Vukheta
Sony A1, Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS, FL: 125mm, A: F5.6, S: 1/500s, ISO: 160
The young leopard peeks cautiously around the protective trunk of the old, gnarly leadwood tree.
Vukheta means “careful” in Tsonga.
He was unsure. The calls of the hyenas had drawn some attention to his location, but his catch was safely stored high up at the base of the fork of two branches. Something else, though, seemed to keep his attention on the horizon, from where a light southerly breeze was blowing, perhaps bringing unusual news. Minutes later, a rustling in the bushes below revealed one of the hyenas emerging, then loping across to the base of the leopard’s tree. His eyes were looking up, and as he scanned for the familiar scent of fresh meat, he stopped, spotting its location with the leopard nearby.
Without a sound, the leopard had frozen and continued to watch away from the hyena to the source of the now audible sounds of bellowing and grunting. Ignoring the hyena, he slowly pressed back against the main trunk, his eyes locked on the dust kicked up by the slowly approaching buffalo herd. Satisfied they were not a threat, the leopard turned back to his meal, the fresh scent of his early morning drawing him to resume his feast. As he settled, by his kill, he chewed off some of the more inedible parts, letting them drop to the ground. The hyena immediately grabbed some and, with his jaws full, ambled away to take cover.
As I prepared to leave, I took one last look at Vukheta, now a silent silhouette of a young leopard growing into his prime against the fast-rising sun. In him, I saw the essence of the wild – beautiful, untamed, and free. Something I sometimes wish we could all be, even for just a moment.
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.
