Rain was predicted during my entire trip to Leadwood Lodge in the Sabi Sands (a private concession adjacent to the Kruger National Park). Normally this would elicit a bit of dread, but given that South Africa is gripped by the worst drought in over 100 years, rain was a welcome prediction. A few drops of rain in no way impacted our leopard sightings and leopards were the reason why I was here.
This is my number 1 safari photo tip. Switch to back button autofocus. I only recently discovered this customized camera setting, but I wish I had enabled this function when I first started photographing wildlife on safari.
I have written about Phinda Private Game Reserve extensively on my blog because it is one of my go to destinations in South Africa. The game viewing is excellent, the guiding is superb, and being an & Beyond property, the service is warm and friendly
I tried to whittle this down to fifteen favorite wildlife images or special moments, but sixteen was the best that I could muster.
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp in Namibia is the most stunning lodge that I have visited in all of my adventures across Southern Africa in no small part because of the the surreal landscape of undulating sand dunes, punctuated by rocky hills, and sustained by a riverbed that flows once a year bringing life to this dusty, dry desert. The giraffe, elephants, and lions seem incongruous with the habitat, but they have adapted to their harsh environs which is perhaps why animal viewing here is thrilling.
An hour into my 9.2 km hike on the Robberg Nature Reserve, I looked over an expansive vista with several other hikers. No one said a word. All five of us soaked in the moment and even though we were a crowd, we were all enjoying a solidarity moment staring at the ocean and no doubt, reflecting on something private. It was a lovely moment. It was an in-the-moment moment.