Category: News

It’s no secret that it takes a very passionate person to become a safari game ranger or guide in the African bushveld. These men and women work very hard to learn the secrets of the bush and some might argue that it takes a lifetime of learning and discovery before one can say they know anything about the flora and fauna of Africa.

Having a professional guide in the bush makes your whole safari experience an educational and safe one. 

We spoke to veteran game ranger Craig McFarlane, who’s lifelong fascination with the African bushveld has left an impression on all those who he has taught and guided over the years. As the Head of Guide Training & Activities for Elewana Collection in Tanzania and Kenya, Craig’s knowledge of the bush is impressive, with only a few guides having been trained at his level in Africa.

We spoke to Craig to find out his story, and what he thinks safari-goers should know about being a game ranger:

“As a boy growing up on the family farm in South Africa, my dream was always to work in the bush. I was fascinated by animals, big and small, wild and tame, and spent all my time learning about them. My father taught me the foundations of being a guide and I helped him with guiding clients,” Craig reminisces.

Craig has been a safari guide for more than 27 years

“The African bush is my home and it’s what I know best. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge with people who have an interest in animals and wild places,” he explains.

Craig earned a number of qualifications during his career, including the FGASA Level III, SKS DG and Tracker II qualifications. After 27 years in the bush, he really knows his stuff. To be a great game ranger, he says, “One needs to be obsessively observant and have an inquiring mind.”

On his most dangerous wildlife encounter, Craig remembers a day when he was confronted by elephants while leading a group of safari travellers through the bush.

“We came across a matriarch elephant with her small calf and without warning, she immediately charged with full intent. I told my clients to get down on the ground and try to appear as non threatening as possible. Suddenly she stopped, only an arm’s length away and assessed us. When she realised that we would not do her calf any harm, she turned and left.

Believing the whole ordeal was over, we were about to continue our walk when a young bull elephant suddenly mock-charged us. With a lot of noise, flapping ears and shows of strength, he finally tired of showing off and left, leaving my clients terrified, but with a newfound respect for animals in the wild,” Craig remembers. 

This confrontation between this game ranger and elephant is similar to what Craig and his group must have encountered. Without Craig's knowledge of elephant behaviour and quick thinking, his encounter with a swaggy young bull could have meant disaster

Craig’s must-bring essentials for a memorable safari is a camera, binoculars, a comfortable pair of shoes and sunscreen. With wisdom he continues, “Have an inquiring mind, ask as many questions as you want and respect wild animals. This is their home and we are just visitors,” Craig advises.

Thank you to Elewana Collection for this interview and to Craig for his passion and dedication both out in the field and in training Africa’s next generation of elite game rangers.

A photographer, an inventor, physics graduate and advocate for wildlife conservation, Will Burrard-Lucas seems to be a man of many talents. He left his work at a large accounting firm in England to pursue his passion for wildlife photography. Having spent part of his childhood in Tanzania and it was here that his genuine love for Africa and its animals began. In 2012, he moved to Zambia and spent most of the year exploring the Luangwa Valley.

The inventor

As a professional wildlife photographer, Will found that there weren’t any readily available tools for getting up close and personal with his subjects.  Using his physics background, Will decided to innovate. In 2009 he developed a mobile, remote-controlled camera that was able to get imagery of  shy, nocturnal and potentially dangerous animals. Called the BeetleCam, this device was used to take striking photographs of elephants and Cape buffalo. However, when it came to getting intimate snapshots of lions, the BeetleCam was destroyed (which comes as no surprise). Reimagining his original invention, Will developed a mobile camera that was bigger and better and is currently for sale under his new label called Camtraptions, founded in 2014.

As a result of his brilliant mind, Will has been able to capture wildlife photography in different ways and this is what has helped make him one of the most elite photographers of his generation. His revolutionary ideas has aided the craft for fellow photographers and filmmakers alike. Be it a lion resting at dawn, a painted dog looking into the sunset or a cub in the backdrop of a supermoon, Will has the incredible ability to make anything he photographs look phenomenal.

Will with his BeetleCopter in the Okavango Delta

At the heart of conservation

As a conservationist, Will has taken part in many projects to raise awareness about wild animals and how we can aid the protect of them against poachers and the inevitable habitat loss that occurs as a result of urbanisation. In 2011, Will took part in the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme where his images were used to raise fund for this endangered animal. In addition, he had contributed to several conservation organizations like African Parks and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) all the while promoting awareness through creative photography. Will also gives back to conservation efforts through his publications. Of the proceeds generated from his published work, 50% goes back to NGOs and organizations supporting African wildlife.

