2026 Calendar by Andrew Woodburn

October 2026

Nebu the White Lioness

The Timbavati area hosts Ngala Private Game Reserve, a concession within the Kruger National Park, and has become famous for its white lions. This alpha female, Nebu, has been observed throughout her life. Nicknamed Princess, she is now a mother herself to white cubs, as can be seen lying with normal coloured lions, lazing about within the pride as the heat of the day begins to build.

September 2026

The “Upside down” tree on an oceanless island

As we were leaving Kubu island a rocky outcrop in the middle of the Makgadikgadi salt pans in Botswana we visited this red baobab somehow growing out the rocks way above the salt pan floor and dominating the skyline into the clear deep blue sky.

August 2026

Tough Life!

Late afternoon in the Sabie Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa, this Giraffe was demonstrating just how tough life is for a Giraffe, not only contending with birds pecking off insects, but also having to bend down to drink with such long legs.

July 2026

I’ve Only Got Eyes For You

Late afternoon in the Ngala Private Game Reserve, a concession within the greater Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa, near the Orpen gate, this young Leopard was found resting in a tree looking upward in a very pensive mood.

June 2026

Beneficial Relationships

Late afternoon in the Sabie Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa, this Black Rhinoceros was enjoying the late afternoon setting sun while birds happily pecked off insects from its hide as well as those insects which were disturbed by its feet.

May 2026

Tip-toeing across the road

On an overcast day, in the Ngala Game Reserve, part of the greater Kruger National Park, this beautiful green chameleon was crossing the gravel road in a lurching fashion placing each leg and foot gently on the surface using its two-toed feet. His tail is spiralled closed and rotating eyes are constantly checking backwards and forwards for danger.

April 2026

Colourful Approach

Late afternoon in the Sabie Sands Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa, this Lilac-Breasted Roller took off from a branch and soon assumed the cruise mode for its colourful approaching flight.

March 2026

Wandering Whale Shark and Remoras

This gentle giant was spotted while on a science safari specifically looking for whale sharks in order to photograph their spot patterns, situated to the rear of their gill slits. These spot patterns can be used by scientists to identify each individual whale shark and therefore track their Indian ocean movements across multiple locations. This large female had a whole school of remora fish under her belly, using her as transport and a food source, feeding off either plankton swarms or small baitfish shoals.

February 2026

Double Spray

Around midday in the Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana, this Elephant was found wallowing in a pool of cool water and having fun blowing a double spray out of both ends of its trunk.

January 2026

Kick-Starting a New Year

Late afternoon in the Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana, several Saddle-Billed Storks were fishing in a remaining pool of dry river bed. This particular stork decided that it was satisfied and suddenly launched itself into the air with a huge kick and flap of its wings to get itself airborne.