Our Month on Instagram

This month we look back on our recent trip to East Africa in absolute wonder.  Amongst many magical experiences… we witnessed the miracle of a heart-stopping, awe-inspiring, great migration river crossing! Despite being completely unravelled by East Africa in every way, we also had our very first Instagram takeover by the talented Lara Thomas at Londolozi, and filmed another awesome bush diary video, direct from the heart of the Kruger National Park.

Just in case you’ve missed out… scroll down here for a very quick peek at our month on Instagram.

Happy Friday! With love from sunny South Africa.

Happy 4th of July to all our American friends and family. With love from East Africa. #iconicafrica #july4th #fourthofjuly #independenceday #usa #africa

A photo posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 4, 2016 at 4:25am PDT

Today we start our first #IAtakeover by welcoming @lara.jess to the Iconic Africa Instagram feed. Lara is a writer and photographer who loves the African bush, reflections and the power of storytelling. We cannot wait to see her photos and videos from her trip to @londolozi. This exquisite starling joined Lara and her family at a tea break between sightings of leopards and elephants. There's nothing quite like sharing the morning with Africa's magnificent creatures, both big and small. #iconicafrica #londolozi #travel #africa #safari #birding

A photo posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 7, 2016 at 1:07pm PDT

The large herd of buffalo @londolozi found the Mangane pride trying to sneak up on them and promptly chased them for 500 meters, turning the traditional tables on the lions. This buffalo however got slightly ahead of himself and almost got caught while retreating to the safety of the herd. #iconicafrica #IAtakeover #londolozi #kruger #sabisands #lion #buffalo @lara.jess

A video posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 8, 2016 at 6:05am PDT

I'm working on a theory. I'll call it "The Arborists". It goes something like this: the leopards and lions of #Londolozi have a thing for beautiful trees. Due to this penchant they have made a pact with the elephants – any tree they claim as their own, the elephants have agreed to leave alone; any tree they earmark will keep its bark intact; keep its roots in the ground. The lions are doing their part by hiding their tiny cubs in a koppie. An exquisite fig, safe now, watches over the nursery, grateful for the pride's choosing. And the leopards – the leopards are the biggest tree-huggers of all (we'll forgive their affinity for meat – who said environmentalists HAD to be vegetarians anyway?). The leopards are doing the lion's share (I couldn't resist) of the guarding. It's no fluke that they drag their kills up the most beautiful of trees. It's no secret that leopards are tree-snobs. Just yesterday I was watching a leopard with a hoisted nyala kill in a giant Sausage Tree. Boisterous as they are, a big elephant appeared through a thicket causing the leopard to look up from her perch. And you know what I think her stare conveyed? I think she was saying, "No, sorry, I've shot-gunned this one." If you doubt my theory, take a look at my photo again and then try tell me she doesn't look besotted. @Londolozi @lara.jess #safari #kruger #sabisands #africatravel #travel #leopard #africa #iconicafrica

A photo posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 9, 2016 at 6:03am PDT

"My brother is doing 'A Big Year'. For those who don't know that means he's trying to see or hear as many bird species as he can in one year. So far he's on 235. (He's in the lead – competing with two friends.) Our game drives at #Londolozi don't get far without him asking to stop so he can look through his binoculars at some flicker of feathers. This right here is a saddle billed stork. We saw him late in the drive when our spotlight swept passed the dam. If there's one thing I can't resist taking a photo of, it's a good reflection. When a reflection has bright colours, well, that's me – eye to the viewfinder. And isn't he just glorious?!" @lara.jess @londolozi #iconicafrica #londolozi #africa #travel #kruger #birding #birdwatching

A photo posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 9, 2016 at 9:53am PDT

"I'm with the cub on this one: afternoon naps are compulsory on #safari." @lara.jess @londolozi #iconicafrica #kruger #lion #travel #africa #londolozi #krugernationalpark

A photo posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 10, 2016 at 5:38am PDT

"I can't shake some quotes. They rise into my thoughts every so often. When I look at this warthog, dunked in dawn light, I can't think of anything else to say except repeat Tolkien's words: 'All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost.'" @lara.jess. #iconicafrica #londolozi #africa #safari #wildlife #kruger #travel

A photo posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 10, 2016 at 12:14pm PDT

Every pack has their runt. The smallest hyena in the litter. You may think its mother is being kind to it, picking it up, but she was actually denying this pup access to her milk in favor of the two larger pups. Only once the other two have had their fill would she let this small feisty pup feed. Not to be denied, the smallest of the litter squeals around its mother determined to survive, often bullying the larger pups to do so. #londolozi #kruger #hyena #runtofthelitter @lara.jess @londolozi

A video posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 10, 2016 at 11:49pm PDT

"This trip to #londolozi, I found myself declaring, "That's the best looking giraffe I've ever seen." And then soon after, "That rhino is seriously good looking." And "That's got to be the most gorgeous waterbuck around." Maybe I just forgot how beautiful wildlife is. Or maybe they are indeed the finest example of their species. I think it may be the latter because my admiration did not extend to a particular ostrich who was rather tatty, having taken self-grooming to a unhealthy extreme." @lara.jess #Kruger #safari #giraffe #travel #africa

A photo posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 11, 2016 at 1:06pm PDT

Just a lion cub practicing its killer choke holds on this poor stick. #iconicafrica #kruger #londolozi #lion #cubs @lara.jess @londolozi

A video posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 12, 2016 at 4:01am PDT

"Thanks to #iconicafrica for letting me takeover your handle for a few days and to @Londolozi for yet another incredible trip. For my swansong, I leave you with this black maned beauty." @lara.jess #safari #kruger #londolozi #iconicafrica #travel #africa

