The world stirs in a golden hush as the sun rises over the African plains.
As the first light spills across the land, stretching long fingers of amber and rose over the whispering grass. A lone Leadwood stands silhouetted against the soft glow, its twisted limbs reaching toward the sky like an ancient sentinel.
The air, cool and laced with the scent of earth and morning dew, trembles with the distant roar of a lion bidding the night farewell. Birds take to the air in a flurry of wings, their calls weaving a melody that welcomes the day.
Slowly, the land awakens.
Herds of zebra and impala shake the shadows from their backs, elephants move like ghosts through the early morning mist, and somewhere, unseen but ever present, the rhythm of life hums to the pulse of the land.
In this fleeting moment, before the heat sets the earth ablaze, Africa breathes a whisper of a brand new day.
And it is often in this quiet moment that the sound of the game drive vehicles heading out adds to the cacophony of sounds that encapsulate the moment.
For the bush is never silent and new experiences await those willing to immerse themselves in all our continent offers.
A Red-billed Hornbill is already awake and alert. Always vigilant and often their call is the one that a traveller might easily recognise as it fills the morning air.
This male kudu had procreation on his mind, but the female was having none of that and led him quite the merry dance before ducking in the vegetation, leaving the male looking perplexed.
This male Steenbok watched the kudu interaction with interest before darting off to join his mate who was not too far away.
“How now brown cow”?
I don’t believe that that expression is appropriate in THIS situation!
These are bovines with serious attitude and will go from 0 to 100% in the flick of a tail.
Upon reflection… An elephant reaches out to look for clean water.
Could you imagine trying to describe an elephant to someone who has never seen one?
It might be something like this…
The African elephant is a gentle giant, the largest land animal on Earth, with an unmistakable presence that commands both awe and respect.
Imagine a towering creature, as tall as a double-decker bus, covered in wrinkled, leathery grey skin that looks like it’s been carved by time itself. Its huge fan-like ears, shaped like the African continent, constantly flap to keep it cool, while its long, muscular trunk—a combination of a nose, hand, and straw—moves with incredible precision, plucking leaves, spraying water, or even offering a reassuring touch to a fellow elephant.
Curved ivory tusks, gleaming and powerful, serve as tools or weapons, marking its status in the herd. Despite its size, the African elephant moves with surprising grace and intelligence, bound by deep family ties and an emotional depth that rivals our own. Thundering across the plains or gently guiding its young, the elephant is a living symbol of Africa’s wild, untamed beauty.
Being an apex predator has its perks. Like being able to sleep for up to 20 hours a day without worrying about becoming prey themselves.
And sleep is what they do best.
Brotherly love…
Long ago, when the animals were first given their shapes, Warthog was the most vain and handsome creature in the land. He had a sleek coat, tall, graceful legs, and a set of tusks so small they barely peeked out. He would strut across the plains, tossing his head and mocking the others—especially Lion, whose heavy mane was uncomfortable in the heat.
But one day, Warthog challenged the gods, boasting that he was the fastest and bravest of all creatures. As punishment for his arrogance, they cursed him with short, stubby legs and twisted his tusks outward, so he could no longer flaunt his beauty. When he saw his reflection in the water, Warthog was so ashamed that he fell to his knees, begging the gods for mercy.
To this day, Warthog still kneels when he eats, hiding his face from the world—but if you watch closely, you’ll see a flicker of pride in his eyes, for he never lost his speed or his courage. And though the other animals might laugh, he remains fearless, dashing through the bush with his tail held high, like a warrior’s banner in the wind.
Nature’s symmetry…
Eye in the sky.
Or in this case, an eye in a tall tree.
All fluffed up in the early morning light.
Often guests cannot grasp the immense size of an African Elephant until they are up close.
This is often the first glimpse that you get of a Dwarf Mongoose.
They are cautious, but also inquisitive. a
And when the latter can conquer the former, then fun ensues.
Be patient and you will be rewarded.
This species is one of my favourites as once they are relaxed they will ignore humans and vehicles and just do what they do, to the entertainment of those looking on.
The sun spills across the veld in a golden-orange embrace, setting the land alight with warmth and wonder. Trees rise like specters through the soft morning haze, their silhouettes shifting in the shimmering light. What was once a dry, tired expanse is now a dreamscape—every blade of grass glows, every shadow dances, and for a fleeting moment, the world feels enchanted. The air hums with quiet magic, as if the earth itself is holding its breath, caught between night’s last whisper and the full blaze of day.
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Travel is the proud winner of this prestigious award from the digital British lifestyle magazine Luxlife. The award is in the category Best Travel & Experiences Blog 2024 – South Africa.
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Edgar Bergen
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