Lion Archives - Mihaela Limberea

My 2025 Favorite Photos

16th December 2025 Mihaela Limberea

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As 2025 draws to a close, it’s only natural to pause, pour a cup of something warm, and reflect on the whirlwind of the past year. Let’s dive in together, shall we?

This photo showcases two cheetah brothers (Acinonyx jubatus) in a misty morning setting. The sleek felines, with their spotted coats faintly visible through the fog, stand side by side on a grassy plain, their slender bodies poised with alertness. The soft, diffused light of pre-dawn casts a gentle glow on their faces, highlighting their intense eyes and tear-marked cheeks. The background fades into a hazy blend of grey and green, with the mist creating an ethereal, mysterious atmosphere around the pair.

Two cheetah brothers (Acinonyx jubatus), photographed early in the morning, before the sun was up, and the morning mist still hung in the air, creating an eerie atmosphere.

The brothers were out patrolling their territory and stood still for a few minutes, checking their surroundings.

🐈 Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, South Africa

The photo shows a Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata), a dragonfly perched on a slender stem against a soft blue sky. Its wings are transparent with intricate vein patterns, and it has a striking body with a mix of orange and brown hues, accented by dark spots near the base of its wings, characteristic of the species.

Four-spotted Chaser, a dragonfly so called because of the four dark spots on its wings, two on each forewing.

I photographed it at a lake near our house, an excellent spot for finding butterflies and dragonflies this time of year. I find myself returning to it in every season, as there is always something to photograph: squirrels, foxes, jays, woodpeckers, birds of prey, small birds, insects, and flowers.

Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Trolldalen, Lidingö, Sweden

A mating pair of Ruddy darters (Sympetrum sanguineum) in a serene, symmetrical composition above calm water. The male, with its vibrant red abdomen and translucent wings, clasps the female in the characteristic "wheel" position, their bodies aligned vertically against a soft blue sky. The reflection below mirrors them perfectly, creating an illusion of infinite extension and adding a poetic balance to the scene. Tiny dew-like sparkles glisten on their wings, caught by the gentle morning light, while the minimalistic background emphasizes their delicate forms and the intimate beauty of this natural moment.

A pair of mating ruddy darters that I photographed at the small lake near our house, the same spot where I had photographed the four-spotted chaser. This dragonfly is a common species in Sweden, especially in the southern part of the country.

This was the first time I photographed dragonflies in flight. Dragonflies in flight are difficult to capture due to their speed and unpredictable movement. But hey, the more difficult the tasks, the more rewarding the results! I’m very pleased with this photo, even though I had to take several hundred photos to get the one I wanted.

Ruddy darters (Sympetrum sanguineum)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Trolldalen, Lidingö, Sweden

This photo shows a common blue butterfly male (Polyommatus icarus) perched delicately on an Echinacea purpurea var. Magnus flower in a garden. The butterfly, with its vibrant orange and black wings spread slightly, contrasts beautifully against the flower’s large, daisy-like pink-purple petals and prominent coppery-orange center. The morning light filters through the mist, casting a soft glow on the butterfly’s intricate wing patterns and the flower’s velvety texture. The background is a gentle blur of green foliage and other blooms, enhancing the serene and delicate beauty of this early autumn garden moment.

A male common blue butterfly (Polyommatus icarus) perched on an Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’ flower in our garden. This is what I love about our house: a wildlife garden filled with insects, butterflies, small and not-so-small animals (deer love my flowers, too!), and numerous birds! I need only to step out to find something to photograph!

🦋 Male common blue butterfly (Polyommatus icarus)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lidingö, Sweden

Australasian grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae)

An Australasian grebe calling for its young on a foggy morning on Kangaroo Island. It was 6:30 am, and the sun was not up yet. On my way to another location, I spotted this grebe family serenely floating on a small pond, shrouded in the waves of fog.

I stopped for a few minutes to take several photos, and this one became one of my absolute favorites from that trip.

