Out again in the morning dark on day 3 of our 2025 Manyeleti Magic photographic safari and workshop our first notable encounter was with a black-backed jackal just a few minutes after starting our drive. Ever the opportunist this one was trotting along a patch of burnt grass looking for a quick morsel.
Black-backed Jackal
Sunrise in the Lowveld is usually very inspiring and that certainly was the case this morning. A herd of elephant crossing the road in front of us at the right time simply added to the magic!
We soon arrived at the spot where we found the hidden lion cubs the previous afternoon, and now the whole family was together – the six cubs, their three mothers and the pride male. The focus on our photographic workshops are to spend as much time at quality sightings as we can; good light and interesting subjects being much more to the liking of our group of photographers than was covering lots of ground to take in as many sightings and as much of the scenery as is possible in a limited time. Our participants were able to play around with all kinds of camera setting-combinations, aided by Hannes’ expert advice, and with the cubs being much more boisterous now under the safe supervision of their parents than the previous day there certainly was lots to keep the cameras clicking!
Eventually we had to head back to Buffelshoek for breakfast, and another session of bird photography from the camp’s elevated deck before lunch.
Our afternoon drive, extending after dark, was filled to the brim with exciting sightings! White rhinos, a side-striped jackal, a male lion on a mission and a hasty hippopotamus all put in appearances.
Our expert tracker Elvis is extremely skilled at picking up chameleons in the spotlight, and this gave us a chance to marvel at this fascinating creature from up close.
Back at camp we were serenaded by an African Scops Owl, who even followed me back to my tent when it was time to turn in!
In the next post we’ll show you everything we encountered on day 4 of our 2025 Manyeleti Magic photo-safari and workshop. The 2026 dates are yet to be confirmed, but do get in touch with us to keep a spot for you!
DeWetsWild 
marvellous images of the lion pride! And all your other captures, rhinoceros, jackal etc
I’m just smiling with enjoyment, Dries. I know I don’t always get here every day now, because I’ve cut back on my online time, but I always enjoy your posts and miss them when I don’t see them.