Unexpected Convergence

Photographer

Carel-Louis Steenkamp

Category

Nature Photography - Wildlife

Company

Carel Steenkamp Photography

Submission Group

Professional

Year

2023

Country / Region:

South Africa

Unexpected Convergence was, as the name suggests, a rather peculiar sighting. I was guiding a group of guests on Erindi Private Game Reserve. We arrived at a watering hole and spotted two elephant bulls. I approached, switched the engine off and started speaking about the bulls that were busy drinking water. Suddenly, Helmeted Guinea Fowl started alarming, and I could see that the elephants' behaviour had changed. I scanned the area, and completely confused, spotted the cheetah only about 5 meters in front of the vehicle. It caught me so off guard I could have sworn it just spawned there! The cheetah then laid down, and after some minutes tried its luck at the watering hole. The elephants, however, weren't finished drinking and made that clear to the cheetah by giving it a little charge. The cat then made its way to the other side of the watering hole and jumped onto a broken termite mound. I saw this once in a lifetime opportunity, and together with the guests decided to reposition the vehicle. I took plenty of photos, and ended up preferring this one where all of the animals are staring into a similar direction. I highly doubt I'll ever get a similar image in my life again!

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