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Ein Afrikanischer Elefant im Savuti Game Reserve (Chobe-Nationalpark, Botswana).
An African Bush Elephant in the Savuti Game Reserve (Chobe National Park, Botswana).
A young lion cub hangs out with its mother atop a rock outcropping in the Tanzania Serengeti. As she matures she will remain with her birth pride and eventually become a mother herself. Her brothers will eventually be cast out and will either find a pride of their own, or wander as a bachelor, either alone or in groups. The life of a lion isn't easy. More than half of cubs won't survive the first year of life. #BigCats #Bringit #Canon
Voici la première lionne que j’ai rencontrée, c’était dans la réserve du Lualenyi Camp.
Elle était à la tête d’un groupe de 8, parmi lequel il y a avait trois autres lionnes, deux jeunes lions et deux lionceaux.
Toutes les rencontres que j’ai faites dans la Savane m’ont beaucoup émue, j’ai souvent eu des larmes aux yeux, et des frissons de bonheur tellement ces spectacles étaient magiques.
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È nella riserva del Lualenuy Camp che ho incontrato la mia prima leonessa. Dirigeva un gruppo di 8. C'erano tre altre leonesse, due giovani leoni e due bambini leoni.
Sono stata veramente molto emozionata per tutti gli incontri fatti nella Savana.
Questi spettacoli erano talmente magici che ho avuto spesso delle lacrime agli occhi e la pelle d’oca.
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It’s in the reserve of the Lualenuy Camp that I met my first lioness. She directed a group of 8. They were three other lionesses, two young lions and two children lions.
I was very touched by all the meetings made in Savanna.
In front of so beautiful show, I got goosebumps all over my body and tears sprang to my eyes.
An injured cape buffalo returns fire by charging a pride of hunting lions in Ngorongoro Crater. Cape buffalo return again, and again, to help fend off the seemingly endless pursuit. Most lions won't hunt cape buffalo. They know that this large beast could easily injure or kill them. A few prides have made cape buffalo the main dish on their menu, including this pride in Ngorongoro. Even injured, the buffalo manages to fight back, and his colleagues take on the charge when he is too exhausted to continue. When he tries to lay down, they try to pick him up. They are ever so faithful, and will fight on even beyond when all hope seems lost. Nature's struggles can seem terrifying and terrible. Life and death are cycles. The greatest gift of death in the wild is life itself. #iLoveNature #iLoveWildlife #Lions #CapeBuffalo #WildlifePhotography in #Tanzania #Nature in #Africa #NgorongoroCrater #Canon #Bringit #DrDADBooks #WildlifeConservation #Photography #Picoftheday #Photooftheday
The common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), or hippo, is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal in sub-Saharan Africa, and one of only two extant species in the familyHippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis). The name comes from the ancient Greek for "river horse" (ἱπποπόταμος). After the elephant and rhinoceros, the common hippopotamus is the third-largest type of land mammal and the heaviest extant artiodactyl. Despite their physical resemblance to pigs and other terrestrial even-toed ungulates, the closest living relatives of the Hippopotamidae are cetaceans (whales, porpoises, etc.) from which they diverged about 55 million years ago. The common ancestor of whales and hippos split from other even-toed ungulates around 60 million years ago. The earliest known hippopotamus fossils, belonging to the genus Kenyapotamus in Africa, date to around 16 million years ago.
Hippopotamuses are among the largest living land mammals, being only smaller than elephants and some rhinoceroses. Mean adult weight is around 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) and 1,300 kg (2,900 lb) for males and females respectively, very large males can reach 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) and an exceptional male weighing almost 2,700 kg (6,000 lb) has been reported. Male hippos appear to continue growing throughout their lives while females reach maximum weight at around age 25.
