Kuifie in Africa: Forest, Fog and Falls, Sabie, Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Sunset @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

I revisited the Sabie area for a number of reasons. Sabie lies within the Northern Drakensberg in the province of Mpumalanga.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Mountains and valleys @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

Tall mountain ranges are carved out by ancient river systems, creating deep valleys and gorges. Clyde River Canyon is the third largest Canyon in the world.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Canyonlands @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

‘The Pinnacles’ and ‘God’s Window’ are popular tourist destinations.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Ben there @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

Too popular for me! Ben there, done that.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
One of many @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

These crystal clear streams that flow down the escarpment initiate stunning waterfalls. I visited most touristy waterfalls and attractions on my last visit which are nice but crowded and overpriced.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Colourful @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

Forrest Falls was one of the prettiest waterfalls in the area from memory. Strangely enough, I remembered the forest track to get to the falls instantly without Siri. My long-term memory is still intact.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Picturesque @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

What makes these waterfalls even more picturesque is the fact that it’s hardly known by tourists. It makes Forest Falls a perfect spot to soak in peace and serenity.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Serenity @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

And so I did. I parked Zimba in a wee niché near the granite walls and set the loftus tent up right there and then.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
My world Inside out @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

This is a magical place. I was in my world, just the way I like it.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Close by @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

The thundering waters had a noisy but relaxing effect on us. I built a fireplace and collected firewood for another cold night to come. Buckets of water weren’t far off, this is the dry- and fire season after all. Care must be taken.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Camp and fire @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

But I have chosen my fire pit carefully, out of the wind and away from the tall grass.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Ilumination @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

The almost full moon shone brightly. Light enough to illuminate Forest Falls, but it was dark enough to expose the stars above.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Southern Cross @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

Looking at the Southern Cross, my thoughts always wander. I wonder what my friends are doing now. I do hope that everyone is at peace as I am. It’s a hectic world these days.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Early morning @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

I was up early for sunrise as expected. A few birds started chirping and went on with the birdie business. Forestry trucks drove by as I set up my cameras and people waved friendly good morning.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Dreamy waters @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

Slow shutter photography initiates a hazy flow of running waters.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Preparations for a busy day @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

Thanks to ‘Theodore’ I was supplied with hot water for coffee. Lekker. Kuifie is ready for another busy relaxing day.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Up the creek @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

I climbed the 20-meter elevated track to the top of the falls. A sense of freedom.

Rick joined me off course and he flew towards rushing waters and the sun. How good is that?

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Birds-eye-view @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

Crystal-clear waters cascade down the valley, surrounded by tall timber.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Top Down @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

Rick was kept busy flying high and low, over and above this scenic area.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Rainbow @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

Osmo meanwhile created a Timelapse movie, including a rainbow. Where is Mary Poppins?

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Low Cloud @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

This moisture in the air often creates low clouds and foggy valleys. Photographically, this is a jewel in my artistic studio, producing surreal images. We had many foggy mornings on my last visit 6 years ago. So I went on a fog-hunting mission.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Sunrise @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

I drove you to the scenic rim and set Rick loose. It’s not the perfect time of the year for moisture to evaporate but it’s still fun.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Cuddle Puddle @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

Zimba and I made our way to Cuddle Puddle, a wee pond hidden away in the forest. Again, I remembered which dusty track to turn off to.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Fog-less @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

This tiny lake offers a scenic view of the escarpment. The calm waters are ideal for reflection photography.

Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa
Cafè Cuddle Puddle @Sabie. Mpumalanga, South Africa, Africa

Unfortunately, the clouds dispersed by the time I got there.

But nothing a coffee can’t fix. Café Pronto. Café freedom. Gotta be happy with that.

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