Tribe Verified· 7-day immersive African wildlife photography expeditions

The Great Cats of Africa: Wildlife Photography Expeditions

byDeepak ShankarGlobal wildlife expeditions; Studio in Banashankari, BengaluruStarts from₹55,000 per person (double occupancy)View full gallery

Join me in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti to photograph lions, leopards, and cheetahs. We move beyond simple sightings to capture the raw, unfiltered stories of the savannah.

A leopard's hunt is a masterclass in stealth and power. This moment, which I call the 'Death Whisperer', shows the final, intense seconds of a hunt in the Maasai Mara. It's a raw and difficult scene, but it's the unfiltered reality of survival in the wild.

There is nothing more serene than a lioness watching over her cubs as the sun rises over the Serengeti. This image captures the quiet strength and maternal love that holds a pride together. These are the soulful moments we wait for, the stories of family and legacy in the animal kingdom.

This is the iconic 'Lion King' scene from the Serengeti, a shot that every wildlife photographer dreams of. Seeing these two male lions against a fiery sunrise sky is a moment that truly feels like it’s straight out of a film.

This is Luluka, one of the boldest leopards in the Mara. I waited eight hours under the hot sun for her to stir. My patience was rewarded when she emerged and gave us this regal pose, a perfect example of how perseverance is key in wildlife photography.

A symphony of speed and grace. This is the chase at its most intense, a moment where both predator and prey are pushed to their absolute limits. Capturing the flying feet and desperate energy of a cheetah hunt is one of the ultimate challenges and rewards of a safari.

A dominant male lion walks with purpose across the Serengeti plains. His confident stride and direct gaze tell a story of power and solitude. On my tours, I teach you how to read this body language to anticipate their next move.

Many people don't realize that the "black panther" of Africa is actually a melanistic leopard. Spotting this rare, shadowy cat as it crossed a path in Laikipia was a dream come true. Its dark coat makes it a master of camouflage, a true ghost of the forest.

The serval, with its long legs and large ears, is a uniquely beautiful and elusive cat. I was thrilled to capture this one on a path, showcasing its elegant stride and striking spotted coat. It’s a reminder to always be ready for the unexpected encounters.

The African wild dog, or painted dog, is one of the most efficient predators on the continent. Getting this low-angle portrait required patience and a steady nerve, but it resulted in an intimate connection with this highly social and endangered animal.

This is the legendary lion Olobor during his final hunt. Witnessing his raw power as he took down a cape buffalo was a privilege. His story is a powerful reminder of the constant struggle for survival and the untamed spirit of the wild.

About The Great Cats of Africa

These expeditions are not about rushing from one animal to another. I prioritize vehicles with pop-up roofs and low-angle access in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti, so we can capture cheetahs and leopards at eye level rather than looking down from a distance. You will need patience, as we often wait hours for the right light or behaviour, but this is how we secure those genuine, intimate portraits that tell a real story.

7-day immersive African wildlife photography expeditions — Approved by the tribe

Deepak Shankar

Global wildlife expeditions; Studio in Banashankari, BengaluruStarts from ₹55,000 per person (double occupancy)

When I am out in the Maasai Mara, I am not just a guide; I am a storyteller with a camera. I want to help you move past the tourist shot and teach you how to read the savannah, finding those quiet, powerful moments that define a predator's life.