Two young hippos, on the cusp of adulthood, engage briefly in a lighthearted but powerful display of dominance.

The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the riverbank, where the brief drama would unfold. I watched as the two hippos standing on the bank faced off, opening their massive mouths wide in a display that seemed both fierce and comical.

Their playful joust began earlier, with the two contenders circling each other, their immense jaws clashing together with a force that could be heard across the tranquil landscape. I marvelled at the agility and strength displayed by these two hippos, whose seemingly awkward frames belied a surprising grace. In the midst of the showdown, a decisive moment unfolded. One of the young hippos, perhaps recognising the futility of the contest, abruptly conceded and, with a sudden burst of energy, made a dash towards the nearby water, followed closely by his counterpart.

In this short, captivating encounter, nature revealed its playful side. The riverbank became a stage for the coming-of-age tale of two young hippos, their light-hearted skirmish a lesson of power and dominance where in their world it would decide the pods' leadership of the future. As the sun dipped below the horizon, both hippos slowed down, bathing in the soft glow of the late afternoon sun, saving their energy to continue with their aquatic ballet another day but a reminder that even in the wild, where lighthearted moments abound, the wilderness remains untamed.

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.