We arrived in Johannesburg at 7:00PM on Thursday, December 27, 2012. We stayed the night in the Protea Hotel OR Tambo Airport.

Attached is a map of South Africa – the Map is Copyright and courtesy of http://www.sa-venues.com/

The three areas we visited in South Africa - Johannesburg, Cape Town and Kruger National Park are clearly shown on the map.

Here is another photograph of a Cape Fur Seal swimming near Duiker Island.

Then we headed to the Table Mountain and Signal Hill areas of Cape Town later in the day.

Please visit the December 28th Gallery in the Cape Town Gallery to see the rest of the photographs for the day.

We stayed the night at the Protea Hotel Sea Point in Cape Town.

We also visited Boulders Bay, near Simon's Town, to photograph the African Penguin colony in that area.

This African Penguin is enjoying the mid morning sun.

We were picked up at our Hotel by Simon from Wild Wings Safaris at 8:00am for the scenic drive over to Kruger National Park.

The Kruger National Park Tour was arranged through Wild Wings Safaris as a private tour for just the two of us, versus the potential of having up to nine people in a vehicle. The private tour arranged was the same itinerary that Wild Wings Safaris uses for their “5-Day Best of Kruger Safari."

If you are planning a trip to visit Kruger, I would highly recommend that you contact Wild Wings Safaris at: http://www.wild-wings.co.za/

Dianne, who helped us understand our options, plan the trip and finalize the details, was a pleasure to work with through our multiple email exchanges

Simon, our driver, who was also one of founders of the company, was the perfect choice for us. His knowledge of the park was endless and his interest and passion around photography and wildlife made the safari much more interesting and fulfilling. It is always great when you have someone driving and guiding that understands the basics of wildlife photography – lighting, background, composition, angle, keeping everyone safe, and lingering to enjoy the chance and the moment to photograph some of the greatest wildlife on the planet. It was also a great trip for him since he was able to photograph along with us, and kick back and enjoy also photographing instead of having to deal with the interests of multiple people.

We stayed the first two nights at the Skukuza Rest Camp and the following two nights at the Satara Rest Camp. We stayed in Bungalow units in both locations.

The lodgings arranged in Kruger National Park were great and Simon’s cooking was likewise first class. We did not lack for quality or quantity of food while Simon prepared every meal from scratch with the best ingredients.

Here is a map of Kruger National Park. Map is courtesy of www.krugerpark.com

As we began December 31, 2012, our second day in Kruger National Park, we came upon this Bull African Elephant in musk.

He continued to go in and out the bush and made us continue down the road to stay ahead of him.

Imapla are very abundant throughout Kruger National Park.

An Impala Fawn is shown in this photograph.

A Male Lion is always a special opportunity.

This Male Lion had been breeding a Female over the last few days.

Please visit the December 31st Gallery in the Kruger National Park, South Africa Gallery to see the rest of the photographs for the day.

The birds in Africa are diverse, interesting and several that we photographed are outright stunning - the Carmine Bee-eater is one of the most colorful birds.

Also visit the Galleries to see the Carmine Bee-eater sitting with 2 young birds.

We had the very special and unique opportunity to spend some time with an African Wild Dog Pack that numbered 19 dogs.

This is a photo of the Alpha Male of the pack.

This pack had up to 25 dogs a week or so earlier, but some may have been lost to an attack.

Visit the January 1st Gallery in the Kruger National Park, South Africa Gallery to see more images of a number of animals in the pack.

Here is a photograph showing how African Elephant Calves play, as one of their mothers grazes nearby.

Giraffes were another animal we looked forward to seeing in Africa.

Here is the South African Giraffe.

They were all keeping an eye on us as the posed for a group photograph.

We will talk about other Giraffe species as we visit more National Parks and Reserves.

A great photograph of a Lion Male. This Lion Male came out of the bush as we were observing a herd of African Elephants.

Please visit the January 1st Gallery in the Kruger National Park, South Africa Gallery to see the rest of the photographs for the day.

The Greater Kudu were hard animals to find out in the open. We saw several large Bucks but they always seem to hide behind a tree or slip back into the forest.

We finally came across a group that was near their favorite food and gave us a show.

