Upon our arrival at Madikwe Safari Lodge,
this was our first port of call.
This was a return visit for me, but it was a first visit for my wife.
This is the bar/indoor lounge area.
We were not here to drink or relax,
we had to sign the ubiquitous indemnity forms
that no-one ever reads…but we all sign it.
Lunch was beckoning…
And what a meal it was.
Many of the lodges that I visit do not serve lunch
as their breakfasts suffice as brunch.
Not the case here…
A full breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea AND dinner
is what was on their menu (pun intended).
This was a venison loin served with garlic & rosemary potatoes,
green salad and a beetroot jus
Lunch was served on the deck at the main lodge building.
This area is open and airy with a huge fireplace.
It is the general meeting point for breakfast, lunch
and afternoon tea.
Towards the right rear of the deck is the curio shop…
a must stop destination for those looking for some retail therapy.
Another view of the main area…
my camera gear can be seen, unpacked on one of the chairs.
Ready for action…
But it was too early for the afternoon game drive,
so I headed off down to the lodge water hole that is near the swimming pool.
I was hoping to find one of these…
but that was not to be.
That being said, we did find this cub,
together with his siblings and mother on a game drive during our stay.
Awkward!
While enjoying a refreshing drink,
this female giraffe found that she had some unwanted attention.
The male had approached from behind her and
was testing to see if she was in estrous.(ready to mate)
It seemed not to be the case and he wandered off.
The Crimson -breasted Shrike is difficult to photograph
as it is always on the move.
I was lucky enough to capture this image as it took off.
There were a large number of elephants making use of the water hole.
They came in all shapes and sizes and were, for the most part, well behaved.
There was one afternoon where one of the families would not leave
and a LOT of squealing and trumpeting followed.
That particular incident ended with ALL the elephants running off.
Watching a giraffe lifting its head after a drink is interesting.
Luckily it has a series of valves in the blood vessels running up its neck
so that it does not pass out when it stands up.
Time for reflection.
A couple of Zebra stopping by to quench their thirst.
To me, they are one of the most photogenic animals in Africa.
Faces that only a mother could love?
This warthog family was more focused on a mud bath
than actually drinking.
One of the most “ignored” animals due to its abundance.
This Impala ram seems to be doing a “mirror mirror on the wall,
who is the fairest of us all”…
They are one of the apex prey species and are eaten
by almost every predator in the bush.
As the sun sets in the west,
it is time to head off to our accommodation and then to dinner.
To find out more about this awesome lodge,
situated about 3.5 hours from Johannesburg,
visit their website:
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: @davidbatzofin
Visit my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/david.batzofin
Travel & Things Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/travelandthings
Coming soon: http://www.db-photo.co.za/ and www.fbtours.co.za
