From Leopard Hunts to Hoopoes: A Safari Photographic Experience at MalaMala – ORYX Leader Daniel Bailey
MalaMala Photo Safari with three guests and ORYX Leader Daniel Bailey. It was a seven-day safari to the iconic MalaMala Game Reserve, sandwiched between the Sabi Sands Wildtuin and the Greater Kruger National Park. It was great to host my guests for a photographic safari to a place I love and used to call home, where I guided full-time for seven years. It’s a special place, and it always feels like my second home. I was really excited to show my guests around for the coming week. There is so much to experience and explore as we learn to paint with light and capture surreal natural moments of iconic wildlife, especially for my group’s interest in big cats, particularly leopards, and the beautiful birdlife found in this region.
The first evening’s sighting was of the Tslebe Rocks leopardess, resting in the fading light, sprawled elegantly across the arch of a fallen tree. After a long yawn and a satisfying stretch, she set off into the night, leading us to the Sand River for a drink. It was the perfect way to kick off our stay at MalaMala Game Reserve—a memorable first evening and a wonderful introduction for my guests.
The day began with a pride of lions near the MalaMala airstrip. They were resting after feasting on a nyala bull the night before, basking in the morning glow. This was a perfect opportunity to capture backlit images, which I find more atmospheric, showcasing the shadow side of the subjects.
I took two photos of the same scene, each with different exposures to create rim lighting. One image is underexposed for a dark key effect, while the other is slightly overexposed for a high key look. Which one do you prefer?
After observing the lions, we drove along the dry riverbed of the Mlowathi. As we navigated the soft beach sand, we found tracks of a leopard in the area. Our search was rewarded when we spotted this brute resting on a raised patch of earth. He basked in the sun while tending to some wounds on his face, likely from a recent fight with a rival male.
One can’t help but wonder what the other male looks like. Reports indicate that this injury resulted from a territorial dispute, during which he killed the Ngoboswan male, a leopard I knew well and watched grow from a young cub. It’s always sad to hear such news, but that’s the reality of life in the wild—only the strongest survive. This is the Tortoise Pan male, and it’s incredible to see him thriving at MalaMala.
If you want to experience the best leopard sightings on the continent, join me on the MalaMala Photo Safari in November 2025!
It’s not all about the big cats, though they are a highlight of the photography experience. Equally important are the lesser-known creatures and the beauty of birdlife. We witnessed an incredible interaction between a family of Verreaux’s Eagle Owls and a pair of Wahlberg’s Eagles, all resting in a large Jackalberry tree. The owls were seeking refuge, while the eagles were near their nest site in the same tree. A Fork-tailed Drongo added to the excitement, mobbing and dive-bombing the raptors.
This evening, we had a delightful sighting of the Lookout female and her six-month-old cub. She was resting on a termite mound during the heat of the afternoon, while her cub slept a bit further away. As the sunset approached, the cub became active and started exploring its surroundings. She wandered over to a damaged Red Bush Willow and lay beneath it, glancing up at a piece of bark hanging from a branch. Curious about it blowing in the wind, her natural instincts kicked in, and she began boxing, or “swatting the bag,” with this newfound toy.
It was a heartwarming scene, thoroughly enjoyed by my guests, who were treated to wonderful photographic opportunities. Though the light was low, requiring high ISO numbers, we shot away regardless. The great thing about post-production is that you can regain so much detail; I prefer to capture sharp images and clean up any “noise” later. As we left them wandering into the night, we hoped to see them again during our stay.
Experiencing the bond between mother and cub is extremely special, especially the playfulness of young predators. Being allowed to witness their lives at such a young age is truly intimate, emotional, and soul-enriching. There isn’t anything else like it. We were the only vehicle present and watched them for close to 45 minutes as they went about their lives. What a pleasure!
I woke at dawn, coffee in hand, standing on the lodge deck, waiting for the guests to arrive at 5 a.m. The sunrise was just beginning to break over the skyline. Suddenly, the thunderous roars of lions echoed from the riverbed, reverberating through the bushes and the walls of the camp. The lions were close—just upstream from the camp.
With excitement, we set off, eager to find them before the heat of the day took hold. Our search led us to the two Ndzenga brothers (a lion coalition) resting on a sandbank at Bicycle Crossing. (The name comes from the 1920s when staff would cross the river here on bicycles to get to work.)
The lions scanned the river, roaring to announce their territory, presence, and dominance over the land. They were a commanding sight. After some excellent photographic opportunities with these regal males, we left them to rest. The absence of rival roars assured us they could sleep contentedly.
