Southafrica on The Singemonkey

December 24, 2022

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 12:19:33 +0000

Dawn impala. I’m trying some new camera settings and they take a bit of getting used to. Quite a bit of noise on this one. Correctible with care. But I didn’t need a very high shutter-speed for this kind of thing.

December 24, 2022

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 12:16:19 +0000

Dawn in the African bushveld style.

December 24, 2022

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 12:14:10 +0000

Oh hai! Guess where we are again.

October 28, 2022

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 11:28:03 +0000

Looking through some pics to make some prints and I discovered this lion pic from 2018. They really are strange-looking cats. Very long and lean. I guess they’re built for more endurance than Tigers and most other cats that are ambush hunters. Lions have to keep up with prey for longer periods of time, I think.

June 11, 2021

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 18:01:03 +0000

An aspirational piece of preindustrial #cottagecore, West Coast style. Now an information centre describing people’s comings and going’s over the last 100,000 plus years (lol at Europe “having so much history”).

October 26, 2020

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 12:33:35 +0000

Balcony Birds No. 5. I used to be confused about what this was. It’s not a turtle dove. It’s a red-eyed dove - cunningly named after a feature that’s really difficult to spot with the naked eye. The easier way to tell is that they’re much larger than the Cape Turtle Dove, which is really quite a little thing. The Red-Eyed Dove is almost pigeon sized. It also has a pinky shade to its head and breast while the turtle dove is… dove-grey. They really are lovely, gentle things. Even if they’re not exactly geniuses.

February 07, 2020

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 12:48:45 +0000

This struck me as the most South African weekend scene I can imagine - from the end of World War II to today, kids hanging out getting treats on the weekend.

November 19, 2019

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 19:58:19 +0000

Sometimes we have to venture into weird little SA village pubs and meet the locals so you don’t have to. Throwback to a few years back on a winter night in Nieu Bethesda. Apart from the TV there’s not much to tell you it was taken after 1955.

June 03, 2019

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 17:52:21 +0000

Observatory. It’s the mixture of Victorian cake-like prettiness with a layer of middle-income country grime.

May 03, 2019

Fri, 03 May 2019 14:17:30 +0000

School kids walking past parliament and a statue of the first prime minister of The Union Of South Africa. Maybe they’ll get to live in a country that’s not exploited by tyrants or thieves.

December 18, 2018

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 18:26:20 +0000

“J.G. Loots of the farm Quaggasfontein where his family has farmed for 200 years. There were several prize ewes. He called each in turn by name, and each came to be petted. Great Karoo, December 1966”

From ‘Some Afrikaners Photographed’ by David Goldblatt from 1975.

November 15, 2018

Thu, 15 Nov 2018 14:37:18 +0000

#tbt It couldn’t have been more obvious that ‘bar mooda’ was a front for organised crime. Expensive décor. No one in it. The police did nothing for reasons that are easy to guess. It took the staff being tied up and the place being firebombed to finally drive this particular blight from Observatory. This was taken on the morning of the firebombing.

October 26, 2018

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 12:40:41 +0000

Orthopedic surgeons. They’re really very nice. They’re putting together a clubfoot database.

August 12, 2018

Sun, 12 Aug 2018 11:39:35 +0000

Leaving the Brenton retreat. I feel rested. And a touch hungover. .

August 10, 2018

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 17:56:52 +0000

@withoutaleaf at sunset.

August 10, 2018

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 14:40:09 +0000

It’s a stormy day at our Brenton On Sea retreat.

August 08, 2018

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 15:04:12 +0000

Springbok pie from Peregrine Farm Stall for lunch. I do so enjoy eating our national animal. .

May 22, 2018

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:57:28 +0000

The City of Cape Town keeping our rivers healthy by removing the build up of alien plants.

May 14, 2018

Mon, 14 May 2018 11:50:18 +0000

Or this one?

