Valley of the Leopard

In the core safari area of the park, there is a very well-known female leopard which is particularly relaxed around vehicles. In fact, for the past four or five years, she has been arguably the park’s most reliable cat, often much easier to find than the numerous lion prides. I know what you’re thinking. ‘Are you sure you’re talking about a leopard?’

Last year, this very special leopard delivered once again, but she went one step further and supplied us with numerous opportunities to watch and photograph her and her two cubs. These little bundles of mischief and joy were between three and four months old. Quite simply, they were a wildlife photographer’s dream.

From moments where the female stood at the base of trees, rested in the safety of a high branch, or was on the hunt, to the cubs playing and posing perfectly in front of us, we were blessed with some exceptional photograph opportunities. 

However, despite being spoiled with these incredible opportunities, the ‘Valley of the Leopard’ offered us so much more. For me, one of the big draws of this vast wilderness is the opportunity to watch elephants. I could watch these giants for hours on end and never tire. Always noticing little details, they seem to lure me into some sort of trance, and I love photographing the intricacies of their faces. 

There is one other species that is always high on my list. In fact, it is my favourite animal on Earth. It is the African wild dog. South Luangwa National Park supports a large population of these remarkable predators, but they can be elusive. Covering vast areas, they can sometimes be seen with relative ease, while other times they seem to keep to themselves.

On my first week of tours, my group was blessed with remarkable views of these dogs down on the sandy beaches of the river. From full-frame portraits to stunning environmental shots, we were able to capture a stunning portfolio of striking imagery. 

If you want to experience an Africa of old, a pristine wilderness which supports a wealth of exceptional wildlife, and you have a passion for photography, then I urge you to join us on a future tour. 

If Bret has inspired you to visit the stunning South Luangwa National Park, head to our Zambia destination page to discover our full collection of tours to this location.