OK, so the line from the movie 300 might be a little cheesy or perhaps even lost on some of you, but the parallels are rather relevant at the moment. For many years, one pride of lions has been ruling the roost at South Africa’s Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve. But change may be in the …
About Ben Coley
‘Living the dream’ is a much over-utilised cliché, but finding myself immersed in the African bush after being born and raised in England, it's a phrase that eloquently sums up the life-changing events I have experienced. I always had an affinity for African wildlife and, as a child, spent countless hours reading literature, watching documentaries and daydreaming about living in this magical terrain. When the chance came along unexpectedly, I jumped at it and within a couple of months found myself deep in the bush, studying to be a field guide. I have never looked back. I have been in the industry for more than six years and currently ply my trade at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve www.sabisabi.com alongside my wife and soul mate who is also a guide here. The photographic opportunities are endless and, as a keen amateur photographer and writer, I am in my element. I am incredibly proud of my achievements and currently hold FGASA 3, trails guide and SKS birding qualifications, but I still wake up each morning with a sense of excitement about what the bush holds for me to learn. No two days or sightings are ever the same and it is this emotional rollercoaster that drives me to pursue and share my passion on a daily basis. These blogs and others can be found on www.sabisabi.com/blog.
Survival of the Quickest
But for a few notable exceptions, animals are not known for their problem solving abilities. Most rely on primeval instinct that has been passed on to them through generations. The knowledge of what to do and when is as natural for them as taking their next breath. This instinct courses through their veins like a …

Fear of the Dark on the ‘Dark Continent’
Fear of the unknown is probably the only phobia that affects every single person on the planet. What has enabled human beings to rise to an unsurpassed intellectual plane is the capacity of the brain. The gift of imagination has granted us the ability to invent ground-breaking technology and to surpass nearly every hurdle that …

Clash of the Titans
In a heartbeat, the harmony of the Sabi Sabi bush was unceremoniously shattered. To our right, the thick vegetation was flattened as two angry rhinos erupted from its depths and emerged onto the open plain in front of us. The air was suddenly filled with the clashing of horns and plumes of dust as the …

Wondrous Winter Morning
The coldness enveloped us like an icy shroud as we pulled out of Bush Lodge. Hot breath from our recently consumed coffee condensed on contact with the air, causing plumes of vapour to erupt from our mouths with every exhalation. Pain coursed through our frozen ears. But despite the numbing cold our spirits were high …

Faster, Higher, Stronger
Once every four years, the cream of the world’s sportsmen and -women gather together to take part in the oldest and most prestigious competition in the world. Since 776 BC, the Olympic Games has pitted the greatest human specimens against each other in a multitude of events designed to showcase their talents. Perhaps the most …

The legend of the Mapogo lions
“Legend” – A person whose fame or notoriety makes him a source of exaggerated or romanticised tales or exploits. ‘Legend’ is a word that is thrown around all too often in this day and age, but the term surmises the reign of the Mapogo lions in the Sabi Sands to perfection. For the last 6 …
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Rhino guy banned for wearing ‘horn’
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