Due recognition

In 2015, Will’s work won the Professional Natural WorldCategory in the famous Sony World Photography Awards. His series of wildlife photographs were taken at night using his BeetleCam in Liuwa Plain National Park. A visit to Will’s website is a tour of Africa in itself. There is an enjoyable gallery of elephants, rhino, big cats, small wild cats, gorillas and other fauna found in Africa. The land is simply irresistible, and Will continues to create new ways for us to experience the secrets of Africa from an even better perspective.

Our Botswana favourites

Will has spent much time in Botswana, photography the wildlife in some of the most popular regions of the country. Here are our favourites that tell the story of an authentic Botswana safari:

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

This game reserve has an abundance of desert-adapted wildlife. The black-maned lion is a common and thrilling sight on safari.

Makgadikgadi Pans

Will’s intriguing capture of the lives of meerkat in the Makgadikgadi pans showcases the variety of wildlife and Africa’s beautiful sunsets.

This amazing shot captures the aardvark’s secretive behaviour. Nocturnal by nature, spotting one of these on safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Okavango Delta

The usually shy leopard is particularly protective of her cubs, as they are often the victims of other larger predators. To capture one so relaxed and playful in the Okavango gives us wonderful insight into the behaviour of these cats.

Alex comes from the Kilimanjaro region, and was born and raised in a town called Moshi. His father was an advocate and his mother an entrepreneur, and they took great pride in providing Alex and his sister Esther with the best possible education – which in turn motivated the two siblings to strive to make their parents proud.

In spite of this urban and academic upbringing, Alex heard the call of the wild young, and early mornings would find him ready with a bow and arrow, catapult, knife and machete, trying to hunt scrub hare for fun. Fortunately, his family shared his enthusiasm, and their pets over the years included baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys and a bush baby as well as the more usual dogs, cats and tortoises. Having studied Business Administration and Information Technology, Alex was pursuing a career that would likely have landed him behind a desk. But instead he found his true passion in guiding, and his specialty is walking safaris. Meeting a diverse variety of people from all over the world and sharing his love for the wilderness, all in the most legendary of settings, keeps his passion alive and reminds him daily of why he loves to guide.

 

Elia Edward is a safari guide in the Northern Serengeti, working for the Sayari Camp. He's also a contributor to HerdTracker's migration updates. 

This year’s National Geographic Travel Photography winners stunned yet again across three categories; Nature, Cities and People.

Be inspired by the top three Nature category winners:

First: Mermaid

Humpback whale off Kumejima Island, Japan

Reiko Takanashi

“I was fortunate to have encountered a humpback whale with her calf on my first day snorkeling near Japan’s Kumejima Island. Most of the time, the calf stayed close to her mom. At one point, the calf began jumping and tapping its tail on the water near us—it was very friendly and curious.

“Finally, the mother, who was watching nearby, came to pick up the calf and swim away. I fell in love completely with the calf and it’s very energetic, large and beautiful tail.”

Second: Flamingos take off

Lake Natron, Tanzania

Hao J

“Thousands of flamingos are seen taking off from the colorful Lake Natron in Tanzania. Before taking off, flamingos need to take a short run on water to build up some speed. At that moment, their long, red legs create a series of water ripples on the surface of the lake.

“Looking down from the helicopter, these ripple lines look like giant aquatic plants flowing in the water. This photo was taken from a helicopter.”

Third: Mars

Earth Pyramids of Platten

Brunico, South Tyrol, Italy

Marco Grassi

“These natural sand towers, capped with large stones, are known as the Earth Pyramids of Platten. They are situated in Northern Italy’s South Tyrol region. Formed centuries ago after several storms and landslides, these land formations look like a landscape from outer space and continuously change over the years and, more accurately, over seasons.

“This natural phenomenon is the result of a continuous alternation between periods of torrential rain and drought, which have caused the erosion of the terrain and the formation of these pinnacles. As the seasons change, the temperatures move between extremes and storms affect the area, pyramids disappear over time, while new pinnacles form as well.”

Full article and list of winners here.

“Growing up, I always had a fascination with nature. Instead of watching cartoons, I would spend my TV time watching National Geographic, wondering whether I would ever be able to get so up close and personal with the wild myself.”

