Trisha Malde

Camera: CANON EOS 6D MARK II

Lens: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens

Aperture: f/7.1

Shutter speed: 1/500

ISO: 8000

Description: Most Elusive leopardess of the Maasai Mara, Olakira

Story from behind the lens: This was a sighting for the books! It was almost evening time before returning to our lodge, Mara Olapa Camp, shortly we hear loads of birds chirping in loud tones. This was alarming everyone, both animals and tourists in the presence of a big cat. We drove around its territory for about 2 hours before seeing a whole clan of 8 hyenas just having shoplifted its kill. At this point, we were so certain it was a leopard!! Moments later, we heard cars rushing to the other side, so eventually, we followed! There, standing, was the glorious queen Olakira! She is the rarest leopard in the whole of the reserve and we were so lucky to see her in action.