There are times when that long awaited sighting of the tour comes in the fading light of sunset.

On our way home after a glass of wine at the Mara River (it's a dog's life - I know!) my eye was caught by the outline of a leopard.

This female is familiar, quite dark in her paterning and favouring a small kopjie close to the river as her vantage point.

She turned her head, somewhat nonchalantly, to face our aproaching car.

Then, conveniently, she chose an even better posing spot, the result is really striking.