There is no doubt that the African bush has a magical quality that, once it has crept into your soul, never leaves again. Each visit beguiles one more and the yearning to return time after time drives a search for undiscovered places and new experiences. KwaZuluNatal has only a smattering of destinations to explore and the most desirable of these is Phinda Game Reserve. A destination much vaunted for its Black Rhino, Cheetah and Lions, this reserve has to be high on the agenda of any bush junkie. So it is that I find myself heading east towards the Indian Ocean to attend an ODP photographic safari.

Our first sortie into the bush comes shortly after we arrive and the familiar feel of the wind whipping through my hair is a welcome one, while the discomfort of the bench on the back of the safari vehicle allows me to savour the moment of being back in amongst the thorn trees and grasses of the African plains. We head north towards the Marsh Area in an attempt to search for a pride of lions that have been seen in the area. [Source: www.outdoorphoto.co.za]