The red-faced Bateleur eagle owes its name to the French word for tight-rope walking, a testament to the rocking movement of its wing tips as it glides overhead. It is a stunning bird-of-prey and one of my favorites to spot in the African bush. The vivid red skin in front of the eyes takes about eight years to fully form and once it does, there is absolutely no mistaking the Bataleur!

A Bold Approach with a Bateleur!

On a trip to South Africa in 2013, my ranger Andrew and I came across a pair of Bateleur eagles high up in a treetop, well off the road. It was a quiet day and there had not been much game to photograph. I was itching to create some images, so I suggested we try to get a little closer and Andrew positioned the truck forward, into some bush. I wasn’t satisified and asked if we could approach on foot. He was certain we would not get far once we left the truck. We got out and started to slowly zig-zag a path towards the tree. Within a few feet the male decided he didn’t like the look of me and took off for parts unknown. But his female companion stayed put. Maybe I would get lucky?

Slow and Steady!

I made my way forward in a slow meander, moving right and then left. Andrew stayed back keeping an eye on the area. I am sure my zigzag gait made me look like I had tossed back one too many Amurulas.  Every turn I got a little closer to her. She was clearly alert, looking back at me over her shoulder, but remained on her perch.

I took several shots as I was nearing the base of the tree, but the goal was to shoot this short-tailed eagle from directly below. Andrew thought I was loopy, but agreed to let me try my foolery.  I stayed put for a few moments before once again inching forward, keeping my head down, heart racing but appearing to look disinterested in her. Every couple of feet, thinking they may be my last forward, I would get off a couple of “safety” shots. I never imagined she would co-operate and let me get close enough–but I was wrong!

Beneath the Bateleur!

At last, I was at the base of the tree and right beneath a female Bateleur eagle! I hoisted up the Canon 5D Mlll with a Canon 400 F4 DO lens and balanced the rig on my forehead, trying to steady myself while I looked straight up. The weight of the camera resting on my face, and my head tilting back as far as I could, made me achingly aware of every vertebra! As my neck and shoulders strained to keep the camera still on my forehead, I made a mental note to email my physiotherapist. I was in awe that this gorgeous Bateleur eagle didn’t fly off! But she did continue to look out in the distance, denying me the image I was hoping for.

Finally, the moment I was after! Those dark, marble-like eyes catching the light, looked directly down at me as I looked straight up at her. I am sure she was wondering what kind of foolish, unicorn-like creature was directly below her? We made eye contact for a handful of ticks, and I got off two or three shots, my neck and back giving in to the wobbles. My grinning might also have contributed to the lack of stability.

Then, after the briefest of moments, she lifted her head, gave me a backwards glance, and flew off, leaving me standing there with a gleeful and goofy, yet achingly strained look on my face! At least she didn’t roll her eyes. I looked back at Andrew, and he was chuckling and shaking his head in disbelief.

When All the Elements Align

All of these images were taken on day nine of an eleven-day trip. It was only the second or third time in nine days that the gray and gloom had cleared slightly, leaving a small patch of passing blue sky between the clouds. If there was ever a moment for that to happen, this was it!

Over the years since this sighting, I have had other wonderful encounters with the magnificent Bateleur eagle, and I am always eager to try to capture them. But I have never again had such an amazing encounter as this one, looking up the skirt of my favourite eagle!

Just one last thing before you go…

Thank you very much for visiting my website. I support myself as an artist solely with my photography and writing. If you enjoy the content I create and share,  please consider supporting me on KO-FI.COM  Joining the Armchair Wanderers or The Wild Bunch will give you access to exclusive member-only content-including behind-the-scene safari shenanigans live from my travels. Thank you for your ongoing encouragement and for promoting passion.

Cheers!

NJ

The post The Bateleur Eagle: An Unusual Perspective appeared first on NJ Wight.

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Wild! Adventure: A 10-Day Kenya Safari with NJ Wight

Join me for a fabulous small group, 10 or 11 night safari in wild Kenya! I have spent over 350 nights across seven countries in Africa — all of them remarkable. But there are very good reasons I have returned to Kenya multiple times. To me, it is the Africa of the imagination. (Make sure to read Masai Mara Musings for more.) Everything I imagined an African safari could be, I have found in Kenya. Wild and wide-open spaces, gorgeous light, big skies, a blanket of stars, friendly people and more wildlife than I have seen anywhere else. It is my happy place and I cannot wait to show it to you! We are going to have a Wild! time.

