Week in Pictures: Picture This…

These are the moments of the week that deserved a second glance, and now deserve to be celebrated as everlasting images of an African afternoon, a dewy morning in the bush, or a breathless moment under the beating sun. The invention of photography has certainly changed our world. Being able to show and demonstrate something beautiful, surreal, indescribable, has become a possibility through the lens. Would you have been able to picture the curved tusks of a wild, 2-tonne, river-dweller, and how would you differentiate hippo tusks from those of an elephant – long and slender, yet cracked and broken? The camera has become an educational tool in schools, a life-saving piece of equipment in hospitals, and an evidence-collector in the life of the wild. For who would believe the beauty Africa holds, based only on a spoken description? This week, in celebration of the camera, we bring you the best wildlife photography of the week – enjoy this little slice of safari…

Tuskers Bush Camp, Kwatale Conservancy, Northern Botswana

Two warthog sows clash in head to head combat

A blue waxbill caught in motion

Brindled gnu move in unison across the dangerous plains

 

Africa on Foot, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger

Bundu cleans up after a good meal

Stepping into the light, highlighting every crease and story-telling wrinkle in this aged, leathery skin

The perfect place to relax and while away the afternoon

Front row seats - the first arrivals at a kill site

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

A look of purpose and concentration on Bundu's face as he moves like liquid through the bush

A meeting among friends in the secret alleys of the bushveld

Walking a path she knows well, a Ross Breakaway lioness pads through the veld in search of shade after the morning sun has warmed up beyond comfort

A tender moment between a mother giraffe and her youngster - so much growing still to do

Umkumbe Safari Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Greater Kruger Park

The unmistakable leopardess, Tatowa, relaxing at the foot of the tree guarding her prey

A hyena's interest is piqued as he catches sight of us

A Verreaux's eagle owl looking regal, illuminated in the spotlight

A giraffe calf pauses to investigate her audience before galloping awkwardly to her mother's side

Ezulwini Game Lodges, Balule Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger Park

A rare and magnificent sight captured in the green thicket

Painted reflections in muddy waterholes in Balule

Sleeping with one eye open, a Verreaux's eagle owl gazes down lazily from its perch up high

Moments before take off, a white-backed vulture catches the warm glow of the evening sun