Different from all other large land mammals, hippos are of semiaquatic habits, spending the day in lakes and rivers.:3 The eyes, ears, and nostrils of hippos are placed high on the roof of their skulls. This allows these organs to remain above the surface while the rest of the body submerges.:259 Their barrel-shaped bodies have graviportal skeletal structures,:8 adapted to carrying their enormous weight, and their specific gravity allows them to sink and move along the bottom of a river. Hippopotamuses have small legs (relative to other megafauna) because the water in which they live reduces the weight burden. Though they are bulky animals, hippopotamuses can gallop at 30 km/h (19 mph) on land but normally trot. They are incapable of jumping but do climb up steep banks. Despite being semiaquatic and having webbed feet, an adult hippo is not a particularly good swimmer nor can it float. It is rarely found in deep water; when it is, the animal moves by porpoise-like leaps from the bottom.:3 The testes of the males descend only partially and a scrotum is not present. In addition, the penis retracts into the body when not erect. The genitals of the female are unusual in that the vagina is ridged and two large diverticula protrude from the vulval vestibule. The function of these is unknown.:28–29
Distribution
Hippopotamus amphibius was widespread in North Africa and Europe during the Eemian and late Pleistocene until about 30,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence exists of its presence in the Levant, dating to less than 3,000 years ago. The species was common in Egypt's Nile region during antiquity, but has since been extirpated. Pliny the Elder writes that, in his time, the best location in Egypt for capturing this animal was in the Saite nome; the animal could still be found along the Damietta branch after the Arab Conquest in 639. Hippos are still found in the rivers and lakes of the northern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya, north through to Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan, west to The Gambia, and south to South Africa.
but don´t destroy the eggs ;))
Elephants are plenty in the South Luangwa Valley, Zambia.
They are very relaxed and safely to approach.
All rights reserved. © Thomas Retterath 2011
Ein Leopard im Moremi-Wildreservat (Okavangodelta, Botswana).
A Leopard in the Moremi Game Reserve (Okavango Delta, Botswana).
This adult male Lion was showing off it's heavy mane and impressive set of teeth.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.
The term Big Five was used by big-game hunters and refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot and not e.g. their size. Today it is still used on African wildlife safaris and in '90 they featured South African rand banknotes.
Members of the Big Five Game are:
- East African or Massai Lion (Panthera leo nubica)
- African Bush Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
- Cape or African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)
- African Leopard (Panthera pardus pardus)
- White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum)
Have a look at my other sets:
the Ugly Five or "Mother and Daughter Wildlife-series" or the Samburu Six
© All Rights Reserved
Ein Löwenjunges im Savuti Game Reserve (Chobe-Nationalpark, Botswana).
A Lion Cub in the Savuti Game Reserve (Chobe National Park, Botswana).
On the morning after we witnessed the spectacle of female leopard Makhomsava killing and devouring a scrub hare under the cover of darkness, we were privileged to encounter Makhomsava for a second time.
Here, Makhomsava is out in the open, pausing momentarily as she makes her way through vast amounts of dense bush on the eastern side of the dry Marikeni River.
On our second day in the Mara North Conservancy, we encountered a young male leopard at a spectacular location called, aptly enough, Leopard Gorge.
I captured this image during the early part of our sighting, soon after which, he disappeared into the foliage and was never easy to photograph again.
The conditions were difficult, the light was lacking, the focal length was long and the foliage was dense, and by all accounts, I captured the only decent leopard image of the day, hence the title.
I hope my viewers enjoy this rare glimpse of an elusive leopard in his natural habitat.
The Kopje, or rock outcroppings that dot the Serengeti, provide protection and a vantage point for lions. They allow adults to scan distant horizons for predators and prey, and they make a pretty good place to hang out and rest. This young cub rests in mom's shadow. In addition to lots of love and care, he will need much luck to survive. Even with the best of care only 50% of lion cubs will survive their first year of life. It's a sad truth of life in the wild. Mom has kept him and his siblings hidden for the last few weeks. Soon she will take them to join her pride. Females will likely never leave that birth pride, and males will stay until they have reached maturity. They will eventually move off to live in bachelor prides or find a pride of their own. For now, for these young cubs, life is all fun and games. #iLoveNature #iLoveWildlife #WildlifePhotography in #Tanzania #Nature in the #Serengeti #Africa #DrDADBooks #Canon #Bringit #Photography #Picoftheday #Photooftheday
Cubs from one of the lion prides in the Khwai Concession of north-west Botswana play and bond in the warmth of the morning sun.
Zoute Concours d'Elégance 25
Class : Iconic Cars
Entrant : -
Approach Golf - Het Zoute
Zoute Grand Prix Car Week 2025
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2025
White rhinoceros. Hlane Royal National Park, Swaziland.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_rhinoceros
one of two Leopards we saw on a nightdrive in North Luangwa.
