After a gap of four years, Jacha and Gwyn headed off to Southern Africa in November for an adventure with good friend Heidi Dednam of Gava Explorations.
Jacha was hoping to get some new photographs to exhibit in the Platform Galeri.
The trip started in Maun, in Botswana before moving through Zambia and then finishing in Namibia. Many amazing sights, sounds and experiences were enjoyed along the way.
Botswana
One of the first places they stopped was Planet Baobab and the Ntwetwe pan. Here they spent quite a bit of time with a group of Meerkats. Meerkats are very comical to watch and have a strong family dynamic. Jacha was able to get a number of great shots, including the one below. These three young Meerkats were playing together at the entrance to their burrow.
Zambia
The next country on the itinerary was Zambia. They found themselves in the Liuwa National Park, part of the Great Plains of Zambia. After the first rains of the season, the plains become a total sand lily paradise. Millions of delicate pink sand lilies appear overnight and create an amazing backdrop to take photos against. One such photo is the one below of crested cranes. The light pink hue of the lilies, the changing skies and the dark plumage of the cranes make for a dramatic shot.
While driving through Liuwa National Park, Jacha and Gwyn witnessed a mole snake trying to eat a frog. They watched it for quite a while, however the frog had puffed itself up too much for the snake to be able to swallow it. After a long stand off, the snake gave up.
Namibia
Next up was a return Namibia and the Kwando Game Park. One moment in particular that stood out was an encounter with a Hippo. At dusk one night Jacha was sat by the river hoping to get some shots of Elephant. Slowly and silently a Hippo rose from the water. The perfect stillness of the water with the setting sun created a magical reflection.
Walvis Bay
Last stop was Walvis Bay. Jacha particularly wanted to visit the commercial salt pans to photograph the Lesser Flamingos that feed there. The light and reflections gave him some fantastic shots as you can see below.
Take your soul on safari
Travelling through Africa is always very special. Heidi and Timo of Gava Explorations make a great team and make sure your trip is just the best! If you are ever thinking of an African safari, get in touch with Gava and take your soul on safari.
