Melissa-lee Photography

Name: Melissa-lee Photography
Address: White River, 1240, ZA
Telephone: +27713320426

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Melissa-lee Photography

Wildlife Photography & Wanderlust | Born in Johannesburg, rooted in White River, South Africa.

Africa is in my blood, a place where my heart beats in rhythm with the wild. “Africa isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling, a heartbeat, a passion.”

18/02/2026

She is gorgeous! This was taken during the recent floods in the Kruger National Park. With only three roads open and no day visitors allowed in, the park felt hushed, almost sacred. Just the sound of rain and tyres on wet tar.

We noticed another vehicle stopped ahead and slowed down to see what had caught their attention. And then she appeared. An absolute beauty, walking straight toward us through the rain-soaked grass. The wet blades brushing against her, tiny purple flowers framing her perfectly. The light was soft, the air wet and heavy, the world reduced to her eyes locked forward.

She stole my breath.

She wasn’t pleased to have been spotted, you could see it in the way she lowered herself, shoulders rolling as she slinked through the grass.

Moments like this are why I will always return, even in the rain, even when the roads are few. Sometimes the floods quiet the world just enough for magic to walk straight toward you!

17 Jan 2026, 11:31, H3

14/02/2026

A flash of red in a sea of weathered wood.

This Red-billed Oxpecker was photographed in the Greater Kruger area, tucked into an old tree hollow where they were busy building a nest. The bark was rich with texture, twisted and aged, creating the perfect natural frame. Then that brilliant red bill and striking yellow-ringed eyes lit up the shadows.

The soft light slipping into the hollow added just enough drama, sculpting colour against the muted tones of the tree. Texture, contrast, and a little Kruger magic all in one moment.

Sometimes it’s the smallest birds that create the biggest scenes.

Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
Melissa-lee Photography

23/01/2026

Kruger this past weekend was less “game drive glamour” and more “windshield wipers on maximum speed”. Near-constant rain, moody skies, and that damp-everything feeling… until suddenly, a gap in the clouds. A little sun. A slice of blue sky. And right on cue, the Ground Hornbills clocked in for their moment.

These guys were clearly thrilled with the weather break, soaking up the sun, full of attitude, full of character, hopping about in a tree like they had somewhere very important to be. It’s not often you get to see them this active and animated, and it felt like a small reward for braving the weather.

Even with only 3 roads open to explore, Kruger still delivered, as it always does. Rain or shine, there’s just something extra special about this place. It never disappoints…

More from our soggy, wonderful Kruger weekend coming soon.

Date taken Saturday 17 Jan 2026

Kruger Magazine

20/01/2026

A little light relief from all the devastating news in Kruger.

We visited the park this weekend 16-18 Jan 2026 and Kruger is absolutely drenched . Water everywhere, grass glowing, the bush trying to breathing again. And then there was this guy…

Caught mid shake-off after clearly misjudging just how wet “chilling in the grass” was going to be. The face says it all: offended, deeply inconvenienced and full of regrets.

I managed a whole series of shots of him shaking the water off and honestly, he did not look impressed at all. I must say I had a good laugh at his expense.

More from our soggy but unforgettable Kruger weekend coming soon. Sometimes the bush gives you drama, sometimes it gives you comic relief, and sometimes it gives you both in one very wet baboon.

Kruger Magazine

15/01/2026

Kruger – Wet Edition | Part 2

But somehow… the birds still showed up looking like absolute models.
Even with bad light and soggy conditions, Kruger reminded us (again) that you don’t need perfect weather to find something beautiful especially when feathers are involved.
10 January 2026. Kruger National Park.

More rainy-day magic loading…
Follow for more of our wild (and very wet) Kruger adventure

13/01/2026

Continuation from yesterday.

Even though the park was soaking wet and the light wasn’t playing along, Kruger still delivered!!
I managed to capture a few beautiful bird portraits, proof that even on the grey, rainy days, nature always gives you something special if you slow down and look.
10 January 2026. Kruger National Park.

More from our wet Kruger adventure coming soon…

12/01/2026

First photo of the year!

What started as an unexpected day trip turned into a very wet and wonderful adventure. This past weekend (10 January 2026) we decided to pop into Kruger National Park just to see how wet the park was… and we loved it so much that we ended up staying the night.

Thanks to the incredibly helpful staff at Skukuza, we managed to snag the last safari tent, excitement levels were high! We had no extra clothes, no toiletries, but a quick stop at the park shop for a cheap toothbrush and toothpaste and we were sorted.

The park is unbelievably green, bursting with life and abundance. Little streams and dry riverbeds were flowing everywhere, such an incredible sight. With the rain falling almost nonstop, I didn’t expect much in terms of photography, but I had an absolute blast capturing wet animals and birds in their element.

This image quickly became my favourite: a rain-soaked buffalo, with rain drops all around, another buffalo fading softly into the background, and a red-billed oxpecker adding that perfect pop of colour. Technically it may not be my best, but the mood speaks to me and that matters most. I honestly cannot wait to see this one in print.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Follow along to see more from our very wet Kruger adventure.

South African National Parks

25/12/2025

As the year comes to a close, I just want to say a huge thank you to every single person who supports my photography journey. Your encouragement, messages, and love for wildlife and wild places keep me inspired.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with light, adventure, and unforgettable moments. Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to share what’s next.

03/10/2025

King of charm, master of mischief!

What a privilege it was to spend time with this gorgeous character. He was such a charmer, full of personality and endlessly curious. At one moment he was watching us in the vehicle with intense interest, and the next, his attention was drawn to a sound above him.

Moments like these are such a blessing to witness and capture. Like I always say… I absolutely adore these cats. Every encounter reminds me why I love these cats so much.

Sabi Sand Nature Reserve

26/09/2025

Each photographer has their own idea of what makes an image “artsy,” but there’s something about the dance of grass and light that always draws me in.

These are a few of my favourite shots from Kruger, simple moments turned into little works of art by nature itself.

Address

White River
1240

Telephone

+27713320426

Website

http://www.melissalee.co.za/

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