We then ventured down the river and found their pride—the Nstevu lionesses and three adult cubs—lying on the high ridgeline of the riverbank, watching impala and a group of old Cape buffalo bulls grazing in the reeds. They seemed uninterested in hunting at the moment, so we continued our morning drive, in search of other incredible moments.
On return from one of our morning drives, we were thrilled to notice a large number of Wahlberg’s Epauletted Fruit Bats hanging from a tree in the rotunda. We enjoyed the opportunity to photograph a not-so-common subject in daylight. The bats were hanging upside down, gazing inquisitively down toward us. There were also some mothers with young offspring clinging to them, sheltered under their wings. They had a very cute appearance, with almost dog-like qualities. It was nice to photograph them and paint them in a different light.
This evening, we set off on our afternoon safari with the intention of searching for a leopard. As we worked along the riverbanks, we heard the chattering alarm calls of vervet monkeys—a sure sign that there was a predator nearby. More often than not, these monkeys can help us locate a leopard they’ve spotted from the treetops.
While driving along, we noticed a white object in the tree line. However, it wasn’t the raised, white tip of a disgruntled leopard’s tail; it was an African Barred Owlet. One of my guests had expressed a strong desire to see and photograph this species, and it’s funny how nature often delivers what we seek.
The Pearl-spotted Owlet is a striking, diurnal bird commonly found in wooded ravines and thickets along the Sand River, as well as in the dry seasonal riverbeds that feed into it. This particular owlet was a bird that one of my guests had been eager to find and photograph. It’s always a rewarding experience to tailor the safari to a guest’s specific interests, ensuring they have the opportunity to see and capture the species that matter most to them.
We spent a good amount of time enjoying the owlet’s presence while another vehicle searched for the leopard and found her in a thicket, feeding on a fresh Common Grey Duiker kill. The view was limited, as she had stashed the kill in some bushes.
We left with plans to return later in the evening, hoping for more activity. When we arrived just before sunset, we couldn’t have asked for a better outcome: the leopard was resting by the watercourse of the river. We watched her wake, yawn, stretch, and walk toward the area of her kill, coming right toward our vehicle. As night fell, she began feeding on the kill before hoisting it high into the treetops to secure it.
Her descent was a remarkable sight; she navigated the twisted branches like a fireman on a pole. Positioned only a few feet away, we witnessed this incredible display, and I can’t wait to see the images my guests captured. We had prepared for this moment, and I truly believe everyone nailed their shots. This will be a sighting we all fondly remember for a long time.
MalaMala Game Reserve is truly spellbinding, and it was a privilege to see the Island Female—a leopardess I’ve known for most of her life and arguably one of the largest and most beautiful leopardesses on the property. It really doesn’t get much better than this.
Reunited with my favourite leopard, the Three Rivers female. There’s so much emotion tied to this moment, forever captured in time. This morning, as the sun rose over the crest of the Sand River bed, we found the Three Rivers female near the site of the Island female’s kill from the previous night. She lay on the western bank, issuing a territorial rasping call, proclaiming her presence and dominance in the area. The Island female had blurred the lines of the Sand River, encroaching on her territory.
Then, she got up and patrolled the river’s length to the north, scent-marking and rasping. As she walked along the steep embankment, bathed in stunning golden light, her larger-than-life attitude cast a dramatic shadow. It was photographically perfect. This will undoubtedly be a lifetime favourite.
A little backstory: I first encountered this leopard as a two-week-old cub when I began guiding at MalaMala nine years ago. I watched her grow from a timid, gentle, yet always curious cub into a young independent leopard after her mother was killed by lions at just 13 months. Against the odds, she thrived. In 2020, she blessed me with an unforgettable sight: carrying her firstborn cub in her mouth to a new den site. That cub was tiny, only a few days old. She proved to be an exceptional mother, raising him to independence—a feat not achieved by many leopards.
Now, to see her again, full of life, confidence, and vigour, boldly announcing her territory and strength, fills my heart with joy. Her presence caused the Island female to hastily drag her carcass across the Sand River and well out of the Three Rivers’ path. My heart is full and content. Thank you for always coming to say hello. I’ve never missed her on my return trips guiding my ORYX Photo Tour guests. What a special moment to share with them.
