Never underestimate weird warthogs

Visitors to South Africa soon become bored with warthog sightings. They aren't much to look at, and they appear at every turn on the safari. But warthogs are very strong, extremely smart animals. Unlike many others, they are not endangered because they are skilled at adapting to new threats. Take for example that they are crepuscular (feed early morning and evening). But if they live in an area where they are hunted by people, they switch to foraging at night.

Magical mousebirds

"In the trees to the right, see the mousebirds?" asks our guide as he makes a quick stop alongside the dirt road in Addo Elephant Park in South Africa. "They only live here." We strain to make out what and where he is pointing, but see only light-speed movement of the small flock away from the road into the trees. It is the first of three attempts to introduce us as they scurry off like a band of mice. In the day use area where we stop to have a late breakfast, it is a different story. Like many of the common birds here, their docile cousins survive by scrounging on the remnants of visitors, and warily pose for pictures.

Two-faced kudu

It is our first morning in Addo Elephant Park in South Africa. The morning is motionless and clear, notably quiet, cold and still dark as we load our guide's extended cab pick-up. We are here at the beginning of winter season because of the reduced chance of running into mosquitoes and malaria. Though we enjoy a short drive the evening before, this is our first full day in the truck looking for wildlife. The heater is running in the front seat while I take over the back with camera and gear. Sunrise comes quickly as we drive the road from Matyholweni Camp to Addo Main Camp in the north. By the time we reach Harvey's Loop the light is perfect. We are the only vehicle on the road, which is a blessing when we come around the corner to encounter a small herd of kudu.

Our guide skillfully coasts next to the group of eight as we hold our breath, hoping not to startle these hard to approach antelope. Their radar-like ears easily detect danger, causing them to bark and flee. Instead, they raise their heads and stare. We sit for several minutes and stare back, overwhelmed by the sheer mass of the herd, how exquisite their markings and their quiet stillness. It's not until I have looked at them for several minutes that I notice that each one of them has a mustachioed face on the end of their muzzle.

Roaming South Africa -- the mighty and emotional elephant

Elephants love reunions. They recognize one another after years and years of separation and greet each other with wild, boisterous joy. There's bellowing and trumpeting, ear flapping and rubbing. Trunks entwine.

Jennifer Richard Jacobson