With the threat of drought and
the presence of its unforgiving hand, the reserve is stuck in the middle of a
transformation. The early rains in September have conned the trees into
prematurely using up vital energy, and the contrast of the barren soil lying
lifeless beneath a canopy of sprouting leaves has created drama on
Mashatu.
Dynamics have shifted to adapt to
drier times and the scarcity of water is putting pressure in dwindling pockets
of life across the reserve. The threat of rain is present, but the joy of its
power has only been unforgiving. Life has carried on and birds abound competing
for nest sites, or protecting ones that have already been in occupation. Impala
ewes are heavy bellied awaiting the signal of rain to lamb, predators constrict
in ambush near the remaining pools of water and elephants cover the breadth of
ancient valleys in search of valuable resources.
Harsh and unforgiving, this
unique time of year and its present circumstances is rare and special on its
own terms. Life abounds yet around the next corner it merely hangs on with only
faith for rain.
The 6 days during our last C4
Photo Workshop and Private Photo Vehicle extension for the year has been
nothing but diverse and truly spectacular. Some of the highlights have been:
. Incredibly productive hide sessions
. Elephants at the hide with cloud formations as the
backdrop
. Mating pair of leopards
. 2 cheetah kills in the same day
. A huge but brief dust storm followed by a spout of rain
whilst out on drive
. Multiple Jackal den sites
. A nest of little bee eaters
. The milky way over an ancient Baobab tree
. An exceptional group of guests who walked away with
exceptional images
As I post this, the rains have
fallen heavily leaving the dry riverbeds swelling and bursting their banks with
water. The time of struggle and drought has passed and may saplings sprout and
grass seeds germinate to transform the reserve into true summer full of life.
Read more...
