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The power of the bush

on Sep 08, 2020

The sun is just beginning to peak through the fresh cool evening air, the sounds of nature’s morning chorus. A fresh start to a new day.

As you head out on safari, the early mornings with an orange and yellow glow in the sky as the sun is starting to rise, I always find myself thinking what the day is going to have in store for us.

01Graeme Stewart Cheetah Cubs 150720  Final

The feeling you get when that first sign of something exciting in an area is always a great way to start the day. Finding fresh tracks along the road will always leave a feeling of honour in your mind that moments earlier something had walked the same path as you.

02Graeme Stewart Msuthlu 090720 1 Final

The glow of a fresh track in the soft sand, or the signal to slow down coming from the tracker will be a sound to look forward to every day.

Following the tracks, looking at every tree, at every intersection hoping that it’s the tree or it’s the termite mound that is going to be the one where you see something incredible.

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That moment when you do, is unexplainable! The excitement of seeing such an incredible animal, whatever animal it may be, is breath taking.

The power that these animals have over us is remarkable, even if it’s just an ear or an eye or even an elephant pushing over a tree, that feeling that you get is unexplainable.

04Graeme Stewart Squirrel 060720 1 Final

The rush of excitement when you first lay eyes on a big male lion walking through the long grass; to that of a young elephant and even a large herd of buffalo is unforgettable.

05Graeme Stewart Nwas Males 170720 1 Final

As the sun sets, things become a little different. The herbivores start to find a safe spot to settle for the evening and the predators now become active and start to roam the savanna looking for any sign of prey. There is an eerie, slightly scary feeling in the air.

06Graeme Stewart Leopard 060720 3 Final

As darkness sets in hyenas become vocal, often hearing them calling in the distance; lions start to roar as they often begin their patrols and around the fire in camp, the owls begin to hoot.

We are all waiting for morning to see what the story will unfold from the evening.

07Graeme Stewart Ntsumi 300620 9 Final

The bush will always be a magical and peaceful yet powerful place. You may spend 1 night or 3 weeks in the bush, no matter how lon,g it will always be a place that warms the heart and calms the soul.

  • Blog by Graeme Stewart (Bush Lodge Ranger)
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