We enjoyed numerous elephant sightings as we went through our time at MalaMala. We saw a herd with a newborn leucistic calf. Only a few weeks old, it was a rare sighting on safari. This calf was being cared for by the mother and seemed to be in healthy condition. The condition occurs when the calf is born lacking melanin, making it appear white (or rather pink) with very little pigmentation, and almost blue eyes (not red, which would indicate full albinism). We hope this calf leads a long life, but survival is challenging, as it stands out for predators and faces the effects of the sun, including skin conditions, cancers, and cataracts in the eyes. It will always have to be diligent with its “elephant sunscreen” in the form of daily mud baths to cover up and protect itself from the sun.
Another great thing about MalaMala is the Sand River. 12 miles of river flow through the reserve, and in the peak of the dry season, it is the main water source for all animals in the Sabi Sands and even for far reaches of Kruger National Park. There had been a rainstorm a week before our arrival, but it was hardly noticeable, as the earth was still very dry. Only a few new green grass shoots and leaves on trees would have otherwise indicated the approaching summer rains. All animals seek water for life, and we had beautiful, relaxed, elegant sightings on the Sand River. Elephant herds, with tiny newborn calves, came to drink, bathe, and play in the river. It’s social and calm when they willingly approach, often surrounding the vehicle. A wall of elephants slurping and squirting water into their mouths, with little calves drinking from their mothers’ mouths as they haven’t yet mastered the use of their trunks. It is a delightful sighting that evokes emotions and makes you feel connected to the natural world. It’s a therapeutic and healing experience. I hope you can join me next year to experience this.
We also witnessed giraffe drinking from the Sand River, with the setting sun causing beautiful backlighting. The sun was still high in the sky, and the giraffe were drinking and walking, casting a large dark shadow behind them from the riverine trees. This allowed for magical backlighting, with the giraffe flicking their heads up and an S-shaped spiral of water droplets rising from below their mouths.
Sand River Magic. At first light, we spotted the Kambula Pride—19 lions in total, consisting of four adult lionesses, 13 sub-adult lions of different ages, and one of the Ndengha males. The pride was resting on an open sandbank, basking in the sun. Some were playing on a fallen tree log, while others scanned the area and enjoyed the morning sunshine. Some were restless and began a game of tag in the Sand River’s watercourse. The lions had endless energy before the heat of the day, which can reach 38 degrees Celsius, and they often rest and hunt along the river.
It was a dream sighting that played out throughout the morning. We watched as they attempted to hunt a herd of impala coming to drink. Unfortunately for the lions, they couldn’t get close enough without being noticed by the prey and ever-vigilant vervet monkeys. We got some great action shots of them running, splashing, and playing in the river. The whole pride crossed the river to rest in the encroaching shade on the opposite bank. This is why I run my scheduled safari at the peak of the dry season, just before the summer rains. The lions are hungry and strategically positioned to ambush thirsty prey.
In the afternoon, we encountered a young, newly independent son of the Piccadilly Leopardess. He was resting by a small pool of water in the Mlowathi River. He posed beautifully, showing off his unique different-colored eyes. We captured stunning portraits of him. As he stared at us, rolled over, and gazed skyward, it was a moment to really appreciate the unique qualities of this young predator. We watched as he slowly rose and attempted to hunt an Nyala bull, but his exuberance and inexperience showed, and the Nyala took flight.
As sunset approached, we worked the northern boundary of the property along one of the dry ravines. We spotted a leopard resting on the bank— the Sibuye female. She was looking into the gully below when suddenly another leopard approached. It was her almost-independent son. She snarled at him, showing her discomfort at his presence. He cried and begged for affection, but she wasn’t having any of it. Eventually, the two leopards settled, lying just a few feet apart. As darkness fell, she got up, and we noticed fresh wounds along her sides, likely inflicted by the “Scarface” Tortoise Pan male, who had been responsible for killing the previous territorial male and the late father of her offspring.
The next morning, as the sun rose, we stopped to check a pipe by the MalaMala runway that a pair of black-backed jackals had been using as a den for their four pups. We found them playing and greeting their parents, with the sun rising behind them. We strategically parked to capture the stunning warm glow of the backlit sun on their fur.
Two of my guests were particularly interested in birds, especially birds in flight. That morning was cooler and overcast, providing excellent conditions for bird photography, as birds tend to be less active early in the morning and will rest on branches. Raptors wait for the thermals to warm up the air before flying. We photographed brown-headed parrots, the beautiful lilac-breasted roller, which flew from branch to branch and occasionally swooped down to the ground right alongside our vehicle, catching centipedes for breakfast.
We also found a white-fronted bee-eater colony on the banks of the Sand River, while two lions rested downstream. We set up our morning coffee stop and breakfast in the bush. The birds were active, hawking food and flying in and out of their nest holes to feed their chicks. It was an amazing opportunity, as the birds were perched on fallen trees, almost at eye level. We discussed camera settings and techniques to freeze these lightning-fast birds in action.
