Timbavati Family Wildlife Photography Safari

The first big cat hardly 30 minutes into the first drive. 

The Timbavati region never fails to amaze. I cannot think of a single time that I left feeling disappointed. With the first rains of the season looming on the horizon I did however feel that our good safari reputation to this area may be tarnished. Although rain is always welcome for anyone close-to (and even those sad individuals not close to) nature it may put a damper, so to speak, on a dedicated photo trip.  

These fears were soon put to rest when we embarked on the first afternoon’s game drive of the trip. Who would imagine that this would also turn out to be one of the best ever drives that I will go on in my career as a guide so far. Lady luck stuck her head around a termite mound when we linked up with a beautiful leopardess. Following her for the next 45 minutes without any other vehicle in sight was, as always, very special. The afternoon had so much more in store though. A radio call informing us about African Wilddogs that were sighted in the area made us head for a nearby dam where they were reportedly hunting Impala. When arriving on the scene we noticed three dogs feasting on a recently killed Impala with a White Rhino looking on. Yet remarkably this was outdone by the rest of the Dog pack circling an Impala trapped in another nearby dam. With inevitable action on the cards all we had to do was wait. When a Spotted hyena arrived on the scene the predicted events took another turn.  With the dogs constantly circling the dam tiring out the Impala in the process the Hyena waited out its chance. When the hapless Impala swam near enough to the Hyena’s liking he took his chance. More Hyenas arrived on the scene and made little work of finishing off the Impala, leaving the Wilddogs as onlookers to the feast.  Have a look at the below video to see the entire event unfold. 

 Behind the scenes clip of what happened to get the below images.

The take over. 

The take over. 

The take over. 

Video clip of more highlights on safari.

Yet still the action was not done for the afternoon. Relocating the pack again, now joined by a dozen young dogs, their numbers reached almost thirty animals. Then, in what borders on the miraculous, the earlier seen White Rhino made its way into the pack and bizarrely, lay down amongst the dogs. Totally unfazed.  

Although the rest of the trip produced wonderful sightings, pleasurable chats with friends and lots of fun the sheer quality of the first drive was unbeatable. And I do not think it will be easily topped.

On Safari

Below some camp pics. Small and intimate, yet very comfortable and catering to the needs of individual groups. 

We do not believe that one size fits all and as a result all our safaris are designed according to the requirements of your group.If you wish to arrange your own family of photographic trip to the Timbavati please contact us here. 

Bathroom.

Bedroom

Bar

Pafuri - Kipling's Africa

 

This land of legends with its wild and remote atmosphere, dramatic landscapes, history both ancient and more recent is certainly one of the most enchanting stretches of wilderness in Southern Africa. In this secluded corner, EcoTraining, has one of its camps and its a pleasure and honor to have a close association which spans more than a decade with the leader in African guide training.   

 

I hosted a wilderness photographic course during September. After a long and dry winter September is normally a very dry time of year yet offers superb photographic opportunities. Animals, notably the vast herds of elephant concentrate along the live-giving rivers where clouds of dust towering several meters high are kicked up by their interactions such as feeding, bathing and other antics. A wildlife rich arena offering fantastic photo opportunities. 

 

While on the subject, these dusty conditions filter out the suns rays and the light remains very good for a long time both after sunset and at dusk – a photographic Valhalla .  Combine ancient Baobabs threes, still leafless after the winter months clawing at the cloudless sky during the day and grasping for the milky way at night. Enchanting.  

 

It was a privilege to photograph this special place with wonderful guests, all of whom I consider friends now. And, as always, I am waiting in anticipation to head back to this fascinating place again in the not too distant future. 

 

Below are some images from our trip.