As expected, the vehicles with the the expectant ODP Safari group left the Lodge before dawn, and headed out in search of buffalo, lions, or whatever the day would bring.

They were greeted by a glorious sunrise with magnificent cloud formations, so cameras started early!

Catching up with the buffalo early also meant that beautiful landscapes were captured with the buffalo in the foreground.

While the Safari group was watching and photographing the buffalo, numerous Yellow-billed Oxpeckers started to fly in and settled on the buffalo.  There were so many that cameras were quite unsure which way to point next.

The Oxpeckers had barely settled when the Cattle Egrets arrived in droves, again creating beautiful images as they flew around, settled on the grass or on the buffalo, and then restlessly moved again and again.

After a quick check to see if there were lions in the vicinity, it was time for lunch, followed by Lightroom and Photoshop tutorials.

During the afternoon drive, a large elephant put on a lovely show for everyone to photograph. He was having a dust bath, and seemed to really try to get the sand and dust sprayed in all directions and all over. Birds everywhere allowed enthusiasts and even those not focussed (!) on bird photography to snag some excellent images.

Shortly after, an encounter with a lioness and two cubs again had cameras clicking. The lions wandered through the long grass, approached the water, enjoyed a drink, then walked around again.

All too soon it was time to start returning to the Lodge.

On the way, the buffalo were again encountered. They were crossing a channel, and this provided lovely action silhouettes against the setting sun. The cloud formations again added to the drama.

A hugely satisfied group returned to the Camp to compare pictures, share advice and stories, and to prepare for tomorrow ...