I recently had a day off in-between two sets of guests. As alumni guide Dean describes in a previous blog, these days do not come around so often (especially as we enter a very busy time of year in the bush) and if you don’t have any additional duties assigned for that day, we always try to make the most of this time in this magical reserve – often still choosing to spend the sunrise in the bush over a sleep-in!
With a new group of Training Guides working hard to join the team, I decided to join them on two of their training drives that were particularly focused on wildlife photography; learning about photographic techniques but also learning how best to guide a vehicle of well-equipped photographic guests.
Spending the time out and about sitting in the back row of the Land Rover, rather than in the driver’s seat, allowed me to really sit back and observe our surroundings from a different perspective; reminding myself what it must be like through the eyes of a guest exploring this reserve.
I thought I would share, through the images below, how these two drives unfolded. Enjoy!
Afternoon Drive
Shortly after leaving camp, we heard there was space to join another vehicle with a Ntsevu lioness and her three cubs. Animals on the move, particularly in a thick environment, always makes the photographic opportunities more tricky but we managed to patiently position ourselves on a road up ahead hoping they would continue in the direction we had predicted. And they did!
Shortly after crossing the road, it was tough photographically as the mother lioness weaved her way through a very thick area of guarri bushes. Although not ideal for the ‘perfect shot’, we watched as the cubs impatiently climbed and tried to slow their mother down while on the move. Eventually succeeding, they all settled up in the shade and long grass.
After an incredible sighting of the lions, we decided to cross the river and explore the open crests opposite the lodge. We were greeted but a number of giraffe browsing on the crest, and became perfect subjects to capture on camera in the golden afternoon light. I particularly love this image as the trunk of the knob thorn and long neck of this male giraffe frame Granite Deck in the background.
Playing around with focal points and composition framing, we spent almost an hour with these giraffe.
Interlude. While feeding, every now and then this female giraffe would lift her head up from being nestled amongst the leaves.
A young female giraffe feeding on the a notorious buffalo thorn bush, intricately picking individual leaves in and amongst very sharp thorns. After such an amazing and tranquil sighting of giraffe, as the sun set behind the Drakensberg mountains we decided to head back to camp.
Morning Drive
We set out in the morning, with no particular plan other than hoping to find some subjects to photograph. With a very contrasted grey and gloomy backdrop compared to the afternoon before, we came across a large herd of elephant.
A very unique tusker was amongst this herd as the matriarch.
When passing a fairly dried up water hole, we spotted a lone buffalo on the far bank slowly approaching the water. Upon switching off the vehicle we then heard the sounds and rustles of the rest of the herd and knew they would soon make an appearance too! Realizing that we had arrived at the perfect time to watch a few hundred buffalo come down to drink and roll in the mud, our morning was made! With so many different interactions and moments to capture we all watched in awe as the herd enjoyed themselves all around us.
A big bull perfectly posing for us.
Never quite knowing where to look with a hive of activity all around our vehicle, I decided to zoom in on three males playfully locking horns with one another.
What a privilege it is to work at Londolozi and continually explore this reserve, be it from the driver’s seat or the back row of the Defender!
How wonderful Kate that you were able to take advantage of your one day break and travel with the trainees for a day of sightings, photography and sharing some tips. It has to be special when you don’t have to concentrate on the driving but can sit back and play “visitor”. As one who traveled for my job, I sometimes planned my trip to include a weekend between states or countries, so that I could experience more if the city I was visiting. Thanks for including such nice photos!
A great way of spending some free time in the bush. Beautiful photos.
Thanks for the link to the run. I forwarded it to Ben for a nice memory.🙂
Hi Kate, such beautiful images were taking on the morning while you were riding in the back. Completely different as when you are driving the guests around. Loved the image of the giraffe peaking through the leaves. The Buffaloes also are my favorite animals to sit and watch. I see there are a few calves amongst the heard.
As a first row ‘regular,’ I completely understand your desire to skip the sleep in and join the hunt!
We’re in the middle of our visit and thrilled to be enthusiastically in our seats, ready to go before each dawn!
You saw Fang! The Ellie with the backward tusk! That is awesome! She is also found around Djuma area! Thanks for the great pics on your rare day off.
Looks like a fantastic couple of outings to me! That crusty old buffalo bull appears to have such a personality!
Kate, beautiful pictures , it must have been fun to sit in the back of the rover up high. A new perspective I am sure.
Kate, What a great way to spend a day off! It must have been great to not be in charge!!! Wonderful shots!
Cool post Kate, awesome images, and a great look into your “time off.” While it might not have been ideal conditions for the “perfect” shot, I really loved the image of the cubs attempting to slow down the Ntsevu lioness!!
Kate, I love the photos of the little Ntsevu cubs. And the little ellie.