Greater Kudu are a woodland Antelope and have large twisted horns.

We photographed this White Stork while it was feeding on insects as it walked through the tall grass.

Warthogs may not be pretty, but they are fun to watch and photograph.

When they are alarmed and head off into the bush, they raise their tails as flags waving in the wind.

These two Burchell's Zebra Foals were hanging around the edge of the herd, not far from their mothers.

Notice that they have more brown color in their strips over the rear flanks, versus the black in the adults.

Our last day in Kruger National Park, January 3, 2012 had several great sightings.

Here is a photograph of Two Hippopotamus fighting over territoral water rights.

We were able to view the "Big Five" while we visited Kruger National Park. The "Big Five" are the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhinoceros.

The Leopard waited until the last day.

We had about 10 minutes with this Leopard enjoying the mornig sun before he slipped away. It looks like he is nursing a few wounds to this face and ears.

Not the prettiest of birds, but this White-backed Vulture was enjoying the morning sun.

We flew from Johannesburg, South Africa on South African Airways Flight # 184 departing at 9:40am to Nairobi, Keya, arriving at 2:45PM.

For our Kenya safari, we booked a John and Barbara Gerlach “Best Game Parks of Kenya” photography tour through International Expeditions, Inc. We first met John and Barbara Gerlach in 2004 when we participated in a Winter Snowmobile photography tour in Yellowstone National Park.

The photo tour started in Nairobi, Kenya on January 4, 2013 and visited three parks: Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve. We stayed the first night in Nairobi at the Nairobi Safari Park Hotel

The trip was accomplished with a group of ten participants in three Land Rover type vehicles with two seats up front, and two rows of two seats and one row of three seats in the back. Each photographer generally had a back row of seats to themselves, except the two of us doubled up in a single row for six of the drives. John Gerlach alternated between the three vehicles in the front passenger seat to give photography tips and advice. Barbara Gerlach did not make the trip. The Land Rover’s had pop open roof hatches that each row was able to photograph out of separately.

The three drivers (David, Stanley and Zachary) were provided through Origins Safaris out of Nairobi, Kenya. We cannot say enough about their skill, their dedication, their knowledge of each of the parks road systems, and their ability to spot and know the wildlife, especially all the bird species that we encountered over the trip.

I would again recommend this trip to anyone that is serious about wildlife photography and has invested in good quality camera systems with interchangeable lenses. The itinerary provides visits to some of the best wildlife parks in Kenya, and having John Gerlach provide instructional guidance both during the drives and in discussions around the dinner table is a great benefit. You can visit John and Barbara’s website at: http://www.gerlachnaturephoto.com/

A Map of Kenya shows the locations of Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve.

The next series of photographs are from our first day in the Samburu National Reserve.

Here is a photograph of a Dik-dik.

They have interesting nose and facial structure - take a closer look.

The Ewaso Ng'iro River flows along the Samburu National Reserve.

It was a great place to visit in the morning and afternoon as various animals went there to drink and bath.

Here an African Elephant Herd was in the river.

The Reticulated Giraffe has a much different color pattern than the South Africa Giraffe.

Compare the two Giraffe to see the differences.

Here is a photograph of a Red-Billed Hornbill.

We will see several speicies of Hornbills during the trip.

Here is a photograph of a Black-faced Sandgrouse.

Here is a photograph of a Grevy's Zebra.

The Grevy's Zebra has a much different color pattern than the Burchell's Zebra.

Compare the two animals to see the difference.

Please visit the January 6th Gallery in the Gallery of Samburu National Reserve, Kenya to see the rest of the photographs for the day.

Here is a photograph of a Kori Bustard standing under a bush to escape the heat of the sun.

Here is a photograph of an African Elephant Calf.

Here is a photograph of a Pygmy Falcon.

Here is a photograph of a Eastern Chanting Goshawk.

Here is a photograph of an Impala Ewe.

Here is a photograph of a Male Somali Ostrich as he follows along with the large flock of Chicks shown in the previous photograph.

Male Somali Ostrich have Black plummage and grey-blue legs as shown in the photograph.

Here is a photograph of a White-browed Sparrow-Weaver working on its nest.

