Nantswa

Sony A1, FE 70-200mm, F2.8 GM OSS II, FL: 200mm, S: 1/1000s, F7.1, ISO: 1,600

The lioness grooms her little cub lovingly, gingerly licking her ear as the prides next generation enjoy some boding time.

Nantswa means to “lick” in Tsonga.

It was late afternoon. The heat of the African bush baked across the savannah, its mirages distorting moving grasses and trees. All life had paused for that part of the day as the height of the summer afternoon turned and started to withdraw its tentacles. The lion pride had spread out far and wide. They numbered well into thirty individuals or more - a successful pride of the western plains. As the cooler breeze drifted slowly by, the cubs awakened, welcoming the stirring of receding heat.

It was the hour before sunset when the pride would begin to move and prepare for hunting. In pride, some large adults moved around, licking and rubbing their kin in greeting. Some remained lifeless, still intoxicated by the African heat, sheltered under their various patches of shade. Among the younger members of the pride, the cubs, still sleepy from the long day of siesta, were also stirring into life. A few played, rolling around with each other, and one practiced climbing the hewn trunk of a tree. Two of the cubs moved from under a nearby bush, making their way towards a large female busy stretching on the ground, yawning. Her formidable jaws reflected her power and strength briefly before closing. One of the cubs pressed up against her side while the other clambered over her head, coming to rest under her chin. She turned nonchalantly, staring into the distance, and then slowly turned her attention to the little ones, affectionately starting to groom him below. Her slow, gentle licks continued for a while around the cub's face, her eyes on his, their bond clear.

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.