My name is Mark Bland, South African born and raised, and so incredibly passionate about this continent I call home!
To read a little more about who Satori Africa is and what we are about please click here.
Join me on a trip down safari memory lane as I showcase some of my favourite moments, best shots and random snaps!
Be sure to click on the photos to learn a little more about each destination. I hope that you enjoy the journey…
KHWAI , BOTSWANA – 2018… During a private yoga safari organised for a client, we took some time off to enjoy a Mokoro trip in the Khwai Reserve. There was something exceptionally meditative about the soft sounds of the water lapping against the boat as it smoothly glided through the water. So much so it ended up being a highlight for most of us!
KHWAI , BOTSWANA – 2018… As part of our Yoga Safari we also received some expert guidance from the in-house photographic hosts at Pangolin Photo Safaris. Starting off as total novices, the excitement of reviewing our photos at the end of every day soon turned out to be a much looked forward to evening routine whilst on safari!
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA – 2019… During a self-drive safari in the Kruger National Park, we found an incredible water source with a dam wall almost at eye level. The first two visitors were these two waterbuck – seen above and below. We had a lot of fun playing with these profiles and photographing animals that are so often overlooked in favour of big game such as lions or elephants.
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA – 2019… The Wonky Waterbuck brother.
AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK, KENYA – 2019… Words cannot even begin to describe my first Kenyan Safari! For as long as I can remember I have absolutely devoured any book about Africa, its early explorers, history, conservationists, you name it! A fair amount of these books were based in Kenya and the surrounds so when I finally got the chance to go explore Kenya I was like the proverbial kid in the candy store. From laying eyes on the Mara River, to seeing the house of Karen Blixen and finally to getting up close and personal with the great ‘tuskers’ of the Amboseli, with Kilimanjaro as the backdrop. I could go on forever but I think it is best to say – for landscapes, animal sightings, birding, hospitality and relaxation – add Kenya to your bucketlist!
NABOISHO CONSERVANCY, KENYA – 2019… During the Wildebeest Migration it is a time of plenty for predators. This Hyena seemed quite content with being part of the clean-up crew. Although somewhat gruesome, all of nature acts in synergy and it makes for quite a sight!
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA – 2019… We were barely 5 minutes out the camp gates early one morning when we came across a female leopard and her youngster. They were somewhat skittish – and maybe still waking up and finding their personalities – so after a quick few minutes they eventually decided enough was enough and skulked off in to the thicket.
SELENKAY CONSERVANCY, KENYA – 2019… Perhaps my fondest memory of Kenya was of her people. In particular we spent a lot of time with members of the Masai tribe who had this genuine sense of warmth and hospitality. This particular photo was taken in a village that forms part of the Selenkay Conservancy. We were very fortunate to stay at the Porini Camp, just outside of Amboseli, and learn about the incredible work they are doing with the local Masai community.
KHWAI, BOTSWANA – 2019… I was very fortunate to be able to go on another Mokoro trip in 2019 – this time as part of the Botswana Travel Show. I was not only spoilt by the organisers but also by some of the fantastic hosts that looked after me during my stay, including Pangolin, Ghoha, Nogatsaa and Letaka Safaris!
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA – 2019… On my first afternoon in Chobe, Pangolin treated us to an incredible water-based photo safari and our timing was perfect. We had a massive herd of elephants quenching their thirst on one side and impala on the other side. To top off the treat we also had perhaps 50 Kites flying above and around us – needless to say that we had a field day taking it all in and photographing as much as we could!