We began our third and final day in Samburu National Reserve.

Here is a photograph of an Olive Baboon eating plants.

Here is a photograph of an African Elephant Herd in the Ewaso Ng’iro River.

It is always fun to watch the calves play in the water as the Adults drink and splash water and mud over their bodies.

Here is a photograph of a Grant's Gazelle.

Grant's Gazelles can run between 40-50 miles per hour.

Here is a photograph of Two Reticulated Giraffe.

Here is a photograph of the head of a Reticulated Giraffe.

There are some differences between the four species of Giraffes that we photographed on this trip.

Notice the distintive features of the head - the Ears, Eyes, "Horn like" Ossicones, Lips and Color patterns.

Here is a photograph of a Grey-headed Kingfisher basking in the sun.

We observed several species of Kingfishers on our trip.

Here is a photograph of a Greater Kudu under a shade tree.

Here is a photograph of a Yellow-necked Spurfowl calling.

We headed out his morning to Lake Nakuru National Park, where we stayed at the Lion Hill Lodge. Lion Hill Lodge consisted of stone block constructed rooms with wooden roofs.

We had a queen sized bed, desk area and sitting chairs, a large bathroom and an outdoor patio with table and chairs.

Lake Nakuru is at an elevation of around 1754m above sea level and is also one of the Rift Valley soda lakes.

Here is a photograph of Mt Kenya on our way to Lake Nakuru National Park.

Here is a photograph of a Great White Egret.

The Great White Egret looks very similar to the Great Egret we have in the United States.

Here is a photograph of a Spur-winged Lapwing.

Here is a photograph of a Wood Sandpiper.

Here is a photograph of a Buck Defassa Waterbuck.

Please visit the January 9th Gallery in the Gallery of Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya to see the rest of the photographs for the day.

Here is a photograph of a White-necked Cormorant drying its wings.

Here is a photograph of a Long-crested Eagle.

Notice the raised feather crest on its head.

Here is a photograph of a group of Lesser Flamingos in flight.

Lesser Flamingos have pinkish white plumage and more black on the bill.

Normally Lake Nakuru would have hundreds of thousands of Greater and Lesser Flamingos, however due to the high waters they are visiting other Soda Lakes in the Great Rift Valley.

Here is a photograph of a Black Headed Heron.

Here is a photograph of a Squacco Heron.

Here is a photograph of a Pied Kingfisher.

We observed several speices of Kingfishers during our travels in South Africa and Kenya.

Here is a photograph of a Black-Faced Vervet Monkey.

Here is a photograph of a Juvenile White Rhinoceros.

Here is photograph of a Marabou Stork.

A big bird, but not the prettiest one in the park.

Here is a photograph of a Burchell's Zebra.

Here is a photograph of a Burchell's Zebra Foal.

Notice the brown color stripes on the foal.

This begins the wildlife that we saw on January 11th.

Here is a photograph of a Cape Teal Duck.

Here is a photograph of a Greater Flamingo.

In past years over a million Flamingo's could show up at Lake Nakuru. Due to the hight water levels in recent years, the majority of the Flamingos are now going to other lakes in the Rift Valley.

The Greater Flamingo has pinkish-white plumage, with red wing coverts. The primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a black tip, and the legs are entirely pink.

We estimated only a few thousand Flamingo's at the most during our visit to Lake Nakuru.

Here is a photograph of a Rothschild's Giraffe.

Compare it's patterns and color to the South African Giraffe and the Reticulated Giraffe we discussed above.

Here is a photograph of a Grey-headed Gull.

Here is a photograph of a Jackal on the prowl through the grass.

We were able to photograph this one for several minutes as he worked his way around a Cape Buffalo herd.

Here is a photograph of a Great White Pelican in flight.

I always enjoy photographing Pelicans and their unique flight glide.

Here is a photograph of an Adult and Juvenile White Rhinoceros.

The Junevile was a little wary as he checked out the big Adult.

Here is a photograph of a Secretarybid.

We have seen these birds in several locations.

Here is a photograph of a Black-winged Stilt.

Stilts are always fun to photograph and they have those very distinctive long legs!

Here is a photograph of a White-backed Vulture.