As we enjoyed coffee and breakfast by the Sand River while photographing white-fronted bee-eaters, we heard monkeys alarm calling and quickly rushed to find the Split Rock male leopard patrolling his territory along the river. We positioned ourselves ahead of him. We spotted an impala ewe with a broken leg, and as expected, the leopard seized the opportunity. After killing the impala, he dragged it to a nearby tree to feed. We decided to leave, knowing he would likely hoist the kill before nightfall.
It was an unforgettable experience, made possible by expert guiding and the collaboration between myself and my close friend, Pieter Van Wyk. With a combined experience and knowledge of the property spanning over 20 years, we were able to provide a unique perspective. Witnessing a leopard kill in daylight is rare, and our guests were fortunate to capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
In the afternoon, we started with a swim in the Sand River. It was hot, and it was fun to cool off in the crystal-clear waters. We then went to join a sighting of the Three Rivers female and her young cub. It was a nice sighting, but the light was harsh, and photographically it wasn’t ideal. They had an impala ewe kill stashed in the bushes, and we watched the cub carrying and trying to hoist the young impala lamb that would have nearly been born, but nature had other plans to sustain the leopard family. It was a great sighting where I got to see her new cub for the very first time, and she was beautiful and so relaxed by nature. She posed and offered some nice portrait shots. I can say I’m besotted, and I can’t wait to follow along as she raises this cub and look forward to the future sightings that may lie ahead when visiting MalaMala with new guests.
Later, we returned to the Split Rock male and his kill. We arrived and photographed an African Hoopoe on a low branch on the ground. The female sat on a small twig, and the male would bring her bugs to eat. It was a great sighting as we waited for the leopard to wake up from his slumber and food coma.
Just before sunset, we witnessed the Split Rock male leopard drag his kill to a Sausage Tree, but he slipped while trying to hoist it. Undeterred, he successfully pulled it up into a Jackalberry tree, ensuring his meal would be safe for the night.
To end the night, we found a Giant Verreaux’s eagle-owl perched on a dead tree. It was scanning and listening for any rustle in the grass from prey moving about. We watched and photographed him as the waxing gibbous moon rose behind him in the distance. It was a great end to what was a very successful and unforgettable last full day on safari.
On our final morning, the summer rains showed themselves with a light drizzle throughout the morning. We attempted to track a pride of lions and walked and tracked in an area where the reserve had recent Temminck’s Ground Pangolin sightings. We searched the dry earth, game trails, and holes in surrounding termite mounds but had no luck.
We decided to end our trip with a coffee break under some ancient Jackalberry trees on the edge of the sand river. It was time to chat and reflect on an amazing week of safari. We “forest bathed,” so to speak, basking in the beautiful natural surroundings. While we were there, we did some more bird photography with African Hoopoes, Red-chested cuckoos, Lesser Striped Swallows perched on the trees, preening and soaking in the new signs of life that the summer rains would undoubtedly bring in the coming weeks.
As we summarize the MalaMala Photo Tour, we would like to share a quick highlight reel from the trip. ORYX guests wrapped up an incredible week at South Africa’s MalaMala Game Reserve, focusing on big cats and bird photography.
The week was filled with extraordinary moments, including a pride of 19 lions, a coalition of two regal male lions, 10 different leopards (including mothers with playful cubs), a male leopard hunting and successfully killing an impala ewe, and some of the best leopard sightings Africa has to offer. The group also enjoyed close encounters with white rhino, elephants drinking from the Sand River with newborn calves, giraffes, zebras, and an array of beautiful birdlife.
If you’d like to build a stunning photographic portfolio and experience these incredible moments with Daniel Bailey next year, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. There are limited spaces available for just 3 photographers per tour.
South Africa – MalaMala Photo Tour 2025
Let Daniel Bailey guide you, providing expert coaching on capturing the perfect shot in-camera, post-processing tips, and sharing his wealth of knowledge gained from 7 years as a full-time photographic ranger at MalaMala.
With his deep understanding of the local wildlife, best locations, and unique bird sightings, Daniel is eager to help you hone your skills, learn from his experience, and walk away with unforgettable images and memories.
Join ORYX for an experience that will leave you with the very best images and stories to savour for a lifetime.For more information, contact us at [email protected] or email [email protected] for inquiries into private or tailor-made trips to suit your timeline and have Daniel Bailey accompany you as your ORYX Leader.