Visit Kenya’s Best Wildlife Parks and Conservancies!

We will spend our time looking for and watching wildlife, birds and reptiles in various National Parks and private conservancies, including the exceptional Mara Conservancies. (Itineraries vary slightly. Not all trips visit the same camps.) Tourism in the conservancies is limited in to a small number of camps. The very low ratio of game viewing vehicles to land area is aimed at ensuring the best possible experience of wildlife viewing while minimizing environmental impact. In addition, the communities living in the conservancies financially benefit from your stay. If an African safari is on your bucket-list–now is the time! The trip price includes all internal flights, accommodations, meals, drinks, guides, hosting, conservancy fees, activities, airport transfers etc. (international flights and trip insurance NOT included) and range from $14,000 – $18,000 USD per person. Rates vary depending on season and itinerary locations. )

NJ Wight Private Safari

I also accommodate private group trips. If you are looking for an exclusive safari for a special occasion, interested in exploring with your family or you have a special group of friends and would like me to organize and guide you on your trip of a lifetime, please get in touch and we can start planning!

If you are interested in further details about travel, please click here and contact me for additional information.

Please note: If you would like to add your name to the cancellation list for 2026 and 2027, please contact me.

If you are unable to travel on safari, but would like to join me virtually, consider my ko-fi.com/njwight memberships! 

Safari Dates

2027

January 28, 2027 – PRIVATE
July 02, 2027 – SOLD OUT
July 15, 2027– SOLD OUT
Oct 24, 2027  – SOLD OUT

2026

January 21 – 31st – SOLD OUT
February 2 – 11th – SOLD OUT
July 5 – 14th – SOLD OUT
Oct 30 – Nov 12th – PRIVATE

2025

January 15 – 25th – SOLD OUT
June 29 – July 9th – SOLD OUT
July 11 – 20th – SOLD OUT
Oct 28 – Nov. 7th – SOLD OUT

2024

January 27 – February 6th – SOLD OUT
February 7 – 18 – PRIVATE
June 19th – 29th – SOLD OUT
September 13th – 22nd – SOLD OUT

2023

February 25 – March 6th – SOLD OUT
July 8th – July 17th – SOLD OUT
October 12 – October 21 – SOLD OUT
October 23 – November 1 – SOLD OUT

Read comments from former Guests

From Margaret P, repeat guest.

All my life I had dreamed of Africa and all the wildlife that seemed to be too beautiful to be true.  Finally, on  my 70th birthday I decided to go on a safari. I contacted NJ Wight knowing that she was an amazing wildlife photographer and conservationist. NJ Wight proved to be a great Safari guide – everything from selecting the camps to making sure we all had an awesome camp experience.  We spent eight nights in two different camps in the Maasai Mara, in Kenya. The tents were luxurious with top quality beds and indoor plumbing with hot water. The food was first class, crafted by a talented chef and his assistants. And the animals! Oh the animals! From the very first to the very last game drive I was awe struck by the vast variety and abundance of animals in the Mara. The experienced drivers were like magicians – able to spot animals where all I could see were a few bushes. We saw and photographed the all big and small game, and they’re young, of my childhood imagination. It was a trip of a lifetime – and every night I go to sleep thinking of wonderful Kenya. My dream did come true!”

From Mary Beth M

A safari with NJ Wight means you will learn so much about the animals and the people of the area. The trips are highly organized and fun with impeccable choice of camps.  I want to go back again……and again. 

From Sheryl Berwick, repeat guest.

Traveling on safari is a bucket list destination that is guaranteed to impress… When planning your trip of a lifetime, put your faith in Nancie. An award-winning wildlife photographer with dozens of excursions, hundreds of game drives and countless nights under the stars throughout the African bush, you will be well served to take advantage of Nancie’s experience and trust her to leverage both her familiarity with different regions and network of local contacts to ensure that every detail is considered with the goal of making your trip an absolute success.

From Kevin M, repeat guest.

While a return trip anywhere provides lofty expectations to meet the fond memories of previous journeys, our second adventure to Kenya under Nancie’s experienced guidance not only satisfied these expectations, but exceeded them.

