Sunday 17 March 2013

African Wildlife Photo Safaris: African Lion Photos

African Wildlife Photo Safaris: African Lion Photos:photos of african lions , african big cats, african safari

African Lion Photos

Young Male

Cub

The Stalking Look

Love is

A young boy in a mock charge

Lions Eyes
Mating time

Stunning young Males
Lions are amazing big cats ,  from powerful to cute , from large to tiny and frail, i have had the personal experience of coming face to face with them when they were mauling a person i know, they are not to be tamed , they are to be respected , interact with them at your own peril , but remember there will come a day when you will not predict the outcome. That said the best lion photos i see are is in the Khalahari when the light is in its golden hours and the best backgrounds , the Black maned lions always look magnificent on the Sand of the Kalahari and if you can get the background broche  right you will get an amazing photo , unfortunately i have not got one, but here are some of mine , i have taken in south africa

Saturday 9 March 2013

African Wildlife Photo Safaris: Birding at Pilanebserg Mankwe Lake

African Wildlife Photo Safaris: Birding at Pilanebserg Mankwe Lake: Pilansberg National Park Water Birds          If your in Johannesburg for a short period of time and get the chance to spend a day in the...

Tuesday 26 February 2013

Birding at Pilanebserg Mankwe Lake

Pilansberg National Park Water Birds

         If your in Johannesburg for a short period of time and get the chance to spend a day in the African Bush then try and get to Pilanesberg National Park. The park is situated in the North West Province about 2 hours form Johannesburg. This drive takes you past the Magaliesberg Mountains and over the Hartebeespoort Dam which is a water playground for residents of Johannesburg. The Park itself is right next to Sun City , so if you want to visit both at the same time this is a good time to do so , you will just need a bit of extra time.For the Birding Photographer a few examples.
White Breasted Comorrant

Brown Hooded Kingfisher

Giant Kingfisher

Pied Kingfisher

Malikite Kingfisher

African Darter

Grey Heron

Red Bishop


Red Bishop Juvinille

Masked Weaver

Little Gebe

Goliath Heron
       The pilansberg is accessed by 4 gates , these gates open at different times in the winter and summer so make sure you know the season. I normally enter though the Kwamaritane Gate which is just off the main road from Sun City. The Pilanebserg national park has all the big 5and you have just as much chance of seeing them here as anywhere else , you got to take your time , and keep spotting. Besides there is plenty  of birds and the Mankwe lake hide is a great photo spot . These can all be seen at Mankwe