by Megon Venter
on August 31, 2018
2 min read

While out on safari most people are searching for a sighting of the Big 5 but sometimes things don’t go quite as planned when looking for these safari creatures. Sometimes more elusive creatures make an appearance or other times it is simply too hot for these animals to emerge from the bush. Despite these factors, there is a magic that happens when a photographer waits long enough to get that perfect photo.

Our photographers have submitted some sensational works to our Wildlife Portraits category and you can do the same before the competition for this category closes at the end of September. Along with a pair of Swarovski binoculars, you stand a chance to win our grand prize (a nine-day luxury safari lodge stay) if you are crowned a category winner! Read below to see some the quirkiest shots captured by our contestants and leave a comment about your favourite.

Reaching for the tastier leaves

safari creatures

Photo Credit: Simon Smith

Tree Climbing Lions Do Indeed Exist

safari creatures

Photo Credit: Sasidhar Ravinuthala

A Hippo Going For a Jog

safari creatures

Photo Credit: Simon Smith

Owls Cosy Up Together

safari creatures

Photo Credit: Frantisek Pelc

A Leopard Takes a Bath

safari creatures

Photo Credit: Don Heyneke

An Attempt at Vegetarianism

safari creatures

Photo Credit: John Mullineux

Are you inspired by these quirky safari creatures? Enter Africa’s Photographer of the Year now and have your work featured on the site as well as the blog. Our competition runs for the entire year and features various levels of photographers. Anyone of any nationality is allowed to enter our competition and our judges are an esteemed panel with a supreme connection to nature. Our next category, Africa off the Beaten Track, opens in October – so prepare your entries now! To view some water wonders taken by our contestants in the Wildlife Portraits category, click here.