Much more scarce than in East Africa a Cheetah (Acynonix jubatus) sighting in Botswana is always a great moment. Thanks to our guide, Master, who is an expert in spotting animals. You can notice on the tip of the foot the unsheathed claws that are a feature of the species.

You will notice the forest environment which is uncommon for a Cheetah who generally roam the savannah. He needs visibility and space to spot and chase its preys. In fact this bush is close to an open field where he can hunt antelopes.

Here this cheetah is resting after a killing. You can guess some blood still on its lips and jaws that he tries to clean by actively licking.

Here a Cheetah in a more usual environment during rainy season. A noble cat with incredible physical abilites (112 kph race, 10 meters leap) and even though a weak cat when compared to other predators. Not only lions but also hyenas, jackals and even large eagles will appropriate a high percentage of their kill and take over half their offspring.

Unfortunately the species is on the IUCN red list. An extraordinary lack of genetic diversity (possibly all living Cheetah descend from one female) makes the species peculiarly vulnerable to disease.

Leopard (Panthera pardus) could be the Grail of a Safari. Often considered as the most impressive and handsome African mammal, it is also incredibly difficult to spot and photograph.

Even though it is not as scarce as other cats (Lions or Cheetahs) Leopard live in forested sites or at least in places with trees and they are often hidden by high grass or branches where they camouflage.

And when you eventually find one lying upon a branch you are likely in a backlighted situation unsuitable for photography.

But sometimes you are lucky enough to attend a great scene. Here in the area of Xakanaxa in Moremi national Park we were about to join our camping site after a good Safari day when our guide, Master, spotted a moving shade on the side of the track, that no one else had noticed and that happened to be ...it.