It's Just Magic !

Every evening the fireflies (males) put on an absolutely spectacular show trying to attract the glowworms (females) on the river bank below.  After much flying they would slowly collect on the ground (and on our tents) with their little firelight tales pulsating with little fluorescent lights - what a marvel it was taking us back to our childhood, but never had we seen so many in one place ever before.

Merle.  Canon 5D Mk 2.  Canon 17-40mm L.

As it Flows to the Sea

The Orange River at it's best!

Merle.  Canon 5D Mk 111.  Canon 100-400mm L.  Canon 17-40mm L.  Canon 24-105mm L.

The Richtersveld

At the end of September 2016 we packed up and headed for the Richtersveld which is situated in the north west corner of South Africa bordering Namibia.  This is a vast and incredible desert land proudly boasting some of the most diverse landscapes one can ever hope to see.  In stark contrast to the red and pastel terra-cotta sands out of nowhere looms the great Orange River forming the border with Namibia, the lifeblood in this dry and thirsty land.

At Sendlingsdrift

Diamonds are mined extensively along the Orange River where you see the symbol for work tools.  Diggings are obvious and on a large scale with Restricted Area signs preventing entry.

Our first sighting of the Orange River in the distance was marked by the thick green trees.  Our first sleepover was at Pootjiespram Camp Site in those trees where we were greeted by a bunch of naughty monkeys.

Setting up camp at De Hoop but instead of doing so at the official camp site we chose a secluded grassed river bank a fair distance from other campers to enjoy the quiet and beauty only this area can offer.

Every morning this rowdy stream of goats came to have their breakfast on the 'greener' grass other side our campsite.  Their owner lives down the river but lets his goats out and no problem, they weren't shy, regardless of us, this was 'their' breakfast spot !

Getting ready for the evening braai 

Looking in the opposite direction

Merle.  Canon 5D Mk 111.  Canon 100-400mm L.  Canon 24-105mm L.  Canon 17-40mm L.