It’s a spectacle, you see, the mass of horns and disdain thundering down an ancient vlei. The churned earth rises and blankets the bovines in backlit warmth. The black train’s gradual approach is cheered by a dawn chorus and so it should be, for these giants will air rate and nurture the ground, creating a porous and nutrient rich canvas, fit for only the finest artist, Mother Nature.
The Summer rains bring petrichor, vibrance and life. The landscape is renewed in an explosion of colour and all that are charged with this system’s well being are revitalised. Once again nature thrives, from the smallest army beneath the surface to the joyful passerines and their larger relatives soaring high above.These bellowing behemoths help pave the way to an ecosystem’s balance, a place without ungulate giants is one at a disadvantage.
During my time at the Amalinda Safari Collection’s Sable Valley lodge in 2022 I was allowed an insight into the commendable work being done by the organisations Directors and their team. Strategically placed pans have brought African buffaloes back to this magical stretch of Dete Vlei and renewed energy surges through the land.
The vast vlei meanders along from east to west, a clear background and golden light presents exceptional photographic opportunities, arguably the best of which will come from the large herds of buffalo cruising through. All images used in this blog were taken on the Amalinda Safari Collection’s concession bordering the Hwange National Park.
