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.
I would probably name Zambia's South Luanga as my favourite national park.
Like a big stuffed toy, a leopold in Zambia.
Big cats are the stars of African wildlife. Leopards are my favourites.
In South Luangwa, Zambia, a leopold readies for a morning nap.
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, Kenya.
Cheetah v baboon, Masaai Mara National Park, Kenya.
Two young cheetahs test their speed, Amboseli National Park, Kenya.
Cheetah stalking prey in Amboseli, Kenya.
These two young Kenyan cheetah were too keen, setting off too early, allowing their prey to escape as they tired.
Sumatran tiger, viewed safely through the glass at Melbourne Zoo.
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.
A leopard on a hunt approaches and passes right by our car, in Kenya's Tsavo West National Park.
A leopard gets shy, South Luanga, Zambia.
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!
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.
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.
A cheetah takes a morning stroll in Etosha.
Mother cheetah and her growing cub take a cautious drink.
A typically cheetah pose, neck straight, eyes and ears alert for danger or a meal.
A rehabilitation facility for cheetah rescued from private owners in Solitaire, Namibia, allows you a close up with these great cats.