A young female leopard sits regally on a fallen jackalberry tree in the late afternoon, looking back at me.

Isikhundal means “position” in IsiZulu.

The view was spectacular. The late afternoon breeze had brought a young male leopard out of the thick African bush and onto the trunk of a large fallen acacia tree. She sat there contemplatively staring ahead, tasting the air on occasion with her mouth, sensing the direction of wind and news passing by, as a soft breeze occasionally ebbed and flowed around her.

Nearby, a yellow-billed hornbill landed. Observing her cautiously and satisfied she posed no danger, the hornbill turned his head in askance to eye the grass below for possible grubs to catch. Flapping down suddenly, the hornbill landed some feet away from her, but the leopard studiously ignored him. Her eyes closed at moments as a shaft of sunlight broke through some treetops, bathing her in the warmth of the end of the day. She seemed at peace, untouched and unbothered by the occasional comings and goings of life around her. With that, the hornbill suddenly gave a continuous rollicking “ko-ko, ko-ko,"  working up to a crescendo, “ko-kukuk, ko-kukuk, ko-kukuk,"  as it jumped and nailed a small scorpion it had spotted. Lifting its beak high into the air, it threw the wounded scorpion up into the air, catching it swiftly before swallowing. With that complete, it flew off and onto the next hunting ground, leaving the leopard to turn as it observed me, well aware of my hidden presence nearby.

Leopards at Rest

Leopard territories range from a modest 10 square kilometers to expansive domains covering several hundred square kilometers. Through a combination of instinct and necessity, leopards engage in the ritualistic behaviour of marking their territories and leaving behind telltale signs of their presence through tree scratches and scent markings.

The adaptation prowess of leopards extends beyond territorial habitat. Seeking refuge in the embrace of thick brush, rocky alcoves, or the sheltering expanse of caves, these stealthy hunters find solace in environments that afford both concealment and opportunity. Their ability to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, coupled with their keen senses, makes them formidable predators in the wild.

One of the most intriguing aspects of leopard behaviour is their resting habits. During the heat of the African day, when the sun beats down relentlessly upon the landscape, leopards retreat into the shadows of bushes, rocks, or the lofty heights of trees. This behaviour not only serves to regulate body temperature but also minimises exposure to potential threats lurking in the harsh light of day.

It's fascinating to observe the stark contrast in activity patterns between male and female leopards. While females exhibit a propensity for activity during the early hours of the morning and the twilight hours of the evening, males are primarily nocturnal creatures, shrouded in darkness as they prowl their territories under the cover of night.

In habitats characterised by meandering drainage or river lines, a familiar sight involves the towering presence of jackalberry trees. These majestic giants, also known as ebony trees, are favoured resting spots for leopards, offering a sanctuary amidst the wilderness. With their expansive canopies and sturdy branches, these trees provide both refuge and vantage points from which leopards can survey their surroundings with an air of regal authority. In essence, the relationship between leopards and their chosen habitat can be described as one of symbiotic harmony. 

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.