BEHIND THE SCENES

For this issue, photojournalist Jac Kritzinger travelled to De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Overberg (page 40). He returned with a clear head and a dirty Duster.

The biggest challenge of this story? I didn’t stay in the reserve because the self-catering accommodation is on the expensive side. I stayed on a farm about 15 km from the main gate. De Hoop only opens at 7 am, but the park staff allowed me to enter half an hour earlier to take photos during the golden hour. I had to brave the dirt road (and its potholes) in the dark every morning. What about De Hoop surprised you? It’s a relatively small reserve, but home to such diverse ecosystems: the vlei, sea and fynbos. Walking along the vlei in the early morning was magical. Any interesting anecdotes? On the morning I returned to Cape Town, the dirt roads were muddy after heavy rain the previous night. The magazine’s Duster almost got stuck a few times, but somehow we made it through. When I stopped for petrol in Caledon, I attracted a few stares – I only realised why when I got out of the vehicle. It was covered in mud up to the windows! I’d like to give a shout out to the car wash in Gordon’s Bay – it took them three hours, but they managed to get it sparkling again. What’s always in your backpack? My camera, a good book (I’m currently reading Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts) and ear plugs (I’m a light sleeper). Your favourite destination? I’m a child of the forest, but I also love the sea. The Garden Route is where I feel most at home. Next on your itinerary? South America – Peru, Chile and Bolivia are top of the list. The landscapes are scenic and diverse: rainforests, mountains, deserts, salt pans, volcanoes… My camera will work overtime!