WAKATI 👣

A young leopard cub gingerly steps out of the surrounding vegetation, her eyes cautiously watching my every move.

We nearly missed this moment. Her yellow markings stood out against the green-gray of the dense low bush nearby. Our guide quietly slowed the vehicle and sought a suitable stop to observe her. A few minutes later, she appeared. Her gorgeous spotted coat and gentle eyes quietly watched us as she remained close by. I named her Wakati for this portrait, which in Swahili means "time." For me, a step in time.

While we were taking in the scene, we noticed her ears twitch and prick up. In one deft movement, she curled quickly back deep into the shrub behind her. Seconds later, a large male hyena ambled past - literally within a meter of her. It was a very tense moment. Once the hyena was out of sight, she remained in her place for a while and later moved on.

This is one of my favourite shots of the leopard. For me, the moment shows a young cub's adolescence, and perhaps innocence, yet highlights its place of beauty, pose, and perfect fit as a creature of the African bush.

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.