Spending a few days in the beautiful South African bushveld this weekend was like an instant recharge to my batteries. I am so blessed to live a mere few hours drive from an abundance of wild animals. But due to the devastating threat to Rhino in our beautiful country, this area, which this weekend we called "The Garden of Eden" will remain unnamed.
Rhino poaching has increased dramatically in the last few years, with hundreds killed each year for their horns for use in asian countries. Because of this, photographers are now being asked to make sure their geo tagging is switched off when taking photographs, as poachers are being supplied by international criminal gangs with sophisticated equipment to track exact locations of rhino through social networks and the internet. And this does not only mean professional photographers. Anyone taking photographs with smart phones should also switch their geo tagging off, if you are intending to share your pictures of rhinos on any social media sites.
A few hours spent at this watering hole was like stepping into an animal paradise. Because of the drought conditions in this area, all the game make their way here to drink, providing us with spectacular sightings on Rhinos with babies, herds of wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and buck of all kinds.
A very playful troop of baboons arrived with their young, and sat in the trees socializing, grooming each other and enjoying the cooler weather.
The flora in winter is spectacular with indigenous aloes in abundance, falling leaves with dry bark and algae making for a macro photographer's dream.
Here are a few of the beautiful birds we came across.
Where is your favourite place to relax and enjoy nature?