Leopard Hills, Sabi Sands, South Africa — October, 2015

[Tom Kellie]

A fluttering in forest shadows,

As female nyala unobtrusively graze,

More at home in shade than in meadows,

Their movements perpetually in a maze.

Semi-Hidden Female Nyala

Vouchsafed a Glimpse

Forest Folk

Unobtrusive Nyala

[Marks]

Does anyone else is seeing the face of Kermit the Frog in this photo?? Right part of the burl.

You know, I actually do, now that you've mentioned it. Most unexpected!

 

Really nice nyala pics, Tom.

[Tom Kellie]

Not prancing but stepping, delicate hooves he uses,

The male nyala so lordly, clad like a forest king,

Gently wandering, grazing wherever he chooses,

Bothering none, causing no harm, never intruding.

Such Delicate Hooves!

At Home in Thickets

Posing for a Portrait Bust

[Tom Kellie]

Really nice nyala pics, Tom.

 

~ @@Marks

 

Thank you!

Nyala were a safari highlight, their quiet presence adding both grace and color.

Never flighty, seldom secretive, they moved about with unhurried calm.

The dramatic markings of male nyala are in stark contrast with their mild temperament.

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

The game drive completed, time to head back,

All around the Lowveld Spring evident.

A bushbuck and a giraffe near the track,

Each a genuine local resident.

Glorious Springtime in Sabi Sands!

Fleeting Bushbuck with an Oxpecker

Lowveld Giraffe

[Tom Kellie]

 

 

The first time that I saw a nyala I was amazed by its unique appearance.

 

They're so mild and easygoing, which I like.

 

 

 

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

In the right hands a grape is a meal,

A flavorsome snack, juicy and light,

A green grape has a certain appeal,

To this vervet it's just about right!

Watching the Breakfast Table

Grape-eater

Never at a Loss for Poise

大嘴

[xelas]

@@Tom Kellie

 

Yes, the monkey on the last photo indeed has big mouth !

[Tom Kellie]

~ @@xelas

 

This particular vervet had filched a green grape from the breakfast table.

Rather than fleeing, it paused atop a post with its prize.

By chance, I had the camera with me, having directly gone to breakfast after a longer-than-usual game drive.

What especially appealed to me was the contrast in color and texture of the grape and the vervet.

Thank you so much for taking time to view this update, especially when you're heavily occupied with preparing your much-awaited “Kgalagadi 2016” trip report.

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

Eggs Benedict served with a view,

Over the waterhole in spring hues.

Australian friends are there, too.

A warthog's below? Thanks for the news!

Breakfast Terrace View of a Warthog in the Waterhole

Lovely Australian Friends

Eggs Benedict

[Tom Kellie]

For herpetologists Leopard Hills,

Has much to recommend it.

Although one seldom observes their kills,

Skinks and geckos do their bit.

Mabuya striata

Striped Skink and Oxalis

Gecko's Eye

[Tom Kellie]

I thoroughly enjoyed the plunge pool,

Its refreshing clean water was fun.
For this lifelong water-loving fool,
’Twas relaxing when game drives were done.

As Viewed from Indoors

Suite #7 Plunge Pool

Plunge Pool Self-Portrait

 

[Tom Kellie]

White-headed Saw-wings in bright blue sky,

With Lesser Striped Swallows on wing,

In the plunge pool I'm watching them fly,

They swoop, they soar, they even sing!

Saw-wing Aerobatics

Lesser Striped Swallow

White-headed Saw-wing

[Tom Kellie]

In the still midday heat of early Spring,

Everything's a natural still life, so it seems.

One's eyes notice motionless happening,

Life's geometry is the armature of dreams.

Dicrostachys cinerea

Ganglia

Oasis

Not Far From the Plunge Pool

Minimalist Christmas Tree

[Tom Kellie]

Whoever designed the suite's interior,

Had a strong sense of comfort and ease,

All the amenities were superior,

The layout and colors sure to please.

Sofa with Pillows

Interior View with Camera & Lens

Disarray on a Neatly Made Bed

View Toward the Bathroom

Front Door

Overhead Fixtures

[Tom Kellie]

I like lunches leisurely and slow,

With each course an event all its own.

Eating that way, my waistline may grow,

From what I've seen, I won't be alone!

Lunch View — Buffalo in the Waterhole

Chilled Cucumber Mint Soup

Duck Breast

Awnings

South African Cheese Plate

[Tom Kellie]

At Leopard Hills I muse a lot,

Inconsequential thoughts and such,
Which come when temps are truly hot,
But don't amount to very much!

Leopard Hills Library Main Entrance

Intersecting Walkways

Walkways to Individual Suites

Walkway to Suite #7

Suite #7 Exterior

Brightening the Front Entrance

Operation Red Spine was Successful

Plumbago as an Accent Plant

 

[deano]

@@Tom Kellie - great stuff. Thanks for adding in the pictures of the general surroundings -The rhino off to the side of the track that snakes its way through the picture is really standing out for me. The images of general life around the lodge are great for us too and serve to add to the growing excitement for our year end trip there. My wife has just viewed the waterhole and is already imagining herself there with a nice glass of wine while I will be happy with a cup of tea and a pair of binoculars. Lovely elevated position.

 

kind regards

 

deano.

[Marks]

Not to distract from your wonderful record of wildlife and landscape, not to mention lodge grounds - but my word, that duck looks superb.

[Peter Connan]

To me, a Nyala, and especially a Nyala bull, is like nature showing off.

 

Beauty in every detail, and also in the whole.

 

Stunning Nyala portraits Tom!

 

The photos of the gecko's eye and the swallows and saw-wings in flight are stunning.

 

Oh, and did you know there is an alternative name for Dicrostachys cinerea? Where I come from, it is also known as Flatwheelia Landrovia

[Kitsafari]

Im so behind on all the TRs, but wonderful pics Tom. love the hyena babies - black and fluffy and just looking adorable.

 

Torchwood is one handsome dude!

[Tom Kellie]

Danger triggers the flight instinct,

To preserve life for another day.

After we entered his precinct,

This impala opted not to stay.

Alarmed

Fugitive

[Tom Kellie]

Most game drives begin by going down a track,

With an objective, but open to anything,

Without any specific plan of attack,

Hoping each turn in the drive might reveal something!

Elephant Scratching Rock

Hornbill in a Spring Tree

Quintessential Leopard Hills Track

Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Duo

[Tom Kellie]

@@Tom Kellie - great stuff. Thanks for adding in the pictures of the general surroundings -The rhino off to the side of the track that snakes its way through the picture is really standing out for me. The images of general life around the lodge are great for us too and serve to add to the growing excitement for our year end trip there. My wife has just viewed the waterhole and is already imagining herself there with a nice glass of wine while I will be happy with a cup of tea and a pair of binoculars. Lovely elevated position.

 

~ @@deano

 

What your wife has imagined is exactly how it actually is!

The choice of wines is broad, with high quality vintages included.

Happily, the premium tea and premium coffee selections are likewise superb.

The accommodating staff takes excellent care of guests, inevitably with smiles.

A close friend in southern China similarly mentioned that he enjoyed that particular rhino image.

I'm so glad that you're bound for Leopard Hills. It's certain to be an exceptional experience in all respects.

Thank you so much for your generous comments.

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

Not to distract from your wonderful record of wildlife and landscape, not to mention lodge grounds - but my word, that duck looks superb.

 

~ @@Marks

 

The duck was so savory that I returned last month and ordered it for two different meals.

What's good once, is good thrice!

Tom K.