Nicola, Author at Nicola Ann Art

Jun 08

by Nicola in 4x4, Adventure, Off-Road 2 comments tags: 4x4, Adventure, Gwahumbe Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, Off-road, road accident, Rugged Terrain, Suzuki Jimny, Warwick Triangle

Suzuki Jimny: life saver!

I wouldn’t normally post a blog such as this; however, I want people to be aware of the danger associated with careless driving and speed, and of course I have to say thank you… On Friday, 9th May, 2014, we left Gwahumbe after exploring the reserve in my Suzuki Jimny – taking it to its limits through the rivers and down the 4×4 only tracks. I didn’t think my Jimny could have impressed me more until an hour later when we reached the new bridge over the Warwick Triangle. As I was slowing down in the middle lane to join the stationary cars stopped at the red traffic light, I looked into my rear-view mirror and spotted a truck hurtling towards us at top speed from the left lane. I tried to get out the way by moving in to the right lane where the truck hit the back of us and rammed the left side of my Jimny before it jumped in to the air twice before smashing into the barrier. The truck skidded into 10 other vehicles. If I was in my Kia Picanto only a month earlier I don’t think Peter, siting […]

May 30

by Nicola in Nature, Wildlife 0 comments tags: African bush, BeanOn Photography, Big 5, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern KZN, Off-road, Wildlife, Zululand

Africa’s Prize

…to be kept secret. Recently I read an article, a plea, to not reveal the name of game reserves that still have rhinos. “Please be careful when sharing photos on social media. They can lead poachers to our rhino. Turn off geotag function and do not disclose where the photo was taken.” This reserve, in the heart of Zululand, visited at the beginning of the month, is still fortunate enough to have many and all with their horns attached. A couple of weeks go another private game reserve was a target; the target hit. Before the second game drive ended we spotted the Big 5 – Africa’s prize; the elusive one only just visible, resting in the tall, dry grass less than 10 meters from the topless vehicle. I’ve experimented with black and white and feel they work, better than expected – I couldn’t have asked for better lighting especially for the landscapes.

Apr 28

by Nicola in 4x4, Adventure, Nature, Off-Road, Wildlife 0 comments tags: 4x4, BeanOn Photography, Gwahumbe Game Reserve, hippo pool, lookout, Off-road, panoramas, rough-terrain, vistas, Wildlife

Gwahumbe Game Reserve

Less than an hour’s drive from Pinetown and you’ll find yourself amidst spectacular surroundings in KwaZulu-Natal. Every turn, every bump on the 4×4 track at Gwahumbe Game Reserve is presented with a breath-taking vista; 2×4 wheel drive vehicles would also thrive, however, there is the option of being driven around by a ranger on a partly covered all-terrain vehicle/s belonging to the reserve. After exploring – the cave, river crossings, views of the pea-green hippo pool from Thirsty’s Deck, water falling into a weir and an almost head-on collision with a male rhino standing guard to a herd of wildebeest and zebra – we could not resist dining at the main lodge’s restaurant overlooking gardens brimming with indigenous vegetation where we were showered with uncompromising hospitality and sensational and hearty food. At the end, when paying our way at reception we almost insisted that they’d made a mistake when they’d taken off the entrance to the reserve from the total due to us enjoying a meal at the lodge. A 4-star lodge that should boast 5-star for the scenery alone. One of the activities includes mountain biking; imagine coming face to face with a rhino – oh the adrenaline. Guess […]

Apr 13

by Nicola in 4x4, Adventure, Nature, Off-Road, Wildlife 0 comments tags: 4x4, Adventure, BeanOn Photography, Early morning, Exploring, KwaZulu-Natal, Off-road, Rugged Terrain, Tala Private Game Reserve, Wildlife

Tala Private Game Reserve

Tala Private Game Reserve, a stunning wildlife sanctuary, amidst green sugarcane fields, is only a 30 minute drive from the Mariannhill Toll Plaza, Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal. Stuart Hicove purchased the cattle ranch in 1988 and then turned it into a game ranch that stretches 3200ha and is home to white rhino, giraffe, blue wildebeest, kudu, eland, nyala, sable, waterbuck, reedbuck, common duiker, warthog and a large variety of bird species. The serenity, quietness – wildlife sounds – is an instant dose of calmness; a temporary reprieve from everyday turbulence. Day visitors are welcome, and a nominal entrance fee is payable at the gate. Office hours: 7:00am to 5:00pm Gate times: 7:00am to 7:00pm (Summer) 7:00am to 5:00pm (Winter) Guides are available for game drives and bush walks. There are picnic sites overlooking the rock pool and a restaurant at the main lodge.

