Winter is: Golden backlight

There is a special time of day when sun lights the bush in an unimaginable way. Light soft enough to look into and not shy away from. So soft that it draws you in and forces you to contemplate exactly what is unfolding before you. To me, worth more than gold itself, eternal images that will forever brighten a dull day. Warmth that can carry through the night and motivate for another dry day. It lingers in the winter bush and with good cause, it is needed now in times of hardship.

A Majingalane male at first light. Simon Smit

Horns glisten in the prevailing golden glow. Mike Sutherland

Daniel Buys plans to check an area as the sun sets. Mike Sutherland

Dust kicked up further illuminates a breathtaking scene. Mark Nisbet

A young elephant turns to run after a mock charge. Simon Smit

Simon Smit sits up to enjoy a herd of buffalo drinking at the end of another dry winters day. Mark Nisbet

Even rapidly beating wings can’t escape the light. Simon Smit

A young elephant is ushered to safety across the mighty Sand River. Simon Smit

A lone male wildebeest. Simon Smit

Walking off into what will soon be night. Simon Smit

Black shapes in a sea of gold, a member of a massive buffalo herd. Simon Smit

Some wildebeest take a break from feeding. Simon Smit

Written by Simon Smit.

Photographed by Simon Smit, Mike Sutherland, Mark Nisbet.