This cute couple is Mr. and Mrs. Klipspringer. Klipspringers – literally it means ‘rock jumper’ – are small antilopes, reaching a maximum shoulder height of 60cm. They enjoy acrobatic jumps on rocky outcrops. Because their habitat is often inaccessible and commercially not interesting, klipspringers are doing relatively well in large parts of Africa.
Photo taken in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa
The banded mongoose lives in colonies of up to 40 individuals and feeds mainly on insects like beetles and millipedes.
Photo taken in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa
This waterhole in Pilanesberg National Park is a haven for birds, and that is why we had parked our car there. Suddenly, all the birds flew up. I looked around, and there she was: a female leopard coming for a drink. What a magical moment! We sat in awe, my hands slightly shaking from the excitement. Fortunately I did manage to capture the moment before the leopard walked away again!
A woman selling potatoes on the roadside, hoping that the next car will stop.
Photo taken somewhere between Kabwe and Kapiri Mposhi
Today is World Giraffe Day. Did you know that? I didn’t until I read it on Facebook. The shortest day for the longest-necked animal – it’s kind of fitting. Let’s pause and think about this beautiful and strange animal that is in danger of extinction today!
Photo taken in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa
Two cheetahs expressing their affection at the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria, South Africa.
When we were living in the Netherlands, we loved to go to the zoo and watch the weaver birds making their nests. Now that we live in Africa, it’s a blessing to see these birds in our garden! This picture, however, was taken in the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria, South Africa – we still love going to the zoo.
Bless the Children of Earth
may they have the blessings of food and health
may their homes be peaceful, their world safe
may we adults, work to make these blessings real
by our actions, attention, and giving, we make it so.
Bless the Children of the earth
with the abundance of a happy, secure life
may they have a life with education and opportunity
each child deserves no less, each child is precious
they are the future, the living legacy of our ancestors.
Bless the Children of the Earth.
(Abby Willowroot)
It’s winter here in southern Africa, with temperatures sometimes dropping to almost zero degrees. And still, some butterflies are on their wings, providing contrasting colors. I think this one is called the soldier pansy.
Photo taken in the forest at Kurisa Moya lodge, South Africa
Awesome wonder 