The Malilangwe Reserve

'Malilangwe reserve borders the greater Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe and this is true wild africa. The feeling of being “lost in time” is very obvious while we were working on the reserve.' (Photo via Barend van der Watt)

Photo by 'Malilangwe reserve borders the greater Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe and this is true wild africa. The feeling of being “lost in time” is very obvious while we were working on the reserve.' (Photo via Barend van der Watt)

The Baobab Tree 1

'Our Baobab subject on the reserve is a great specimen. He has so much character, scars from decades of elephant damage.' (Photo via Barend van der Watt)

Photo by 'Our Baobab subject on the reserve is a great specimen. He has so much character, scars from decades of elephant damage.' (Photo via Barend van der Watt)

The Baobab Tree 2

'Standing on the banks of the Chiredzi river, the area teems with wildlife.' (Photo via Barend van der Watt)

Photo by 'Standing on the banks of the Chiredzi river, the area teems with wildlife.' (Photo via Barend van der Watt)

The Baobab Tree Close-up

'What makes this Baobab incredibly magical is what happens inside. The tree is completely hollow and nearly 10 - 15 people would fit inside. ' (Photo via Barend van der Watt)

Photo by 'What makes this Baobab incredibly magical is what happens inside. The tree is completely hollow and nearly 10 - 15 people would fit inside. ' (Photo via Barend van der Watt)

'Many have taken residence inside the “caved” belly of this magnificent tree.'

'A Barn Owl has made its nest and roosting spot up high in the cave and peers down at what is happening below. Usually leaving the nest just after sunset to go hunt.' (Photo via Henk Ekermans)

Photo by 'A Barn Owl has made its nest and roosting spot up high in the cave and peers down at what is happening below. Usually leaving the nest just after sunset to go hunt.' (Photo via Henk Ekermans)

Honey Bees

'A colony of Honey Bees has also taken residence in the many folds of the tree. Guarding their precious honey from anyone willing to take the risk to get to the sweet honey.' (Photo via Barend van der Watt)

Photo by 'A colony of Honey Bees has also taken residence in the many folds of the tree. Guarding their precious honey from anyone willing to take the risk to get to the sweet honey.' (Photo via Barend van der Watt)

Termites 1

'Underneath the tree canopy is a wealth of life.' (Photo via Barend van der Watt)

Photo by 'Underneath the tree canopy is a wealth of life.' (Photo via Barend van der Watt)

Termites 2

'Termites take advantage of the lush grass by cutting it into small sections and taking it underground before the cold winter arrives.' (Photo via Barend van der Watt)

Photo by 'Termites take advantage of the lush grass by cutting it into small sections and taking it underground before the cold winter arrives.' (Photo via Barend van der Watt)

Golden Orbweb Spider

'A beautiful Golden Orbweb spider female made use of the lush greenery under the tree to spin her sticky golden web. Almost as large as the palm of a grown mans hand, she will wait until an unsuspecting victim entangles itself in the web.' (Photo via Henk Ekermans)

Photo by 'A beautiful Golden Orbweb spider female made use of the lush greenery under the tree to spin her sticky golden web. Almost as large as the palm of a grown mans hand, she will wait until an unsuspecting victim entangles itself in the web.' (Photo via Henk Ekermans)

Baobab Fruit 1

'The fruit of the Baobabs is a huge delicacy for most animals...' (Photo via Henk Ekermans)

Photo by 'The fruit of the Baobabs is a huge delicacy for most animals...' (Photo via Henk Ekermans)

Baobab Fruit 2

'...and very saught after.' (Photo via Henk Ekermans)

Photo by '...and very saught after.' (Photo via Henk Ekermans)

Destination Spotlight: The Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve

Welcome to the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in Zimbabwe, Africa. Producers Barend van der Watt and Henk Ekermans were recently there to film the baobab trees and the species who call these massive plants their home.

The reserve itself is home to a number of species, including Africa’s big five: The lion, the elephant, the Cape buffalo, the leopard and the rhinoceros. Malilangwe also boasts six different species of antelope, including the klipspringer, the steenbok and the grey duiker, and a number of rarely seen creatures, such as aardvarks, wild dogs and the caracal. Over 400 species of bird stop by the reserve during annual migration, and Malilangwe holds one of the world’s highest concentrations of breeding eagles.

Take a look at some of the amazing photos Watt and Ekermans took during their time on the reserve, and see more of their photography from their journeys throughout Africa in the links below:

– Kalahari (dry season)

– Soutpansberg mountains

– Kalahari (rainy season)

Tags: africa, baobab tree, barn owl, In the Field, rooted, termites, wildlife photography, Zimbabwe