In Search of Icons: Craig the tusker and the Black Leopard Giza

This September, I’ll be heading back to Kenya, a place that continues to draw me in with its wide open spaces and raw beauty. The trip begins with four days in Amboseli, followed by a longer stay in Laikipia. Each destination has its own unique character, and each holds a very specific purpose this time. In Amboseli, I’ll be searching once again for Craig, one of Africa’s most iconic elephants. And in Laikipia, I’ll be hoping to catch a rare glimpse of the black leopard, or black panther as they sometimes are called, known as Giza.

I’ve written about Craig before on this blog. He is a true tusker and a living monument to the wilderness. There is something about his calm strength that is impossible to forget. Even after photographing him in the past, it never feels like enough. Every encounter with him is different, and every moment in his presence feels deeply personal. With his age, there is always the thought in the back of my mind: how many more opportunities will there be to see him? That alone makes these upcoming days in Amboseli feel especially important.

I’ll be focusing entirely on Craig, working from low angles as I often do, and trying to capture something that reflects not only his size but his spirit. For me, photographing these animals has never been just about the image. It’s about connection and about recognising the rare privilege of being close to a creature like him.

After Amboseli, I will travel north to Laikipia, where the land changes. It becomes more rugged, more secretive, and more suited to those who live in the shadows. It’s here that Giza, the black leopard, roams. Melanistic leopards are extremely rare in Africa, and Giza has become something of a legend. This will be my first time in Laikipia, and I’ll be travelling with Wild Nature Photo Adventures, whose knowledge of the region and deep understanding of Giza’s territory give us the best chance of success.

Updated 15/9 2025: The black leopard called Giza Mrembo appearing from the dark.

Photographing a black leopard in the wild is something I have dreamed about for a long time. There is a certain magic to the idea of it. She is not just rare, she is almost mythical. The way she melts into the landscape, the way she keeps her distance, the way she simply exists beyond the ordinary.

What about black lions? Read my article about black lions here.

Just being in her environment, knowing she is out there somewhere, will be enough to keep the heart racing. But of course, the hope is to see her. And if that moment comes, and if everything aligns, I would love to be able to add a fine art print of her to my collection. It would be more than a photograph. It would be a tribute to one of the most remarkable creatures I’ve ever had the chance to pursue.

Whether Craig appears again or whether Giza steps out of the shadows, this trip already means a great deal to me. Wildlife photography is not about certainty. It’s about patience, respect, and being fully present. Sometimes the waiting is the story. And sometimes, if you're lucky, the wild answers.

September is almost here. I’m ready!