Week in Pictures: A Safari Smorgasbord

Another working week in the African wild has come to an end, and now there is the weekend to look forward to; but when your working week is spent on safari, there seems no need for a weekend at all! The folks at our bush camps and lodges have sent through their highlights of the week to share with the outside world what wondrous wildlife exists in untamed Africa. From the biggest big cat on a buffalo hunt, to the smallest owlet all puffed up against the winter chill; there has been a smorgasbord to choose from when it comes to selecting our Week in Pictures photographic favourites.

Featuring Umkumbe Safari Lodge in the prestigious Sabi Sand; Ezulwini Game Lodges in the incomparable Balule Nature Reserve; Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp in the unparalleled Klaserie Private Nature Reserve; and Tuskers Bush Camp in the undiscovered exclusivity of a private Botswana concession. Take a look at the Week in Pictures: A Safari Smorgasbord!

Tuskers Bush Camp, Botswana

See more: 7 Reasons to Stay at Tuskers Bush Camp

A herd of buffalo investigate the game viewer as Tuskers Bush Camp guests drive past at sunrise

A lioness gazes up at vultures circling overhead, as she rests after a good feast in the Tuskers Bush Camp concession just east of Moremi Game Reserve

A magpie shrike takes off from its perch in a twirl of tail feathers at the most beautiful time of the evening

A juvenile bateleur starts to show its adult colours in its blushing feet, but still has a long way to go to transform its magnificent adult plumage

Umkumbe Safari Lodge, Sabi Sand, Greater Kruger Park

See more: Prehistoric-looking Pangolin Spotted in the Sabi Sand

Dancing giraffes. These two males were sizing each other up for a stand off, although this capture makes it look rather romantic

A hyena approaches a kill site at sunset, determining its way in to the feast

A red-billed oxpecker clings on to the fur of a kudu as the herd moves through the thicket.

A baby elephant challenges its admirers with an irresistible ear-flap and trumpeting shriek

nThambo Tree Camp, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger Park

See more: Leopardess Cleo Poses Perfectly for Photos

Cleo, one of Klaserie's territorial female leopards looks regal as she soaks up the sun on top of a termite mound

A Trilogy male lion strides out into the morning light, hot on the trail of a buffalo herd

An African barred owlet appears full of character as it raises its brow and glances over its shoulder at the photographer

An infant elephant fumbles with a strand of grass as she discovers the many uses of her trunk

Ezulwini Game Lodges, Balule Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger Park

See more: Singwe Pride Lions Visit Ezulwini River Lodge

The sunrise illuminates a spotted hyena, certainly up to no good, while an impala nonchalantly grazes in the background

An elephant raises his tusks to the sky as he drains his trunkful of water, quenching his giant thirst

One of Balule's young male lions wears the evidence of a recent feast all over his face and developing mane

A pearl-spotted owlet braces against the cold winter morning chill as it traps air between its feathers and subsequently doubles in size

Africa on Foot, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger Park

See more: Mapoza Male Lions on Camera Trap Doing… What?

A Trilogy male spotted stalking buffalo and flashes a look of hunger in its eyes

A trio of elephants lines up at the waterhole and sends ripples through their otherwise perfect reflections

The bespectacled chinspot batis lands ever so lightly on a dangerously thorny branch before aiming its yellow-eyed glare our way

Bowing its head to the setting sun, a white-backed vulture is silhouetted perfectly before darkness takes over