27 Stunning Wildlife Photos Taken by some of Africa’s Best Photographers

It seems completely unfair that some people get to spend their days travelling around Africa snapping photos of wildlife. But I suppose it’s also unfair that some animals wake up and find themselves on the hit list of a throng of hungry predators. Maybe I shouldn’t complain.

At Rhino Africa, we often collaborate with wildlife photographers who catch our eye and portray Africa’s wildlife in clever and beautiful ways. Our Instagram channel is a perfect example of this. We went back over the past few months to pick our favourites. This is what we found.

“This hippo is the loser male of the group. After grazing alone he went back in the water with his group sitting away from the dominant male and his ladies. Mana Pools, Zimbabwe” – @dittinitti #RATakeover __________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #hippo #hippopotamus #wildlife #wildlifephotography #zimbabwe #africa #safari #travel #travelgram #nature #naturegram

A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Jan 12, 2017 at 11:09pm PST

“Lilac-breasted Roller, Etosha National Park in Namibia” – @isak.pretorius #RAtakeover ____________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #birds #bird #birdlovers #birding #birdsofinstagram #birds_of_instagram #nature #naturegram #travel #travelgram #instagood #instanature #wildlife #wildlifephotography #photography #love #birdstagram #namibia #africa #africanamazing A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Jan 3, 2017 at 3:46am PST

“Elephant, Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya” – @isak.pretorius #RAtakeover __________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #wildlifeaddicts #wildlife_seekers #wildlife_perfection #wildlifephotography #wildlife_photography #wildlife #africa #africanamazing #elephant #elephants #elephantsofinstagram #nature #naturegram #travel #travelgram #bigfive #instagram #instanature

A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Dec 28, 2016 at 4:04am PST

“Lion, Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya” – @isak.pretorius #RAtakeover ____________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #lion #lions #bigcats #bigfive #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlife_perfection #wildlife_seekers #wildlifeaddicts #nature #naturegram #travel #travelgram #africa #africanamazing #safari A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Dec 23, 2016 at 2:56am PST

“Giraffe, Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya” – @isak.pretorius #RAtakeover _____________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #giraffe #giraffes #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlife_perfection #wildlife_seekers #wildlifeaddicts #nature #naturegram #wild #animals #africa #africanamazing #instanature #instagood #safari #travel #travelgram

A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Dec 27, 2016 at 11:15pm PST

“Cheetahs, Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya” – @isak.pretorius #RAtakeover ____________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #cheetah #cheetahs #bigcats #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #wildlife_seekers #wildlifeaddicts #photography #wild #africa #africanamazing #instagood #instanature #safari #nature #naturegram #travel #travelgram #kenya A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Dec 21, 2016 at 8:33am PST

“Sunset in Botswana, is my favorite time to photograph. Three beautiful elephants and a young one had just finished dusting themselves off and walking back to their resting place for the night.” – @rajeevphoto #RAtakeover __________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #elephant #elephants #sunset #sunsets #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #wildlife_seekers #wildlifeaddicts #bigfive #africa #africanamazing #safari #travelgram #travel

A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Dec 11, 2016 at 10:23pm PST

“Deep breaths at dawn! A lioness at the marshlands in Southern Serengeti embraces the first light. Shortlisted by natgeo” – @shaazjungphotography #RAtakeover _________________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #lion #lioness #bigfive #bigcats #bigcatsofinstagram #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlife_perfection #wildlife_seekers #wildlifeaddicts #africa #africanamazing #safari #amazing #wildlifeaddicts #wildlife_seekers #wildlifeplanet #picoftheday #photooftheday A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Nov 28, 2016 at 12:49am PST

“Mother & son” – @shaazjungphotography #RAtakeover _________________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #zebra #zebras #africa #babyanimal #cuteanimals #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #wildlife_seekers #wildlifeaddicts #wildlifephotographer #photooftheday #picoftheday #wildlifeonearth #bestpicture #amazing #safari #africanamazing

A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Nov 25, 2016 at 4:39am PST

“On my way back from a memorable safari in the Serengeti. This was shot using a remote trigger with my camera and wide angle lens kept on the ground” – @shaazjungphotography #RAtakeover _________________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #lion #lions #kingofthejungle #bigfive #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlife_perfection #wildlifeplanet #wildlife_seekers #wildlifeaddicts #wildlifephotographer #photooftheday #picoftheday #africa #safari #africanamazing #wild #animals A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Nov 24, 2016 at 1:08am PST