We heard a third one, but never saw it, then again, two Leopards is good enough for one drive...
Good news, btw: South Africa has banned Leopard Trophy Hunting for 2016!
Quality isn´t perfect, but this was the only moment he was visible through the bush.
(reworkd Version)
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It is raining on the Serengeti. Looking forlorn, a young male lion sits in the opening of a kopje, staring across the plains. In truth, he is far from unhappy. The brief Serengeti rain provides relief from the midday heat. He and other members of the pride will likely romp playfully in the mud, when they've had their fill napping of course. There's always time for a nap! In fact, lions spend most of the day sleeping. Like many other wild animals, they are most active in the early morning or evening. Some even do their hunting at night. So while this young boy may seem upset, he's really enjoying the variety that nature has sent his way. In all reality it's likely that rainy days never "bring him down." #iLoveNature #iLoveWildlife #WildlifePhotography in #Tanzania #Nature in #Africa the #Serengeti #Lions #DrDADBooks #Canon #ChildrensBooks #WildlifeConservation
Löwen in der Masai Mara (Kenia). Eine Löwin des "Rongai Pride"-Rudels gefolgt von einem "Black Rock Boys"-Löwen (Lorkulup).
Lions in the Maasai Mara (Kenya). A "Rongai Pride" lioness followed by a "Black Rock Boys" lion (Lorkulup).
Under the midday sun and the watchful eyes of a zebra herd the king of one Ngorongoro pride walks toward the site of a kill. Animals in the wild always need to be vigilant. When they get distracted or are caught off guard they can end up being dinner. Although it seems cruel, each animal that does die can feed hundreds of others, so that they might live. It's the circle of life. Nothing goes to waste. #ILoveWildlife #ILoveAfrica #ILoveTanzania #WildlifePhotography in #Tanzania #Lions
August 24, 2025 - We nearly ran over this male Leopard (Panthera pardus) who dashed in front of our safari vehicle. He was born in 2022 is the offspring of the leopard we saw yesterday with her eight month old cubs. Photographed on our afternoon game drive in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Time grows short for this cape buffalo in the Ngorongoro crater. A pride of lions has singled it out and it is injured. A young male approaches cautiously. He is not too young to realize that this big buffalo still has enough strength left to deal a deadly blow. The buffalo looks from the corner of its eye with both fear and determination. For every animal that survives in nature hundreds will die. This is the circle of life.
Eine Löwin am westlichen Rand des Makgadikgadi-Pans-Nationalparks (Botswana).
A Lioness in the Most Western Part of the Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve (Botswana).
A lion cub head butts its mother while relaxing in the middle of the day on a rock outcropping in Tanzania's Serengeti. The lioness, though lighter and weaker than the male, is the most important when it comes to hunting for the pride. Lionesses hunt in coordinated groups. Despite their sometimes fierce appearance there are many tender moments in the lion pride.
#BigCats #Bringit #Canon
Just like a pet cat, a lion has a long tail which helps it to balance. Unlike any other cat, a lion’s tail has a black tassel at the end, which first appears when it is between five and seven months old. This can be used to lead other lions through long grass. Females raise their tail to give a 'follow me' signal to their cubs and also use it to communicate with each other when hunting prey. A lion’s tail also is a good sign of how it is feeling. By flicking its tail, a lion can warn others to stay away because it is in a bad mood.
A lions tail length is 70 - 100 centimetres. Their tail ends in a hairy tuft. The tuft conceals a spine, approximately 5 millimetres long, formed of the final sections of tail bone fused together.
The King is a member of the Sopa Pride and was seen sleeping on the rocks late in the evening during a game drive in Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya.
Ein Löwenjunges des "Topi pride" Löwenrudels in der Masai Mara (Kenia).
A cub from the "Topi" lion pride in the Maasai Mara (Kenya).
This was without doubt the most amazing moment of our recent trip to Africa. Leopard are such wonderful creatures and I treasure any opportunity to spend some time with these elusive cats.
This sighting was in the middle of the day. We were actually on our way back to camp when we stumbled upon this female completely at ease in this tree.
It is such a privilege to photograph such a gorgeous animal and share the resulting pictures. I hope you enjoy.