Black Rhino Lodge. Game drives. Pilanesberg National Park

2119
Aside from STILL wanting to see a Pangolin in the wild,
I have only a few requirements of the game lodges that I visit.
In no particular order they are:
1] I must have a comfortable bed
2] Internet connectivity is always good,
even if it is only in the lounge
3] Food…almost a given at the lodges I have visited.
And often in copious quantities.
4] Game drives and bush walks.
Even though I have been going to the bush since 1966,
getting up as the sun rises is still an exhilarating moment for me.
Within a few minutes of leaving the camp
for our early morning drive,
we found the pride of lions that we had been searching
 for the night before.
And they had made a kill during the night.
Not something large that would give them distended stomachs,
but big enough to make them look full.
Not such a happy lioness.
She, together with the rest of the pride,
strolled along in front of our vehicle for a while.
Then they abruptly turned into the long grass…
and vanished almost instantaneously.
Just goes to show how well their colour blends into the surroundings.
There was a plethora of elephant on almost every drive.
Not only on the drives, but at the water hole at the lodge as well.
Something that you do not wish to discover when you are on a walk.
They are not known as “Grey Ghosts” for nothing.
Their ability to negotiate the bush almost silently
 is quite an feat, given their size.
When heading out on an afternoon drive,
we were waylaid by a herd of more than 100 individuals.
From the largest to one of the smallest.
This is a female Golden Orb spider…
The tiny male can be seen in the background.
Their silk has a tensile strenght stronger than that
of steel of the same diameter.
Rutting season had just begun for the resident Impala.
That being said, these youngsters are still too young to challenge
the dominant male.
That does not stop them from testing each other
in play sparring like this.
A lone Black backed Jackal.
Taking a moment to make certain of its surroundings.
What made this lion leap?
And it was not for joy either!
This male had been enjoying a quiet drink,
when it was rudely interrupted by the “owner” of the dam.
This hippo had returned from its wanderings,
and was intent on NOT letting the pride members stop and drink.
We had been at the same dam on a previous drive
and the all the lions had been able to drink in peace
as the hippo was not “at home”…
Finding White Rhino is always exciting.
Given the numbers at which they are being poached,
they might not be around for too much longer.
If there is NOTHING else to photograph,
then a branch of thorns in the dying afternoon light
is often an option.
And you might be lucky enough to snap
a Ground Squirrel as it watches you watching it.
This one is hiding in the foliage of  a Shepard’s Tree.
If there are power-lines and pylons running through the landscape,
then why not include them?
Our accommodation at the Lodge.
One of the largest rooms that I have stayed in for a while.
Well appointed with a very comfortable bed.
the latter being MOST welcome after a day of game drives and food.
Night all…
To find out more about this truly spectacular lodge,
visit their website:
 
My camera brand of choice for more than 4 decades!
Photo:
Photo:
When it is time to print out my special images,
this is the company that I rely on to do that.
Bush gear to make me blend in…
in comfort and style.
https://www.ruggedwear.co.za
I have worn these shoes in the jungles of India
and on the beaches of Croatia.
Not to mention, many game reserves in Africa.
They are probably the most comfortable pair of shoes
that I have ever owned.
Photo:
When I get home. I rely on this ISP
to provide me with high speed fibre connectivity
to enable me to get my postings published in record time.
www.cisp.co.za
Photo:
This powerbank is my constant companion
 while I am travelling.
It can do up to 4 full re-charges of my phone before
needing to be charged.
Supplied by…
When offered an option…
ALWAYS be Batman.
The newest of my travelling companions.
To find out more about the collectable Funko range of figurines,
visit:
My new addition, this awesome laptop bag from Solo.
Padded for protection and with enough pockets to keep
almost everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink in,
this is definitely an stylish addition to any business presentation.
Be it in the boardroom or the bush.
This bag can also be worn as a backpack.
There are straps in a hidden compartment that can be deployed
when you need both hands for other purposes.
To find out more about the stylish Solo range,
visit:
A new “tool” in my camera bag.
This locally made product was indispensable when using a long lens.
The ball and socket might look simple…and it is,
which is why it should be in the gear bag of every serious photographer.
This locally made, deceptively simple device is ideal
for tracking birds in flight or animals in motion.
The base can be used on a beanbag or a tripod,
with the ball being fitted to the camera.
The simplicity of the device allows to to move from supported
to hand held in a fluid motion.
There is also a version that can be used on a car window.
To see more about the product,
visit their Facebook page:
Or order directly from:
www.sablogawards.com
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and may not be used without permission