Six Months in South Africa: Makana Botanical Gardens, Grahamstown

The varied habitats and plantings in Makana Botanical Gardens, Grahamstown, are a magnet for birds, human lovers of green spaces and for rock dassies that sun themselves on exposed rock ledges.  ...

Six Months in South Africa: Hiking at Assegaai Trails

While hiking at Assegaai Trails, we walked among giraffes, zebras and a rich diversity of birds in a reserve without dangerous big carnivores, buffalo or elephants. An amazing experience!   A bal...

Six Months in South Africa: Winter Morning in Grahamstown

On a winter morning in Grahamstown, I birded my way up Gunfire Hill and through Rhodes University campus and Makana Botanical Gardens. The air was filled with promise and new beginnings – a good day...

Six Months in South Africa: Exploring Addo Elephant National Park

A winter day exploring Addo Elephant National Park yielded fantastic views of elephants, zebras, lions and other classic South African wildlife, as well as a host of native birds, such as ostriches, g...