The Great Outdoors

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.

Crowned Plover in the office parking lot

Hadeda Ibis are literally everywhere

The Chad with a Rock monitor lizard

Carpenter Bee

Toktokki are cool little insects that apparently make the sound they are named after.
I have so far only found them dead though.

Dietes grandiflora

Sour fig/Ice plant and Scale Insects (Pulvinaria)

Citrus Swallowtail are common here,
 and I hope I can find and rear some babies next spring.

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.

Kenton-on-Sea

Port Elizabeth

Elegant Grasshopper

Featherstone Brewery Hike

Another dead toktokkie

I think the scenery is reminiscent of LOTR as they chase the orcs through Rohan

Lovely work folks and friends

Addo Elephant Park was of course a highlight of my trip so far and I look forward to returning.

Brush Jewel Beetle

Hartebeest

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

Chonki bois and girls

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. 

Male Elephant

Grumpy Bois.
These were so close to our car and really seemed like they did not like each other.

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.

Warthog

Pumba

Ostrich. These guys are pretty goofy, and clearly not super intelligent.

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.