Chasing game in Africa is unlike anything I have experienced anywhere else. Whether it is with a rifle or camera, it is an adventure. Being stealthy and getting up close for the shot and making the opportunity count is something to be proud of. Outsmarting an animal in its element is difficult. A good PH (professional hunter) and tracker can help you get the opportunity, but it is up to the individual to make it a successful opportunity. By the way, if you are only hunting with a camera, be sure to go with a PH. A PH knows the animals inside and out and can help you get shots the folks bouncing around in the safari trucks will never get. The last time my wife went along, my friends had her to within 15-20 yards of two bull elephants. The smile on her face as she walked back from taking her pictures was priceless.
Saw this guy on the way down river. Always keep your eyes open when you are near the water. Out of the weeks and weeks I have been in Africa I have only see two leopards. I count both sightings to being in the right place at the right time.
Standing behind Professional Hunter Johann Veldsman while he judges the mood of the elephants. (Approximately 50 yards)
A little closer at 30 yards. On the ground, looking through the tall grass at the world’s largest land animal.
Using a PH for a photography guide has its perks. He knows where to look for the cats and perhaps more importantly if they are well fed. You can get pretty close if the cats have a full belly and are more interested in a sleep rather than you.
You can see the full belly and contented look on both of these lionesses.
Although this male is in shadow it is easy to see he is the epitome of the African lion. He is happy healthy and ruler of everything he sees. If you look closely to the left there is another big male.
