The Fragility of the Wild

Zambia is known for vast national parks, powerful rivers and wildlife moving freely through largely unfenced wilderness. During my journeys through Kafue, the Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa, however, I encountered a side of the African bush that was far removed from the idealised wilderness often imagined.

An anthrax outbreak had swept through parts of the region, leaving elephants, hippos and buffalo where they had fallen. The remains lay scattered across an otherwise timeless landscape, creating an atmosphere that was impossible to ignore. Even predators seemed affected, with lions appearing subdued rather than dominant.

At the same time, conservation teams were working quietly in the wilderness, treating affected animals and doing everything possible to protect what remained. It was a powerful reminder that even apparently endless ecosystems can be remarkably fragile.

In Kafue, I experienced another unforgettable encounter. A lioness had chosen the area beneath my raised accommodation as a shelter for herself and her two cubs. Each evening, returning along the long wooden boardwalk, I became increasingly aware of her presence. I moved carefully, observed her behaviour and never forgot that I was the visitor in her territory.

This journey changed the way I looked at Zambia. I had come searching for wildlife and beautiful images, but the bush revealed something deeper.

Nature is powerful, yet vulnerable. Photography can celebrate its beauty, but it can also remind us how much there is to lose.

For me, Zambia became a journey not only through wilderness, but through fragility, survival, responsibility and respect.