Sylvie VdB Photography Picturethedream

02/01/2026

One, of the many, wonderful things about being in the African bush, is birding. Spotting them is one thing, capturing them another but ID-ing even more so.

There are so many ways to find out? What app/book do you use? ebird? iNaturalist? Others?
Always curious and eager to learn.

My initial thought was the Tawny eagle.
When I put it through google lens it said Steppe eagle so I started my investigation and went to the iNaturalist app and compared both Tawny and Steppe eagles.
Pretty sure it's Tawny. Correct me if I am wrong.

What an amazing sighting with Ngalali Retreat in Kruger National Park.

Interested in seeing more? Sylvie Van den Bossche

26/12/2025

A pinch of Italy in South Africa

After finishing my volunteer work, I decided to gift myself a little time off. Space to rest, reflect, and simply be. I headed to Ngalali Retreat in the Grietjie Game Reserve, a place that came highly recommended. After browsing booking platforms and their own website, I contacted them directly. The response was immediate and warm — friendly, informative, and efficient....

After finishing my volunteer work, I decided to gift myself a little time off. Space to rest, reflect, and simply be. I headed to Ngalali Retreat in the Grietjie Game Reserve, a place that came hig…

21/12/2025

Giving a Species a Chance

Yesterday afternoon brought one of those messages that instantly shifts the weight of the day: An adult female cheetah, with offspring, with a wound on her leg. Limping badly. Those few words carry a lot. A cheetah’s life depends on speed, precision, and strength — any injury to a paw or leg is serious. We drove out to assess the situation, moving carefully through the bush, scanning for any sign of her....

Yesterday afternoon brought one of those messages that instantly shifts the weight of the day: An adult female cheetah, with offspring, with a wound on her leg. Limping badly. Those few words carry…

20/12/2025

I don't think words are needed 🥰

20/12/2025

Spending a few hour with two lionesses and four cubs! Beats a clock-in anytime!

19/12/2025

Eyes in the Sky, Boots on the Ground How drones Are Transforming Search and Conservation & preservation in the bush

When urgent action is needed in the bush, time and visibility are everything. Distances are long, terrain can be challenging, and whether you’re tracking an injured animal or need to see why certain things have / are taking place, every minute counts. Especially when you are working for the protection of endangered species. In ‘our’ world time is often money. Here time can make the difference between living or dying....

When urgent action is needed in the bush, time and visibility are everything. Distances are long, terrain can be challenging, and whether you’re tracking an injured animal or need to see why certai…

15/12/2025

Cuteness OVERLOAD!! Young jackal pups as we were driving on our way back to camp.

15/12/2025

And so it begins

Had such a good first night and got woken up by the sound of lovely bird’s chirping. No idea which one though. John picked us up at 8am and we set off for the morning, even though today’s Sunday. Usually not much happening on a Sunday but he took us out anyway. There was a cheetah we needed to get visual of as it has been a while since she was seen....

Had such a good first night and got woken up by the sound of lovely bird’s chirping. No idea which one though.  John picked us up at 8am and we set off for the morning, even though today’s Sun…

13/09/2025

What's on my mind, FB asks? I let you be the judge Wildlife ACT - Focused Conservation

20/07/2025

My garden is a bee-heaven at the moment. I have planted lot's of sunflowers and other wild flowers and it is such a delight to see what this does to the bees, butterflies and other insects.

Sitting in my garden, watching them from a distance with my R5 and RF 100-400, pure joy and happiness.