaning “monk-solider”. The word was originally used for religious men in northern Africa, but its use was gradually extended to other sacred things: the tombs of the marabou, small mosques, the feathers of the locally-revered storks, and finally to the storks themselves.
If you look closely at this rhino calf’s nose you will notice it is slightly darker and it has speckles of grass. This was from the young rhino eating its mother dung, as disgusting as the may sound it is vital for the calf to eat its mothers dung to get partially digest grass that contains vital bacteria into its stomach in order to kick start its digestive system.
I find it remarkable that when animals die naturally how quickly it is consumed and how many benefit from its death. This week a female elephant died from old age, which brought in lions, dozens of hyena and hundreds of vultures. Nearly 7000 pounds of the carcass was consumed in just 4 days. Each animal plays a vital role in the ecosystem when alive or dead.
The female cheetah with the silver eye had a brave encounter with a Birmingham male this week. The female stood her ground for as long as possible which gave her two youngsters more than enough time to get to safety before she made a quick escape.
The Nhlanguleni female and her cub sharing a touching moment.
Initially skittish she spent a lot of time in the Sand River, now relaxed she makes up the majority of leopard viewing west of camp.
The Flat Rock male was seen mating with the Mashaba female this week.
A dominant male leopard over the majority of the north. He originally took over the 4:4 Male's territory when he died.
A different perspective of a leopard lying in a tree, make the most of every moment.
The Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill is constantly present and often under-appreciated.
Stunning pics Don. Beautifully written. Sometimes we just have to embrace change and it is surprising to realize that it can be for the better. We will always look back on what has been and how good it was. Memories will stay with us.
Beautiful photos, lovely thoughts! I especially liked the photos of the baby rhino and the cheetah fleeing the lion, although I was surprised at how stunning the hornbill and marabou stork’s photos were too. Fantastic post! Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful Don thank you
Beautiful beginning to my weekend Don. Thank you for sharing your images!!
Thank you so much for the beautiful pics. I was at at Londolozi a week or so ago, and I so wish I were back. I’d love to see the expected rains. Our Ranger Kevin said Londolozi greens up very fast.
Incredible shots this week Don! Love the straight-on look of the Hornbill!
Don you’ve given us some wonderful pictures this week! And I was especially moved by your thoughtful opening quote. The images were so good that I dislike calling attention to one over another….but…. (lol) someone’s heart would have to have hardened if they weren’t moved by the tenderness between the Nhlanguleni and her cub! Demonstrating the elephant textures was thoughtful and the face of the Hornbill was striking. I could go on, but will send my thanks instead.
Is Kashane in a bad condition?
Loved your thoughts on embracing change, as well as all the wonderful photos … and that straight-on shot of the hornbill — wow!
This has got to be the most amazing photo gallery that I’ve seen in a while now!! I honestly cannot choose a favourite!