Roaring Lion

https://youtu.be/l65q9fjZM5Y

This morning, on our game drive through Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, just a stone’s throw from Kruger National Park, we had the extraordinary privilege of encountering a majestic lion!

We quietly traversed the breathtaking landscape. A hushed excitement enveloped us. We spotted the mighty lion near a serene, shimmering body of water. His powerful presence left us spellbound. He moved gracefully through his realm. Every step exuded a timeless aura of dominance and elegance.

For several awe-inspiring minutes, we were captivated by his regal demeanor, his golden mane glistening in the morning sun. And then, the moment we had been waiting for—his thunderous roars! The primal sound resonated through the air, vibrating deep within our souls, reminding us of the raw beauty and primal power of the wilderness.

This was more than just a safari. It was an immersion into the heart of the wild. It was a chance to connect with nature in its purest form. Our hearts swelled with gratitude for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We were humbled by the profound magic of the animal kingdom.

Can you believe how loud a lion’s roar is? What do you think it’s trying to say?

Highlights from the Logbook

• World Elephant Day in 10 Frames

• Graceful Giants of the Savannah – Giraffes

• A Few More Lion Images

123…5 Next Page #Africa #africanWildlife #kingOfTheJungle #KlaseriePrivateNatureReserve #KrugerNationalPark #lion #Nature #nThamboTreeCamp #Safari #southAfrica #southAfricaSafari #wildlife

The South African Safari Continues

Continuing our journey, we depart from Umkumbe Safari Lodge and travel northwest to nThambo Tree Camp, our next destination in the wild expanse of Kruger National Park. The transfer took just a little over three hours by van. We made it in time for lunch and the afternoon game drive.

[Click on an image to enlarge]

The decision to try two different camps on opposite sides of Kruger National Park was wise, as it significantly increased our chances of encountering the famous “Big 5” game animals, consisting of the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. These magnificent creatures are some of the most sought-after sightings in any safari. By exploring different regions of the park, we maximize the diversity of the wildlife we encounter.

Upon reaching nThambo Tree Camp, we immediately noticed the distinct difference in size compared to Umkumbe. nThambo is a much smaller and more intimate camp, boasting only five tree houses. This exclusivity lends itself to a more tranquil and secluded experience, allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in the serenity of the bush.

The camp’s unique feature, the tree houses, offers a remarkable perspective to appreciate the surrounding nature. Perched high up among the branches, we feel at one with the wilderness, hearing the sounds of the wild throughout the day and night. The views from these elevated vantage points are unparalleled, granting us the opportunity to witness wildlife up close and personal, undisturbed in their natural habitats.

As we venture out on game drives from nThambo, we are greeted by the abundance of wildlife that call this part of the park their home. We are delighted to spot graceful giraffes elegantly moving through the savannah, mighty elephants bathing and drinking at watering holes, and elegant zebras grazing peacefully with their striking black-and-white stripes. The air is filled with the melodies of various bird species, enhancing the magical atmosphere of the safari.

The nThambo experience is not only about the wildlife but also about unwinding and rejuvenating in the heart of nature. The camp’s peaceful ambiance and personalized service allow us to relax fully and escape the hustle and bustle of the modern world.

As the days go by, we are captivated by the sights and sounds of Kruger National Park, cherishing every moment we spend in this unique corner of the world. The memories we make, the encounters with wildlife, and the sense of awe at the grandeur of nature will stay with us forever, making this safari an unforgettable adventure.

Advertisements

Our final sunset at the reserve, we head to Durban for the famous Sardine Run tomorrow.

#Africa #big5 #KrugerNationalPark #Nature #nThamboTreeCamp #Safari #southAfrica #wildlife #wildlifePhotography

A Few More Lion Images

Here are a few more shots of a majestic lion strolling through the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve near nThambo Tree Camp in South Africa.

https://youtu.be/9-h2BwDGgz8

The lion, a symbol of strength and courage, walks confidently through the bush, showcasing its regal presence. Along the way, it stops for a drink at the watering hole. We remained in the safari vehicle, but the lion came in pretty close a few times.

NThambo Tree Camp, located in the heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, offers a unique and intimate safari experience. I shot the video with a Panasonic GH5 with a 100-300mm lens.

Highlights from the Logbook

• World Elephant Day in 10 Frames

• Graceful Giants of the Savannah – Giraffes

• A Few More Lion Images

123…5 Next Page #KlaseriePrivateNatureReserve #lion #Nature #nThamboTreeCamp #Safari #southAfrica #wildlife

nThambo Tree Camp Safari Highlights

After bidding farewell to the mesmerizing Umkumbe Safari Lodge, we set our sights northwest towards nThambo Tree Camp, both nestled within the expansive Kruger National Park. Following a seasoned piece of advice not to tether ourselves to a single location, considering the capricious nature of wildlife, we strategically chose two distinct accommodations on opposing sides of the park to maximize our chances of encountering the renowned ‘Big 5’. The “Big Five” refer to five large African mammal species: Lions, Leopards, Elephants, African Buffalo, Rhinoceroses.

https://youtu.be/SoQYUOEibE8

The journey, spanning approximately 3 and a half hours from Umkumbe to nThambo, offered glimpses of South Africa’s commercial landscape as we made a brief stop at a rest area for snacks and refreshments. I took the opportunity to stretch out and catch a nap during the mostly uneventful highway drive. I missed the opportunity to take images.

Upon our arrival at nThambo Tree Camp, a delicious brunch awaited us before we embarked on an exhilarating afternoon game drive.

The tree houses exuded opulence, providing a lavish retreat amidst the wilderness. Each abode boasted a sumptuous king-sized bed, a bathroom replete with on-demand hot water, a toilet, and a writing desk.

Unquestionably, the highlight of each room was the breathtaking view it offered of the surrounding park. From this vantage point, we marveled at the wildlife spectacle: Giraffes, Hyenas, Elephants, Impalas, and an array of other fascinating creatures graced the camp with their presence. (Yes, I have a lot of luggage – After nThambo we head to Durban to scuba dive with whales, sharks and sardines.)

The nights were serenaded by the echoing roars of lions, a haunting yet captivating reminder of the untamed beauty just beyond our sanctuary. Remarkably, even this awe-inspiring chorus failed to keep me from drifting into a peaceful slumber.

In the picture above, we stopped for sundowners on our evening safari drive.

Every evening, the camp treated us to a welcoming campfire preceding our dinner. The experience was incredibly soothing, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy a drink before the meal and providing warmth as the night air grew cooler.

All video was shot with a Panasonic GH5 and 100-300 lens. The still images were shot with an iphone.

Highlights from the Logbook

• World Elephant Day in 10 Frames

• Graceful Giants of the Savannah – Giraffes

• A Few More Lion Images

123…5 Next Page #ecotourism #gameDrive #KrugerNationalPark #krugerPark #Nature #nThamboTreeCamp #Safari #southAfrica #southAfricaSafari #wildlife #wildlifePhotography