When Richard Bonham stopped doing walking safaris in the 90's and decided to build a lodge instead, he really did have his choice of the best locations - and boy did he pick it. Sitting along the banks of the Rufiji River, at one of its widest points, the location has so much to offer. The sun setting in front of you, Hippo snorting in the river and all sorts of wildlife, big and small, living within the camp. This is a photographers dream!
For many, coming on safari is a once in a lifetime trip, so why not take advantage of it? Both Natasha and I have a strong background in photography, and for us, it is a way to connect with and learn about nature. It brings us even closer to a world we are already close to. We don't get out into the bush as much as we would like, but there are plenty of things happening in camp - if you look hard enough and have an interest of all things wild.
The following images were all taken around the dining area at the lodge. You don't always have to go out into the bush to see wildlife, why not just sit by the river and wait for them to come to you?
(A small grasshopper on the seed pod of a Dessert Rose (or Impala Lilly as it is also known).
(One of the Genet Cats that frequent the lodge at night)
(A Striped Skink poses on a rock near the car park. These Skinks are great for practicing your macro shots and always allow you to get quite close).
(You will often hear the cry of the Bush Baby at night and the evening is a perfect time to track them down and photograph them. They move from branch to brach looking for food so you have to have some patience).
(It has been a pleasure to watch this Sun bird go back and forth over the past few weeks, hopefully we will see the chicks soon. The nest is right in front of the dining area).
(A Southern Cordon Bleu feeding in the lawn outside our office).
(I spent about 15 minutes with this little guy and needless to say he was not camera shy!)
(We have a number of Water Monitor Lizards that live around camp and I enjoy photographing them as I can often take images at eye level).