May 14, 2018

Mon, 14 May 2018 11:47:34 +0000

The pretty lady. I wanted to show off @withoutaleaf’s latest lilac hair. But my high contrast background concept doesn’t show it off that well. But I still like the pic. Or is the next one better?

May 03, 2018

Thu, 03 May 2018 14:07:12 +0000

Did a quick impromptu photo session for my dear mate Marcus - a powerhouse consultant on African social investment programs - for his new website. Good enough until I can go again with my full gear.

April 11, 2018

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 15:02:36 +0000

Heading home again. For 23 ronts, it’s a pretty nice ride.

April 11, 2018

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 14:42:21 +0000

Working on the train to Kalk Bay today to meet up with @jason66c. One of the most scenic metro lines in the world.

March 22, 2018

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 16:14:02 +0000

Observatory pit stop. Listening to @danharmon expressing imposter syndrome and people generally being confused who Asterix is #americanproblems. @hello_sailor_bistro in that quiet pre rush hour calm that makes you feel that Cape Town life. Then practice with Sister Ray - our band that only plays Sister Ray by The Velvet Underground.

February 09, 2018

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 17:09:15 +0000

I had to wait half an hour for a train. But I ducked into the Observatory library and it wasn’t all wasted time.

January 28, 2018

Sun, 28 Jan 2018 10:17:34 +0000

The Thirty Eights were totally cooking last night on Long Street. It’s a surf guitar boom time in South Africa. @kanecroudace and I went out to scope out the competition and had a frickin’ ball.

January 26, 2018

Fri, 26 Jan 2018 18:17:16 +0000

Watching the Monterey Pop festival and there’s Bra Hugh, young and full of fire.

January 10, 2018

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:41:20 +0000

One more incident-free day insh’allah. The White Whale looks ready to take us the second half of the way across South Africa.

January 09, 2018

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 16:12:44 +0000

Johannesburg is the only true urban space in Africa - with blocks and blocks of towers so that you can walk for ages only seeing the sky as strips above your head. Other big cities like Lagos and Cairo are mostly flat sprawls.

January 09, 2018

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 15:50:27 +0000

Joburg does traffic… and weather… way more intensely than Cape Town. Soundtrack worked out nicely 😂.

January 08, 2018

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 13:32:17 +0000

White Fronted Bee Eater at Pafuri picnic area in the extreme North of the park. It’s our last day 😢 We saw a leopard in the dark just after leaving camp at 4:30am. And, later, very sad scenes of and impala ewe and two lambs stuck up to their necks in a pool of mud.

January 07, 2018

Sun, 07 Jan 2018 21:27:25 +0000

The vigilant herd matriarch. Elephant cows spend much of their time away from the large and unpredictable bulls. They form herds to raise their offspring led by these tough-as-nails older females that are ever watchful and have no patience for bullshit.

January 07, 2018

Sun, 07 Jan 2018 21:20:01 +0000

The smallest elephant in Kruger. This wee elephant is about the size of a dog. There was an incident this evening - where a teenage elephant pushed this baby over. The herd matriarch was pissed to say the least - screaming in anger. The whole herd rushed to see that the baby was ok. When it was back on its feet, a sibling or cousin not all that much bigger walked with its trunk draped over the little one to reassure it. Elephants are no gentle giants. But they look after their little ones.

January 06, 2018

Sat, 06 Jan 2018 19:18:00 +0000

The fancy roller. We thought for a hot second it was a Racket-Tailed Roller - which would have knocked my socks off (had I been wearing socks). But it’s the very common - but still lovely - Lilac Breasted Roller.

January 06, 2018

Sat, 06 Jan 2018 19:13:03 +0000

“It’s an animal that looks like a dude!

January 06, 2018

Sat, 06 Jan 2018 19:09:31 +0000

Sundown Impala battles.

January 05, 2018

Fri, 05 Jan 2018 18:35:41 +0000

The proof! @withoutaleaf risks lion attacks at the Tropic of Capricorn.