🦆 Australasian grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Kangaroo Island, South Australia

This is a new edit of a lion portrait I worked on a few months ago. While I was initially pleased with the first version, the idea of making a more dramatic edit kept coming to mind—I just couldn’t let it go! So, I decided to re-process the image, and I’m really happy with the final result.

🦁 Lion (Panthera leo)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, South Africa

This photo depicts a young lioness in the midst of a hunt on a sunlit savanna. Her lean, muscular frame is poised low to the ground, with her tawny coat blending into the dry grass as she stalks prey. Her amber eyes are intensely focused, ears slightly back, and her mouth is open, revealing sharp teeth. The background features a blurred expanse of golden grass and scattered acacia trees under a clear blue sky, emphasizing her stealth and determination in this dynamic moment.

A young lioness on the prowl, stalking a giraffe under the midday sun. The hunt is on.

High-key edits aren’t usually my style, but this scene demanded it. Harsh light, a bright background, and the lioness in the shade called for a bold, high-key approach to capture the moment’s intensity.

🦁 Lion (Panthera leo)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, South Africa

Chacma baboon, also known as a Cape baboon, photographed at the Marataba Mountain Lodge. The baboon’s position inspired a low-key processing approach, and I love the result..

🐒 Chacma baboon (Papio ursinus)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Marataba Game Reserve, South Africa

This photo features a lynx standing alert in a misty forest clearing. The lynx’s thick, tawny fur, speckled with dark spots, glows softly under the overcast morning light, its tufted ears perked. Its piercing amber eyes gaze intently ahead, framed by a subtle facial ruff. The background is a gentle blur of pine trees and green foliage, the mist lending an ethereal quality that enhances the wild, majestic presence of this elusive feline in its natural habitat.

A young Lynx male from our trip to Northern Sweden. Isn’t he gorgeous?

🐈 European Lynx (Lynx lynx)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Järvsö, Sweden

This photo of a male cheetah on patrol didn’t get much attention online, but I love it for the memories it brings back. The image itself is unremarkable, but that morning was unforgettable: golden light poured over the savanna, the sky was blue, and distant bird calls filled the air. We spent over an hour following three cheetah brothers on foot, which was no small task since cheetahs move so quickly!

🐈 Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, South Africa

This year’s Halloween card, I love it!

🐿 Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lidingö, Sweden

A striking portrait of a female Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx), captured in a snowy environment. The lynx's face is prominently featured, showcasing its thick, spotted fur in shades of brown and gray, with tufted ears and piercing yellow eyes that exude a wild intensity. Light snowflakes are falling around it, adding to the wintry atmosphere, while the soft, blurred white background enhances the focus on the lynx's detailed facial features and expression.

Another lynx photo, this time from our February trip to Northern Sweden.

🐈 European Lynx (Lynx lynx)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Järvsö, Sweden

A red squirrel with a silver party hat on and holding a champagne glass in its paw

I hope you enjoyed looking at the photos. Here’s to more, better images to come in 2026! Cheers!

I wish you a very, very Happy New Year! Gott Nytt År as we say in Swedish.

Click here to see all my favorite photos during the years.

Love my work? Support my journey by buying me a coffee or sharing it on your preferred social network. And don’t forget to swing by my online shop to check out my latest prints and gifts. Thank you 🙏 !

Favorite Photos: August 2025

4th September 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Cheetah Jackal Lion Rhino Safari South Africa Zebra

This is post 32 of 39 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

This photo showcases a black-backed jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) basking in the soft morning light on a savanna. The jackal’s sleek, tan coat with subtle grey and brown hues glows warmly as the first rays of sunlight filter through the scattered acacia trees. Its alert ears are perked, and its golden eyes catch the light, giving it a sharp, inquisitive expression. The background features a misty expanse of golden grass and distant hills, blurred to emphasize the jackal’s solitary figure against the tranquil, dew-kissed landscape.

Culling is finally complete, and I’ve begun processing the photos from my trip to South Africa in June! Here’s a striking image of a black-backed jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) basking in the gentle morning light. Doesn’t it pose beautifully?

