This view never fails to leave me in awe.
The Waterberg mountain range forms an impressive backdrop
to the Marataba Safari Lodge.
A Natal Spurfowl patrolling the roadway.
These can be rather noisy and as such are good indicators
as to whether there might be danger lurking in an area.
This lonely Little Bee-eater was sitting all by itself
 trying to get warm by fluffing up its feathers
Many bird species adopt this practice in the early mornings
 before the sun has risen.
It traps air, thus allowing them to stay warm in the pre-dawn light.
Most of the other Little Bee-eaters that I spotted
were either in pairs of groups.
Easier to keep each other warm.
An achingly beautiful Lilac-breasted Roller.
Currently the national bird of Botswana,
its call sounds almost like a dog barking.
The raucous call is almost the antithesis
 of its spectacular plumage.
The bird previously known as the Grey Loerie,
it is now known as the Grey Go-away bird.
This name change was due to both is colour and the call it makes.
Striding through the shallow water,
this Great Egret was on a search for breakfast.
It did not catch anything as I watched,
but I am certain that it would not have been discouraged by my presence
and would have continued after I left
Almost a yoga pose!
I did not realize how large the webbed feet
of this African Darter actually were.
Its snake-like neck is perfectly suited for
slicing through the water in search of a quick meal.
And from the rear.
The sunlight lighting the feathers beautifully.
A very impressive display for so early.
A Pied Kingfisher.
There are 10 species in South Africa,
only 4 of those live on a piscatorial diet.
This is one for those.
It can often be seen hovering
 over bodies of water looking for prey.
Morning exercises?
This Hornbill going through its morning preening routine.
The ruffled breast feathers are a way of keeping warm
 in the cool air.
A Blacksmith Lapwing.
Patrolling the edges of a dam looking to scare up breakfast.
Aside from being found in the wild,
the lapwing species has made their homes in urban settings as well.
The can be found on sports fields and even on traffic islands
in busy roads throughout major cities.
A sun-downer drinks stop that was as colourful as the birds we had spotted.
An awe-inspiring African sunset
A wonderful way to end off the day.
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…
Â
Â
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:
Â
Â
To see who else were winners in 2018, visit:
www.sablogawards.com
Â
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and may not be used without permission
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