Getaway GALLERY
AFRICA’S PREMIER
FINALIST Floral Haven
Hyllus treleaveni is the largest jumping spider in Africa; this beautiful female was photographed in Marloth Park, Mpumalanga after she decided to jump onto my son (who is terrified of spiders). She was relocated – for her own safety – to a protea flower and photographed.
By Eleanor Hattingh, Krugersdorp
Nikon D90; Sigma 105mm; f/8.0; 1/125s; ISO 400
FINALIST One with Nature
This hidden gem was captured in the magnificent Swadini Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga. The image illustrates a plunge pool that is hidden in a beautiful forest. I love this photograph because it shows that humans do have the potential to coexist with nature. As soon as I saw this unique landscape, I knew I had to launch my drone to get a better perspective. I flew the drone straight up and manoeuvred it to the centre of the plunge pool. After seeing the unbelievable view, I had no doubt that I had to take a photograph.
By Iana Strydom, Johannesburg
DJI Mavic 2 Pro; Hasselblad L1D-20c 10mm; f/2.8; 1/500s; ISO: 100
FINALIST
Overberg Dawn
I had long wanted to spend time in the Overberg, in Western Cape capturing the moods of the mountains and surrounding foothills. As the winter months with heavy cloud tend to produce the moodiest moments, I planned a visit for August and found a wonderful B&B on a farm at the base of a mountain near Greyton. Waking an hour before sunrise to the sound of heavy rain, I ventured out in the misty gloom and headed up the mountain in my 4x4. It was a slippery and precarious ascent but my perseverance paid off as the low-lying clouds started to lift. I stepped out on foot into the wet fynbos and found this multilayered scene as dawn broke. Paradise regained.
By Rob Smith, Plettenberg Bay
Nikon D850; Nikon 70-200mm F2,8; f/11; 1/3s; ISO: 64
FINALIST
Gemsbok Battle I had some work to do in Upington and had three days to myself in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. On the first morning I stopped at Kij-Kij waterhole and watched these magnificent beasts fight for dominance.
By Paul Nash, Howick
Canon 7d mk2; Canon 100-400 Mk2; f/6.3; 1/1250s; ISO: 200