Hot weather greets every sunrise, no rain to speak of yet in Gonarezhou, mostly scattered showers and we wait eagerly for the real thing!

sunrise from the deck at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Even the small rains we have had are enough to create green grass galore,

elephant bull after wallowing …
Travels through the exquisite landscapes of Gonarezhou are a symphony of emerald and sap green combinations,

with brooding skies above Tembwehata Pan

As we roll along I spot a glorious sight, hiding under a tree and panting in the heat- a fat lion in his prime, full golden mane and yellow lion eyes staring at us….

He has killed a female wildebeest, and eaten much of her hindquarters, as a white backed vulture waits in the trees above.

Spot the lion! and his kill…
In fact the presence of the vulture was what made me look more closely for a predator in the first place…leaving him in peace, we arrive at the pink and cloud-dappled Chilojo Cliffs,

And with the fresh look, I realize how I need to finish my painting: it needs elephants!

Mirage, Chilojo Cliffs, acrylic on loose canvas, 79 x 206 cm
Elephants such as this magnificent tusker who graces us with his gentle presence

gorgeous gentle bull
Elephants such as these tired and hot ladies hiding their babies in the shade of a welcoming baobab ….

cow elephants resting in the shade
Everywhere we go, fresh and steaming evidence of the wonderful elephants abounds, much to the dung beetles’ delight…

Dung Beetles at work
Back to the Save River crossing, a fullish moon rises and greets us…

a fullish moon rises over the Save River
… a gentle end to a HOT day

a quiet contemplation
Flowers always get my attention..

datura flower
the last rays of the sun fade…

last rays
and reflections are inspiration…


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About wineandwilddogs
Lin Barrie
The Save Valley Conservancy stretches along the upper reaches of the great Save River in the south east of Zimbabwe. The Gonarezhou National Park laps against the southern banks of the Save River and between these two nestles the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve. These three celebrated wildlife areas form part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area, (GLTFCA)- a unique wilderness jewel which is home to the “Big Five” (endangered Black and White rhinos, elephants, buffalo, lion, leopard) and the ”Little Six” (Klipspringer, Suni, Duiker, Steenbok, Sharpe's Grysbok and Oribi). Endangered African wild dogs, Cheetah, Brown hyena, Bat-eared foxes and a host of special birds and plants contribute to the immense variety of this ecosystem. Communities around the GLTFCA contribute to innovative partnerships with National Parks and the private sector, forming a sound base on which to manage social, economic and environmental issues.
This is home to artist and writer Lin Barrie and her life partner, conservationist Clive Stockil.
Expressing her hopes, fears and love for this special ecosystem with oil paints on canvas, Lin Barrie believes that the essence of a landscape, person or animal, can only truly be captured by direct observation.
Lin Barrie states: “Through my art, and my writing, I feel an intimate connection with the natural world, and from my extensive field sketches of wild animals, people and landscapes, I create larger works on canvas.
Lin's work is in various public and private collections in South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Australia, England, Canada, Sweden and the United States of America. She is represented by galleries in South Africa, Zimbabwe, England, Kenya and Florida, USA.
Wowww, what a beautiful and majestic scenery you have at Gonarenzhou and Chilo gorge. The way you do the storytelling is amazing, moving and makes the reader to be in your presence in the world of imagination. My wife and I always wish we were there after reading your blog.
Its like going back to “Cry the Beloved Country” in the late 70s right to the late 80s, when nature n wildlife was abound in Gazankulu … you’re taking me back to my very young memories of juggling around primary school, herding cattle, hunting small animals and birds. That was a superb childhood n era, yearning for it everyday, that nostalgia.
thank you for your thoughtful message!