Hlongorisa

Sony A1, FE 70-200 GM II Sony Lens, FL: 182 mm, S: 1/500 s, A: F5.6, ISO: 2,500

She made her first charge, protective of her calf, as we approached.

Hlongorisa means to “charge” in Tsonga.

Her warning was clear. Another step closer, and we would be in for a ton of anger. Watching carefully, she pawed the dusty earth from behind her curtain of bush. Her senses heightened by our stillness, she snorted, her large body turning in our direction directly. The cloud of dust wrapped around her large muscular frame as her head turned to one side, her eye trying to observe what she could sense but not see. The stand-off continued like this for a few minutes. Satisfied we were not approaching closer, she pawed the ground one more time - more as a sign of her territory and standing than a charge now, and slowly turned. With her calf now safely behind her, she moved to the left, still sensing in our direction, but her mission now was to move onward in a new direction and to a safer space.

As one of the most endangered species still on earth, black rhinos are unpredictable. Of all the rhino species, they seem the least patient and willing to be observed, never mind photographed. Their behaviour has led to a lot of respect from guides and trackers, who seem both elated at finding one and highly nervous about their disposition. These beautiful creatures now live in only a handful of places in Africa. Even here in the wild, they are hunted for their horn and the prestige of their rarity. As their custodians, even the most ardent conservationists seem to carry mixed feelings about the real possibility of their survival in the next decade or two. Despite efforts to protect them at all costs, their numbers keep declining as more brazen hunters arrive to capture and kill them for their horns and rare value. Truly, it was one of the saddest moments of my life to see this female (and her calf), knowing this may well be one of the last sightings a few will have of these creatures in the wild.

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 to 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.