Zebra | Life In The Iconic Bush

Climate change in the Iconic bush: Butternut and wild creatures

Posted on October 25, 2016 by Kgomotso Matthews

It is September, 2016 and normally rains would come in July so that farmers can plant butternut in the first week of September. So… the rains are late. Planting in a dry season is tough! The farmers have to rely on water tanks and pumps to irrigate their fields from a nearby river stream.

Butternut farmers

Preparing land for butternut farming

During my last visit to the iconic bush, the images below were a true testament of how the earth and the trees were truly dry. On arrival, we were greeted by this Zebra, from a nearby, man made water hole for the animals.

Zebra in the dry bushveld

We were stationed at Timbavati Eco School where all manner of creatures show themselves: The giraffe prance around looking to pick the juicy leaves on tree tops. An occasional kudu visits when they can.

Hungry giraffe chewing on the juicy leaves on the tree top

Creatures big and small, in groups and solitary in the iconic bush

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Kgomotso Matthews

A morning or day drive in the iconic bush in Kruger National Park is sure to reveal some gems. Keep your eyes peeled as you drive within the 50 km speed limit, or you might miss a sighting or two. We nearly did not see this hyena mom and baby as they both blended so well with the brown and dark earth.

Hyena mom and little one

We nearly missed this little one crossing the road on an overcast, drizzling kind of day. Small and beautiful.

Small turtle crossing

Turtle crossing

Tortoise at the yellow line.

Bhili Sibuyi, is a local, game ranger from Utah village, with more than 20 years of experience conducting village based tours into the Sabi Sand Game Reserve for tourists and local school children. He uses the shell of a larger tortoise as a sun visor. He says they call him “The tortoise man”. A day game drive with Bhili’s MzsingitanaTransport &Tours Services is sure to guarantee you some interesting sightings in the iconic bush. Plus, he will share stories about the history of the area.

Bhili with his game drive vehicle wearing a tortoise shell sun visor

Be patient and more importantly, be humble here. Creatures rule. Respect for the abundance and beauty of life in the iconic bush is demanded.

Rhino family

This family of rhinos did not mind the on lookers. Going on about with the business of living in the iconic bush.

Rhino crossing

A solitaire zebra reminds us of the sharp contrast of its Black and White stripes. How can we forget?

Springbok abound

The Springbok are bountiful and all about.

Zebra crossing

What about the little blue bird? It blends in well with the green shrubbery and the grey, light blue clouds.