From the Bush (Tuesday Jan'05 2010)

Hi Everyone,

I hope everybody had a great Christmas and that your 2010 got off to a great start.

I'm in the fortunate position to be able to help out as guide at Sabi Sabi Private Game reserve during the busy festive season and have been in the bush for the last 10 days.

The bush is extremely thick at the moment with a lot surface water still around after the area has received more than 300mm of rain the last 8 weeks. Everything from the smallest insect to the largest elephant is in a very good condition.
Since my arrival we've only had a few days of sunshine , which is not too great for photography, especially if you want the rich colours that the early morning or late afternoon sunlight can bring out. But even on a rainy day I never leave my camera behind because out here in the bush you never know what you might see or experience!

The birdlife is great with all the resident and migratory birds present, including the beautiful Woodlands Kingfisher (left) and Saddle-billed stork (right).

The game sightings have been great the last few days with regular sightings of elephants, white rhinos, Cape buffalo bulls, the pride of 15 lions and male and female leopard. The general game is also plentiful with nice sightings of giraffe, plains zebra, kudu, waterbuck, blue wildebeest (Gnu) & the ever present impala.

The weather is again not great today with overcast conditions and a light drizzle, hopefully the conditions will improve before this afternoons game drive.

Till the next time,

Best wishes,

Wim.