It’s 7:15 p.m., and dusk has already started to settle in. We’re one happy group because we’ve just sighted two leopard cubs on our second safari. At this point, there is nothing more I'd like to do than go back to my room and scrutinize the photos I've clicked.
Suddenly, our car comes to an abrupt stop when our driver receives a phone call. He looks at me, smiling, and informs us that there has been a spectacular sighting nearby. He asked us if we were up for it. I mean, there's no way we could've said no to that offer, could we? Our driver was now going at 60 kmph in the middle of the forest, climbing boulders and trampling sticks because a leopard waits for no one.
After reaching the place and almost breaking our necks trying to spot it, we were confused. And when we did, we couldn't look away. Not more than 20 meters away was the majestic B-6, the alpha male of the leopard territories. Our driver took us within 10 meters of the beast, who’d just killed three leopard cubs not even a week ago. Adrenaline was now flowing through every inch of my body, and when we came that close, I decided the best thing would be to duck under the glove compartment and hope the leopard wasn’t hungry.
However, the driver urged me to get up from my seat and capture it. Reluctantly, I agreed. Two weeks later, when I'm back in the safety of my room, the shot tells me I made the right decision.