Etosha Magic – Green, Wet and Amazing

Photographer, writer and general creative wonder Annabelle Venter recently embarked on a weekend tour of one of her favourite spots in Namibia (if not the world). It was mid-March and Annabelle pointed her camera in all directions, capturing the marvel of nature in action after good rains in the Etosha National Park.

BEFORE AND AFTER THE RAIN 23- 24 MARCH 2014 | Photo ©Annabelle Venter

Etosha, Rhino and egret | Photo ©Annabelle Venter

Here is a short summary in her own words and the beautiful photos she generously shared with us.

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SUMMER IS HERE

SUMMER FLOWER SHOWS

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

Etosha was absolutely magical this weekend. It’s as though summer has just started there – indeed the staff said the rain only arrived in March this year.

Etosha, black faced impalas in the rain | Photo ©Annabelle Venter

Etosha, Kapupahedi waterhole with storm approaching | Photo ©Annabelle Venter

Pools on the Goas-Nuams road in Etosha | Photo ©Annabelle Venter

It smells so strongly of ‘green’ – and not just the wild sage, but sweet and spicy aromas.

Long stems with fresh pink flowers are everywhere and the yellow cleomes just starting to flower in some places.

Etosha, wet yellow cleomes | Photo ©Annabelle Venter

Etosha, country garden | Photo ©Annabelle Venter

Cahritsaub tree – new growth. Etosha | Photo ©Annabelle Venter

The nebrowniis are spring green and even the dour old Charitsaub tree is sparkling green as though it’s had ‘highlights’ done! Not a cat in sight but many other delightful sights like wet blue cranes with babies.

At first the pan was dry around Halali – yesterday afternoon I photographed two baby plovers foraging along the edge with their parents.

Etosha: plover and baby | Photo ©Annabelle Venter

Etosha, Chestnut-banded plover chick | Photo ©Annabelle Venter

Etosha, blue crane and chick | Photo ©Annabelle Venter

Last night we had a huge storm and this morning it had transformed the pan into a silvery grey lake with an ominous blue-black sky above it.

Etosha lookout, near Halali | Photo ©Annabelle Venter

Etosha, ostrich on pan | Photo ©Annabelle Venter

In the distance a lone ostrich carefully made its way back to shore. The gently lapping water had seemingly swallowed up the plovers – or perhaps a small falcon sitting on the fencing was responsible for that.

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