THE EXPERIENCE
TAYA
WALKING WITH TAYA
Aa photographer, it is sometimes incredibly difficult to step back from behind the lens and truly immerse yourself in your environment. Often, while on safari, you get so caught up with getting the right shot that it’s not uncommon to even get a little frustrated if a sleeping leopard is facing away from you. I mean, that’s a ridiculous thought, right? How can you even begin to think that you could be irritated by any sighting, let alone a leopard? But, this is the peculiar challenge of the African photographic safari.
For many who have yet to embark on their first safari, the anticipation is often shaped by scrolling through endless awe-inspiring images, dreaming of capturing a perfect shot of a lion, an elephant, or perhaps a striking scene of the savannah bathed in golden light. Yet, the privilege of a game drive vehicle often detaches us from the raw reality of the wilderness. The animals, accustomed to the silent, mechanical presence of vehicles, remain undisturbed, gifting you with extraordinary photographic opportunities. But as soon as you step off the vehicle and feel the earth beneath your feet, a profound shift occurs—you are no longer a spectator; you are part of the wild.
I urge anyone fortunate enough to experience an African safari to step out of the vehicle and embark on a walking safari. There is nothing quite like it. Leave behind the 600mm lens, carry a small camera, grab your binoculars, and immerse yourself in the unfiltered experience of the bush. This is where the magic lies—where every rustle of leaves, every whisper of the wind, and every track in the sand tells a story.
We were spoiled on our recent visit to Monwana Lodge in Thornybush Game Reserve. During our short but unforgettable stay, we had the privilege of being guided by Taya, whose knowledge and passion for the bush were matched only by her infectious enthusiasm.
Alongside her tracker, !!!placeholder!!!, they led us into the heart of the reserve, a predator-dense region of the northwestern Greater Kruger—a truly special and wild expanse
Our walk began shortly after a delicious pancake brunch stop in a dry riverbed, the perfect setting to pause and reflect before venturing into the bush. The weather that day was ominous—cloudy skies loomed overhead, and gusty, swirling winds danced unpredictably through the trees. This made tracking a challenge, as staying downwind of potential wildlife became a constant exercise in awareness. The elements, however, added an extra layer of excitement, reminding us that the bush is always dynamic, always alive.
We were joined by a second guide, Ranger Dan, whose deep understanding of the terrain and calm presence brought an added sense of security and insight to our walk. Together with Taya and !!!placeholder!!!, the team navigated the complexities of the reserve with precision and care. Their ability to read the bush was nothing short of remarkable— whether it was spotting faint animal tracks half-hidden in the sand or deciphering the alarm calls of birds as they signaled potential danger nearby. Each step taken was calculated, every moment an opportunity to learn.
Walking in the bush is an intimate education in nature. Taya and Dan introduced us to the art of tracking, deciphering the stories written in the sand. The delicate imprints of a leopard’s paw told of a nocturnal journey, while the rounded tracks of an elephant herd revealed their slow and deliberate movements through the thickets. But it wasn’t just the animals that captivated us. We learned about the intricate architecture of community spider webs, shimmering like fragile tapestries in the morning light, and the fascinating properties of the silver cluster leaf, whose leaves are said to soothe ailments and whose presence signifies a thriving ecosystem.
A professional with a love for the Kruger and a heart dedicated to the wild.“Deon Wessels – The guide, the legend and land cruisers biggest supporter.”
Every step revealed the interconnectedness of the bush. Taya pointed out the scatterings of dung beetles, tirelessly rolling their precious cargo, and the symbiotic relationships between flora and fauna that sustain this vibrant biome. The simple act of standing among ancient trees, breathing in the earthy scent of the wild, was humbling. The bush is not merely a home for the Big Five; it is a mosaic of life, where even the smallest creatures play a role in the grand design.
To walk in a Big Five region is to embrace vulnerability. It is to trust in the expertise of your guides and to appreciate the raw, untamed beauty of Africa. Without the hum of an engine, the silence is profound, broken only by the calls of birds or the distant roar of a lion. It’s a reminder of how insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things and how precious these wild places are.
Our time at Thornybush was transformative, not just because of the sightings but because of the deep connection we forged with the land. The knowledge and passion of Taya, Ranger Dan, and !!!placeholder!!! elevated the experience, making us feel not like visitors, but like participants in the ongoing story of the bush.
So, if you ever find yourself in the African wilderness, do yourself a favor—step off the vehicle. Feel the earth beneath your boots, lose yourself in the stories of the wild, and let the bush teach you what no photograph ever could.
Author: Reeds Bespoke
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