Week in Pictures: The Spirit of the Wild

Photography has given us moments in time. Frozen forever in an instant never to be repeated or replayed – maybe similar, but never identical. The beauty of the bush has captured the hearts of travellers and residents alike, and it falls upon photography to translate the beauty of the wilderness into images to cherish forever. Technology has developed in such a way that we can zoom in and out, adjust colour and light, add and remove elements, sharpen or blur lines, and crop to perfect an artist’s vision. What truly makes an image unforgettable is the energy – the spirit of the wild. Emotion and character captured in living beings, the hypothetical breaths of the wind, tidal energy of the sea, the instinct in the eye of an animal. Our photographers have been busy, absorbed in the bush and breathing the wild air; now, we can look back on the week in wildlife photography and indulge once more in the natural beauty of safari. Enjoy the Week in Pictures: The Spirit of the Wild!

Tuskers Bush Camp, Kwatale Conservancy, Northern Botswana

Pausing to assess the potential for danger lurking in the thick Botswana bush

Power and purpose emanating from the king of beasts

Joy, as expressed by the elephants

A lush landscape hiding hundreds of heartbeats, while only the tallest mammal is visible

 

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

Drinking in the sunset, a herd of elephants share the joy of nature's pure refreshment

Agility and balance, innately born into the exquisite leopardess, Cleo

The moment of lift off - a Verreaux's eagle owl takes off after setting its sights on a target

Gentle hues at dusk

 

 

Umkumbe Safari Lodge, Sabi Sand Wildtuin, Greater Kruger Park

A brush of bright blue paints the flight path of a European roller

 

Autumn colours appearing in the leaves, while elephants grasp hungrily at the remaining summer greenery

A touch of gold dust

Patterns forever emblematic of a safari

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

Speed and agility are key components to surviving a world in which you are the hunted

Extending a forked tongue to catch the scent in the air, ready to strike, only if necessary

Grace and elegance depicted in the sleek and streamlined huntress, Cleo the leopard

Globes of golden sunlight paint an elephant in the colours of the sunset

 

Ezulwini Game Lodges, Balule Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger Park

Arrogance painted all over a king's handsome face

Chavaluthu holds his rapt audience under his spell with one look from his iceberg-blue eyes

Nervous energy surrounds this impala ewe as she drinks, alone, at a vast waterhole

Alert, punishing - the spotted eagle owl is a night hunter with military precision