On my recent trip to South Africa, I spent 3 days at the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, located within the Kruger Park. It was my first safari experience organised by Hands Up Holidays – and I have to say, I loved it. During our stay, we went on 4 game drives (2 in the evening and 2 in the very early morning) and we were incredibly lucky to spot the ‘Big 5’.
The ‘Big 5’ is a term coined by big-game hunters and refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot. They include the African lion, the African elephant, the Cape buffalo, the African leopard, and the White/Black rhinoceros.
My sister Renata was with me on this trip and helped me test the Leica D-Lux.
African Lion
Photo taken with Leica D-Lux camera
African Elephant
Photo taken with Leica D-Lux camera
Cape Buffalo
Photo taken with Leica D-Lux camera
African Leopard
Photo taken with Leica D-Lux camera
Black Rhinos
Photo taken with Leica D-Lux camera
I am testing various Leica cameras over the year, with a view of understanding if a ‘pretend iPhone photographer’ can have a chance at taking decent photographs. I have received no training other than a quick introduction and my purpose is to see if I can use the camera or not! The Leica D-Lux model was very light and easy to carry around (it did fit in a LV clutch), and once we finally figured it out, it was easy to transfer the images to my phone via the built-in WiFi capability. I still need to understand more how the focus and the exposure works as it wasn’t as intuitive, but there is hope.
This is just a little taste of what our safari experience was like. I shall be writing a full review of our trip very soon.
xo
Mrs. O
Fact box: The Leica D-Lux costs from £749 and you can find out more information about the camera at Leica’s website. I have been provided with a camera for this trip and opinions are, as always, my own.
Stuart Forster
October 22, 2015 at 10:29 am
I’ve enjoyed your post and have to admit I’m slightly envious that you’ve seen all of the Big Five. I’m yet to see a lion in Africa, though I did see them in Sasan Gir National Park in India, and a leopard. My favourite spot in Africa for safari has been Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. I look forward to heading to South Africa at some point.
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@mrsoaroundworld
October 23, 2015 at 8:55 am
I hope you make it 🙂 it was beautiful!
Leanne
June 9, 2015 at 5:00 pm
What an amazing experience you went on. The photographs look incredible and you looked like you had such a wonderful time.
Christopher Hill
April 13, 2015 at 8:53 pm
Fabulous shots Ana – and Renata!
Where did the one of the leopard come from??
Christopher Hill recently posted..Family Volunteering, Family Trips, Senior Volunteer, Volunteer Travel
@mrsoaroundworld
April 13, 2015 at 9:17 pm
From a hut!
Christopher Hill
April 22, 2015 at 2:39 pm
Amazing!
Shikha (whywasteannualleave)
April 10, 2015 at 11:41 am
So glad you loved your safari!! And the pics are great 🙂 I’ve had a soft spot for safari ever since I did my first one on honeymoon – desperately longing to return to Africa to do another one one day, maybe even South Africa later this year with a bit of luck!
Shikha (whywasteannualleave) recently posted..The Benefits of Drinking Tea – My GuilTea Pleasure
@mrsoaroundworld
April 10, 2015 at 1:16 pm
Fingers crossed – hope you go back!
Becky Padmore
April 10, 2015 at 9:24 am
Great photos I’m trying out the Leica camera at the moment too, very impressed so far!
Becky Padmore recently posted..12 under the radar things to do in Paris
@mrsoaroundworld
April 10, 2015 at 1:16 pm
Which one are you trying?
Renata Graça da Silva
April 10, 2015 at 12:05 am
Great pictures!!
@mrsoaroundworld
April 10, 2015 at 1:15 pm
Credit where it is due!
Suzanne - Travelbunny
April 9, 2015 at 9:02 pm
This is something I’d love to do – there’s nothing like seeing wild animal in their natural habitat and you’ve caught some fabulous images. Looking forward to seeing more from the Leica D-Lux
@mrsoaroundworld
April 10, 2015 at 1:16 pm
It was wonderful 🙂 Highly recommend it!
Mira
April 9, 2015 at 8:14 pm
Sounds like a wonderful trip. I am with Natalie, I can’t wait to hear more about the trip, especially how you enjoyed all your luxury accommodations, the wine you tasted, the food you enjoyed and the charity work you did. 🙂
@mrsoaroundworld
April 10, 2015 at 1:16 pm
Good things come for those who wait!!
Pedro @travelwithpedro
April 9, 2015 at 4:43 pm
That must have been really amazing. Well, safaris usually are, right? On my last day on a Kenyan safari I found myself 1.5 metres away from a male lion. It was very interesting the way he just ignored my presence and licked his paws, just a like a house cat.
Pedro @travelwithpedro recently posted..Moreno Hotel – Where to Sleep in Buenos Aires
@mrsoaroundworld
April 10, 2015 at 1:15 pm
I saw ours do the same and he looked SO sweet!
Hannah @Getting Stamped
April 8, 2015 at 5:37 pm
We love Africa, we are headed back in 3 weeks!
Hannah @Getting Stamped recently posted..Songkran in Chiang Mai
@mrsoaroundworld
April 8, 2015 at 5:41 pm
Have the best time!
Natalie @ In Natalie's Shoes
April 8, 2015 at 5:22 pm
Gorgeous photos, Mrs. O! I’m excited to see more from your trip to SA!
Natalie @ In Natalie’s Shoes recently posted..Friday Five
@mrsoaroundworld
April 8, 2015 at 5:41 pm
All in good time 😉