A lion climbs a tree and stops to have a look around. Nikon D200 Nikon 80-400mm VR lens 1/250 sec f5.6 800 ISO
In April we spent an amazing couple of days enjoying the fabulous hospitality at Pondoro and received the warmest of welcome’s from Lize, Robbie and the team. On our first morning game drive we spotted a small group of lion relaxing in an area of thick scrub. One of the Lion climbed up a tree to investigate a zebra skin from a previous kill.
Another young lion peers from behind a tree. Nikon D200 Nikon 80-400mm VR lens 1/180 sec f5.3 800 ISO
Still on a high after our Lion spot we came across a herd of Elephant making their way through the bush feeding as they went, passing close to the vehicles.
Eye to eye with the elephant. Nikon D200 Nikon 80-400mm VR lens. 1/200 sec f7.1 200 ISO
After making several tightly composed frames of the elephant I swapped onto a wider lens to capture a different view of the game drive experience and was rewarded with this impressive display of an elephant ripping up a small tree.
Feeding Elephant. Nikon D200 Nikon 28-105mm 1/640 sec f9.0 200ISO
On our second morning drive a call came over the radio to our Ranger that Rhino had been spotted. Making our way to the area we soon picked up the Rhino’s trail. Our Ranger decided that the group of four Rhino could be safely tracked on foot. Making our way into the bush following close to the Ranger the adrenalin was starting to pump. The pressure was really on, I had to get sharp pictures of this one of the big five but due to the amazing hearing of Rhino it could have been a one shot deal, I couldn’t “hose down” this one and risk spooking them click. We were fairly close but I was still out at 400mm and hand holding, no camera support. Thankfully it was about 8.20am and there was a bit more light in the sky which helped and gave me a faster shutter speed eliminate camera shake caused by the focal length and the adrenalin pumping through my veins. What an amazing experience.
- A Rhino which we tracked on foot. Nikon D200 Nikon 80-400mm VR lens 1/400 sec f5.6 400 ISO
Zebra. Nikon D200 Nikon 80-400mm VR lens 1/250 sec f5.6 200 ISO
Grazing Giraffe. Nikon D200 Nikon 80-400mm VR lens 1/1000sec f5.0 400ISO
Stuart and Claudine would like to pass on our thanks to everyone at Pondoro for making our stay a magical one that we will always remember. Every part of our short visit was fantastic from the game drives to the delicious food, luxurious rooms and relaxing spa. Everyone was so friendly and helpful we can’t wait to come back.
www.stuartwalker-photography.co.uk