Mpumalanga

Did you know we have absolutely beautiful pigeons in South Africa? If all you know are “sky rats,” your impressions may be softened by meeting the African Green Pigeon - a beautiful wood Pigeon very fond of wild figs.

Just them bushveld trees and the sun going down. Living in Africa - classic edition.

So my project this year is to capture something of the feel of Kruger rest camps. I’ve started slow, as usual. I missed doing anything to show off Berg en Dal at all (although it has its own wonderful charm). But here’s Crocodile Bridge. The camp is just this small circle of rondawels (colonial versions of traditional houses among some South African tribes) and a very open campsite. The small size and this leafy greenness are what really struck me. It’s a lush feast for drought-tired eyes.

Dear @sanparks … why aren’t these available for sale? We would buy the heck out of these.

Who cares about a big old lion lyin’ about in the veldt when you can return to camp to find that a busy raiding party of banded mongooses has brought their little cubs to work with them? . .

Narcissus. Herons sometimes feature in Buddhist iconography representing the Buddha mind of stillness with great alertness. This Little Egret knows it’s a great way to fill the belly.

“The cult members wear coal-black cloaks and bloody red masks. They strike with great curved daggers.” The Ground Hornbill is the largest and most powerful hornbill - about the size of a turkey. Despite their name, they can fly - an awesome sight. They make short work of reptiles and small mammals.

“Would madam prefer that in black?” Black Stork at river level.

Formal portrait of three warthog siblings.

That feel when you’re only little and everything’s exciting. This little hyena was having such a good time by the pool with aunties and uncles.