Rendzo

Sony A1, FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, FL: 121mm, S: 1/1000s, F5.6, ISO:6,400.

The young hyena stopped, then loped forward, following the track through the dimly lit forest.

Rendzo means “journey” in Tsonga.

It was sunset, and the tracks were patchy as streaks of sunlight broke through around corners and amongst the treetops. The African bush sounds were telling all that night was coming soon, and activity for settling or awakening was now a priority. On the path, the young adolescent hyena had stopped. He had followed the curve of the track earlier, his eyes fixed on something further along, and had come to a halt, a little unsure of which way to continue. He sniffed the air carefully, sensing the unfolding events taking place around him beyond his line of sight. It was only a few moments before he took off again, loping along and across the track, past us, and swiftly onto his chosen destination. The sight of him vanishing as quickly as he appeared left one with a sense of the surreal world of life in the African wilderness. A place where, for a few moments, a story appears and just as quickly disappears, moving one to the next chapter of a beautiful narrative.

Spotted Hyena True Survivors

Some facts about the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta).

This creature stands as the continent's most common large carnivore, thriving due to its adaptability and opportunism. While primarily a skilled hunter, it is also a proficient scavenger, capable of digesting skin, bone, and other animal waste. Among African carnivores, the spotted hyena is unparalleled in its efficient use of animal matter.

Unlike its counterparts, the spotted hyena demonstrates remarkable flexibility in its hunting and foraging techniques. Whether hunting alone, in small groups, or in large packs, it showcases a strategic prowess that sets it apart.

With a body length of nearly 2 meters and a dark, bushy tail measuring 25–30 cm, the female spotted hyena outweighs the male, sometimes reaching up to 82 kg.

What truly sets the spotted hyena apart is its vocal prowess. Communicating through a variety of yells, whoops, and cackles, these intelligent creatures can be heard from distances of almost 5 km. It's no wonder they are often referred to as "laughing hyenas."

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.