Sometimes it can be tricky to distinguish a young male lion from a female. This lion clearly had what looked like the beginning growth of a mane, but sure enough it turned out to be a female. Certain older subadult and dominant females can have slight scruff on the jawline. She was the first lion we saw on our June of 2023 trip — day one in Nairobi National Park. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 24-70mm lens (at 70mm) ISO 560, f/5.6 at 1/500th of a second.

Always exciting to spot a leopard. On our trip in June, this was the first one we saw. It was deep in a bush, but very close. We thought it might be our only sighting, but later that afternoon we caught up with the same leopard when he was out hunting. And the next morning we saw three more. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 7200, f/5.6 at 1/2000th of a second.

We always see a few grey crowned cranes on our trips to East Africa. It’s actually the national bird of Uganda and they are common throughout many areas of sub-Sahara Africa — usually around wetland habitat. This one was photographed on our first day of safari this past June in Kenya’s Nairobi National Park. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 80, f/5.6 at 1/125th of a second.

Karen and I are currently booking for open spots on a June safari this year to Kenya and then Uganda for gorillas. This is our classic, signature trip. For more info, you can visit cranewildlifetours.com and please reach out if interested. Lions are very common on our trips, especially in the Masai Mara where we always spend three nights. We spotted this one early morning on a game drive in June of ’23. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1600, f/5.6 at 1/125th of a second.

Here’s another wildlife mother that didn’t make the cut for the 2026 calendar. A superb starling feeding her chick in Ol Pajeta Conservancy in Kenya. To see the images that did make the calendar (and to pick up a few wildlife-themed holiday gifts) check out www.specieslimited.com. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 3200, f/5.6 at 1/2500th of a second.

The kori bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds on Earth, with males weighing up to 40 pounds. That said, they don’t fly much, preferring to walk with slow, stately steps across the African grasslands. I was able to lower the camera to the ground for an intimate view of this guy in his environment during the green season in Kenya. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 200mm) ISO 180, f/4 at 1/1250th of a second, inverted tripod and remote trigger.

A herd of Cape buffalo is a formidable force on the African savanna. These tightly knit groups offer safety in numbers, with older bulls and cows forming a protective wall around calves when predators lurk nearby. Known for their unpredictable temper and unwavering loyalty to the herd, Cape buffalo have been seen turning back to rescue companions from lions. Their collective strength, combined with sharp memory and strong social bonds, makes them one of Africa’s most respected and resilient grazers. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 97mm) ISO 360, f/2.8 at 1/1600th of a second.

Vervet monkeys are just one of the species we regularly see around the camp we stay at in Samburu, Kenya on Crane Wildlife Tours. If you’ve been thinking of an African adventure and want to join one of our tours, we have a few openings for June of 2026. Check out www.cranewildlifetours.com for general info on our trips and reach out if interested in joining us soon. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1100, f/5.6 at 1/1000th of a second.

The martial eagle is Africa’s largest and most powerful eagle, with a wingspan that can exceed 7 feet and the strength to take down prey as large as small antelope or monkeys. As an apex predator, the martial eagle plays a vital role in balancing ecosystems, but it’s under threat from habitat loss and persecution, leading to sharp population declines in recent years. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 2500, f/5.6 at 1/80th of a second.

An elephant cow is a fiercely devoted mother, guiding her calf with both gentleness and strength. From birth, the calf rarely strays far from her side, using its trunk to explore the world while learning vital survival skills. The mother uses low-frequency rumbles to communicate with her calf — even over long distances — and will shield it from danger with her massive body. Calves nurse for up to two years and remain under the care and protection of the herd well into adolescence. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 24-70mm lens (at 49mm) ISO 250, f/5 at 1/500th of a second.