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These pages inspired by the feelings of Bruce Munro for his beloved South Africa. With grateful thanks for all his help and knowledge.
I hope you will enjoy my images of South Africa
Water Monitor
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The birds and animals of this country on the following pages have given me the greatest pleasure in observing and photographing them.
The privilage of being in close contact with the wonderful wildlife has given an inspiring experience that I will always remember.
The birds and animals of this country on the following pages have given me the greatest pleasure in observing and photographing them.
The privilage of being in close contact with the wonderful wildlife has given an inspiring experience that I will always remember.
Images taken over the last five years of travel in South Africa, over 10,000 miles, from the Kalahari Desert to Kruger Park, the Drakensberg Mountains to Durban, Cape Town and the South Cape.
Drakensberg mountains
Sani Pass, Lesotho, only reached by 4x4 vehicle.
The Drakensberg Amphitheatre.
Walking up the path and from the summit must give one of the greatest views in the world. The breathtaking views and grandeur of the scenery of the Amphitheatre, with the Tugela River plummeting 850m to the gorge below, creates an unforgettable experience. To the north stand the Beacon Buttress and Sentinel peaks. This outpouring of lava dates back to the time when all the southern continents were joined to form the enormous mass known as Gondwana, around 140 million years ago.
From the car park a broad path leads up the looming northern flank of the Amphitheatre called the Sentinel (3165m). At this altitude only the grasses, wild flowers and the Bearded Vulture flourish. As the path leads to the base of the Sentinel, peer over the edge to the left and see the Tugela Gorge in the Royal Natal National Park far below. Due east lies the Devil's Tooth, a completely isolated pinnacle of rock, between the Eastern Buttress (3047m) and the Inner Tower (3044m). The distance as the crow flies between the Inner Tower and Beacon Buttress is 4km. Enjoy this spectacular view before the path follows a contour to the right around the back of the Sentinel and Beacon Buttress (3121m) to the famous ‘Chain Ladders’. This mildly intimidating structure, two ladders of 40 metres and 20 metres each, allows easy access to the Amphitheatre plateau above. Those with faint hearts can ascend/descend via a steep gully between the Sentinel and Beacon Buttress.
From the top of the Chain Ladder the edge of the Escarpment lies 2km to the East. The source of the mighty Tugela River slips over the Escarpment to plummet, in 5 massive leaps, over 850 metres to the valley gorge below – this is the second highest waterfall in the world. The best position from which to appreciate the magnificent views is some way to the south of the waterfall itself at the Window Crevice. From the top of the Chain Ladder follow the path along the stream for 500m then turn to the southeast and follow the rising slope to the top of Crows Nest ridge and to the edge of the Escarpment and the Window Crevice.
From the car park a broad path leads up the looming northern flank of the Amphitheatre called the Sentinel (3165m). At this altitude only the grasses, wild flowers and the Bearded Vulture flourish. As the path leads to the base of the Sentinel, peer over the edge to the left and see the Tugela Gorge in the Royal Natal National Park far below. Due east lies the Devil's Tooth, a completely isolated pinnacle of rock, between the Eastern Buttress (3047m) and the Inner Tower (3044m). The distance as the crow flies between the Inner Tower and Beacon Buttress is 4km. Enjoy this spectacular view before the path follows a contour to the right around the back of the Sentinel and Beacon Buttress (3121m) to the famous ‘Chain Ladders’. This mildly intimidating structure, two ladders of 40 metres and 20 metres each, allows easy access to the Amphitheatre plateau above. Those with faint hearts can ascend/descend via a steep gully between the Sentinel and Beacon Buttress.
From the top of the Chain Ladder the edge of the Escarpment lies 2km to the East. The source of the mighty Tugela River slips over the Escarpment to plummet, in 5 massive leaps, over 850 metres to the valley gorge below – this is the second highest waterfall in the world. The best position from which to appreciate the magnificent views is some way to the south of the waterfall itself at the Window Crevice. From the top of the Chain Ladder follow the path along the stream for 500m then turn to the southeast and follow the rising slope to the top of Crows Nest ridge and to the edge of the Escarpment and the Window Crevice.
Tibouchina granulosa, origin Brazil
Lesotho shepherd gives a tune.
May live on only £100 a yaer.
Lesotho , officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country and enclave, surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size with a population of approximately 2,067,000. Its capital and largest city is Maseru. Lesotho is a member of theCommonwealth of Nations. The name "Lesotho" translates roughly into "the land of the people who speak Sesotho ". About 40% of the population live below the international poverty line of US$1.25 a day.
Cape Town rainbow
Cape Town after the storm, with Table Mountain.
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