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The lowland nyala or simply nyala, is a spiral-horned antelope native to southern Africa. It is a species of the family Bovidae and genus Tragelaphus, previously placed in the genus Nyala. It was first described in 1849 by George French Angas. The body length is 135–195 cm, and it weighs 55–140 kg.
Segaia - a name you're not likely to forget once you've visited this charming lodge. One of the jewels of Northern Gauteng, it offers an escape to the magic of the bush that reminds us of areas far more remote. Our Conservancy is well stocked with game, blessed with prolific bird life, and infused with that unique African magic found only in the bush. Segaia Bush Retreat has a watering hole right in front of the lodge where wild game come to drink. Enjoy, therefore, stunning African sunsets on the deck whilst watching zebra, kudu, impala and warthog wandering the grounds of the Lodge. A lucky few may even spot the reclusive leopard.
Chapman’s Peak Drive on the Atlantic Coast between Hout Bay and Noordhoek in the Cape Peninsula is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. Chapman’s Peak Drive is affectionately known as “Chappies” and is a must for anyone who is passionate about the majestic scenery of Cape Town. Initially constructed during the First World War, this 9km route with its 114 curves, skirts Chapman's Peak, the 593m high southerly extension of Constantia Berg, and follows the rocky coastline to unfold breathtaking views in both directions.
The name rolls gently and easily off the tongue - Segaia - a name you’re not likely to forget once you’ve visited this charming lodge which is a mere 20km from Pretoria and less than an hour from Johannesburg and O.R. Tambo International Airport. One of the jewels of northern Gauteng, Segaia Bush Retreat offers an escape to the magic of the bush that reminds of areas far more remote. It is the perfect getaway for weary, ‘traffic-jammed’ city dwellers who do not want to spend hours on the road to get to a weekend destination but require an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity combined with fresh air.
Info source URL: www.sa-venues.com/visit/segaiabushretreat/
Communal Area at KwaThabisile Bush Retreat. Swimming pool, deck chairs, and umbrellas', fabulous views overlooking the valley, and into the bush with great sunset views.
Info sourced from www.wheretostay.co.za/kwathabisile-self-catering-cullinan...
Photo capture date & Location: 2019-02 KwaThabisile Bush Retreat
The hippopotamus or hippo, further qualified as the common hippopotamus, Nile hippopotamus, or river hippopotamus, is a large semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus.
Karoo thrush - A typical mostly olive-brown thrush, with rufous coloration restricted to the center of the belly. It is most easily identified by range. Pairs occupy dense scrub and thickets in arid savanna and Karoo, grassland, and urban gardens on the South African highveld. The species gives a varied song and typical thrush “chk-chk” or thin “tseeep” calls. It is an understory specialist that sometimes skulks, but at other times can be quite bold. The similar Olive Thrush differs from Karoo Thrush in its rufous (not olive) flanks, its brown (not yellow-orange) eye-ring, its dark brown (not yellow) base to the upper mandible of the bill, and its streakier throat.
The Drakensberg (Afrikaans: Drakensberg, Zulu: uKhahlamba, Sotho: Maluti) is the name given to the eastern portion of the Great Escarpment, which encloses the central Southern African plateau. The Great Escarpment reaches its greatest elevation – 2,000 to 3,482 meters (6,562 to 11,424 feet) within the border region of South Africa and Lesotho.
Info sourced from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drakensberg
Photo capture date & Location: 2018-10 Drakensberg Sun Lifestyle Resort
The Dark-capped, or Black-eyed, Bulbul, occurs in savanna and woodland habitats with a reliable supply of fruiting trees and bushes and is especially common in the gardens and parks of our towns and cities. They feed primarily on fruit, berries, and seeds, but will also eat nectar, flower petals and small invertebrates (especially termites). Dark-capped Bulbuls are mostly seen singly, in pairs, or in loosely associated small groups, and adults weigh between 30 and 48g.
