Probably my favourite part of the Lodge.
And one of the reasons for spending the night here.
(The other was to celebrate my 65th birthday)
The view over the main part of the Tau Game Lodge waterhole.
All the rooms face east, giving guests an unobstructed view
of the game and bird life that frequent this large body of water.
Looking out from the deck in front of the dining area.
Depending on the weather, meals can be enjoyed here al fresco.
A great place to interact with guests AND wild life.
This is my second visit to Tau Game Lodge.
Not only has the view remained the same.
it seems that many of the inhabitants have become regulars.
This male is just one of a herd of Waterbuck that seem to
spend most of their time in the water eating the plants.
A Red-Knobbed Coot strides across the waterlilies,
searching for snacks.
There are several herds of Elephant that come here to drink
and frolic in the water.
Junior here was having quite a time keeping up with Mum
and the rest of the herd.
As a result there was a lot of squealing and
low frequency rumbling to be heard.
This Nile Crocodile was lying less than 2m from our accommodation.
Luckily for me, there was a fence between us.
This is just one of several that I counted.
Part of a herd of Blue Wildebeest
that came to slake their thirst.
For some reason, these three reminded me
 of a group of pensioners on their way to a pub.
One of the most plentiful species in the water…
A White-faced Duck.
Their antics were a joy to observe.
Nothing goes to waste in the bush.
A Grey Heron picks through a pile of elephant dung,
searching for grubs.
These young Impala rams were testing themselves by play fighting.
Still too inexperienced to challenge the dominant male
for mating rites, they continued to spar at the waters edge.
It is these interactions that might eventually see
 one of them successfully challenge the current incumbent.
An African Spoonbill wades in the shallows,
hoping to find something to eat.
A Blacksmiths Lapwing looks on from the bank.
Part of another herd that came to partake of a mid-morning drink.
Guests are brought back from game drives
 via the waterhole.
Offering a close up view of wildlife from
the “other side of the fence”
A Pied Kingfisher honing in on prey.
Despite numerous attempts while I watched,
this individual was unsuccessful in catching a meal of any sort.
This is the morning sunrise that awaits those visitors
who are prepared to brave the early morning.
That being said, you can watch the sunrise from inside
your room if you don’t want to step out onto your deck.
In winter Tau Game Lodge offers guests breakfast
BEFORE going out on game drives.
Vehicles leave the lodge between 07h30 and 08h00.
(Instead of the usual 06h30!)
Much more civilised…and more time at the waterhole.
Look at the size of the neck on this Kudu Bull.
The White-faced Duck seems to be unimpressed.
“Reflections”
Previously known as a Plover,
this bird is now known as a Blacksmiths Lapwing.
A large flock of Red-billed Queleas.
How they fly in formation without crashing into each other
 is beyond comprehension.
These flocks can comprise thousands of individual birds.
A final look over the dam and the waterbuck herd
as the sun slips past midday and into the afternoon.
A new addition…
This will be part of the platform
 for my new venture…
&
Photographic Safaris
 
My camera brand of choice for more than 4 decades!
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.
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
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
All images are the copyright property of
 
and may not be used without permission
Follow me on Twitter:Â @davidbatzofin
Visit my Facebook page:Â www.facebook.com/david.batzofin
Travel & Things Facebook page:Â https://www.facebook.com/travelandthings
Instagram:Â https://www.instagram.com/davidbatzofin/
Coming soon: http://www.db-photo.co.za/ and www.fbtours.co.za
