The leopard silently wandered along the path, cutting through the low grass with twists and turns, heading thirstily towards the nearby river.

Zulazula means to “wander around” in Zulu.

He seemed uncertain and still for a moment, perhaps just taking a break to sense his direction. It was mid-morning, and we had been along the track for quite a while. Our progress was slow, and with the onset of the early African heat, we had taken a brief pit stop. The yellowing sun had started to penetrate the tops of the taller trees and surrounding bush all around us. With it, wildlife had also come to a slumber, as it does, to preserve its vital energy ahead of another hot day in the savannah.

But this leopard had rested long enough, and now his thirst was driving him. It was an opportune encounter, as we had paused briefly to take cover under a large jackal-berry tree, its broad canopy providing us with some well-earned shade. As we refreshed ourselves, a rustling movement in the thick bush nearby caught our attention. With a sharp crackle of twigs, we watched as a partition opened, revealing a large male leopard staring back. He had been lying quietly in the clump for some time, his sleepy eyes checking on us curiously. After a few moments, he sat back and proceeded to clean his sleek, smooth coat in parts, as a hunter does after being fed well. He seemed in no rush, but with a satiated appetite comes a need to quench one's thirst. He stopped and, quietly checking in our direction one more time, stood up. Following another brief pause, he stepped forward in our direction. As he sauntered past us, he suddenly turned away in a westerly direction, now heading towards a small, meandering river ecosystem that lay in that direction. Within seconds, he had melted into the long grass and low-lying bush, leaving us only with a cursory memory of his earlier presence.

Encounter with the Elusive Big Cat

The leopard, with its elongated body, relatively short legs, and long tail, is, in my view, a marvel of nature's design. Weighing between 60 kg and 70 kg  and standing about two-thirds of a meter tall at the shoulder, it is the second-largest big cat in Africa, after the lion. Its sleek, powerful build allows it to move with an unparalleled blend of power and elegance, whether it’s stalking prey or climbing trees.

Leopards are solitary by nature, preferring to roam and hunt alone. Each leopard has its own territory, marked meticulously with scratches on trees, urine scent marks, and even feces to ward off potential intruders. Males and females will cross paths, but only for the purpose of mating, maintaining their solitary lifestyles otherwise. This behaviour ensures they have ample space and resources, reducing competition and conflicts.

During the scorching heat of the day, leopards seek refuge in the coolest spots they can find. Depending on their habitat, they may rest in dense bushes, caves, or even high up in the trees. Of all the big cats, leopards are the most arboreal (like living in trees). Their long tails play a crucial role in maintaining balance on narrow branches, allowing them to navigate the treetops with ease. This tree-climbing ability not only provides them with a vantage point to spot potential prey but also offers a safe haven from other predators.

As nocturnal animals, leopards come to life under the cover of darkness. Night is when they venture out to hunt. Their exceptional night vision and acute senses make them formidable hunters. Leopards are opportunistic feeders; their diet varies widely based on availability. They can take down prey much larger than themselves, including antelope and deer, but are equally skilled at catching smaller animals like birds and rodents. Their adaptability in diet is one of the reasons they thrive in diverse environments, from savannahs and forests to mountainous regions and even urban edges.

During the day, leopards are masters of camouflage. Their beautiful, rosette-spotted coats blend seamlessly with the dappled light and shadows of their surroundings, making them nearly invisible to both prey and potential threats. Whether resting on a tree branch or lying low in thick underbrush, their ability to remain unseen is remarkable.

Despite their adaptability, leopards face numerous threats. Habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict are significant challenges. Conservation efforts, such as those by the African Wildlife Foundation, are crucial to ensuring that these majestic animals continue to thrive in the wild. Protected areas, anti-poaching initiatives, and community education programs are some of the measures being taken to safeguard their future.

Links: African Wildlife Foundation - @wildlifeact , Shop Fine Images - Adam Piotr Kossowski Images.

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.