In South Luangwa, in Zambia, I got charged by a leopard - twice.

Steven, my guide at the time, and I had been approaching the carcass of an Impala under a bush looking for what had put it there and we disturbed two leopard cubs.

What happened next was a surprise to both of us - the cubs' mother suddenly emerged from under the bush and went straight for the two of us pulling off just three or four metres away.

I - in complete surprise - dropped my camera and lenses so had to spend the next few seconds composing myself and equipment.

I focussed and aimed as the leopard charged again. Now I have a problem here: according to my memory I took about thirty shots of this ferocious leopard charging toward me, big teeth and roars. According to the film, I have a half decent shot of a running leopard, possibly two, max three.

Still, I promise Steven would back up the story!

© Afrikeye 1999 - 2007 (certain items under permission of original copyright owner)

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