How it started - Botswana/Namibia pictures
 

Hello everyone,

I scanned some pictures from our safaris in the early days. We hadn't fancy cameras and we liked camping a lot those days. A good talk around the fire and some wine. What more did we need?

It was then that I got really hooked...
and realized how pristine those areas were/are and hoped that they can be saved for future generations.


Most of the pictures that you see here were taken by Ivan Rynders, one of my best friends.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...0&y=1vgthi

Enjoy,

Johan

Johan - Once again, outstanding. Every last one of these photos are just brilliant. Thanks for sharing them. I hope I get the same good light in Zambia in May!
Sharon

Johan, thanks for the recollections. In Portuguese you would say "Saudades", (BTW I'm English, it's my wife who's Portuguese) meaning a longing for something lost. I was first in Africa in 93 with a 7 day adventure in Kruger - I had a Canon EOS 600 SLR and zoom that only went to 135mm, but I still have the photos and a huge panoramic set that I took overlooking the Olifants river, perhaps 15 photos in all. I ought to scan it and photoshop the thing together someday.

It took me more than a decade to return but I'm trying now to get back at leat every 2 years if not annually. My EOS 600 retired years ago... And me too, give me a tent and a bottle of red. Cheers!

Matt

Sharon and Matt,

Thanks that you appreciate our work.

Sharon: have a wonderful trip to Zambia and try to go out as early as possible. When I was at Nsefu (South Luangwa) in September 2005, we drove out an hour before sunset (that day I had a vehicle for my own) just to arrive at a beautiful spot with good light.

Matt: you never know that we bump into each other one day. I am planning to do some camping trips again after my last trip to some Wilderness camps in June 2007. Just being there and enjoy every minute without the pressure of taking pictures or anything else.

The problem with photography is that you sometimes get too focused and you forget about the overall experience. And that's what is was all about when I started.

Greetings,

Johan

Johan - Thanks for the advice. I am considering getting a private vehicle once or twice during my trip. We'll see. I hate to be greedy, but do you have any photos from South Luangwa you'd care to share? :-)

Sharon

I loved Tanzania under Canvas in 2005, especially the hyenas elephants and water buffalos inbetween the tents - the sound of the lions blown close. I think you may miss this in a lodge - but I don't know. I'd rather have more days in an area and pay less for accomodation - after 7 days on Kili without a shower I can live through most things.

We're looking at Kruger in 2007, so to take our 5 (will be 6) year old on a self drive and will book some cheap rondavels. As much as I wish to take her to east Africa I think it's a little too "hardcore" shall we say - I know the long drive north from Arusha to Serengeti would be too much. Plus I have family in RSA so it will be a good excuse for a re union.

A Bri, glass of red, conversation, those stars and the lions, oh my, great times!

Matt

Johan

Two birds I am hoping to see at Vumbura this year, the Pel's and the Rosy Throated Longclaw.

Question around about #105 there is a bustard of some sort, obviuosly smaller than the Kori, what is this bird?

Again many fabulous shots. Looks like some were maybe taken in Namibia? I am so looking forward to our return trip this year especially when I see so many wonderful photos that have been taken by lots of fellow African travelers.

Johan,

Great photos again!

By the way, when were the early days?

Pete

Johan,

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

It's 7 50 AM right now. Can't think of a better way to start the day, prior to going to work.........

Johan, the pics of the lions with the straw colored really dry grass....was it really late in the season like October or earlier? is that the kind of colors i can expect in August?

Thanks
Hari

Johan-
Those are fabulous pictures - I love to look at your pictures - they are all so incredible! Can't wait for your book, remember I'll be your first customer...

Really enjoyed your pictures, Johan. I think my favorite was the charging ele at the beginning (the 8th picture). They were all very good!

Thank you everyone for your lovely comments.

I'll come back after work with some answers.

Greetings,

Johan

Hi Matt,

Always fun to try and ID birds from a photo, tho can be a frustration not knowing location.

Nonetheless, looks to me like female Northern Black Korhaan... Johan?

Hi Johan,
Thank you so much for sharing your stunning photos on this and your other thread. I always look forward to seeing your always well done and lifelike pics.
I particularly love the shots of the elephants kicking up water and dust clouds.
Seeing your shots does make me think that Botswana should be my next destination.

Do you remember what month this group of photos were taken?
Thanks;
Sherry

Johan

Your photos are fantastic! I'm so jealous of the malachite kingfisher pics as I've been trying for years to get a good kingfisher shot. Yours are spectacular.

Thanks for posting them. Perhaps some day I'll post a collection of my early photos, too. What a great idea.

Leann

Leann

Johan

Re the bird in #105. I agree that it is a female black korhaan or a female blackbellied korhaan.

Leann

Hi everyone,

It did take a bit longer to answer your questions.

Sharon: I'll post again some pictures from my trip in September 2005.

Matt: I think it's a female northern black korhaan like others already mentioned. This picture was taken near Halali (Etosha).

Pete: It all started for me in the late nineties. Most of the shots that you see here were taken in 2002/2003.

Hari: The lion shots were taken at Kaparota in june 2003. This camp was located in the Vumbura concession and is now only used as a training camp for the Wilderness Staff. At that time, Chief was working as a waiter there. He's now guiding at Duba Plains.
I had Katembo (he was outstanding in his spotting) as a guide. I think he's currently working at little Vumbura. Moalosi (one of the managers at Duba Plains) and Shani (currently left Wilderness safaris) were the managers at that time.

Sherry: most of them were taken in November 2002 and June 2003.

Chobe: November 2002;
Ngepi: November 2002;
Swakopmund: November 2002;
Panhandle (Seronga-Sepupa): November 2002;
Etosha and Damaraland: November 2002;
Pom Pom: June 2003;
Kaparota: June 2003;
Jacana: June 2003;
Gudigwa: June 2003;
Tubu tree: June 2003.

At that time (June 2003) they were all vintage camps.

And thanks again for all your comments.

Greetings,

Johan

Thanks Johan,

So june....which means August will look more straw colored....i will have a different group of pics compared to my previous trip. Also, more animals to photograph.

Of the ppl you had mentioned. I met Maolisi in Duba in 2004. Isnt he the big guy? I think Vasco was our guide that trip.

Thanks
Hari

Hari,

Moalosi is indeed the big guy. He's quite a character but I liked him.

Greetings,

Johan