The beginning of a creature filled summer

When going on a safari, many people are all hooked up on the larger animals that can be viewed, species such as the “Big 5”, rare and endangered species to the area, iconic safari animals such as Giraffe and Plains Zebra, but not many actually enquire about the smaller creatures. Creatures like reptiles, insects, amphibians as well as birds. Now these species that I have mentioned are a lot more diverse in this area than the requested species people all have in common on their bucket list. Species that are so diverse in an area should definitely be considered and enjoyed while on a safari. As a safari guide at Sabi Sabi, I challenge those of you out there who are coming on safari or are already on safari, to look at these weird and wonderful creatures that are forgotten and see how many you can find, then check them off in the detailed checklists offered to you in your suites and/or available at reception free of charge.

In the image I have captured, one of the reserve's brilliant trackers was able to spot out a female Boomslang just off the side of the road positioned perfectly in a Buffalo-thorn tree. This snake sat perfectly still as guests were amazed at its features and the fact that they had seen a snake and it was calm and not threatening as they always are. It shows from sightings like this how these smaller creatures behave and the fear of snakes will definitely be lifted as they are really placid species.

Equipment Used

• Camera – Canon 7D mk ii
• Lens and Focal length – Canon-EF100-400mm f-4.5-5.6 L IS USM at 400mm

Settings used to capture this image

• ISO – 320
• Aperture – f 5.6
• Shutter – 1/320

Editing used on this image

Not much editing went into constructing this photograph, but the small amount of editing was highlighting the eyes and the head of the object (Boomslang) which then gave a good contrast and focus on to the main point of the image with the rest of the body slightly out of focus as it was wound around a very dense tree. Also the positioning of the focus area was a key point as it gave a small artist point of view to the image making you focus on the head in the bottom left corner than just looking straight into the middle with a lazy eye.