The early morning dew reflects the cold snap of air as the pride male stirs to his feet.

The early morning air carried a cold snap, the kind that lingers in the dew as it clings to the grasses, reflecting the soft glow of dawn. As the first light broke across the horizon, the pride male stirred, his massive body shifting slowly, deliberately. He had been lying utterly still, his deep, rhythmic breaths matching the peaceful silence of the waking land. But the moment we arrived, his senses flickered to life.

His golden mane, damp with dew, shimmered as he lifted his thick head, eyes sweeping over his pride and then over us, the silent observers. The lionesses remained sprawled in quiet contentment, though one had taken an interest in our presence, her gaze soft and untroubled as she casually watched us settle nearby. The early dawn was that magical time, where night gives way to day, and everything feels suspended in between.

A cub, full of energy, ambled out from the warmth of a sunlit patch, his playful eyes fixed on the towering figure of his father. The male lion lay still, his belly full and content from the feast the pride had shared the night before. They had eaten well, their distended bellies evidence of a successful hunt, and the occasional grumbling sighs of satisfaction could be heard, shared amongst the pride like an unspoken conversation of contentment.

The male’s gaze drifted beyond us, unfocused, still heavy with the remnants of sleep. But even in his drowsiness, he was aware of the cub behind him, crouched in the nearby bushes, preparing for a playful ambush. His tail twitched lazily, the only sign of acknowledgment for the cub’s mischievous antics. And then, in a burst of energy, the little one leaped at his father’s mane, clumsily falling over his large paws, tiny claws gripping at the thick fur around his chin.

The great lion remained still, exuding an effortless patience, and with a gentle nudge, he sent the cub tumbling back on its way. The young one, undeterred, trotted back toward his mother, who lay gracefully atop a termite mound, keeping a lazy eye on the morning’s play. The male rose slowly, his muscles rippling under his golden coat, watching the cub’s progress with a quiet pride. But it was brief. With a soft grunt and only a few steps taken, the weight of the previous night’s meal reminded him of his contentment. He collapsed once more, surrendering to the warmth of the sun now rising higher, and resumed his slumber, bathed in the soft glow of the new day.

Raw Africa Collection

Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, 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.

Sony A1, Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS, FL: 200mm, S: 1/800s, A: F7.1, ISO: 5,000