Today’s tidbit: “Taking pictures is savoring life intensely, every hundredth of a second.”― Marc Riboud
True enough! l know I was in photography heaven, starting with this first post. Narrowing now what to post from hundreds of photos wasn’t an easy job.

South Africa has been on my bucket list for a few reasons: 1. Wildlife + terrain 2. History. 3. Landscape + beauty… and that is exactly what I saw and experienced! Last week I posted The Start, which was really a teaser into the trip. As I mentioned, my mom and I stayed at Heia Safari Ranch the first 2 nights in these beautiful rondavel. After this whole eye opening adventure, I have to say this was definitely one of my favorite places we stayed at. I was trying to take everything in and absolutely LOVED every minute of it!

Sneak peek images:

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

As I wrote this post and sorted through the photos I really can’t believe this was only 2 days. I can’t believe it was only a few weeks ago when I was there. I feel like I am reliving the experience as I share it with you all!

Imagine this: Waking up at 4am to the sounds of wildlife and having no idea what it is. Laying there looking up at the beautiful wood detail of the tall open rondavel ceiling. Realizing you aren’t dreaming and can’t help but jump out of bed! Peaking through the window out into darkness to catch a glimpse of anything moving. Throwing on something warmer, as it was cool during the mornings, and grabbing your camera (and all the different lenses). Opening the door quietly trying to not scare anything that might be roaming nearby. Sneaking out onto a private balcony in awe. That was how I started the day. That’s when I saw my first wildlife…

Antelope wandering around in herds. Monkey running along the gravel path and grass playing. Stealing little things, like sugar packets, and scurrying up the trees. Jumping on our neighbors car. Giraffe and zebra roaming freely, coming within feet of the rondavel. ALL while watching the sunrise, listening to the peaceful nearby lake and chirping birds. 

THIS is a taste of what I experienced my first 2 days in South Africa! I can’t even explain what an amazing feeling and experience it was!

Opening the top of our door… and looking out at a gorgeous sunrise peaking through the trees and seeing a variety of animals within feet!

The large poles are for lightening to help prevent the rondavel from catching on fire.

The roof is being munched on by giraffe!

The balcony + early morning beauty. As I mentioned above, this is where I snuck out early to get a first look at the sun rising and the roaming wildlife. These rondavel and beautiful balcony were such a treasure!

THAT is what I experienced and how I spent my morning!!! Below are a few pictures wandering around on our way to breakfast, showing more of the ranch and some of the little details – the gorgeous bird nests, cacti and flowers.

Antelope. Playing in the morning. All this spotted from our balcony!

Monkey. Naughty little trouble makers. Running around playing, stealing things and sitting on cars! All this spotted from our balcony!

Peacock. We enjoyed breakfast sitting outside along the pool by the reception. I remember talking to my mom and looking over, seeing this beautiful local visitor. Of course breakfast was put on hold, and I jumped up with my SLR (that never left my side the whole trip) and started snapping away. Breathtaking colors and beauty!!

And THAT was the start! As I mentioned we were here our first 2 days and there were hundreds of photos. This post showed the safari ranch + antelope + monkeys + peacock. Part 2 will show two of my favorites, giraffe + zebra that roamed around! There was just too much to put in one post. Check back soon!!