The black-backed jackal is native to South Africa, easily recognized by its distinctive black and silver saddle-like markings. This adaptable species thrives in various habitats, from grasslands to deserts, and is commonly found in Kruger National Park. Notably, these jackals are monogamous, forming strong pair bonds, with both parents actively involved in raising their pups, which are typically born in litters of 2 to 6.

This photo features a baby Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) standing close to its mother on a misty savanna. The calf’s light grey skin, still soft and slightly wrinkled, contrasts with the mother’s broader, more weathered hide, both glistening with morning dew under the gentle dawn light. The baby presses against its mother’s sturdy side, its small horn just beginning to emerge. The background is a soft blur of golden grass, the mist lending an ethereal glow that enhances the tender bond between the pair in this serene wilderness setting.

How adorable is this Southern white rhinoceros calf?

Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) calves are capable of standing and walking within just hours of their birth. They remain with their mothers for 2 to 3 years, during which they learn vital survival skills, including foraging for food and evading predators.

This photo features a zebra standing gracefully on a misty savanna. The zebra’s bold black-and-white stripes gleam with a soft sheen as the early morning light filters through the haze, illuminating its sleek form against a backdrop of golden grass and scattered acacia trees. Its head is slightly turned, revealing a curious eye and flared nostrils, while its mane stands upright, adding texture to the scene. The background is a gentle blur of muted greens and browns, with the mist lending an ethereal quality that enhances the zebra’s striking pattern and serene presence in the dawn stillness

Say “Cheese!” This zebra certainly doesn’t seem to need a dentist, does it?

Zebras (Equus quagga), native to South Africa and other regions of eastern and southern Africa, are famous for their unique black-and-white striped patterns, which are as distinctive as human fingerprints. These stripes are thought to help deter biting flies and may also confuse predators, such as lions, when zebras move in herds. When they run together, their stripes create a visual “motion dazzle” effect, making it more challenging for predators to single out an individual zebra.

Black and white close-up photo of a young lioness, gazing directly at the viewer.

I captured this image of a young lioness during my stay at Lepogo Lodges/Noka.

Lionesses (Panthera leo) are the primary hunters in a pride, working cooperatively in groups to take down prey like wildebeest and zebra. They are highly social, forming the core of the pride and raising cubs communally, with females often nursing each other’s young.

Lionesses are incredibly strong, capable of running at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph) in short bursts to chase prey.

This photo portrays a cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) in a misty, pre-sunrise setting. The cheetah stands alert on a grassy plain, its sleek, spotted coat faintly illuminated by the soft, dim light. The fog creates a dreamy haze, obscuring the background and lending a mysterious aura, with only vague outlines of distant trees visible. The cheetah’s piercing eyes and streamlined form are highlighted against the muted grey tones, capturing a moment of stillness and anticipation as dawn approaches.

One of the two cheetah brothers (Acinonyx jubatus) we followed while they were patrolling their territory on a misty morning. They would stop every now and then to check their surrounding and mark the territory.

Cheetahs patrol their territory by marking it with urine and claw scratches, signaling ownership to other cheetahs. Males often form coalitions to patrol larger territories, which can cover up to 1,500 square kilometers, while females patrol smaller, overlapping ranges to safeguard their cubs. They utilize elevated spots, such as termite mounds, to survey their territory, scanning for intruders or prey, especially during early morning or late afternoon patrols.

This patrolling behavior helps cheetahs avoid conflicts with larger predators, such as lions, as they adapt their routes to steer clear of overlapping territories. During these patrols, cheetahs can cover vast distances at speeds of up to 60-70 km/h (37-43 mph) in short bursts, relying on their keen eyesight to monitor their domain.

📸 All photos were taken with Canon R5 Mark II & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM.

Favorite Photos: July 2025

4th August 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Baboon Cheetah Dragonfly Elephant Insects Lion Safari South Africa Squirrel Waterbuck

This is post 31 of 39 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

A low key photo of a Chacma baboon or Cape baboon (Papio ursinus)

I’m still culling through safari photos, but I’ve also started processing some of my favorites. This is why the culling is moving so slowly.