January 05, 2018

Fri, 05 Jan 2018 18:33:01 +0000

We’re in the tropics!

January 05, 2018

Fri, 05 Jan 2018 18:30:09 +0000

After a long day of driving we have reached Shingwedzi. Tomorrow we go further North to our final goal.

January 04, 2018

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 10:04:14 +0000

@withoutaleaf is taking no chances in getting that perfect Woodland Kingfisher pic. They’ve defied her for too long. Now she’s staking out the branch on which they do their thing with her book and her script supervisor’s chair.

January 03, 2018

Wed, 03 Jan 2018 16:54:09 +0000

Orpen rest camp no.2 looking back the other way to where we were staying.

January 02, 2018

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 13:57:32 +0000

A tough old boy we got to see doing his thing this morning. I’m pretty sure all of us have some kind of species memory for when we were very much on these guys’ menu. There’s an eerie feeling when you see them up close. And they feature often in my nightmares.

December 31, 2017

Sun, 31 Dec 2017 14:45:55 +0000

Had a brief drive just now and saw some more wild dogs. But the highlight for me was when @withoutaleaf spotted this little African Barred Owlet having a sleepy afternoon almost hidden in a tree. It’s only about the size of a dove.

December 31, 2017

Sun, 31 Dec 2017 07:47:57 +0000

In case y’all are sick of birds, here are some of the painted wolves we saw a half hour ago. Always worth getting through the huge clusters of cars to see them behave just like dogs do. They’re so vulnerable to diseases from domestic dogs that it’s a special privilege to see these rare hunters.

December 31, 2017

Sun, 31 Dec 2017 04:44:09 +0000

Pre-dawn on the Sabie River is when the night wails of the bushbaby mix with the victory cry of the fish eagle.

December 30, 2017

Sat, 30 Dec 2017 20:03:05 +0000

Posting one extra from yesterday to remark on the magic of flying ants. Walking by the riverside here in Skukuza, they rise in great cones of insects - perfectly silent. Not the slightest sound. They fly towards the brilliant summer moon in their hundreds like grey fairies in the dusk. This phenomenon is impossible to photograph and would be a challenge to film.

This is a Woodland Kingfisher, BTW. Its call is the sound of the summer.

December 30, 2017

Sat, 30 Dec 2017 19:53:30 +0000

I didn’t take too many pics today. And if birds aren’t your thing, you’re bang out of luck 😂. This is the Carmine Bee-Eater - one of the only bee-eaters, in my experience, that won’t wing it at the first sign of a camera.

December 30, 2017

Sat, 30 Dec 2017 06:53:51 +0000

A Lesser-Striped Swallow does a little yoga to get going.

December 29, 2017

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 16:13:22 +0000

One of the most striking Plains Zebras I’ve ever seen. Usually they’re more white than black. But not this guy we saw this afternoon.

December 29, 2017

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 15:42:17 +0000

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.

December 29, 2017

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 14:45:58 +0000

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

December 29, 2017

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 14:40:31 +0000

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.

December 29, 2017

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 09:35:12 +0000

Most people in SA don’t even know what asafoetida is - let alone take it in their holiday supplies like @withoutaleaf does 😂

December 29, 2017

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 09:02:06 +0000

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

December 28, 2017

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 19:24:45 +0000

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? .

December 28, 2017

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 18:52:00 +0000

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.

December 28, 2017

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 15:25:00 +0000

You may find a hint that these little binoculars are getting on in years. But they’re still absolutely brilliant - literally.

December 27, 2017

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 16:24:15 +0000

“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.

December 27, 2017

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 16:11:49 +0000

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

December 27, 2017

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 16:07:23 +0000

Formal portrait of three warthog siblings.

December 27, 2017

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 15:59:38 +0000

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.

