Silently, the genet appeared out of the darkness, momentarily settling on the warm fireplace bricks to observe us.

Imfihlo means “secret” in Zulu.

It was pitch dark, and the fire at the boma crackled, with occasional sparks shooting into the night sky. The African bush was quiet, broken only by the distant howl of a jackal or the laugh of a passing hyena. Our hands warmed by the fire, and the whispered chatter of the day's events was shared around. Sightings relived, plans for the next journey, and questions on gear all rolled around as the embrace of the inviting fireside eased the night away.

It was a passing silhouette—just a slight movement on the fringe of the darkness. Our eyes could see something special had arrived to join us in our boma. In the respectful silence that followed, we observed a genet present itself as it slipped out of the shadows. Retaining its distance, its cat-like movement flexed into a leap landing on the edge of a low wall of brick just before the fireplace. The genet seemed unperturbed but naturally cautious about any sudden movement on our side as it searched a little, perhaps opportunistically, for titbits that might be about. It could smell our meal and had, over time, taken up residence in the camp only to be seen on occasions like this.

For a minute or two, the genet remained a calm, motionless statue, her eyes switching between each of us as we faced her on the other side of the fireplace. A sudden cracking burst of some twigs aflame broke her focus, alerting her, and she silently turned, disappearing back into the darkness, not to be seen again that evening.

The Enigmatic Genet: A Glimpse into Nature's Secretive Predator

The genet, an animal often mistaken for a cat, shares some characteristics with cats, though its closest relatives are actually civets and mongooses. Found across vast parts of Africa, Southern Europe, and parts of the Middle East, genets are easily recognisable by their striking appearance. They sport a distinctive black dorsal stripe, beautifully spotted coats, banded tails, and high-set oval ears. One lesser-known fact about genets is their remarkable agility and ability to navigate through dense foliage and narrow spaces with ease. This skill, coupled with their sharp senses and nocturnal habits, makes them formidable predators in their ecological niche. 

Adaptable and resourceful, genets thrive in a variety of environments. Armed with needle-sharp teeth and an impressive pounce, these nocturnal hunters spend their nights pursuing their prey both on the ground and among the trees. Occasionally, they may be seen scavenging around human lodges, begging for leftovers like this one did. Genets are actually omnivorous and will eat whatever is available. Their diet includes small mammals like rodents, shrews, and bats, as well as birds, eggs, frogs, millipedes, centipedes, scorpions, and various fruits. They are particularly drawn to camps and lodges, attracted by food scraps and unsecured storerooms. During certain times of the year, they feast on insects such as beetles, moths, and flying ants that swarm artificial lights at night.

Genets are masters of stealth, often making only fleeting appearances. However, around human settlements and lodges, they can become quite bold, associating these areas with easy food sources and fewer predators. Safari guests may spot a genet lounging in the thatch rafters or strolling nonchalantly through dining areas, a sight that adds a touch of wild charm to their experience, as did ours that night.

Unfortunately, despite their wild nature, genets have become increasingly popular as exotic pets. While most genet populations are stable and the pet trade does not currently pose a significant threat, the practice of keeping wild animals in domestic settings often leads to poor outcomes for these animals, with many not living out their natural lifespan.

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.