OTHER COOL CATS

LEOPARDS ARE MY FAVOURITE cat. They don’t have the speed of a cheetah, and the lion is more powerful, but there is something magical about leopards. The sleek design and elongated stride of the cheetah are also a sight to behold.

Leopold big cat South Luanga National Park Zambia travel track wildlife bush adventure africa — I would probably name Zambia's South Luanga as my favourite national park.

Leopold big cat South Luanga National Park Zambia travel track wildlife bush adventure africa — Like a big stuffed toy, a leopold in Zambia.

Leopold big cat South Luanga National Park Zambia travel track wildlife bush adventure africa — Big cats are the stars of African wildlife. Leopards are my favourites.

Leopold big cat South Luanga National Park Zambia travel track wildlife bush adventure africa — In South Luangwa, Zambia, a leopold readies for a morning nap.

Tsavo West National Park Kenya travel leopard africa wildlife safari — Probably our best leopard encounter in Africa, in Tsavo West NP, Kenya. She pursued impala, oblivious to our presence. One other vehicle came and went in an hour.

Tsavo West National Park Kenya travel leopard africa wildlife safari — Tsavo West, Kenya.

cheetah kill travel Kenya Masaai Mara wildlife adventure safari — Cheetah v baboon, Masaai Mara National Park, Kenya.

Amboseli travel cheetah national park wildlife safari kenya africa — Two young cheetahs test their speed, Amboseli National Park, Kenya.

Amboseli travel cheetah national park wildlife safari kenya africa — Cheetah stalking prey in Amboseli, Kenya.

Amboseli travel cheetah national park wildlife safari kenya africa — These two young Kenyan cheetah were too keen, setting off too early, allowing their prey to escape as they tired.

AUSTRALIA victoria travel Melbourne Zoo sumatran tiger — Sumatran tiger, viewed safely through the glass at Melbourne Zoo.

AUSTRALIA victoria travel Melbourne Zoo snow leopard big cats — Seeing animals behind bars is never ideal, but zoos do give young people an appreciation on nature. Without three weeks to spare in the mountains of Kazakhstan, this is the best way to see snow leopards.

kenya tsavo west leopard safari travel — A leopard on a hunt approaches and passes right by our car, in Kenya's Tsavo West National Park.

Leopold big cat South Luanga National Park Zambia travel track wildlife bush adventure africa — A leopard gets shy, South Luanga, Zambia.

INDIA RANTHAMBORE National Park Tiger safari big cat Noor wildlife sawai madhopur travel — Any tiger sighting is lucky. Any photo is even luckier, and a clear, open shot is the jackpot. But this is Noor, the queen of Ranthambore. We also saw her daughter. Bless them both!

NAMIBIA ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK cheetah family cubs big cats wildlife nature safari desert travel — Etosha is truly one of the world's best wildlife spots. To see one cheetah is a treat, but a whole family playing on the road is luxury.

NAMIBIA ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK leopard in tree comes down big cats wildlife nature safari desert travel — Another tourist told us this leopard was in the trees, just near the waterhole in Etosha, Namibia, but it took us several passes up and down the road to finally find here.

NAMIBIA ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK cheetah walks big cats wildlife nature safari desert travel — A cheetah takes a morning stroll in Etosha.

NAMIBIA ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK cheetah big cats wildlife nature safari desert travel — Mother cheetah and her growing cub take a cautious drink.

NAMIBIA ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK cheetah big cats wildlife nature safari desert travel — A typically cheetah pose, neck straight, eyes and ears alert for danger or a meal.

NAMIBIA SOLITAIRE rescues cheetah at rehabilitation sanctuary arid landscape drought desert travel — A rehabilitation facility for cheetah rescued from private owners in Solitaire, Namibia, allows you a close up with these great cats.