There are so many amazing natural sights here in South Africa. I am in heaven as far as nature is concerned. Every time I venture out I see new and fascinating plants, animals, and scenery; from the elephants and lions in Addo to the absolutely gorgeous coastline. I am daily catching my breath at the beauty of this place. I still have so much more exploring to do and feel that I've only just scratched the surface. I'll start with some of my favorites here in Grahamstown.
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| Crowned Plover in the office parking lot |
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| Hadeda Ibis are literally everywhere |
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| The Chad with a Rock monitor lizard |
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| Carpenter Bee |
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Toktokki are cool little insects that apparently make the sound they are named after.
I have so far only found them dead though. |
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| Dietes grandiflora |
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| Sour fig/Ice plant and Scale Insects (Pulvinaria) |
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Citrus Swallowtail are common here,
and I hope I can find and rear some babies next spring. |
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| Butterfly bush (Guara) in my garden |
Beach days. These photos really speak for themselves and don't need captions. Most were taken in Port Alfred, a few in Kenton-on-Sea, and the last at Port Elizabeth.
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| Kenton-on-Sea |
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| Port Elizabeth |
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| Elegant Grasshopper |
Featherstone Brewery Hike
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| Another dead toktokkie |
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| I think the scenery is reminiscent of LOTR as they chase the orcs through Rohan |
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| Lovely work folks and friends |
Addo Elephant Park was of course a highlight of my trip so far and I look forward to returning.
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| Brush Jewel Beetle |
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| Hartebeest |
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Zebra close ups!
There are loads of these guys in Addo and they all have their own stripe patters,
which protect them from biting flies |
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| Chonki bois and girls |
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Kudu: These guys are often on the menu, and of course hunters like them for their nice racks.
The spots are actually dirt because this photo was taken through a window. |
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| Male Elephant |
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Grumpy Bois.
These were so close to our car and really seemed like they did not like each other. |
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Unfortunately I didn't see any of these.
They are endemic, endangered, and flightless,
and I'll be on the lookout next time I go. |
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| Warthog |
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| Pumba |
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| Ostrich. These guys are pretty goofy, and clearly not super intelligent. |
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| Cape Buffalo. Scary Boi. |
These photos were all taken either in Grahamstown or in the nearby areas less than two hours drive from home. I have a lot more exploring to do and I'm sure I will see many more amazing sights! This month another trip to Featherstone and PE, as well as first trips to Hogsback and Cape Town are on the schedule.