“Off to Africa! To me it epitomises what Africa is all about. Life is never too far away from death in these beautiful yet savage lands.” – @shaazjungphotography #RAtakeover _________________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #lion #hunting #bigfive #action #actionshot #travelgram #travel #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlife_perfection #wildlife_seekers #wildlifephotographer #wildlifewednesday #safari #africa #picoftheday #photooftheday

A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Nov 23, 2016 at 6:56am PST

“An African morning. Together we enjoyed the first light, the untouched dew, the first song from the first bird and the last shadows of a dying darkness” – @shaazjungphotography #RAtakeover _________________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #cheetah #bigcats #bigcat #bigcatsofinstagram #sunset #animals #wild #africanamazing #safari #africa #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlife_perfection #wildlife_seekers #wildlifephotographer #wildlifeonearth #picoftheday #photooftheday #amazing #bestpicture A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Nov 24, 2016 at 6:34am PST

“A lion called Mohican, surveying its surroundings one morning in the Olare Motorogi conservancy bordering the Masai Mara, Kenya.” #RAtakeover @cheetah80 _________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #lion #lionsofinstagram #bigfive #bigcats #bigcatsofinstagram #bigcat #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlife_perfection #wildlife_seekers #wildlifeaddicts #wildlifephotographer #naturegram #africananimals #animals #travel #travelgram #africa #safari

A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Nov 9, 2016 at 12:59am PST

“A very displeased lioness enduring a torrential downpour in the Masai Mara, Kenya.” #RAtakeover @cheetah80 _________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #lion #lioness #lions #bigfive #africa #africanamazing #travelgram #travel #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlifephotographer #wildlifeaddicts #safari #rain #picoftheday #photooftheday #awesome_shots #awesomeearth #awesome_photographers   A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Nov 7, 2016 at 11:52pm PST

“The Stanglehold. A cheetah mom teaching her young ones to hunt. The circle of life is sad to witness sometimes, but it’s necessary to keep everything in balance.” #RAtakeover @cheetah80 _________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #cheetah #cheetahs #hunt #awesome_photographers #awesomeearth #awesome_shots #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlife_perfection #wildlife_seekers #wildlifeaddicts #wildlifephotographer #nature #naturegram #safari #animals #africananimals

A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Nov 8, 2016 at 1:42am PST

“Lion Power Pose. Masai Mara, Kenya.” #RAtakeover @cheetah80 _________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #ratakeover #lion #lions #bigcat #bigcatsofinstagram #bigcats #safari #picoftheday #photooftheday #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlife_perfection #wildlife_seekers #africa #africanamazing #nature #travel #bigfive   A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Nov 4, 2016 at 6:08am PDT

Ring-tailed Lemurs in a hurry. Berenty, Madagascar.” #RAtakeover @cheetah80 _________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #ratakeover #lemur #madagascar #africa #africanamazing #african_portraits #safari #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlifeperfection #photooftheday #picoftheday #photography #wildlifephotographer #lemurs #travel #travelgram #instagood #nature #naturegram

A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Nov 2, 2016 at 2:05am PDT

“Curious Madagascar Scops Owl. Kirindy, Madagascar.” #RAtakeover @cheetah80 _________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #ratakeover #owl #birds #bird #birdsofinstagram #birdlovers #birdsofafeather #nature #naturegram #picoftheday #photooftheday #safari #travel #travelgram #madagascar #africa #african_portraits #africanamazing #owls   A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Nov 1, 2016 at 12:46am PDT

“We can’t afford to fail in the effort to save the elephants. Mana Pools, Zimbabwe.” #RAtakeover @cheetah80 _________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #ratakeover #elephant #elephantsofinstagram #bigfive #africa #africanamazing #african_portraits #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlife_perfection #photography #picoftheday #photooftheday #safari

A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Nov 1, 2016 at 1:46am PDT

“Baby meerkat, just a couple of weeks old and unbelievably cute! The Kalahari gives you time to slow down and appreciate the small creatures.” #RAtakeover @cheetah80 _________________________ #rhinoafrica #ratakeover #rhinogram #meerkat #wildlife #wildlifephotographer #wildlifephotography #wildlifelove #wildlifeperfection #wildlife_seekers #photooftheday #picoftheday #safari #naturegram #nature #africa #africanamazing   A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Oct 31, 2016 at 11:32pm PDT

