From the Guide’s Lenses

I took this photo while out with a few fellow guides exploring the Granophyre ridges. When we least expected it, I spotted the silhouette of a leopard peacefully resting atop one of the iconic boulders on our concession, soaking up the warmth of the sun-baked rocks. What stood out was not only the beauty of the leopard, but also the uniqueness of the landscape where she lay –a one-of-a-kind ecosystem built upon ancient stone and shaded by resilient rock fig trees, a combination I have never encountered anywhere else.

The edge of a rainbow rises above the Lebombo mountains as a tower of giraffe look on in the foreground.

In October 2024, the Mananaga Pride ambushed an adolescent zebra at one of the last remaining waterholes, a shallow valley where the water lay stagnant and thick with mud. The young zebra lost its footing on the slick banks, and within moments the pride – nearly 15 strong – closed in. As they fed, the struggle for meat coated their tawny coats in dark, glistening mud. Only their piercing amber eyes shone through, making them look like black panthers in the fading light. It was a rare and unforgettable sight, and an extraordinary photographic opportunity.

I love this picture because it captures the N’Wanetsi concession at its absolute best – open, wild, and untouched. The way the river winds through the valley adds depth and draws your eye naturally through the landscape, making it feel expansive and alive. The warm orange of the sunset against the cool blue sky creates a striking contrast that makes the scene feel vibrant but calm at the same time. There’s also something special about the vantage point at the Poort – being elevated gives a full view of the bush stretching endlessly ahead, which makes the moment feel memorable and uniquely yours.