Crocodile Tears
Khaya Ndlovu Safari Manor stands as a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers eager to capture a special memory in a photograph that is frozen in time forever.
A heart-wrenching moment unfolded at Khaya Ndlovu’s famous Hippo Dam, during a recent game drive, that will surely go down in the wildlife annals of Africa as a once-in-a-lifetime capture. An image that likely surpasses any other wildlife encounter in its poignancy and impact.
Pangolins are typically solitary, nocturnal animals, endangered, elusive and seldom witnessed. Finding one in the wild is incredibly rare and a sighting of these unique ant-eating mammals is highly regarded and appreciated forever by anyone lucky enough to witness one in the wild. They are sadly one of the most trafficked mammals in the world, primarily due to demand for their keratin-rich scales in traditional Asian medicine, and as a culinary delicacy.
There are several pangolin conservation charities that work tirelessly to protect and conserve these highly endangered mammals and a quick Google search reveals that it can cost upwards of R 250 000 to rehabilitate a pangolin that has been recovered from the poaching syndicates.
It was therefore seen as very inconsiderate of this Hippo Dam resident who seized the opportunity to taste for himself if in fact these gentle creatures do provide the gastronomic treat sought by some inhabitants of the world!
Another hungry crocodile!
This exceptional image was taken by Pablo Levinas who witnessed a crocodile feeding on a young male leopard that had been reportedly killed by lions a few days prior. The crocodile retrieved the rotting carcass from the banks of Hippo Dam, and in true crocodile fashion made short work of the free meal.
Although Pablo didn’t witness the retrieval firsthand, he was present to observe two crocodiles in action. They were twisting and turning in the water, performing their customary manoeuvre of spinning their prey.
Hippo Dam has offered rich pickings for photographers lately! An altercation between a territorial hippo, who felt the need to assert his authority over a newborn rhino calf, ended with the hippo and his broken ego dashing for cover as the rhino cow rushed to the protection of her week-old baby. This dramatic exchange was skilfully captured by Jannie Van Balgooy and is another wonderful example of the prolific opportunities that a patient shutterbug can experience on a safari at Khaya Ndlovu.
However, it is not only about the raw circle-of-life moments. The serenity of the African bush is just as captivating as depicted by this cheetah relaxing in a cool riverbed beneath the vibrant hues of the setting sun. 
Imagine witnessing the miracle of life unfold before your lens. Situated within the Orpen belt of Kruger to Canyon biosphere, Khaya Ndlovu has an extremely healthy population of giraffes that thrive on the thickets of Knobthorn trees so prevalent in the area.
This tender moment was witnessed by a Khaya Ndlovu Safari Manor guest on a quick trip to town! Realising the sanctity of the moment, he did not hang around but was able to capture this amazing shot before leaving her to deliver her baby in peace.
Khaya Ndlovu Safari Manor offers more than just a getaway. Whether it’s witnessing the circle of life as a giraffe gives birth, the intensity of a predator encounter, or the grace of a cheetah at dusk, each moment is an enthralling story waiting to be captured. It’s an opportunity for your photographic aspirations, whether professional or amateur, to come to life!