Sheila Peake, I'm watching you (ANIMALS 2026)

This chance encounter of a leopard in the Kruger National Park, less than 20m from the car, evoked feeling of rapture and awe, as I was the only person there. An amazing private viewing of one of the most athletic, fast and unpredictable animals in Africa. He came down the dead tree, getting closer, then he looked right at me, and as our eyes met, my heart rate skyrocketed. He just stared, and I wondered when I was clicking away, if I could close the window before he reached the car.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.