Our accommodations in the conservancies balanced comfort with an authenticity you would expect from being in the heart of the Maasai Mara wilderness.  Food and beverages were wonderful and catered to every dietary requirement.  The wildlife sightings were abundant and we enjoyed all manner of behavior… the majestic presence of elephants, the playful whimsy of lion cubs, the drama of a leopard protecting its kill… and countless times the camera was put aside in favour of the cell phone for photography, as the animals were too close for the zoom lens! Bottom line, whether you choose to go with family, friends, your partner… or alone… you must simply go

From Lynn F, repeat guest.

“I have now experienced two safari trips hosted by NJ Wight and perhaps the greatest endorsement I can offer is that I am already planning for my third Kenya safari with Nancie! From the moment we decided to go on this amazing adventure, Nancie guided us all the way, starting with helpful hints on what/how to pack, ideal tourist destinations in Nairobi, and photography tips. Because she has been to Africa numerous times, we trusted Nancie’s experience and leadership as to how the trip should unfold. Nancie was our guide on the ground and, with her warm, welcoming (and fun!) manner, we could not have had a better host!

The experience of being in the bush, with the animals so close, was unbelievable. Our guides  seemed to know exactly where to find a den of lions and herds of elephants, and they always did their best to accommodate what we wanted to see, i.e. an exciting cheetah chase or lions “making love!” I am proud of the fact that, on both trips, I saw the “Big Five” – which is highly unusual! Most important is the fact that I always felt safe, even when a leopard walked directly under our jeep and an elephant tried to engage us all in a staring contest (hint: the elephant should always win!). People call it “the trip of a lifetime” but the reality is, once you have experienced Africa, you will want to return! And having Nancie as your guide is the perfect way to travel!”

From Angie D

“NJ Wight was an amazing safari guide — very knowledgeable about all the varied wildlife we saw (and we saw so many animals!), and she curated the BEST camps and areas to visit on this Kenya safari. Also, having a smaller/more intimate group was very comfortable, the lodging was beautiful and the vehicles were roomy. It had been years since I had taken photographs and I had bought a new mirrorless digital camera for my safari, and NJ has great photography tips to get gorgeous shots!”

Take a Ride in the Land Rover

Wondering what it is like to riding in a Land Rover out on safari? Well, it is hard to put into words, but occasionally I take my hand off my Canon 5D MIV and grab my iPhone to capture some shaky safari snippets. Watch the video at the top of this page for a compilation of moments from my happy place. 

The post Join NJ Wight on Safari appeared first on NJ Wight.

The Texture of Elephants

Wrinkled and rough, creased and crusted, the texture of elephants create living landscapes in nature. These thundering giants with gentle eyes captivate and hold tight in our imagination. Even if you have never seen one, it is likely that your mind can quite easily conjure up an image of this unique and curious creature. And yet, if you have been lucky enough to encounter one up close, you might be hard-pressed to find the words to describe it the magic of being in its presence.

Wild Elephant Encounters

Whether sitting quietly surrounded by a large herd in the Sabi Sands, listening to the cracking of branches and swooshing of trunks as they forage and feed in the woodland, or watching a family play and relax on the banks of Kenya’s Ewaso Ngíro River, each experience has been different from the last. And each encounter leaves me longing for the next.

Love at First Sight

My very first trip to the continent was visiting Tanzania in 2007 and I was rightfully humbled by the mock-charge of a large bull in musth! It was in Tanzania that I first stood barefoot in elephant footprints and watched in the moonlight as a small family crossed a dry riverbed 100 feet from our truck. There years later, in Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve, I photographed a 3-day old calf — and the next day, that same calf taking baby steps, another day older.

Once, at first-light in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a young bull paid me a visit at my tent, his eyelashes poking through the mesh window as I was lacing my boots. Every experience has been memorable. You do not easily forget an elephant encounter. Now, after 10 years of travelling to Africa, my elephant memories will last me a lifetime!