Apr 10

4×4 training – let’s get stuck!

Thank you to both Suzuki Pinetown and Travis Duggan from Shift Group for the well organised 4×4 training, or rather adventure, that took place at the Killarney track in Shongweni, a week after I purchased my first ever 4×4 vehicle. Impeccable timing! Never-ending thrills beneath a sky as blue as the Indian Ocean streaked with wisps of cloud, a sun throbbing hotter by the hour and a breath or two of air in a valley surrounded by red earth and green lush shrubbery! What more could anyone want? A bevy of Jimnys and Grand Vitaras were all eager to get their tyres caked in thick dirt and washed off at the river crossing both at the start and end of the semi-challenging route. Did you say a river crossing? Driving my spanking new car through water with rocks and slime and… “Cars do not like water,” Travis informed the group, all glaring at him with expressions like a kinetic strap pulled tight. Was that supposed to make me feel better? “But the Jimnys can safely absorb water up to the Suzuki badge.” As the river appeared that it would only reach mid-rim I started breathing again and felt […]

Mar 31

by Nicola in Nature, Sunset, Umdloti beach 0 comments tags: Adventure, beach, BeanOn Photography, electric storm, Indian Ocean, running, sea, storm, Sunset, Umdloti beach, wild sky

Wild Sky at Umdloti Beach

As I start running along the beach after work, late afternoon, the sky suddenly darkened, turned wild, a wild sky, south of Umdloti while north had the light radiating from above. A few strides later a thunderstorm rumbles and crackles, enveloping my senses. Never had I seen the sky so angry and stunning at the same time; the waves in rhythm to the storm’s roar. I stood below it, taking in every colour, flash, sound and smell – feeling the heat, steaming humidity and rain drops sizzle against my skin – until my brain kicked in and moved aside the adrenaline. What on Earth are you doing, nutter? Get back to shelter, get your phone and capture the moment – before being stuck by a lightning fork – as best as you can using a not so great camera-phone. Why did I leave my DSLR at home today? Why… Any photos are better than nothing, right…? To be amazed by nature; to allow nature to amaze; its power; its wildness – a wild power that commands respect!

Mar 23

by Nicola in 4x4, Adventure, Nature, Off-Road, People 0 comments tags: 4x4, 4x4 challenge, Adventure, BeanOn Photography, Challenge, Jimny, Killarney Track, KwaZulu-Natal, Off-road, Rugged Terrain, Shift Group, Shongweni, Suzuki Jimny

One life. Live it.

Land Rover once said: “One Life. Live it.” I experienced something today for the first time by enjoying being a spectator at a 4×4 challenge, held at Killarney in Shongweni. Actually, because I am planning on purchasing a 4×4, one that was going to take part at the event I had to witness just how well it would do. Unfortunately, due to the track being too “soft” it ended up not competing. Just as well as most regrettably damaged their vehicles and had wished they’d never taken them out. But it made for great viewing so thank you to those who didn’t chicken out! Of course I was rooting for the underdogs: “Lucky N” and luminous “e-car”. Unfortunately, my rooting did not help. “Ooh!” “Ahh!” “Ouch!” And many vulgarities were heard whenever the Amarok got stuck; after the fourth time, in the same spot, despite trying different ways to attack the ditch coated in mud, only vulgarities could be heard. The vehicle should be labelled “AmarokDisaster” instead of “AmarokStar” – as highlighted in one of the images below. We only hung around for the first heat, which was enough to make me want to experience […]

Mar 15

by Nicola in Rugby 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Cell C, Growth Point Stadium, Indian Ocean, KwaZulu-Natal, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Rugby, South Africa, The Reds Rugby, The Sharks, The Sharks Rugby

Attack by the sharks

Another brilliant attack by the Sharks! How they pulled it off while sleeping for much of the second half, is questionable; however, they did it in the end. The score says it all… Sharks 35 Reds 20. The empty-ish stadium surprised me after all they were playing a decent flair-full Australian team. Where was everyone today? Great to see one or two die-hard fans around!

