The main building, lit up before dawn.
The guides were awaiting the arrival of those guests
who had decided to do a dawn cruise on Miss Mara.
Being an early morning person, I was first in line for coffee!
Out on the water before the sun rose in the East,
we awoke a pod of hippo who were NOT happy to see us.
This one one of several who showed their displeasure in this manner.
Most intimidating, even though we were on a boat with an engine.
The constant vocalizing by the rest of the individuals,
both large and small, warned us to keep our distance in no uncertain terms.
Dawn over the plains of the Waterberg region.
Well, perhaps that is somewhat poetic.
In reality, the sun became visible from behind this Acacia tree.
On reflection?
Caught in the early sunlight, this water lily flower is just beginning to open.
The dam has a large concentration of these beauties.
The flowers close at night and open together with the rising sun.
Beverages and food had been enjoyed on board Miss Mara.
The hour long cruise seemed to have gone by in a flash.
Wonderful memories to be shared back at the lodge later in the day.
Time to get back into our trusty vehicle and head out on a drive…
As an aside, the Easter Bunny (or the equivalent bush version)
had visited the vehicle during our absence and
we all found chocolate eggs awaiting us on our return.
This family of giraffe striding out across the plains.
In the distance, the stunning and awe-inspiring Waterberg mountain range.
Not a sight that you normally see on a game drive.
Invariably, zebra are standing to look at a vehicle as it drives past.
It seemed that at least three of the four had a tough night!
And this is the central figure of this posting…
Not specifically this animal, as we had seen this
female kudu during a previous drive on a different part of the property.
But it was one of her kind that played central role,
albeit posthumously, in the final part of our drive,
This was a sight that we we were not expecting to find.
A female kudu that had recently been killed
and was now feeding a family of five lions.
This was one of the four 15 month old cubs
that was enjoying the feast that had been provided by the adult females.
The sound of its teeth ripping through flesh, skin and bone
could be clearly heard from where we were sitting in silence.
Keeping an eye on both the meal and us.
Not an easy task as the former was taking up much of her attention.
Despite the freshness of the kill and the amount of blood,
these lions were amazingly clean.
CRUNCH.
Try as they might and they DID try,
they were unable to detach the hind leg from the carcass.
Even though the “cub” was only 15 months old,
the paw size was enormous.
Considering that the kudu weighed more than it did,
the youngster was able to drag the meat around
using only these impressive claws.
After the death of one animal to keep others alive,
it is always good to remind ourselves of the innate beauty in the bush.
This stunning Lilac-breasted Roller being a case in point.
Nature does not play favourites, neither does it kill for sport.
What a way to end off our morning.
A surprise bush breakfast with a variety of sweet treats.
Then back to the lodge for a PROPER breakfast,
should we still feel hungry.
To find out more about the lodge, visit:
A big thank you to each of these brands
for coming on board.
This has been my constant travel companion
for the past several years.
It might look worn,
but that represents the kilometers/miles
we have shared together.
From Kilimanjaro to the beaches of India.
To coach trips across Europe and Vietnam
and to a variety of game lodges and road trip destinations
in South and Southern Africa.
BEST SUITCASE EVER!
Check out their Facebook page:
This torch has been turning heads!
The Olight SRS2UT Intimidator.
Marketed locally by:
https://torchsa.com/
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 the orange Veldskoen 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.
Now to try out the rest of the colours in the range.
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.
My constant travelling companion.
To find out more about the collectible Funko range of figurines,
visit:
I could not do without 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:
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:
To see who else were winners in 2018, visit:
www.sablogawards.com
All images are the copyright property of
and may not be used without permission
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