MNYAMA 👣

He stands stock still, staring back at us as we freeze in his presence.

Mnyama means "the beast." The buffalo's sheer presence and size inspire awe in anyone who happens to be close to one of these incredible creatures. Its description can only be one of brutal strength, which is reflected in this name.

We were following the tracks of a lion pride through the long grass early in the evening when we came around a corner and were confronted by this massive one-ton bull. He stared at us rather disconsolately, without movement. His eyes were deadly to us, boring into our presence. It seemed like forever before he decided we were not a threat to him, slowly resuming his slow and deliberate chewing. He continued to observe us at every move, while we very slowly moved back, choosing another path to continue on.

The buffalo’s sheer size and strength, inch for muscled inch, make it a very challenging prey, even for the biggest of lions. That day, another large buffalo had been taken by an entire pride of lions, but only after a number of attempts. In that attack, one of the large male lions was unfortunately gored and eventually did not make it. It's not an animal to be messed with. Usually in groups but, as in this case, often found alone too, the buffalo remains one of the most understated animals in our African kingdom. It is not often considered for its own almost inner beauty, reflected in its incredible tenacity to survive and take no prisoners when it's not in the mood.

For me, this capture portrays a moment of being in its presence. I hope it touches on its reputation as a true (yet beautiful) beast of Africa.

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.