One of the first images I completed processing is of a Chacma baboon, also known as a Cape baboon (Papio ursinus), photographed at the Marataba Mountain Lodge. The baboon’s position inspired a low-key processing approach, and I love the result.

Fighting African elephants (Loxodonta africana)

Clash of the Giants: African bush elephants (Loxodonta africana).

African elephants engage in mock fights, especially young bulls, to hone skills rather than cause harm. Training through play helps young elephants develop strength, coordination, and social bonds, crucial for survival and hierarchy. These interactions involve trunk wrestling and head-pushing, teaching balance and power without serious injury.

Serious fights are rare, reserved for dominance disputes, with play serving as a safer learning ground.

Play fighting also reinforces group dynamics, preparing calves for adult roles, emphasizing its role over actual combat in elephant life.

Sentinels: two cheetah brothers (Acinonyx jubatus). I photographed them early in the morning, before the sun was up, and the morning mist still hung in the air, creating an eerie atmosphere.

The brothers were out patrolling their territory and stood still for a few minutes, checking their surroundings.

Cheetahs patrol their territories to mark and defend them, often using scent markers like urine. Males, especially brothers like these two, patrol together, covering up to 1,500 square kilometers to maintain their range. Patrols occur mostly at dawn or dusk, with cheetahs using elevated spots to scan for intruders or prey.

They avoid direct confrontation when possible, relying on vocalizations and scent to warn off rivals rather than fighting.

A waterbuck female (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) I photographed while staying at Lepogo Lodges/Noka.

Waterbucks are often found near water sources, which they rely on for escape from predators. Waterbucks are strong swimmers and can dive underwater to evade threats.

Despite their name, they don’t drink water daily, getting much of their moisture from the grasses they eat.

Alow key photyo of a young lioness (Panthera leo) on the prowl.

A young lioness (Panthera leo) on the prowl, stalking a giraffe under the midday sun. The hunt is on.

Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata), a dragonfly so called because of the four dark spots on its wings, two on each forewing. It thrives in a variety of wetland habitats, including ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers, and marshes. It prefers areas with abundant vegetation, such as reeds and grasses, which provide perching spots and shelter. This species is highly adaptable and can be found across Europe and parts of Asia, from lowland areas to elevations up to 1,000 meters.

Did you know that the Four-spotted Chaser is notably territorial, with males aggressively defending their chosen perching spots or breeding territories from rival males? They patrol their territory by flying short, rapid circuits and will engage in aerial chases or confrontations to ward off intruders. Males are particularly active during warm, sunny weather, often seen hovering or darting to catch prey.

Close-up of a red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) holding a chestnut.

As always, a red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) with a chestnut 😁. Can you believe how utterly adorable this squirrel is 😍?

📸 All photos were taken with Canon R5 Mark II & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM.

Favorite Photos: June 2025

3rd July 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Lion Rhino Safari

This is post 30 of 39 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)_A tender scene of a rhinoceros and its sleeping baby in a grassy savanna at sunset. The adult rhino, with its thick grey skin and prominent horn, stands protectively beside the calf, which is curled up in the grass, its small body relaxed in slumber. The golden hues of the setting sun cast a warm glow over the pair, highlighting the texture of the grass and the rhino's rugged hide. The background fades into a soft blend of orange and purple skies, creating a serene and intimate moment in the wild.

I’m back from safari and culling tens of thousands of photos! I’m itching to process photos instead of culling but it has to be done. I couldn’t resist and started editing a few images, though.

One favorite captures a female rhino grazing serenely at sunset, her calf napping nearby. Look closely, and you’ll spot the calf tucked in the tall grass to her right, with a starling perched cheekily on its back.

Did you know that rhino calves can stand and walk within hours of birth? This rapid adaptation helps them keep pace with their mother or herd in the wild.

Young rhinos stay close to their mothers for 2-3 years, learning essential survival skills like foraging for food and recognizing potential threats from predators.