_{Photographer of the month – Roberto Kruger} 

My name is Roberto Kruger. I was born in South Africa around 22 years ago, but I’ve been living in Namibia for most of my life.

I have had the amazing opportunity to be able to work in the same field as my hobby – photography.

_{Elephant sighting in Namibia | Photo Credits: Roberto Kruger} 

I started photography as a hobby when I was 15, and it has been a goal to make it my job since then. In addition to that, I do digital marketing as well.

Why did you choose to pursue a career as a photographer?

Photography has been a passion of mine for many years, and recently an opportunity presented itself for me to take it on in a more full-time capacity.

Why Namibia?

Namibia is one of the most diverse and beautiful countries I have ever visited.

The wildlife in Namibia and landscape scenes are unparalleled! It should be at the top of anyone’s list to visit.

What is your favourite subject to photograph and why?

My favourite subjects to photograph are animals, specifically big cats.

_{Powerful picture of a Lion in Namibia | Photo Credits: Roberto Kruger}

Big cats like leopards and lions are fascinating to observe in general, and that makes it all the more enjoyable to photograph!

If you could suggest one specific lodge in Namibia to tourists, which is your favourite and why?

Okonjima Nature Reserve, without a doubt. The game viewing is exceptional, you will have a good experience. Apart from that, the way that guests get treated is second to none.

If you would like to experience Namibian wildlife as well as Namibian hospitality, visit Okonjima! Or for more Safari Lodge options in Namibia, why not have a look at our recent article ” Best Safari Lodges in Namibia “.

_{Rhino spotting in Namibia | Photo Credits: Roberto Kruger} 

For more of Robertos stunning pictures and interesting stories, visit Roberto’s website Discover Namibia.

William Steel has been drawn to animals from a young age. Raised in Botswana, he explored and discovered the beauty of the untamed wilderness which instilled in him a love of nature.

_{William Steel – Photographer of the Month} 

William Steel has always had a fascination with birds, and this is where his photographic journey started. As his hobby grew into a passion, and then a career, William concentrated on storytelling.

_{Ears | Photo Credits: William Steel} 

“Good photography combines beauty and intrigue. I’ve always tried to concentrate on these things, regardless of the topic I’m photographing. I intend to elicit emotion. I am fortunate enough to call photography my career, but foremost it is my passion.”

Why did you choose to pursue a career as a photographer?

I have always been artistic, but after school, I didn’t know what path I wanted to take. I did a tourism management degree, as I hoped that would give me the best work opportunities when returning to Botswana.

By chance I purchased a camera while studying, I wanted to show my friends in the UK the beauty of Botswana. I soon got hooked and never looked back!

_{Cheetah Selfie | Photo Credits: William Steel} 

Photography was a way to create art from my surroundings and self-expression.

After finishing my MBA, I realising that corporate life wasn’t for me, and I took the plunge and returned to Botswana to pursue my passion.

I believe photography has the power to amaze and intrigue, and in doing so I hope to help inspire others to protect our natural world.

Why Botswana?

Botswana is home. I grew up in the capital Gaborone, but it was the wilderness that makes Botswana special to me.

_{Spitting Mad | Photo Credits: William Steel} 

Botswana remains one of the most untouched wilderness areas in the world. For a wildlife photographer, the country provides incredible opportunities to explore and experience nature.

_{Racing Stripes | Photo Credits: William Steel} 

The mix of vast beautiful wild areas, incredible biodiversity, and low tourism numbers, results in an unspoilt view of the wildlife that calls Botswana home.

What is your favourite subject to photograph and why?

I love photographing Elephants. To create a unique and interesting image of one of Africa’s most photographed animals is always a monumental challenge.

_{Rainbow Pride Photo Credits: William Steel} 

I’m not picky with subject choice though. I love photographing anything from dung beetles to lions, and often the smaller things are the experiences that hold a special place in my memory.

If you could suggest one specific lodge in Botswana to tourists, which is your favourite and why?

The Okavango delta is something that I wish more people could experience.

_{After Dark Photo Credits: William Steel} 

It’s unique ecosystem formed through the ebb and flow of rain and floodwater means the delta can accommodate an incredible predator density.

While Wilderness Safaris’s Mombo camp isn’t in most peoples budget, I had the amazing opportunity to live and work there for over a year working on National Geographic’s “The Flood”. This section of Chiefs Island in the Okavango Delta is an incredible place where the action is around every corner.