Info source URL: dewetswild.com/2017/08/24/dark-capped-bulbul/
Photo capture date & Location: 2018-08 Segaia Bush Retreat
Lowveld Viewpoint is located in Blyde River Canyon and affords stunning views up the canyon, to the glistening Blydepoort Dam at the far end surrounded by forested slopes. The rocky cones of the Three Rondavels formations are just visible, and you can see over the ridge to the hazy plains on the far side.
The Cullinan Diamond Mine is renowned as a source of large, high-quality gem diamonds, including Type II stones, as well as being the world’s most important source of very rare blue diamonds. Cullinan earned its place in history with the discovery of the Cullinan diamond in 1905, the largest rough gem diamond ever found at 3,106 carats, which was cut to form the two most important diamonds in the British Crown Jewels.
Experience Nature's Canvas at Segaia Bush Retreat
As the sun dips below the horizon at Segaia Bush Retreat, the sky transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of colors. This serene escape offers the perfect backdrop for those seeking tranquility and connection with nature. Guests can unwind on their private deck, sipping a drink while watching the vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple dance across the sky. The sounds of the bush come alive, creating a soothing symphony that enhances the experience. Whether you're stargazing after sunset or enjoying a cozy bonfire, Segaia Bush Retreat provides an unforgettable ambiance. Embrace the beauty of nature and let the stunning sunsets rejuvenate your spirit, making every evening a cherished memory. Come discover your slice of paradise in the heart of the bush.
Mother hippos are very protective of their young and may keep others at a distance. However, calves are occasionally left in nurseries which are guarded by one or a few adults. Calves in nurseries engage in playfights. Weaning starts between six and eight months after birth, and most calves are fully weaned after a year. Like many other large mammals, hippos are described as K-strategists, in this case typically producing just one large, well-developed infant every couple of years (rather than many small, poorly developed young several times per year as is common among small mammals such as rodents).
Info source URL: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippopotamus
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Photo capture date & Location: 2019-10 Sabi River
Quenching Thirst, One Sip at a Time
Zebras, with their striking black and white stripes, are not just a marvel of nature but also fascinating creatures with unique habits. In the wild, staying hydrated is crucial for their survival. Zebras often travel long distances in search of water sources, showcasing their resilience and adaptability. They typically drink early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat of the day. Observing a zebra drinking is a reminder of the delicate balance of nature and the importance of water for all living beings. Protecting their habitats ensures that these majestic animals can continue to thrive in the wild, reminding us of the interconnectedness of life on our planet.
The giant plated lizard is the second largest lizard species found in South Africa, after the monitor lizard, and they are known to attain a body length of approximately 690 mm. Giant plated lizards are rupicolous, which means that they live among rocky outcrops, mostly on the upper slopes of granite hills. Giant plated lizards are shy and hard to approach – an individual will often retreat into rock crevices at the slightest disturbance and inflate its body, effectively wedging itself into the crevice and making it very difficult for anything to dislodge it.
In the heart of Gauteng, Dinokeng 'a place of rivers', and Leeuwkloof Valley, is a game lodge surrounded by wildlife roaming in a 400-hectare game reserve. This is KwaTHABISILE Game Lodge where Alexandra welcomes you to her Out of Africa. Wake up in the morning to game grazing peacefully under your bedroom window. Wander over to the pond or laze by the pool and enjoy sunset drinks overlooking the valley into the bush watching the animals graze. Enjoy the sounds of the birds sing in our valley, see and hear the night come to life. At KwaTHABISILE you can experience nature even though you are close to many other enriching activities such as nearby Cullinan and experience 'All of Africa in a day'.
Info source URL: www.safarinow.com/go/kwathabisilegamelodge/
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Photo capture date & Location: 2019-02 KwaThabisile Bush Retreat
The cattle egret is a white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. It nests in colonies, usually near bodies of water and often with other wading birds. The nest is a platform of sticks in trees or shrubs. Their feeding habitats include seasonally inundated grasslands, pastures, farmlands, wetlands, and rice paddies. They often accompany cattle or other large mammals, catching insect and small vertebrate prey disturbed by these animals. The adult cattle egret has few predators, but birds or mammals may raid its nests, and chicks may be lost to starvation, calcium deficiency, or disturbance from other large birds.
