Time to get some dust on the tyres.
If you think about it, this game drive vehicle is almost like the carriage in the fairy tale Cinderella…
How can I make that connection, I hear you ask? Simple…both were used to fulfil dreams!
The exception is that the Nambu Camp vehicle does not turn into a pumpkin at midnight, and neither the guide nor the tracker revert to being rodents.
Saddle up and ride with me as I share some of my sightings…
Nothing to photograph while waiting for the rest of the guests to join me in the vehicle? Never…there is always something that will attract the attention of my lens.
And this beetle scuttling around in the water feature was IT.
However, once through the camp gate, it was not too long before we found this pride that was doing what lions do for most of their day…lying around.
All except for one, who seemed to have taken on the role of guardian of the pride, making certain that we did not get too close.
I see you. Pedators have the innate ability to look at you as if you are potential prey, rather than something to be feared.
Where are you? This youngster was either calling for its mother or a sibling.
I do believe that this female was pretending not to be interested in the presence of our vehicle.
All hail the king. In this instance, the female was showing a LOT of interest in him, but he was playing hard-to-get.
Anthony doing what he does best. Keeping an eye open for interesting and unique sightings.
Time to lock horns.
Impala have to fight for the right to mate during the rutting season; however, as it was too early for that, the young males were testing their prowess against each other in mock battles.
Not quite a clash of titans, but we spent an interesting time watching these two testing each other.
It is said that when elephants fight, it is the earth that suffers. In this instance, aside from the dust and noise of clashing horns, not much of the planet was damaged.
The iconic African Fish Eagle.
The African Fish Eagle is a powerful symbol in many African cultures, representing strength, freedom, and the spirit of this continent I call home.
Its presence indicates healthy ecosystems, and its powerful call echoes across waterways. The eagle also symbolises national pride, as it’s the national bird of several African countries like Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
In many cultures, the kudu is a powerful symbol of grace, strength, and survival.
The males have horns, which can grow up to 1.8m, and the species is associated with wisdom, spiritual connection, and male potency.
In some traditions, the kudu is seen as a guide for the soul or a symbol of fertility and abundance.
Elephant tusks are elongated upper incisor teeth made of ivory. They serve various functions, including digging, lifting objects, gathering food, stripping bark, and defence. Tusks also help protect the trunk.
Symbolically, tusks represent wisdom, strength, moderation, eternity, and even victory. They can also be seen as status symbols, representing power and wealth.
Elephants represent a wealth of spiritual meanings across various cultures, often symbolising strength, wisdom, and good luck.
They are also associated with memory, loyalty, and stability. In Hinduism, for example, elephants are revered as symbols of power, wisdom, and prosperity, with the deity Ganesha, who has the head of an elephant, being a prominent figure.
A fast-flowing river is often symbolic of rapid change, the passage of time, and possibly even the dynamic nature of life.
It can also represent strength, power, and the unpredictable flow of events. In dreams, a fast-flowing river can symbolise a turbulent period or the need to navigate challenging situations.
A female Saddle-billed Stork searching the shallows for a slow fish or a hidden frog.
Run Forrest run…
Guinea Fowl are possibly one of the few bird species that will only fly as a last resort. They will run for the longest while before finally giving in to the fact that they CAN actually fly.
Quite interesting: In many African cultures, guinea fowl symbolism revolves around themes of protection, communication, cooperation, and industriousness.
They are also associated with abundance, good luck, and rebirth. Guinea fowl are seen as a sign of potential financial breakthrough, and their feathers are often used in rituals and spiritual practices.
There are SO many thoughts going through my mind as I look at this picture. Some funny, many potentially offensive. Therefore, I will leave this to you, dear reader, to comment on as YOU see fit!
However, this behaviour DOES play an important role within the herd. The fighting behaviour of male impalas symbolises the struggle for dominance, mating rights, and territorial control, particularly during the mating season.
These battles are a natural part of their mating strategy, with the victorious male gaining access to a herd of females. The fights are a demonstration of strength and status within the impala population.
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Pecu, Rose, Judith, Joyce, Anthony, Lybon, and Rewald, thanks for making my final days in Balule memorable.
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Travel & Things is the proud winner of these prestigious awards from the digital British lifestyle magazine Luxlife.
The awards are in the categories:
Best Travel & Experiences Blog 2024 – South Africa
Best African Game Reserves & Lodges Travel Review Site 2025.
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