The leopard's stare assumes a puzzled expression as it holds the delectable tendon in its jaws.

“Kanganyisa” means confusion in Tsonga.

It was a brief moment. The leopard, his golden-yellow coat shimmering like slivers of sunlight breaking through the twisted branches of the African bush, had momentarily stopped chewing. He was poised over his fresh kill that had been successfully taken down only minutes before.

This leopard had arrived in a new territory unchallenged, and he was savouring the feast that this untamed land provided. His taut muscles and resplendent coat were indicators of his superb state of fitness and stealth. He was a solitary sentinel in this rugged landscape, an apex predator claiming his dominion. Yet, even in the midst of his meal, the leopard's hunting instinct remained vigilant. He knew that danger lurked just beyond the horizon.

As the African sun descended into a golden-orange afterglow, a distant chorus of hyenas echoed a few miles away. Their laughter, though still distant, carried a chilling reminder of the ever-present competition for survival. The leopard took a moment to secure his prize, his keen eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of encroachment. Once satisfied that it was safe, he grasped the remains of the kill firmly in his powerful jaws and began the arduous task of dragging it towards a large, solitary acacia tree he had chosen as his sanctuary. This ancient sentinel, standing tall against the vast expanse of the savannah, was a perfect refuge for his spoils, high enough to evade the reach of the scavengers and strategically positioned to grant him an uninterrupted view over the rolling hills below.

In the African wilderness, the leopard's survival is intricately linked to territorial dominance. Like many of its fellow predators, the leopard fiercely guards its territory. However, the dynamics of territorial ownership differ between males and females. A male leopard, for instance, primarily defends his turf against other males, allowing the territories of males and females to overlap without hostility. For a female leopard, securing a territory means securing a future for her cubs. Her criteria are simple but vital: access to abundant prey species and a hidden den site to protect her vulnerable offspring. Male leopards, on the other hand, stake their claim based on the availability of prey and, more importantly, the number of females in the area. Males have larger territories, often encompassing several females, as their aim is to mate and pass on their genetic legacy to the next generation of leopards.

This particular male leopard had established his dominion, and the cycle of life was unfolding before my eyes. I couldn't help but wonder about his future and whether, when I returned, I would find him still reigning over his territory, ensuring the continuation of his genetic lineage. As we reluctantly drove away with ebbing darkness all around, I took one last glance at this magnificent creature, now perched high above on the thickest branch of his refuge. His tail swished gently, almost as a farewell gesture to me, but his gaze remained fixed on the approaching hyenas in the distance. The wild, untamed beauty of the African savannah, with its fierce dramas and fleeting moments, would continue to unfold long after I was gone.

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.