Ririmi

It was early evening in Africa, and the young African leopard was on the hunt.

Ririmi means “tongue” in Tsonga.

In the glow of the early evening, his cautious gaze met mine. Pupils enlarged in the dim light, he surveyed the surroundings … and me. The air carried the weight of expectation for him as he embarked on a hunt. The prey's silence in the bush led him to this spot, a terrain thick with thorny trees and tall grass—a good location for his scouting mission.

Here, in the heart of the African bush, his skills were honed in the initial stage of his life. Survival for a young leopard depended on mastering the art of hunting and although opportunities presented themselves, success required more than luck. It demanded a skilful predator.

Assured by the absence of an immediate threat, he flicked his pink tongue, savouring with some anticipation what lay ahead. With a decisive turn, he resumed his journey, stealthily navigating through the terrain with a grace born of instinct and necessity.

The soft cadence of his form echoed with the soft rustle of grass and an occasional snap of a twig beneath his agile paws. Each movement was deliberate, finely tuned by nature's education. The hunt was not just a physical act; it was a mental engagement with the world around him.

The Leopard Hunt

The leopard employs two main hunting techniques: ambushing or stalking its prey, with the aim of getting as close as possible. Once in proximity, it executes a swift and explosive charge, reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h, ultimately pouncing on the target and delivering a lethal bite to the neck.

In the grasslands of the savannah, the leopard predominantly preys on medium-sized ungulates (or antelope), although it displays versatility in its diet by consuming various other animals. In mountainous regions, leopards often target rock hyrax, a guinea pig-like creature, and occasionally feed on porcupines.

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.