KOIIMASIS - NAMIBIA

Some years ago, traveling on our favorite and most scenic Namibian route, the R707, we discovered the vast Ranch Koiimasis which is situated in the heart of the Tiras Mountain Conservancy. In June 2018 we returned to the farm to find it covered in grass after the good rain they had in the area. What a beautiful sight to watch the tall blond grass swaying gently in the breeze. To my great delight this changed the aspect of the scenery completely and gave an extra dimension to the magnificent vistas.

The next few days saw us exploring this varied landscape from sunrise to sunset. The vast Desert plains, the Quiver tree forest and fascinating rock formations to the warm sunsets and clear night skies were a delight on their own. Add to this a heard of Oryx, Klipspringers, Ostriches, many birds, rodents and galloping horses and we thought we were in heaven savoring and photographing every aspect of these magnificent surroundings, enjoying the space and wonderful feeling of freedom.

This is a photographer’s dream and I made the most of it. Up for sunrises from the top of rocky slopes I caught the intense pinks and blues of the earth shadow and watched the formidable boulders slowly taking a warm red and orange glow in the rising sun. These convoluted rock formations, the tortured shapes of some tree trunks and the huge euphorbias were perfect subjects to plan mirror montage pictures. I could immediately anticipate the monster faces emerging from the graphic design they form and was not disappointed with the results.

Looking back at my collection of photographs I feel I have captured a strong feeling of what being in the Namib Desert represents for me and I urge you to visit this hidden treasure where you will receive a warm welcome.

KGALAGADI TRANSFRONTIER PARK

At the end of February, Pat Scott and I took off for a 12 days trip to Kgalagadi which is characterized by red dunes and dry riverbeds. I was told to expect temperatures exceeding 40C, but abundant touches of green in the landscape revealed that there had been good rains in the area. The clouds were superb and so were the sunrises and sunsets.

We were in luck, it never got too hot. We had so much more rain that large pools developed all over the place, in which the landscape reflected perfectly. I was delighted to see the vegetation, free of dust for a short while, sparkling in the early light and imbibing the place with a quiet and tranquil atmosphere. There was plenty to drink and much more rain soaked the wildlife giving it a soft painterly quality. Soon it became a real adventure to negotiate the waterlogged roads and made us look like a river boat!

I was so happy to be there to experience this unusual weather which transformed the landscape completely. To see the game frolicking in green pastures, full of flowers was a wonderful treat.