I shot this during a sundowner, when the light was absolutely magical—golden and breathtaking! While everyone else mingled around the table, sipping drinks and chatting, I wandered off to capture the moment. They probably thought I was odd, but did I care? Not a bit.

🦏 White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

This photo depicts a lively scene of lion cubs (Panthera leo) playing in a sunlit savanna. Two cubs, with their fluffy, light-brown fur and small, rounded ears, are engaged in a playful tussle, one pouncing on the other amid a patch of dry grass. Their paws are raised, and their expressions show a mix of curiosity and joy. The background features a blurred expanse of golden grass and distant acacia trees under a clear blue sky, enhancing the wild, energetic atmosphere.

Lion cubs playing by a waterhole while their mother and the other two siblings were resting in the shade.

Playing is crucial for lion cubs, and it starts at a surprisingly early age-3-4 weeks old. This play is not just for fun, it’s a key part of their development. It helps them develop hunting skills, coordination, and social bonds with their siblings, preparing them for life in a pride. The play often involves mimicking adult behaviors like stalking and wrestling, which strengthens muscles and teaches them to cooperate with pride members later in life.

🦁 Lion (Panthera leo)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

Future king in the making. A playful young lion takes a break, soaking up the sun after a playful day with his siblings. He’s going to grow into a heartbreaker, I’m sure. Isn’t he gorgeous?

🦁Lion (Panthera leo)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

Favorite Photos: February 2025

3rd March 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Lapalala Lion Lynx Red Squirrel

This is post 26 of 39 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

*European Lynx (Lynx lynx)*, *Northern* *Sweden*

*European Lynx (Lynx lynx), Northern Sweden*

February has been a tough month: dark and gloomy, with a few snowflakes here and there. We took a quick trip to Northern Sweden in search of some sun and snow, as well as some wildlife photography opportunities. 😁 I haven’t had a chance to process many images from that trip yet; I just finished culling them, but I couldn’t wait to share these two photos of a beautiful female lynx. Isn’t she stunning? I’m looking forward to sharing more photos from the trip soon!

*Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), Lidingö, Sweden*

*Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), Lidingö, Sweden*

Here are a couple of squirrel photos from two years ago. As I mentioned earlier, we haven’t seen much snow this year. I was hoping to capture some “squirrels in the snow” photos, but I haven’t had any luck so far. There’s still a chance for snow, of course, but I’m tired of winter now and honestly don’t want any more snow. I’m ready for spring! How is the season treating you?

*Lion (Panthera leo)*, *Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, South Africa*

My 2024 Favorite Photos

16th December 2024 Mihaela Limberea

Photography

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Elephant Kangaroo Kangaroo Island Lapalala Lidingö Lion Marataba Sea Lion Seal Bay Squirrel Woodpecker Zebra

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s natural to reflect on the past year. Let’s take a look, shall we?

Unwavering Gaze: this is my absolute favorite photo this year, by far.

I photographed this four-year-old lion in the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve a few months ago, and it is possibly the most beautiful lion I’ve ever seen. Being just a few meters away from this magnificent animal as it looked at me sent shivers down my spine. I still feel that thrill whenever I look at the photo.

🦁Lion (Panthera leo)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, South Africa

Did you know that a zebra’s stripe pattern is as unique as human fingerprints? Scientists believe that this helps zebras recognize each other. The stripes also aid in camouflage, making it more difficult for predators to distinguish individual zebras by obscuring their silhouettes.

🦓Zebra (Equus quagga)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, South Africa

Sometimes, simple is best—just a few grazing sheep and the beauty of the rising sun. There’s something about that golden light that makes everything—sheep butts included—look fabulous!

We were on our way to Seal Bay for a 7am appointment with the research team when we came across these sheep grazing peacefully as the sun rose. Everything was bathed in gold; it was breathtaking.

Unfortunately, we were in a hurry and couldn’t afford to stop for too long. I literally jumped out of the car and quickly took a few photos, hoping some would be good enough 😅.

