Lewa Conservancy - Sep 2023
Injured leopard, hunting in the Lewa Conservancy. Credit to our guide Zion (backed up by the wonderful team from Lewa Safari Camp). Without his terrific skill in tracking and driving, these shots wouldn't have been possible.
Masai Mara - Sep 2023
Spotting a herd of Buffalo milling in a clearing, Wilson, our talented guide from the Elewana Sand River camp, headed for a good spot to watch. Approaching the crossing point, we realised that we we were not the only ones watching. Kasuri, the resident female leopard, had hidden herself behing a bush and was waiting patiently for the herd to approach. Before we even stopped, two zebra approached, saw Kasuri, and sounded the alarm. The herd pulled back; the Zebra made themselves scarce. Kasuri repositioned herself on the river bank. Wilson pulled back (to avoide us inadvertently interfering with whatever was about to unfold). Positioning the vehicle, with an eye for great photos, he explained that buffalo have short memories. In no time, they would forget that Kasuri was there.
Unable to see the herd, Kasuri clearly wanted a better view. Out of sight of the buffalo, she padded left, below the rim, then climbed a tree. Overlooking the herd, she dozed occasionally in the evening sun. This was challenging photographically. We were at quite a distance and Kasuri spent most of her time looking away from us. 'Not bad' was Wilson's verdict on a profile shot of Kazuri sprawled lazily along the branch, "her face could be clearer". Wilson was a harsh critic! Then, for a moment, she turned and the sun came out. We enjoyed sundowners and nibbles (aptly named 'bitings' by Wilson) in the vehicle as we watched Kasuri, and Kasuri watched the buffalo (taking turns to keep a finger near the shutter).
As the sun set, the herd pulled back and Kasuri descended. The light all but gone, Kasuri gave chase and mayhem ensued. She failed in her first attempt and, knowing she was close, the herd thundered back and forth. With no light remaining, our evening ended on a cliff-hanger and we left Kasuri to her nocturnal hunt.