Photographerwild

AFRICA - 2008

As most of my friends and family know, I can't help but return to Africa again and again.  In December 2008, I took another safari ("safari" means journey) to southern and eastern Africa. In Botswana - the place that has held my heart since my first African adventure - we encountered leopards, lions, elephants, birds, and other familiar creatures. While no elephants joined us in camp, as did on my last adventure, hyenas did visit us one evening with one walking within 4 feet of me! We sat with a leopard for well over an hour and watched her natural behavior, and we had close encounters with a few elephants (some of which was captured on video so stay tuned for video clips), and lions. Every time I hear a lion roar, I am always awestruck by the power and resonance of this beautiful sound.

Central to this safari was a visit to Rwanda to track the beautiful mountain Gorillas in the Virunga mountains.  These creatures are so gentle, playful and sometimes even watch us humans just as we watch them. Although several of the Gorilla families have become habituated to humans, being in their presence, there on the last place on earth where they live in the wild, was truly a magical experience and one I will never forget.

Each visit to Africa brings new and exciting encounters, as well as continued learning and a deepening love for the bush. This gallery focuses primarily on the Gorillas, lions, the leopard encounter and a few images of other creatures encountered along the way. 

Please be advised, some images include scenes of predation.