Africa has a special charm. There is an atmosphere that one can smell and taste in the air. And those magical moments around sunrise and sunset. Then there is the sounds of the bush. The birds, the insects and the animals. One cannot explain it in words, one had to experience it. If you have the African Safari on your agenda, do not delay, it really is worth it, From Kenya to South Africa. And if you have not thought about it, I hope that some of what I will write will making you curious enough to venture into the spectacular part of the world I call home.
There is so much to see, but my starting point is what is called the Lowveld.
About the Lowveld
Veld is the Dutch word for field, so literally this means low field. It is an area found in Southern Africa, specifically in the provinces knowns as Limpopo and Mpumalanga, and is between 150m and 500m above sea level. Limpopo is the northern most province in South Africa and shared a border with Zimbabwe. It is named after the Limpopo River that runs along the border, and spills into the Indian Ocean in Mozambique. Mpumalanga means “place where the sun rises” and is in the North East of the country. It borders Mozambique.
Picture courtesy of Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veld)
The Lowveld is a sub-tropical climate, with summer rainfall and is very hot and humid in summer. In winter it is dry and very moderate temperature wise.
Where we are
Our farm is located about 20 km east of Hoedspruit, a small town in the heart of the Lowveld, on the road to Nelspruit, one of the largest towns in the region. It is about 30 minutes’ drive from the Kruger National park. The area has wonderful vistas of the Drakensberg mountain range, one of the large African mountain ranges that stretches up much of the East Coast of South Africa (you may recall a story I did on Lesotho in the Southern part of the range: Travel: Our trip to Lesotho).
Image from /homes.mitula.co.za
This is big 5 country, being the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino. You will find all 5 on our farm, a 176 Hectare piece of land surround by the big 5 game reserve, Moditlo Private Game Reserve on 3 sides.
Animals around our farm
As I go there I take photos of the wildlife, from trees to giraffe and everything else. I would love to share these with you, and you are free to use any you see. If you want the higher res picture, please feel free to contact me. All photos are taken by my Canon EOS 1000D. I really only have two lenses, a Canon 28-80mm and a Canon 18-55mm. I am a rank amateur, so advice and tips are greatly welcomed. Also advise on equipment as I intend to build off what I have. Probably a wide angle and zoom lens next.
Impala Grazing
A Jackal alone in the bush
A Kudu
Each of the animals I photograph will be a story of their own. Hope you enjoy this series.