We set off around 1530 with Daniel and Iphraim our spotter. They both seem very nice and have been at Mashatu a long time, Daniel coming up 30 years - he started behind the bar - and Iphraim about 10 years. Iphraim is almost qualified as a guide and is just waiting for a job opportunity; meantime he sits behind us and very quietly adds his own commentary to what's going on.
This is the first real test now of the new R6 camera and let's see what a mess I can make of the settings!
Historically, our first game drive of each holiday is either rather quiet or absolutely amazing. This was a quiet one so just a few random sightings to start, with minimal editing.
Although not a Mashatu Tree (from which the reserve gets its name) this Leadwood tree is equally magnificent.
I often see faces in things like trees or clouds and Iphraim has a name for them ALTs - Animal Like Things. Here I see a dragon or horse or rhino!
This elephant had the largest ear I've ever seen, he was on his own so presumably recently kicked out of the herd although he does seem very small (maybe I just didn't photograph the rest of the herd).
Mmmm not entirely sure these are pin sharp but never mind - early days.
Lone giraffe
A pair of kori bustards (Botswana's national bird)
There was a small herd of Impala amongst the silver grasses and I thought this male looked so handsome.
Another giraffe, well camouflaged. The leaves of the mopane trees give fabulous colour in the winter, soon they'll fall completely and the trees will be bare.
Unusually, this small herd of wildebeest stayed still as we approached and with the new 500m lens I could get quite close.
If looks could kill!
Yellow billed hornbill, known locally as
Flying Banana
We then came across this male lion sitting up on a hill, bathed in soft evening light. He was pale gold in colour and so handsome, although he only had a small mane - I called him Aslan.
After an initial shot, we were able to get a little closer and I took a few too many of this gorgeous creature.
Is this my best side?
Before he finally remembered he wasn't a model but a male lion and reverted to doing what male lions to at this time of day.
Not particularly good shots, but this tree was full of Meve's Starlings.
Fairly easy to differentiate from other starling species we've seen as the eye is not as prominent.
Our first real encounter with elephant, they stopped to munch on wild sage and the smell was amazing - Ian took this short video.
Moving on we came across this thoughtful looking giraffe.
Silver Backed Jackal with a piece of something.
This pile of feathers rather gave away the origin - Ostrich (male judging by the colour of the feathers).
Very close by we found the carcass and the culprits; 3 lionesses, two of which had cubs and the third was pregnant. By now it's quite late and light levels are low - the new camera is supposed to be "amazing" in low light levels so I've whacked up the ISO and we'll see.
And a few, slightly cuddlier, images.
Quality doesn't seem to bad. Here's a little video too.
Maybe not such a quiet first drive after all.