Info source URL: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_cattle_egret
Photo capture date & Location: 2019-10 Sabie River
Some more photographs that were taken during our recent visit to Lujos Sekekama, Marloth Park, Mpumalanga.
The African thrush can be found in all sorts of wooded habitats including forest edge, riparian woodland, scrub cultivation, parks and gardens. The African thrush is normally encountered either singly or in pairs and is rather shy and retiring preferring to remain in cover but will come out and gather at fruiting trees. Usually forages in the ground, flicking leaf litter and searching through vegetation. Where undisturbed or habituated to people will feed out in the open in a similar fashion to the song thrush in Europe, and it is also reported to crack open snails on an anvil stone like a song thrush.
Elephants are officially hooved mammals, so a group is technically known as a herd. However, the collective noun for elephants – perhaps more fittingly, is a memory. A group of elephants can also be called a parade, although this is far less common. It is likely that elephants evolved trunks as they grew in size and bulk. Their pillar-like legs and naturally heavyset heads and shoulders would be major obstacles to feeding and drinking without their trunks, which enable them to forage and drink with minimal head movement.
The impala or rooibok is a medium-sized antelope found in eastern and southern Africa. The only extant member of the genus Aepyceros, and tribe Aepycerotini, it was first described to Europeans by German zoologist Hinrich Lichtenstein in 1812.
The fork-tailed drongo is known for his ability to deceptively mimic other bird alarm calls in order for a certain animal to flee the scene so he can steal their food. They are also notorious for displaying aggressive and fearless behaviour by attacking and chasing off much larger animals, including birds of prey, when their nest or young ones are threatened.
The Pinnacle Rock is a massive quartzite rock that erupts from the earth’s surface and reaches some 30 metres in height. It is a freestanding rock that towers over the dense indigenous forest of Driekop Gorge in a dramatic display of nature’s quirks and the unique splendour of South Africa. It is littered with stunning, brightly-coloured aloes that not only add to the appeal amongst the local birds and insect species but also make for extra beautiful photographs of the rock and its surrounds. There are public ablutions available here, as well as vendors sitting at this attraction selling African curios and keepsakes. These stalls are a delight to visitors and locals alike and the vendors are friendly and helpful.
Info source URL: www.sa-venues.com/attractionsmpl/pinnacle-rock.php
Photo capture date & Location: 2019-10 Sabi River Sun Resort
Sabie Falls is hidden under the bridge as you drive out of Sabie towards Graskop. In 2010, a local named Eric Mkhatshwa cleared the area and tidied up the Williams Memorial Park. For a small fee, you can wander the tidy garden and get right to the edge of the waterfall. If you want to get even closer Kestell Barnard will take you abseiling down the falls.
Info source URL: www.countrylife.co.za/travel/6-of-mpumalangas-best-waterf...
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The photo was taken during October 2019 in Sabie, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
The arrow-marked babbler lives in social groups of between 3 and 15 birds (six being the average) that defend large territories, with the size of the territory being dependent upon the number of individuals in the group. They feed on insects, spiders and sometimes snails and lizards, as well as fruits. Foraging occurs near the ground, sometimes in association with other babblers or bulbuls. A dry gurgling babble “gra-gra-gra-gra-gra” is given by multiple birds, keeping the group together.
Curious
Zebras are African equines with distinctive black-and-white striped coats. There are three extant species: the Grévy's zebra, plains zebra, and the mountain zebra. Zebras share the genus Equus with horses and asses, the three groups being the only living members of the family Equidae. Zebra stripes come in different patterns, unique to each individual. Several theories have been proposed for the function of these stripes, with most evidence supporting them as a form of protection from biting flies.
Info sourced from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebra
Photo capture date & Location: 2021-02 Bushtime at Mabula
Pied crows are generally encountered in pairs or small groups, although an abundant source of food may bring large numbers of birds. The species behaves in a similar manner to the hooded and carrion crows. All of its food is obtained from the ground, trees, etc. including injured wildlife such as insects and other small invertebrates, small reptiles, small mammals, young birds and eggs, grain, peanuts, carrion and any scraps of human food and fruit.