Naomi's Notes

According to Wikipedia, “African Time (or Africa Time) is a colloquial term used to describe a perceived cultural tendency, in most parts of Africa, toward a more relaxed attitude to time. This is sometimes used in a pejorative sense, about tardiness . . . also . . . the more leisurely, relaxed and less rigorously scheduled lifestyle . . .”, etc. Well, it’s never more apparent than on safari – in the best way imaginable.

We had the renewed pleasure of this privilege recently, invited by Dave’s brother Mike and his lovely wife Lisa to Welgevonden Private Game Reserve.

Some time was spent loitering on the porch, watching zebra and other wildlife at the nearby waterhole.

But cheetah were the star attraction of this particular trip. These elusive cats treated us to no less than three spectacular sightings in as many days. This was the first, perfectly positioned at golden hour:

. . . and another, captured beautifully by Dave not far from the lodge:

In between, we lazed around some more and were spoilt beyond words with mouth-watering food.

Oh, and of course, we drank sundowners

The game drives didn’t disappoint, as you can see from another of Dave’s masterful shots:

Part of the magic was in the delicious interludes, like this one for coffee and freshly baked muffins,

while magnificent game viewing waited around the corner.

Then it was back to the verandah for more relaxation, if we could possibly contain it -

as we breathed in another African sunset,

before hearing the murmur of luxury calling.

We’re happily home again, with Africa Time humming in our bones, just the way we love it.

If you’ve never experienced this, our wish is that you will, at least vicariously, as it’s simply too special not to share. So in that spirit, you’re welcome to browse my Facebook album, featuring more wildlife photography, here: Welgevonden – April 2012

Tagged as: African wildlife, animal photography, nature photography, South Africa, travel and tourism, wildlife photography

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