Nyala

The mature Nyala bull stepped slowly from the dewy morning bush, staring fixedly back.

Nyala is the Tsonga name given to this species of antelope.

This was a male buck in his prime. His silent silhouette contrasted against the misty, cool conditions of another early morning in the rain-soaked bush.

Turning the corner, we had not noticed anything, our eyes still firmly following the tracks of the leopard on the dusty road ahead. It was a small movement, but the tracker immediately noticed it to the far right on a small hill next to us as we passed. His hand shot up suddenly, and we stopped, all looking in the same direction as he was.

A brief sway of the tip of his horn above a bush gave the Nyala’s location away. As he slowly moved out from behind the thorny covering, he observed us cautiously, pausing on the side path. He moved a little further, reaching the stump of a small, broken tree, stopping again, his mouth still chewing slowly but his gaze now solidly fixed on us. For a second, his eyes flinched as a passing fish eagle flew close above, marking its territory with a loud, penetrating “wheeee-ah-kleeuw-kleeuw-kluuu” call. With the bird gone, he resumed observing us. Satisfied that we were not a threatening presence, he eventually resumed chewing his freshly picked foliage, shifting his direction silently, as he prepared to move on.

Impressed by his massive form and the sheen of his coat, we watched for a short while as he made his journey into the nearby cover, eventually melting back into his eden - the African bush.

Nyala Quick Facts

Nyala inhabit the southeastern regions of Africa, spanning from the Lower Shire Valley in Malawi through Mozambique and Zimbabwe to eastern South Africa and Swaziland. They prefer dense lowland woodlands, thickets, and verdant river areas, choosing habitats with quality grasslands and access to fresh water.

These creatures form groups of up to 10 individuals, which can be mixed or consist solely of females or males. Old males typically lead solitary lives. Female nyala often remain close to their mothers when raising offspring, fostering relatively closer relationships within female herds compared to those among males. Herds commonly engage in collective feeding and water activities. Nyala lack territorial behaviour, with the home ranges of males overlapping extensively with those of females. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, browsing during the day when temperatures range between 20-30 °C (68-86 °F) and at night during the rainy season.

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.