_{Protection | Photo Credits: William Steel}

For more accommodation options, have a look at the 5 Best Safari Lodges in Botswana.

We got the fabulous opportunity to interview the Instagram Reel Queen, Karolina Norée. 

Karolina was born and raised in Sweden, but in 2018 she relocated to South Africa to pursue her ambition of working full-time in wildlife photography. 

_{Karolina Norée}

She is currently employed and residing at a game lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park, where she spends all of her spare time honing her photographic skills.

Besides being a full-time wildlife photographer, Karolina also has curated some great viral trends that have been populating social media.

_{Cute baby hyena | Photo Credits: Karolina Norée}

One of her most popular trends that went viral recently is the “Behind the scenes reel”, this reel is aimed to show the massive difference between wildlife photographs from behind the scenes compared to how the photographs turn out in the end (after editing and whatnot).

This trend attracted several photographers and ended up getting Karolina a whopping 2.3 million views.

Without further ado, we got to ask Karolina some questions that we thought might interest readers and these were her answers:

How did you get into travel blogging/writing?

 I got into travel photography through my love of wildlife and South Africa. 

_{Dangerous Stare | Photo credits: Karolina Norée}

I loved spending time in the bush looking for wild animals, and then to be able to capture magic moments with a camera was a huge plus!

What makes travelling to Africa different to travelling anywhere else?

 What makes travelling Africa so different is that there is just so much to see. 

_{Shy Baboon | Photo Credits: Karolina Norée}

Everything from culture and food, to incredible landscapes and wildlife, to beaches etc. there is honestly anything for anyone.

What is your best travel tip you always give people?

My best travel tip is to make sure you spend enough time in the place you visit, there is just so much to see that a couple of days is not enough.

If you could visit one more place in Africa, where would you go and why?

If I could visit one more place in Africa it would be the Ngorongoro crater because of the incredible wildlife you can see there.

Have any mishaps ever happened to you on the road? What was the most notable?

 A lot of mishaps have definitely happened while on the road. One time our car broke down in a small little town, and we had to spend about 10 days there waiting For it to be fixed. 

_{A broken King | Photo Credits: Karolina Norée}

That obviously took time out of our schedule so we were quite upset that we were going to have to skip a few planned stops to catch up. However, we ended up being able to explore the little town and the landscapes around it, which was absolutely incredible!

For more variety of Karolina’s stunning wildlife photography and Reels, check out her Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Hi! I’m Kris Alexander Barnard. I am a creative observer that finds inspiration in the outdoors. 

_{Kris Alexander Barnard | Namibian Photographer of the month}

As a qualified architect and chef, I enjoy finding patterns or unusual compositions and colours in my photography. 

Photography brings me joy as it allows us to capture memories and share new perspectives. 

_{New Perspectives | Camels in the dunes of Namibia | Photo credits: Kris Barnard}

As a proud Namibian, I would like to advocate for the conservation of our nature and landscapes as we are incredibly gifted. 

Why did you choose to pursue a career as a photographer?

It's a big change to sitting in the office during my architecture job. I love being outdoors and travelling, but more importantly, I love being able to show people what I experienced. 

_{Nature Shot of the Night Sky | Photo Credits: Kris Barnard} 

I also enjoy the entire process of shooting nature or people, editing and printing out my works! My dream would be to have a wall-sized print of my work. 

Why Namibia?

Contrary to popular belief, it's not just a desert. The number of colours, life and variety of textures all around keep drawing me in. So much of what we see is untouched. 

And of course, the harsh contrasts and ever-changing and breathtaking landscapes just make me want to re-explore this country.

What is your favourite subject to photograph and why?

I have a love for shooting aerial landscapes this is probably because of the journey it takes to get there via hiking, drone or plane. Secondly, 
as an architect, I like to see the world from above, as this creates a very abstract view.

_{Aerial Landscape of Namibia | Photo Credits: Kris Barnard} 

If you could suggest one specific lodge in Namibia to tourists, which is your favourite and why?

I'm generally a camping guy but my favourite would be Okahirongo Elephant Lodge because of the landscapes, desert lions and elephants, Puros and the simple yet luxurious rooms and pool area. 

_{Elephant sighting in Namibia | Photo Credits: Kris Barnard} 

For more of Kris’s beautiful work, follow his Instagram page _krisbarnard_ and southernx_studios. For more luxurious accommodation options, why not have a look at our blog Best Safari Lodges in Namibia.