Feb 11

by Nicola in Beach, Not-for-profit, People 0 comments tags: Abandoned Baby, Baby Hope House, BeanOn Photography, Durban beach front, Indian Ocean, KwaZulu-Natal, Pinetown, South Africa

Our government is blinded

‘Sawubona, boy! You so beautiful, boy.’ Yesterday, a young black woman greeted the child I sat with on the beach, Moses Mabhida Stadium directly behind, under an umbrella made out of thin wooden logs almost of identical size. I told her his name. Her eyes dropped down to the camera that dangled from my neck. ‘Are the photos instant? Can you take one of me with boy? How much?’ ‘I will not charge you. Do you have an email address?’ My ear felt deafened after she screeched with excitement. ‘I don’t have email but my friend does.’ Next thing I was taking photos of 3 people, many poses. About 4 groups of black people approached at different times soon after my friend joined us. ‘How you get black baby?’ A black man asked me while my friend went for a dip. I explained Hope House and their great cause. He grins, thanks me and then runs off.

Feb 03

Only in Africa

The ultimate beach-and-bush experience en route to Cape Vidal via the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, Greater St Lucia. Stunning vistas of grasslands; greetings by zebra and kudu along the side of the road en route to the beach, where a beautiful, unspoilt bay awaits, beckons to be explored beneath its electric blue surface and then a grand farewell by two rhinos still with their horns attached, followed by a munching warthog. Honestly, what more could a visitor wish for? Once again, only in Africa!

Jan 05

by Nicola in Not-for-profit, People, Swimming 0 comments tags: Abandoned babies, Abandoned Baby, Baby Hope House, BeanOn Photography, KwaZulu-Natal, orphans, Pinetown, South Africa

Unsung heroes

What amazing work both Sonia and Lynne do by nurturing the stunningly beautiful children that are parentless, babies that have been abandoned; however, have been given another chance at life – beginning their new adventure at Hope House until they are adopted by other selfless people. Thank you, Sonia and Lynne, for allowing me the honour of being a part of your love-filled journey. Inspiration at its best! http://www.babyhopehouse.org.za/

Dec 16

Amakhosi Private Game Reserve

The day after Mauritius, from 14th – 17th December, I retreated to the middle of the bushveld at the stunning Amakhosi Private Game Reserve, on the banks of Zululand’s Mkuze River. Surrounded by thick bushland, wetlands and mountains makes for spectacular vistas from one of the six luxurious river suites I stayed in, and found a challenge departing from. The entire five-star experience – from the welcoming staff, the sensory cuisine, the game drives, the landscape, the animal sightings, the noises of the bush, the smells and the packed lunch given to you upon farewell – had you feeling like royalty; an experience fit for a king. It was worth driving 4.5 hours from Durban to Pongola, and I plan to visit again sometime in the next few years.

Dec 13

Le Touessrok, Mauritius

From the 7th – 13th December, I relinquished my senses to sun, sea and sand amongst private, pristine beaches along Mauritius’ east coast. Their website describes the luxurious five-star hotel, Le Touessrok, as “…one of the world’s great romantic resorts.” I couldn’t agree more – a zenith of tropical bliss. An encounter that led to a blissful blur… No two other words perfectly capture the idyllic, paradisal utopia… With views of the tranquil Trou d’Eau Douce Bay, the resort lies on a stunning stretch of white sandy coast. Within the lagoon are two islands Ilot Mangénie and Ile aux Cerfs, with hospitable staff awaiting your arrival. The resort boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, one of the best in Mauritius. Startling. Staggering. Dramatic. A sensory shock; all senses awakened, like a jolt of lightening bursting through an ink-black sky.

Nov 30

by Nicola in Black & White, Nature 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Black & White Photography, Exploring, Flowers, Garden, KwaZulu-Natal, nature, Plants, South Africa

Colour-less

I enjoyed a stroll through a garden with my camera in hand, poised, ready for action; inspired by everything around me, I couldn’t resist shooting black and white – a colour-less world – to capture the dull, wet day… ANON: These are beautiful images, I have always personally thought that “Black and White” photography shows the true character and nature of things. Somehow light and shadow seem to intensify and define themselves much better. I enjoy these images, and hope to see more on your website soon. BeanOn: Thank you for enjoying these images. Some things definitely demand to be captured in black and white, as you mentioned, highlight (excuse the pun) shadows and definition and turn something ordinary into something that’s worth appreciating.

Oct 29

by Nicola in Adventure, Nature 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Exploring, Getaway Magazine, Giba Gorge, Hi-Tec, Hiking, KwaZulu-Natal, nature, Pinetown, Quarry, Rugged Terrain, South Africa

Getaway Magazine and Hi-Tec at Giba Gorge

About 50 of us joined Getaway magazine and the Hi-Tec crew for a half-day hike at Giba Gorge on Sunday, 27 October. What a stunning trail through the peaceful new and old-growth forests with spraying waterfalls and inspiring vistas – to the top, high above the N3 freeway where it suddenly turned dangerous climbing in the pouring rain; not for the fainthearted!