Mashatu evidently had exceptional spring and summer rains and the Limpopo was still flowing strongly, so we had to cross in the cable car or "basket" at Pont Drift border post (right), rather than driving across as is possible when the river is low.

But the real evidence of the rains became evident as soon as we headed into the bush towards Rock Camp. There was grass everywhere, already turning russet from the summer sun, but grass nevertheless - in abundance as very seldom seen in the area. The Mashatu vegetation is diverse, ranging from riverine forests and marshland to open plains and stony outcrops, but one is usually left with an overriding impression that this is harsh, unforgiving country, characterised by large expanses of stony, bare ground where nothing appears capable of growing.

So it was with delight and surprise that we found herds of fat wildebeest and sleek impala grazing in golden grassland where normally there is only barren earth - see picture below:

Photo Details: Impala (Aepyceros melampus) running across our path, some distance ahead of our game drive vehicle, Mashatu Game Reserve, Tuli Block, Botswana.
Camera: Canon EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi); Lens: Canon EOS 70-300 IS Zoom; Focal Length: 140mm; Shutter speed: 1/800; Aperture: f5.6; ISO: 400.

Addional Info: As we neared a large herd of impala to one side of the track, a few decided it was time to move and sprinted off, heading from our right to our left. Others then followed - singly, in pairs and small groups - almost as if they were starting a race from a staggered start and were also being judged on their acrobatic performance.

When impala and certain other antelope are excited or alarmed, they exhibit behavior called "stotting" in which they spring and bound with all four feet off the ground, interspersed with acrobatic leaps from which they land on their front legs almost in a "hand-stand" position.

As the impala came bouncing past I was able to switch my camera to a slow shutter speed (1/30) and take some panned shots which, I think, give a better impression of their speed and excitement. See below:

Photo Details: Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) striding importantly through the bushveld, Mashatu Game Reserve, Tuli Block, Botswana.
Camera: Canon EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi); Lens: Canon EOS 70-300 IS Zoom; Focal Length: 300mm; Shutter speed: 1/1600; Aperture: f8; ISO: 400.

Addional Info: The secretarybird, with its long legs and grey and black body, is a large bird that can be as tall as 1.5m (over 4ft). The bare facial skin is a bright orange-red, while the short, sturdy beak is a pale blue-grey color. The distinctive long black feathers on the top of the head form a crest that lies flat most of the time but can be raised, forming an impressive "crown".