Seeing that these three camps share the Mluwati Concession,
I have combined baboon sightings that were enjoyed
at the various lodge waterholes.
Website details for each property at at the end of this posting
The lodges are managed by this Extraordinary company!
One can only be in awe when being this close to the largest African land mammal.
It is difficult to look into their eyes and not be moved.
There is a wisdom there that goes far beyond our human references.
The white liquid emanating from the eye is not a tear…
elephants have no tear ducts.
The liquid is part of their evolutionary process
that allows the eye to remain moist,
with the excess fluid being excreted in this manner.
The trunk is an evolved upper lip.
There are more than 60000 “muscles”, divided into 6 major groupings
which is sensitive enough to pick up a tiny blade of grass
or rip entire branches from trees.
It can hold up to 11L of water!
A mud bath AND a drink at the same time.
And humans pay to have Spa days like this.
I might look awkward, but I challenge you
to tell me that to my face!
Dust baths are as important as mud baths and water.
To anthropomorphize these individuals,
they did seem to enjoy their own antics.
The tiny baby in the middle was well protected by her mother.
With such a large herd (about 60 individuals)
I was amazed that the mother was not more stressed.
One last covering and it will be time to leave.
This elephant could almost empty the waterhole…
The Impala ram looked on, not wanting to antagonize the pachyderm.
Elephants can become very possessive of a water supply
and will often chase other animals away until they have
decided that they are willing to share/move on.
and will often chase other animals away until they have
decided that they are willing to share/move on.
Sucked up more than was required?
It often seems that there is more water wasted
than actually consumed with each trunk-full.
The tip of the trunk is incredibly prehensile
and can be used for a variety of tasks.
This is the business end of the beast…
It seems that Kruger National Park has some individuals with large tusks.
Much like rhino poaching,
elephants are still being shot for their ivory.
It is used for trinkets rather than medicinal purposes.
Splish Splash…
Time for some play before heading off to look for something to eat.
All creatures great and small…
The Starling is dwarfed, but not intimidated, by the elephant.
It turned out that this particular individual had a “broken” ear!
The right one hung like a curtain and was not able to flap
like the left one could.
Time to pick up my trunk…and leave
Elephants seem to enjoy carrying their trunks in this manner.
Time to bid farewell..
This large bull leaves the waterhole
and heads off up the dried river bed.
Because elephants walk on their toes and their feet are heavily padded
they are able to come and go in almost complete silence.
Hence them often being referred to as “Gray Ghosts”.
To find out more about the camps
that we stayed at,
please visit their respective websites:
This is the company that manages these properties:
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.
This time he was standing at the foot of a Baobab Tree,
estimated to be between 800-1000 years old!
The newest of my travelling companions.
To find out more about the collectible 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
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Coming soon: http://www.db-photo.co.za/ and www.fbtours.co.za