Walking With Elephants

Morula was born around 1977 and was an orphan of a Zimbabwean culling program. She was 31 when I met her and had the opportunity to walk with her through the wilds of the Okavango Delta. She was one of three elephants that I was privileged to spend time with, accompanied by Doug Groves of the Living with Elephants Foundation. Rubbing her trunk, legs, and belly, my fingers roamed her textures, delighting in the feel of her hard, rough skin and her prickly, thick ridges covered with short bristles of hair. We joined her family, trailing behind and walking through the bush, in her way, in her time. When she lay her trunk over my shoulder it felt like a wire brush and I was astonished by its weight. My heart danced in my chest…

Elephant Ears are a Soft Touch

There is absolutely nothing delicate about the texture of elephants. That is until you rub behind their ears. The most heightened sensory experience I have ever had with an animal has been running my hands behind the ears of an elephant. Their skin transforms. Warm and soft with smooth contours, those enormous flaps protecting hidden hollows. It is magical. They are living landscapes my palms have roamed in wonder.

Our Connection to Elephants

Elephants seem to hold enormous appeal. I am not quite sure what it is about this marvelous animal that captivates us so. Whether it is the unimaginable size or that wondrous and unusual body? Or perhaps we are drawn to the herd and the close sense of family they share with humans? Or maybe their deeply emotional personalities? Whatever it is, of one thing I am quite certain; our connection to the elephant runs very, very deep.

I know I have been charmed by the elephants I have met and I am fortunate to carry them with me.

For more information about elephants and how you can help, please visit the following organizations:

http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/

http://worldwildlife.org/species/african-elephant

https://biglife.org/

http://www.bornfree.org.uk/campaigns/elephants/

The post The Texture of Elephants: Living Landscapes in Nature appeared first on NJ Wight.

Trioceros jacksonii

Trioceros jacksonii, the three horned chameleon gets its name from trioceros, a Greek derivative from the combined terms tri which means three, and keras meaning horns. These little lions are known for their fierce defensive displays where they can be seen hissing and lunging at their opponent, as well as doing battle with their unique and formidable horns. These unique looking lizards with their little mitten-like hands have wonderous eyes shaped like a dotted turret with a glassy pupil. The males have three horns protruding from their crest and their long and speedy tongues, extending 1.5 times their body length, can fully extend in .07 seconds.

Jackson’s chameleon Socializing

Jackson’s are solitary lizards and outside of their mating season will stick to themselves, intimidating each other if territories are compromised. But when the days get hotter and longer and it is time to find a mate, males will begin a series of displays to initiate courtship with a lady-Jackson’s. As they sway and dance, lifting their spiny backs higher, they might stretch up their neck and open their mouth wide, displaying their powerful jaws hoping to convince her of their hunting prowess. They will also rapidly change colour creating a vibrant display meant to win her heart. And if a female happens to have eyes for two males, it will come down to a joust with horns to determine who will move on to the next round.

The native home of this intriguing reptile is Mount Kenya, with its varied vegetation and high insect population. At some point, humans transported the Jackson’s chameleon to Hawaii, where they have now made a home, thriving amongst the rich vegetation and plentiful insect population. Sadly, chameleons of all varietals are a very popular exotic pet and far too many of these creatures are now captured in the wild and then shipped around the world for private ownership, many dying along the way.

Photographic Challenges

Chameleons certainly charm the camera, but they are a challenge to capture. First, you have to find them. They are very well camouflaged. I rely on Anton on our travels around Nairobi where even the vegetation in a parking lot can provide a hidden home. In the dark shadows of foliage, you do not have much light and the small horns are long enough to throw off your depth of field. Trying to steady yourself as you reach in between branches and relying on very low f-stops and slow shutter speeds to compensate for the lack of light, they are difficult to capture from end-to-end — but I certainly never tire of trying!

For more about my adventures with chameleons, check out Up Close with Chameleons on my ko-fi.com/njwight page.

The post Jackson’s Chameleon: Love at First Sight appeared first on NJ Wight.

“If all you can do is crawl, start crawling.” —Rumi

What better way to bring in a new year than to celebrate some of the little lives I have been privileged to photograph in Africa. It is always special to watch young animals making their way in the world with exuberance and curioisty and I love the creative challenge of capturing their energy and innocence. They are endlessly amusing and I am aware of striking a balance between following their antics through the viewfinder and sitting back and enjoying the show. Either way, it is difficult not to feel joyful in their presence. They are so deserving of our respect and protection. We must not fail them.

Wishing you a peaceful year. Thanks so much for your continued encouragement and support of my work.

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