Nkupe Sentinel  

Oil on Canvas 100cm x 60cm

This tree is in Mana , and overlooks the Nkupe drive .When looking up from the flood plain at the right angle one can see a hole right the way through her and it often looks like there is a leopard sitting in this hole .

The Tree is dramatic and powerful –she has presence over the flood plain that she  presides over , and whilst not being as big as other Baobabs –there is an almost regal energy to her !

When seated at her base there are the signs and sensations of Africa , the feelings and exotic blends of the Zambezi Valley ,with a constant sense of peace , a place where silence is no longer an enemy  ,but a friend .

So when you next have a chance – go there , walk where the Elephants walk , feel the silence and absorb the sensations of the valley  , take in the immense privilege that has been ours to be able to witness nature at its best and do it soon , because the drums of “progress “are beating !

Tread lightly on the Earth

Will

www.willmaberly.blogspot.com

The legacy of a Lion

So what happens next ?the furor over Cecil has died down , the infinite wisdom of some continues however.... People who know so little about what is happening on the ground ,have in many respects condemned more lions !! The pressure being brought to bear on Hunting is definitely going to effect  Management of wildlife resources in poorer countries !. 

We are simply not winning in the war against poaching , its not happening despite the intense efforts made by many , a lot f them hunters  - we are fighting a losing battle .

I  recently wrote a letter to my nephews  , speaking of the incredible privilege they have had  growing up in the wild s of Africa , but I fear their children will not have this- this deep sense of belonging - because much of what is here now will not be here very shortly - its being decimated as we speak 

Perhaps its time for us to consider our own intelligence ,for whilst "Rome burns " we ( yes us the" so called intelligent species ")  sit and argue about the right ways to handle this - its disgusting !We all know the best way to really understand something is to gain an intricate knowledge of what it is - i.e be there talk to the people that are there daily , and yet the world seems to bow down to "coffee shop guerrillas ".

I dont see enough criticism of the poaching of elephants -  you only have to look at the Rhino and see where this is going - perhaps that doesnt sell media?

Will Maberly 2016

The Arrival

The Arrival

Oil On Canvas

100 x 60cm 

The Evening is upon us , the light has changed as it does in the Zambezi Valley , the birds are moving and that heat of the mid day is dying .Its been another long day in the dust and the heat of the Zambezi Valley and it feels like the very Bush  is a sighing in relief .

Deep in the Jesse the dust is stirred up by the feet of these Elephant  , as they smell the water nearby , the  Bulls increase their pace to the small pan , their size is impressive – humbling and above all the silence is spiritual -
Take a walk where the animals walk  , sit there and the sensations of Africa will fill you , the dampness of the Mopane clay around the pan , the aromas of elephant dung , and the sound of all the birds will combine to create  a sensation , a feeling  that sits with you forever

This is a group of Bachelors , the young and the eager out front – often known as “Askari” or Policemen ,they are often out ahead and accompany the older Bulls , learning from them and respecting them –like the youngest in the family , he is often cajoled and reprimanded but taught by his elder brothers .

This painting reminds me of you boys , of Tom and Matt and Mitch ,I see how it is -and how it will always be , a brotherhood of fine men  , a tribute to their Mother and their Father , and it will remind you of this place we call the “Valley “, a place where we have been very privileged to be a part of for so many years .

Wherever you fetch up in life and , what ever you end up doing , moments like those will keep you strong – the knowing that you have been a part of this incredible life we have led will keep you powerful and resolute

Above all it will remind you of where you come from , for without a past there is no future

Will 2015

Simba !

"Ma Sacka" 

The heat was sitting in the high 40's  and it was only about 11 o clock - there has been no rain ! and there is a tension that is brutal everywhere .There is an air of oppression and in the sun it feels like there is a vacuum around you as you breath in hot air .

In the sparse shade in these conditions , panting in the extreme temperatures - we met these two young male lion , their faces already scarred from battles they have had to fight for their existence .

Our approach was not appreciated , proximity to Africa's Apex predator is always a great  adrenaline rush , and this was no exception - low growls and some tail thrashing certainly gets to you .

Africa - a place of extreme beauty , Harsh and magnificent - I just love it !

Recent Encounters

A Series of photos taken recently , a privilege to have been there among the animals and the Paradise that is Africa 

New Life ,,,,,

The morning herds were coming in to drink , when we noticed this cow on her own , backed away and isolated from the rest, it became apparent that something had happened as there were vultures circling. The night before we had had lion around the camp, the impact of their roars as always awakening the very core of my soul

The young cow started to run out the bush chasing the vultures away, and on getting closer I realized she had a young one that could have only been a couple of hours old maximum

 

 I think, concerned by the way the predators were gathering and worried they might bring more, she started trying to throw or hide the after birth away, and at one stage she even had it in her mouth and looked like she was going to eat it all

At some Point the Jackals managed to get hold of it and dragged it away from her, and then pandemonium as everyone fought for the scraps

I later saw the little calf that afternoon , his umbilical cord still attached, already dusty and steady on his legs, the incredible ways of nature, 

Another African experience that will sit deep within me for ever

"Tread Lightly on the Earth"

Will Maberly