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Every Safari is Different - You never Know What You'll Find

By Sheldon Hooper on November 7, 2017

The area surrounding Chitwa Chitwa, known as the Sabi Sands Game private game reserve is a home teeming with residents. The diversity we have is unparalleled and we have the fortunate ability to view...

For those who need a refresher, the Big 5 are

Lion — This striking black and white image captures a close-up of a lion showing its powerful features and expression. The lion appears to be roaring, showcasing its impressive mane and fierce demeanor.

Elephant — A majestic elephant walks along a dusty path, its reflection visible in a nearby puddle. The scene captures the tranquil beauty of the Sabi Sand landscape in black and white.

Rhino — A solitary rhinoceros walks through the misty landscape of Sabi Sand, surrounded by tall grass and trees, creating a serene atmosphere.

Leopard — A close-up image of two leopards in the Sabi Sand, displaying their distinctive fur patterns and gazing across the dry grassland. This scene highlights the captivating wildlife experience at Chitwa Chitwa, a luxury safari lodge known for leopard sightings.

Buffalo — A close-up view of a cape buffalo, showcasing its prominent horns and textured fur in a sepia tone. The image captures the majestic presence and rugged features of this iconic African wildlife.

These amazing animals draw millions of people from all over the globe to Africa in search of seeing them all and here at Chitwa Chitwa we see them not only in their natural habitat but are also able to interact with them on a more personal level, our relationship with them has transcended that of fear and they have indeed accepted us into their most personal of spaces as you can see in the images below.

Lion Cubs Playing With Mother — A pride of lion cubs playfully engaging with each other and their mother in a natural setting. The close-up captures the tender interaction and playful antics of these young lions.

Hyena Mother With Cubs Sabi Sand — A close-up of a hyena mother affectionately licking her cub, showcasing the bond between them. The background features a natural rocky habitat typical of the Sabi Sand region.

Hippopotamus In Sabi Sand — A hippopotamus blends into the bush at the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, partially obscured by foliage. The scene captures the vibrant greenery typical of the region, emphasizing the camouflaged nature of the wildlife.

In addition to the Big 5 we are able to see many of the more well known plains game such as

Kudu — A majestic kudu stands prominently in the golden grasslands of Sabi Sand, showcasing its impressive horns and graceful demeanor. The backdrop adds a sense of the wild, typical of the scenic beauty found within the game reserve.

Giraffe — A close-up view of a giraffe's head against a softly blurred background of greenery, showcasing the animal's unique markings and features. The image captures the giraffe in a serene moment, highlighting its majestic presence in the wild.

Impala and Zebra — A zebra stands in the background while an impala is in the foreground, showcasing the wildlife of Sabi Sand. The golden grasses create a vibrant and natural setting typical of the South African safari landscape.

And many many more spectacular wild creatures.

Chitwa Chitwa is situated right on the banks of the largest single body of water in the Sabi Sands and as a result all of the animals we have mentioned as well as many others pay us a visit right on our own doorstep as you can see in the images below.

Sabi Sand Sunset Reflections — A serene landscape captures a solitary tree with nests, surrounded by calm waters during sunset in the Sabi Sand region. The warm hues of the sky reflect on the water, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Elephant Sabi Sand — An elephant grazes near the water's edge with lush greenery and the lodge in the background. Its impressive tusks are prominently displayed as it interacts with its environment.

Hippo By Water At Chitwa Chitwa — A hippo is seen wading in the water near the lodge, with a rustic stone building visible in the background, surrounded by tall grass and trees. The scene captures the serenity of the Sabi Sand reserve, showcasing the wildlife experience at Chitwa Chitwa.

As well as the visitors we have a few residents that grace our watering hole at Chitwa Chitwa such as the small family of Crocodiles and the many many Hippos that inhabit the water, or even the multitudes of Waterbuck and Nyala that call the areas surrounding the lodge home.

Hippo — A large hippopotamus is seen yawning widely, partially submerged in water in Sabi Sand. The image captures the impressive features of the hippo's mouth and sharp teeth against the tranquil water surface.

Waterbuck — The image captures a waterbuck mother and her calf standing amidst the grasses and sparse trees of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Their close interaction highlights the tender bond between the two in this beautiful wildlife setting.

Nyala — A close-up profile of a nyala, showcasing its distinctive long, curled horns and dark fur with white facial markings. The background features blurred greenery typical of the Sabi Sand area.

The bird life in the area is astounding and we are able to view multitudes of stunningly coloured as well as interestingly shaped birds. Small and large grace our area in droves and add even more interest to our already action packed Safari experiences!

Grey Go-away bird — A close-up view of a Go Away Bird perched on a branch, showcasing its distinct feathery crest and grey plumage against a bright blue sky. The bird appears alert, with its head slightly turned.

Brown-headed Parrot — A vibrant parrot perched on a branch surrounded by blurred greenery, with a hint of flowers in the foreground. The parrot showcases a mix of green and brown feathers, capturing the beauty of wildlife at Chitwa Chitwa.

Red-headed weaver — A colorful bird with a red head and a white belly is perched on a green leafy branch, set against a soft focus background. The vibrant colors of the bird stand out beautifully amidst the lush foliage.

Verreaux’s Eagle-owl — This image captures an owl sitting on a branch amidst lush green foliage in Sabi Sand. The serene environment highlights the natural beauty and wildlife of the area, making it a perfect representation of the safari experience.

Yellow-billed Hornbill — Two hornbills are perched on a tree branch, displaying their unique black and white plumage. One bird is in a dynamic pose, showcasing its wings, while the other appears to be foraging.

Pearl-spotted Owlet — A spotted owl perches on a tree branch in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, showcasing its striking yellow eyes and intricate plumage. The background features textured tree bark and a hint of blue sky, providing a natural habitat setting.

Every Safari is different and each offers its own surprises, you never know what you’ll find around the next corner at Chitwa Chitwa!

Blog and Photography by Chitwa Chitwa Guide Sheldon Hooper

Every Safari is Different - You never Know What You'll Find

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