This begins our final morning in Lake Nakuru National Park.

Here is a photograph of a Cape Buffalo Cow with a nursing Calf.

Here is a photograph of an Egyptian Goose.

Much more colorful than the Canadian Geese we see back home.

Here is a photograph of a Sacred Ibis.

Ibis are always fun to photograph with their distinct long curved beak.

Here is a photograph of a Yellow-billed Stork.

Please visit the January 12th Gallery in the Gallery of Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya to see the rest of the photographs for the day.

Here is a photograph of a Common Ostrich Female.

Common Ostrich Females tend to have greyish-brown and white feathers. Their legs tend to be pinkish grey in color.

Here is a photograph of a White-bearded Wildebeest.

It does have a rather distinctive tannish white beard.

Please visit the January 12th Gallery in the Gallery of Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya to see the rest of the photographs for the day.

Here is a photograph of a Juvenile White-bellied Bustard.

Here is a phtograph of a Maasai Giraffe drinking.

They really have to spread and bend those long legs to get down to the water.

Here is a photograph of a Herd of Maasai Giraffe.

This herd came down to drink at some watering holes.

Here is a photograph of a Female Ground Hornbill.

The Male and the Juvenile follow in the next two entries.

Here is a photograph of a Juvenile Ground Hornbill.

Here is a photograph of a Two Female Lions with Five Cubs in the morning sun.

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What a special moment!

we spent about a half hour with them before they moved out of the warming sun and into the shade of the bushes behind them.

Here is a photograph of a Female Lion sitting by herself as the Cubs moved into the shade of the bushes.

Here is a another photograph of a Female Lion with a nursing Cub.

The Females know how to strech out and enjoy the warming sun.

Here is a photograph of a Male Lion.

This Male Lion was hanging around the Female Lion stalking the Warthog.

Here is a photograph of a Three-banded Plover.

Here is a photograph of a Warthog.

Not a pretty animal, but they are fun to find and photograph among all the other great animals of Africa.

Here is a photograph of a Two White-Bearded Wildebeest Fighting.

Please visit the January 13th Gallery in the Gallery of Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya to see the rest of the photographs for the day.

Here is a photograph of the Female Cheetah leaving the Termite Mound perch and heading through the tall grass.

This photograph shows the large muscular legs and long tail that they use to burst up to 60+mph for short distances of up to a third of a mile chasing their prey.

Here is a photograph of a Grant's Gazelle.

A photograph of a Coke's Hartebeest with its unique horns.

Here is a photograph of a Leopard.

Notice the long curved tail!

Here is a photograph of a Leopard hiding in the brush.

Can you see me now?

Here is a photograph of two Lions sitting on top of a Termite Mound.

Here is a another photograph of the Two Male Lions.

Here is a photograph of one of the Males of the group of three Male Lions.

What a magnificent mature Lion as he strolled by our vehicle.

Here is a photograph of one of the three Male Lions drinking.

Not the cleanest of water to drink!

Here is a photograph of a Little Bee Eater.

Here is a photograph of two African Elephants greeting each other as the two herds came together.

Notice the wrapping of the trunks as part of the greeting!

Here is a photograph of an African Elephant herd.

Here is a photograph of an African Wattled Lapwing.

Here is a photograph of a Male Lion.

Notice the beginnings of a Mane growing.

A photograph of a Leopard in a tree with an Impala kill. This is one of last photographs that we took on the trip.

Please visit the January 15th Gallery in the Gallery of Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya to see the rest of the photographs for the day.

We observed 137 species during this trip: 52 Land Animal species, 1 Sea Animal Species and 84 Bird Species.

On January 16th we flew via SafariLink from Maasai Mara National Reserve to Nairobi City Airport arriving around 12:15pm.

We checked into day rooms at the Panari Hotel in Nairobi before transferring to the airport around 7:30pm.

On January 17, we flew from Nairobi, Kenya on Brussels Airlines Flight# 453 departing at 2:35am and arriving in Brussels Belgium at 9:15AM. The flight left Nairobi about 2 hours late, but we had plenty of connection time in Brussels, so no issues.

We transferred to United Flight #951 departing at 12:10pm and arrived in Washington Dulles at 2:23pm.