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To view the photographs at large size and read the stories behind the pictures,
click on the images below to open an exhibition series, and then on the small images

Luangwa Wild

The Luangwa Valley is very much 'A Crowded Wilderness'.  Its magnificent abundance of wildlife, in an unusually concentrated variety of large game species, has made it one of Africa's premier wildlife safari destinations.

So most visitors go there seeking the excitement of wild & close encounters with 'classic' African attractions such as elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe and the many other species that Luangwa has to offer.

But there is something else that draws so many back for many more visits, when they begin to see how and why the area came to be home to such an abundance of wildlife - and how the Luangwa Valley 'works'.

It is in the stunning landscape of the Luangwa Valley that we see how Luangwa's many natural elements are tied together in a unique ecology - the high escarpments that have kept the valley remote and inaccessible; the 'big sky' vistas; the dynamic Luangwa River and its riverine woodlands; the lush, tree-lined lagoons; the expanses of Mopane woodland; all in the constant cycle of the 'dry' and the 'wet' seasons.

In addition, especially for artists and photographers, there is the Light.

Photographers the world over refer to what they call the ‘magic hour’ – that period, twice a day, when the light is just right. Except that in this part of Africa, that magic hour lasts no more than 15 minutes.  It may happen twice in a day, or not at all. It may happen early morning or late afternoon or, in certain weather, even at midday. It’s what gives even an ordinary view that ’wow’ factor.  We see it often, although usually for just fleeting moments.

The nature photographer’s quest is to get it faithfully onto film, and in the right place, at the right time.

Perhaps the Luangwa light is made special by a combination of altitude & latitude, perhaps not.  But it does have a unique quality & character that makes the Luangwa ‘magic hours’ ever more special.  It seems to have its own clarity and glow, and even its own texture.

This exhibition is attempt to capture something of this essence of the Luangwa Valley.  I hope it will encourage the newcomer to go to Luangwa to see it, and others to go back to enjoy it again.

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This work was done in two visits to the Luangwa Valley, in October/November and in March.  The aim was to contrast the landscape scenes at the end of the dry season with those at the end of the wet (rains) season.  The landscapes photographed are all in the main safari tourism area in the South Luangwa National Park and are therefore the very same scenes that most visitors can explore and recognise on their Luangwa safari.

To view the photographs at large size and read the stories behind the pictures,
click on the images below to open an exhibition series, and then on the small images