“The approaching storm painted the sky pink at sunset in the #Kalahari and the rain, although brief was much needed in that great thirst land.” Credit: @lauradyerphotography #RAtakeover _________________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #wildlife #wildlifephotographer #wildlifephotography #wildlifelovers #wildlife_perfection #wildlife_seekers #nature #naturelovers #travel #travelgram #picoftheday #amazingpicture #photooftheday #instadaily #igers #destination #beautiful #africanamazing #africa #instagood #instalike #bestoftheday #instafollow

A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Oct 20, 2016 at 1:41am PDT

“Today’s dose of cuteness comes in the form of a couple of little lion cubs from the Kogatenda region of the Serengeti. I love how they lay up on the rocks so well hidden all day – it’s such fun to find them.” Credit: @lauradyerphotography #RAtakeover __________________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #wildlife #wildlifephotographer #wildlifephotography #wildlifelovers #wildlife_perfection #wildlife_seekers #nature #naturelovers #travel #travelgram #picoftheday #amazingpicture #photooftheday #instadaily #igers #destination #beautiful #africanamazing #africa #instagood #instalike #bestoftheday #instafollow   A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Oct 18, 2016 at 11:44pm PDT

“Such an awesome experience to watch this tiny leopard cub play with mom right next to our vehicle.” Credit: @michaeldippenaar #RAtakeover _________________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #wildlife #wildlifephotographer #wildlifephotography #wildlifelovers #wildlife_perfection #wildlife_seekers #nature #naturelovers #travel #travelgram #picoftheday #amazingpicture #photooftheday #instadaily #igers #destination #beautiful #madagascar #island #islandliving #africanamazing #africa #instagood #instalike #bestoftheday #instafollow

A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Oct 10, 2016 at 3:05am PDT

“Probably one of my favourite images I have taken during my tender as a Wildlife Photographer. An unusual pose and some eye contact make for a great image.” Credit: @michaeldippenaar #RAtakeover ______________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #wildlife #wildlifephotographer #wildlifephotography #wildlifelovers #wildlife_perfection #wildlife_seekers #nature #naturelovers #travel #travelgram #picoftheday #amazingpicture #photooftheday #instadaily #igers #destination #beautiful #madagascar #island #islandliving #africanamazing #africa #instagood #instalike #bestoftheday #instafollow   A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Oct 4, 2016 at 12:23am PDT

It’s time to march off into that weekend! Tag your best friend? Image: Gorah Elephant Camp ___________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #wildlife #wildlifephotographer #wildlifelovers #wildlife_perfection #wildlife_seekers #nature #naturelovers #travel #travelgram #picoftheday #photooftheday #instadaily #igers #destination #beautiful #africanamazing #africa #instagood #instalike #bestoftheday #instafollow #friday

A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Sep 30, 2016 at 7:36am PDT

“The rain started to fall a little bit harder. Enough to make the week old giraffe calfs seek each other out for comfort as their mothers carried on browsing in the nearby Acacia Tree.” Credit: @pennyrobartes (Photo Tour Leader at @oryxphotography) #RAtakeover ____________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #wildlife #wildlifephotographer #wildlifephotography #wildlifelovers #wildlife_perfection #wildlife_seekers #nature #naturelovers #travel #travelgram #picoftheday #amazingpicture #photooftheday #instadaily #igers #destination #beautiful #africa #africanamazing #safari #giraffe #kenya   A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Sep 21, 2016 at 7:13am PDT

“Cheetah cubs are ridiculously cute! This little one gave us some wonderful photographic opportunities and experiences that will stay in the hearts and memories of the Serian guests I was out on safari with! As well as for myself, of course!” Credit: @pennyrobartes (Photo Tour Leader at @oryxphotography) #RAtakeover ____________________________ #rhinoafrica #rhinogram #wildlife #wildlifephotographer #wildlifephotography #wildlifelovers #wildlife_perfection #wildlife_seekers #nature #naturelovers #travel #travelgram #picoftheday #amazingpicture #photooftheday #instadaily #igers #destination #beautiful #kenya #africanamazing #africa #cheetah

A photo posted by Rhino Africa (@rhinoafrica) on Sep 20, 2016 at 1:12am PDT