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Kangaroo Island, South Australia

A zebra walks leisurely ahead of its harem in the Marakele National Park, South Africa.

A zebra walks leisurely ahead of its harem in the Marataba Game Reserve, South Africa. In zoology, a harem is a group of zebras consisting of one stallion, several mares, and their offspring. I love that soft morning light.

🦓Zebra (Equus quagga)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Marataba Game Reserve, South Africa

Boxing practice: two young kangaroos sparring at sunset. This is how they learn to fight, first with their mother and then with other young males. As they grow, sparring with other males helps them establish their position within the mob. With experience, the sparring sessions become longer and more intense.

Kangaroos use their sharp claws, strong back legs, and muscular tails —capable of supporting their entire body weight — to deliver powerful kicks that could disembowel a human.

However, these youngsters were only playing and started grooming each other shortly afterward.

🦘Kangaroo Island Kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Kangaroo Island, South Australia

I had a wonderful time watching this young Australian sea lion carefully inspect every stone, stick, and shell on the beach at Seal Bay. It was a beautiful display of innocence and curiosity. Kids, whether human or animal, are always curious! 😍

🦭Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Moments like these are why I love wildlife photography, even more so when knowing how few of these animals are left in the world.

Unique to South and Western Australia, Australian sea lions are one of the rarest animals in the world, with a total population of around 6.500. Australian sea lions are on the endangered species list today, having been hunted to near extension in the 19th century.

🦭Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia

African elephant photographed in Marataba Game Reserve, South Africa. Many people commented on the elephant’s long lashes on Instagram, but most missed just how long they really were. Take another look. Yes, they are long and thick near the eye, but if you look closer, you’ll see that they are even longer than you think!

🐘African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Marataba Game Reserve, South Africa

Did you know that woodpeckers store seeds, berries, and acorns in the hollows of trees to prepare for the winter? In late autumn, these resourceful birds not only stash food for the colder months but also occasionally utilize these tree hollows as shelter for resting.

Great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lidingö, Stockholm (Sweden)

This is how you pose 👌! When I took this photo in June, I was confident this would be one of my favorite images of the year. A quick glance at the back of the camera confirmed it.

This year’s Halloween card, I love it!

🐿 Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lidingö, Sweden

A red squirrel digs through the snow in search of hidden nuts. Squirrels have an excellent sense of smell and can detect food buried under 30 centimeters (one foot) of snow!

🐿 Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lidingö, Sweden

I hope you enjoyed looking at the photos. Here’s to more, better images to come in 2025! Cheers!

I wish you a very, very Happy New Year! Gott Nytt År as we say in Swedish.

Favorite Photos: November 2024

1st December 2024 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Lapalala Lion Zebra

This is post 23 of 39 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

Unwavering gaze. I photographed this four-year-old lion in the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve a few months ago, and it is possibly the most beautiful lion I’ve ever seen. Being just a few meters away from this magnificent animal as it looked at me sent shivers down my spine. I still feel that thrill whenever I look at the photo.

This is one of my top favorite photos this year, likely one of the 2024 top ten. Maybe THE 2024 favorite? We’ll see, we’ll see … only a few weeks to go.

🦁Lion (Panthera leo)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, South Africa

Same lion, now in color. It’s interesting how some photos can look better in black-and-white, as is the case with this lion …

… or in color, as it’s the case with this zebra.

🦓Zebra (Equus quagga)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, South Africa

Same zebra, now in black-and-white. It’s an OK photo, but I think I like the color version better.

Circle of life in the Lapalala Wilderness. After feasting on the remains of a roan antelope, a young lion scans its surroundings; truly a sight to behold.

(And, truth to be told, a bit nerve-wracking, standing just a few meters from the lion. “Not interested in your antelope, sir, I’m a vegetarian”!)

🦁Lion (Panthera leo)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

📍Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, South Africa

All photos were taken with Canon EOS R5 and Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM.

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The Lion’s Share

2nd October 2024 Mihaela Limberea

Travel Wildlife

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Lion

The sun was shining high in the African sky when Lion, Jackal, and Wild Dog went out hunting together. It did not take them long before they had brought down a wildebeest, a springbok, and a hare.

