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A Beginner’s Guide to Reptile Photography
Here is picture showing a typical reptile photography session Reptile photography is an increasingly popular hobby shared by some nature enthusiasts. Some just want to catalog the reptiles they see, others travel hundreds of kilometers, spend thousands on photography gear and hours to get the perfect picture! Either way there are tips and tricks to this hobby, unlike bird photography you get up close, and unlike insect photography the subjects can be dangerous. So, here are t
ywpofsa
3 days ago4 min read


From Surf to the Savannah
A Journey from Jeffrey's Bay to Addo's Wild Heart In July of 2024, my mom and I embarked on an unforgettable adventure along the Eastern Cape coastline of South Africa, exploring the treasures of Jeffrey’s Bay, Addo Elephant Park, and everything in between. From the breathtaking beaches to the hidden wildlife of Addo, this journey was a beautiful blend of nature, culture, and tranquillity. From left to right: 1. The famous "Supertubes" beach; 2. Dolphin beach; 3. The Tasty Ta

Elanie Snyman
Feb 147 min read


Tides, Targets & a Milestone Moment at West Coast National Park
Arriving at West Coast National Park On our recent trip to Cape Town, a trip up to the West Coast National Park was a non-negotiable, not only to experience this beautiful park for the first time but also because of the great assemblage of rarities on offer in the area. We had a long target list for the day, and knew it would probably be one of our best birding days by far.On the way there, Jaime recommended a spot to stop and try for Cape Clapper Lark and Black Harrier. From
Luca Tomlinson
Feb 33 min read


Through Hudi’s Lens: Finding the Wild Within
Some stories begin with a camera. Others begin long before that, with dust roads, dawn calls, and a childhood steeped in the rhythm of the bush. For Yehuda “Hudi” Hirschowitz, one of Pilanesberg's most passionate young photographers, it all started with those early trips into the wild. The bush wasn’t a place he visited; it was the backdrop of his growing up. “From just a few months old, I was already going into nature,” he says. “It’s all I’ve ever known.” That deep connecti
ywpofsa
Oct 24, 20252 min read


Can You Be Prepared Enough for a Camping Trip to the Bush?
If there’s one thing, we’ve learned from our recent camping trip to Magoebaskloof and Punda Maria, it’s that no matter how much you plan,...

Gabby Sykora
Oct 14, 20244 min read


Lion Encounters and a Lucky Honey Badger: A Kruger Finale
It was our last day in Kruger and we were staying at Satara. We woke up at 4am to make the early gate opening time and hopefully get...
ywpofsa
Sep 20, 20242 min read


Birthday Bliss - A Crested Guineafowl Surprise
Some time ago, I wrote about convincing my parents that a trip to the northern part of Kruger would be far more fun than having a party...

Gabby Sykora
Aug 27, 20248 min read


Wild Encounters: Trekking Through the Bush on Foot
By Samantha Marais Walking through Somkhanda Game Reserve in Pongola was an incredible experience, filled with unforgettable sightings...
ywpofsa
Jul 3, 20242 min read


Fantastic Feathered Finds: Rarities Galore
While staying in Plettenberg Bay for the December holidays, my eagerness grew as the posts kept coming on the Cape Rare Bird Alert of...
ywpofsa
May 7, 20243 min read


To Party or Not To Party!!
The Plan As my 16th birthday approaches, I got wind of my parents planning a surprise party. They had the details already sketched out –...

Gabby Sykora
Mar 19, 20245 min read


The Valley of Desolation - A Passage Through Time on our Homeward Journey
The details of our homeward journey were somewhat sketchy, with much of our conversation dedicated to numerous 'What if we did this?' or...

Gabby Sykora
Mar 7, 20248 min read


Tsitsikamma's Promise of Uncovering Adventure and Exploration
The next leg of our incredible trip exploring the Garden Route led us to the Tsitsikamma National Park on New Year's Day. Departing from...

Gabby Sykora
Mar 1, 20247 min read


Garden Route Gems: A Journey of Discovery and Delight
The time had come to bid farewell to the Karoo, and we had prepared for an early departure the next morning. The drive out of Beaufort...
Gabby Sykora
Feb 12, 20248 min read


Where Vast Horizons Meet Wildlife Wonders - The Karoo National Park
With an early 3am start, we embarked on our road trip, leaving the urban bustle behind. Dropping off to sleep again for a short while and...

Gabby Sykora
Jan 19, 20244 min read


Chasing Lifers on the KZN South Coast
All birders know what a holiday in a different area means - it means chasing lifers! This December, Gabby and I came down to Umhlanga...
Luca Tomlinson
Jan 10, 20246 min read


Umgede Hide - Our First Underground Hide Photographic Experience
Read about our 2 night stay at Antares Bush Camp and Umgede Hide
ywpofsa
Jul 10, 20236 min read


Magical Shingwedzi - The S56
‘Let’s go down the Mphongolo Loop (better known to most, as the S56 – near Shingwedzi) again, I feel lucky!’ I said. Luca agreed, and off...

Gabby Sykora
Jan 27, 20233 min read


Twitching A Slaty Egret
Yesterday I received a message on a birding group saying that there was a Slaty Egret seen at Gnu Valley Farm, which is located 22km away...
Mikeli Bass
Dec 14, 20222 min read


Bushman's Nek - Lifer Galore
Let’s use our timeshare, they said. It’ll be good to get away, they said. All fair until you realize that your destination will take you...

Gabby Sykora
Aug 8, 20223 min read


Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve - The Familiar Stonechats
This past Sunday, Gabby, her parents and I went on a day outing to Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve. The main aim of the trip? Birding of...

Luca Tomlinson
Jul 7, 20224 min read
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