December 27, 2017

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 15:53:52 +0000

A rather silly looking hyena having a frolic in a pool near their den. We found them while lost and running on fumes. The antics of this pack made it all worth while.

September 28, 2017

Thu, 28 Sep 2017 18:09:54 +0000

The surf rig is almost perfect. But it’s the nature of electric guitar players to tinker. This old Japanese Fender has the right pickups, the right pick guard, and - almost - the right bridge. Worthy of fronting Africa’s longest running surf instro band, Krakatoa.

link in bio.

September 16, 2017

Sat, 16 Sep 2017 19:01:13 +0000

Thought I’d throw this in for comparison while I’m cameraless. These are Plains Zebras, the normal, common zebra. They have “shadow stripes” between their main stripes and are less striking and contrasty than the Mountain Zebra.

September 15, 2017

Fri, 15 Sep 2017 16:18:56 +0000

Another oldie while I’m at it. In SA we have two species of zebra - the well-known plains zebra and this one, the Mountain Zebra. It’s much higher contrast with pure white between the black stripes. They’re like the archetypal zebra despite being quite rare.

September 15, 2017

Fri, 15 Sep 2017 15:32:08 +0000

Here’s a throwback to the flowers many years ago. 2006 actually. Taken on my little Pentax MX with Fuji Velvia slide film. A great day out with @rhodentette and @midnight_knox.

September 08, 2017

Fri, 08 Sep 2017 18:36:26 +0000

July 24, 2017

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 11:27:03 +0000

I’m always #proud to play in #southafrica’s longest running #surf #rock #band, Krakatoa, with @sad_ivan and @joydemillar. #friday at The Armchair in #observatory #capetown. A #fridaynight that will #speed the #pulse.

May 28, 2017

Sun, 28 May 2017 09:37:17 +0000

Great way to start a #Sunday #morning.

May 13, 2017

Sat, 13 May 2017 21:46:33 +0000

The #bosslady @karenmaramoss guiding the ship.

April 15, 2017

Sat, 15 Apr 2017 13:10:42 +0000

This all bodes well.

April 06, 2017

Thu, 06 Apr 2017 13:53:39 +0000

#ahmedkathrada #memorial #giantfallen. The #people shall #govern, not the #guptas.

March 03, 2017

Fri, 03 Mar 2017 21:53:21 +0000

March 03, 2017

Fri, 03 Mar 2017 14:32:44 +0000

March 03, 2017

Fri, 03 Mar 2017 14:16:33 +0000

February 10, 2017

Fri, 10 Feb 2017 15:41:20 +0000

Dash this #heat. Dash it I say.

February 04, 2017

Sat, 04 Feb 2017 13:38:15 +0000

#demons and #ghosts in #obs.

February 04, 2017

Sat, 04 Feb 2017 11:04:31 +0000

February 04, 2017

Sat, 04 Feb 2017 10:46:28 +0000

January 27, 2017

Fri, 27 Jan 2017 23:20:49 +0000

#bunny #rabbit being brushed by @sophdex in #brooklyn #capetown.

January 13, 2017

Fri, 13 Jan 2017 14:43:51 +0000

#famousskitten is #exhausted from #sleeping all #morning. So its taking a #nap.

January 12, 2017

Thu, 12 Jan 2017 14:20:35 +0000

When the guy talking to you on the bus is so you get off at to wait for the next

January 05, 2017

Thu, 05 Jan 2017 10:18:13 +0000

#capetown emptying out into #gauteng at #vacation’s end.

January 04, 2017

Wed, 04 Jan 2017 13:58:13 +0000

When your #hotel has a runway, but only 25MB free #wifi?

January 04, 2017

Wed, 04 Jan 2017 12:49:31 +0000

#strange scenes at the #gasstation. COUS: #cacti of unusual size.

January 04, 2017

Wed, 04 Jan 2017 11:28:55 +0000

Going

January 01, 2017

Sun, 01 Jan 2017 09:30:07 +0000