Lion spoke to Wild Dog. “My cousin, how shall we divide our food today?” Wild Dog answered, “My King, I think that you should have the wildebeest, our friend Jackal should have the hare, and for myself, I don’t mind if I have the springbok.”

Lion’s eyes had grown wide and fierce. He raised his mighty paw and knocked Wild Dog to the ground. With one eyebrow raised, Lion turned to Jackal, “Now, my good friend, you may like to divide our meal a little better.” Jackal spoke with a serious heart, “My King, the wildebeest will be your lunch, the springbok will be your dinner, and the hare you shall have for breakfast tomorrow morning.”

Lion was taken aback, “Jackal, when did you become so wise?” Jackal responded simply, “When I saw Wild Dog lying on the ground.”

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Favorite Photos: June 2024

2nd July 2024 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Cheetah Elephant Giraffe Lapalala Lepogo Lion Marakele Marataba Noka Safari South Africa

This is post 18 of 39 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

The King.

As you may have seen from my Instagram stories, I went on a safari in South Africa, a truly awe-inspiring experience. We spent ten incredible days first in the Marakele National Park, Thabazimbi, and then in the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, where we were privileged to witness animals in their natural habitat, a sight that never ceased to amaze us.

A lion walking in the early morning light.

A lion strolling leisurely through the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve bathed in the gentle glow of the early morning light.

A lion resting in the early morning light.

Captivated by the serene beauty of the wilderness. Witnessing this majestic lion immersed in the soft morning light was truly an unforgettable experience.

Chasing giraffes and zebras! 🦒 Spotting giraffes in their natural habitat is always the highlight of any safari for me. I absolutely love animals with spots or stripes, so this was a dream come true. While some people rushed to look for the Big Five, I went after giraffes and zebras, LOL.

I captured this photo in Marakele National Park, Thabazimbi, our first stop. During our visit, we spent a few days at the Marataba Mountain Lodge, featuring only five suites and offering a breathtaking view of the nearby mountains. Situated in a privately managed area within Marakele National Park, the lodge is approximately a 3-hour and 30-minute drive from Johannesburg.

Imagine the thrill of spotting a young male cheetah on a beautiful golden afternoon while walking just a few meters behind him! It was just my husband, our experienced guide Brendan Vorster (IG: @brendans_wildlife), and me alone in the long grass; the quiet scene occasionally interrupted by the calls of birds and the sound of the wind rustling through the tree leaves. It was an unforgettable experience that we’ll always cherish.

The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), the fastest land animal, can sprint at an astonishing 93 to 104 km/h (58 to 65 mph). Its body is uniquely designed for speed, with a slender build, long, thin legs, and a lengthy tail. The semi-retractable claws, a distinctive feature not found in other cats, play a crucial role in its remarkable speed.

Lapalala Wilderness Reserve was our second safari destination. We were incredibly fortunate to be accommodated at the Noka Camp, one of the renowned Lepogo Lodges. The five villas, perched on a striking 100-foot clifftop, not only offered awe-inspiring views over the Palala River but also provided a lavish and cozy stay. The lodge, a few hours’ drive from Johannesburg, is completely malaria-free, a key factor in our decision to choose it.

Brotherly love at its finest. These two cheetah brothers always have each other’s backs.

Double trouble. Two young cheetah brothers walk gracefully in the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve on a golden afternoon, the epitome of grace and speed. They moved effortlessly at a seemingly slow pace, yet we could barely keep up with them.

Mesmerized by the gentle strength and protective nature of this beautiful female elephant with her adorable baby following closely behind. 🐘💕

An elephant breeding herd in the breathtaking Marakele National Park, what an awesome sight! The mother in front was very protective of the baby, stirring up dust, flapping her ears, and trumpeting vigorously to keep us away.

Stay tuned, because I’m bursting with excitement to share more from this unforgettable adventure with all of you!

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Mihaela Limberea

Tag: Lion

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