A photo posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 12, 2016 at 5:50am PDT

Recent traveller, David du Bois had an unforgettable time in #victoriafalls He took some incredible pictures such as this one of the rainbow, the mist and the magnitude of this epic natural wonder if the world. Also known by the locals as Mosi oa Tunya, 'The Smoke that Thunders.' #iconicafrica #africa #zimbabwe #zambia #naturalwonders #safari #luxurysafari #luxuryafricansafari #falls #africanbeauty #travel #bucketlist

A photo posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 15, 2016 at 12:42am PDT

The #1st of an epic 5 photo series that we captured when witnessing Africa's greatest natural phenomenon the #greatmigration Here the leader of the herd leaps courageously into the mighty Mara River to begin the perilous swim to the other side. Safety, Kenya and magnificent rain-ripened grass of the #masaimara awaits. "Wanaovuka, wanaovuka!' They are crossing! #iconicafrica #eastafrica #serengeti #migration #tanzania #kenya #africasafari #bucketlist #safari #luxury #epicmoment

A photo posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 15, 2016 at 9:03am PDT

Photo #2 of our #greatmigration series. The herd fights the current as it crosses at the number four crossing point on the Mara River. No crocodiles in sight, it looks like these guys are going to make it! #iconicafrica #wildebeest #migration #eastafrica #kenya #tanzania #serengeti #masaimara #naturalwonder #epicmoment #safari #travel #africansafari #bucketlist #africa #luxuryafricansafari

A photo posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 16, 2016 at 2:51am PDT

#3 of our #greatmigration crossing series. Here the wildebeest are full steam ahead making great progress. All determinedly moving as one towards a common goal. It's survival of the fittest. The snorting is loud, it's all-encompassing, we can't even hear ourselves think! #iconicafrica #epicmoment #wildebeest #safari #eastafrica #kenya #tanzania #serengeti #masaimara #luxury #bucketlist #africasafari #luxuryafricansafari #migration

A photo posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 17, 2016 at 3:30am PDT

"If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far, go together." African Proverb. #4 of our #greatmigration photo series. They swam in hoards, tenaciously fighting the current and clambering up the far bank to join their compatriots in tangible jubilation. #iconicafrica #migration #eastafrica #bucketlist #kenya #tanzania #serengeti #masaimara #africasafari #luxuryafricansafari #epicmoments #naturalwonder #wildebeest #bush #wildlife #wildlifephotography

A photo posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 17, 2016 at 10:34pm PDT

Last but not least #5 of our #greatmigration photo series. Twenty endless minutes passed and at last one lone male climbed up the opposite bank and we breathed a sigh of relief. They had all made it, with no casualties. What an experience! It's Africa at its best, nature showing off and certainly something every person should witness, at least once! #iconicafrica #eastafrica #migration #wildebeest #wildlife #serengeti #masaimara #wildlifephotography #epicmoments #bucketlist #naturalwonder #bush #nature #rivercrossing #kenya #tanzania #safari #africansafari #luxuryafricansafari

A photo posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 18, 2016 at 12:54am PDT

"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead," Nelson Mandela. This beautiful continent's future is in our hands. Let's honour #madiba and make a difference today. #mandeladay #nelsonmandelainternationalday #67minutes #iconicafrica #southafrica #proudlysouthafrican #africa #future

A photo posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 18, 2016 at 6:07am PDT

As these elegant Maasai giraffe stroll across the golden Mara plains I am taken by how Africa has the power to unravel you. One story, one sighting and one sundowner at a time. #iconicafrica #eastafrica #kenya #masaimara #wildlife #epicmoments #wildlifephotography #giraffe #africa #africansafari #safari #yolo #foodforthesoul #luxuryafricansafari

A photo posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 20, 2016 at 4:15am PDT

Jump up and dance it's Friday! Watch as the Maasai warriors @angamasafari show us how it's done. Maasai warriors are well known for their competitive jumping which they do when trying to prove themselves to a woman. They form a circle and jump consecutively, never allowing their heels to touch the ground. #iconicafrica #eastafrica #maasai #culture #africa #safari #africansafari #friday #fridayfun #luxurysafari #luxury #bucketlist

A video posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 22, 2016 at 2:56am PDT

Proudly presenting our Iconic Africa Bush Diary Episode #5 'Waiting for the dry,' filmed by the brilliant @jamesrahendry in the #krugernationalpark. Take just 4 minutes and click on the link in our bio. Turn your volume up and tune into the beautiful African bush! #iconicafrica #bushdiary #safari #southafrica #kruger #luxurysafari #africanadventure #bucketlist #africa #safarilife #vacation #bush #wildlife #wildlifephotography

A photo posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 27, 2016 at 12:01am PDT

Don't these look delicious? Just because you're in the bush it doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy a beautiful, healthy breakfast. Why not try these Beautiful Quinoa Breakfast Bowls by the brilliant @sarahgrahamfood. Full recipe on our blog. iconicafrica #foodsafari #africa #southafrica #foodiegram #foodies #luxuryafricansafari #bush #vacation #safarilife #safari

A photo posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 28, 2016 at 4:45am PDT

Watch as this massive herd of Buffalo scampers across the road in front of us in the Tarangire National Park. The odd inquisitive one turning to check us out. They have been known to engage in mobbing behaviour when fighting off predators! #iconicafrica #eastafrica #safari #wildlife #wildlifephotography #africanadventures #africa #luxuryafricansafari #bigfive #buffalo #tanzania

A video posted by Iconic Africa (@iconicafrica) on Jul 28, 2016 at 6:52am PDT