When finding Hippo in a dam,
this is more often than not the only visual that you have of their presence.
However, this particular critter, known by the rangers as “The Rock”,
was about to break that stereotype and put on a display that lasted more than 20 minutes.
Hippo are said to be responsible for the largest number of
animal encounter fatalities in Africa.
A full grown male can weigh in at 1500kg
and even though they might have short stubby legs,
on land they can attain a speeds up to 30kph.
Usually placid and more often than not barely visible,
today he decided to put on the most awesome display of power…
Wide mouthed and with his head flailing from side to side,
we sat in quiet awe of how an animal of this size can lift himself out of the water.
Twice during this encounter,
he did approach the our vehicle…but we did not move
and he chose NOT to leave the safety of the water.
Coming towards us at full speed was an impressive sighting.
“I am watching you”…
Up close and very personal…
I am certainly glad that we were safely ensconced in a vehicle
One last display before deciding that we were no longer worth playing with.
I have to add that at no time during this encounter were we in any danger
and neither was the hippo.
Our ranger had placed us in the perfect position to capture this behaviour
but without any undue stress on either the guests or the hippo.
This is how all game viewing should be accomplished…
with calmness and patience.
If we had just driven by the dam while he was submerged,
these images would not have been possible.
And finally, tired of the “game”,
he submerged and vanished beneath the surface.
A truly memorable experience and one of the most
 exciting hippo encounters that I have had in more than 40 years of bush adventures.
Sunset sees the end of the game drive and
 the need to return to Selati for dinner.
A perfect ending to an exciting and unique sighting
Perhaps we will find this elusive cat on another game drive…
To find out more about what the camp has to offer,
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.
A new clothing sponsor has come on board…
Welcome to Kallie Khaki.
Bush gear to make me blend in…
in comfort and style.
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:
Â
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
Coming soon: http://www.db-photo.co.za/ and www.fbtours.co.za
