While at a charity auction in Ponte Vedra, I saw the trip of a lifetime up for bid. A 5-night stay in the Zulu Nyala Game Reserve. I believed then, and even more so now, that every photographer needs to go on Safari at least once in their lives, and more if possible. It is absolutely stunning on so many levels. To see the animals at play and experience culture (like the one time I put down the camera and picked up a spear to throw at the “British” in the Zulu camp.

The mother elephant protecting her daughter and giving a warning charge to the safari van in front of us was incredible to see. and then even better, she embraced her 8-year-old daughter (on the left-hand side of the elephant photos) in a sweet elephant embrace for several minutes. it was absolutely heartwarming to be there to experience that firsthand. And the curious, affectionate giraffes were lots of fun to watch. the most amazing part, is these photos I share are only from the first day of our game drives! we have so many more. You can always see more of my South African experience on my website at https://shop.kramkranphoto.com/africa

In the words of my Jacksonville friend who now lives in South Africa and is fluent in “Deep Zulu”….Cheers Y’all!

Mark Krancer