Alamu

The little black Drongo bird calls in alarm as a white rhino turns towards us.

Alamu means “alarm” in Tsonga.

With astonishing swiftness, the tranquility of the African bush was abruptly shattered. From the depths of a nearby thicket, a massive, dehorned rhinoceros bull emerged, exhaling huffs and snorts that reverberated through the air. He wasn't in the mood to entertain uninvited guests, steering straight towards our position, seemingly aware of our presence.

A nearby bird, caught off guard, took flight, causing the rhino to halt abruptly. With his head lowered, he fell into a sudden silence, swaying it from side to side to enhance his limited vision and keen sense of smell, vigilant for any signs of trouble. Fortunately, we had positioned ourselves downwind and remained perfectly still. This, as it turned out, was a prudent move, for the rhino soon seemed to relax, standing his ground for a moment before letting out a softer snort. In the hushed surroundings of the bush, he appeared content that no immediate danger was lurking, and swiftly changed course, trotting back into the thick African undergrowth.

The majestic white rhinoceros, whose name derives from the Afrikaans word "weit," reflecting the wide expanse of its mouth, is the second-largest terrestrial mammal on the planet. Known as the square-lipped rhinoceros due to their hairless upper lips, these gentle giants comprise two genetically distinct subspecies: the northern and southern white rhinos, inhabiting different regions across the African continent. A poignant and disheartening statistic casts a shadow over these magnificent creatures – only two northern white rhinos, both females, remain on this Earth, taking refuge within Kenya's Ol Pejeta Conservancy, safeguarded by vigilant armed guards. The grim specter of extinction hangs heavy over them, a sorrowful outcome of relentless poaching that has persisted for decades, driven by the allure of their precious horns. Meanwhile, the southern white rhino thrives in just four African nations: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya, where 98.8% of this subspecies calls home.

This encounter served as evidence of their remarkable resilience and enduring presence in the wilderness, even amidst the most challenging of circumstances faced by their species.

Raw Africa Collection

Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, and the life giving.

This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful, gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles, and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.