The 2025 Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year competition has once again brought together breathtaking imagery that celebrates Africa’s wild beauty, vibrant life, and storytelling power. After months of anticipation, thousands of striking submissions, and intense judging deliberations, the top 15 winning photographs have been revealed — and they are nothing short of spectacular.
Photo by: Jordan Fry
This year’s collection is defined by a compelling theme: motion. Nature seemed to choreograph the moments, as photographers captured split-second scenes full of energy and emotion. Among the highlights are a lanner falcon slicing through a sky filled with startled finches, a leopard shaking droplets from its fur after a summer downpour, and a gorilla’s soulful eyes locked onto a fluttering butterfly — each frame capturing nature in vivid, graceful movement.
The 2025 winners include powerful portrayals of wildlife, landscapes, and human connection to the land, showcasing the talent and patience of Africa’s best nature photographers. Their images transport viewers into rare moments that often pass unnoticed in the wild. These photographs are not only technically exceptional but deeply evocative, stirring a sense of wonder and respect for the continent’s untamed spirit.
Africa Geographic extends heartfelt thanks to this year’s partners, Ukuri and African Parks, for their continued support. The winners and runners-up will be rewarded with an unforgettable safari through the primal rainforests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Congo-Brazzaville — home to elusive lowland gorillas, forest elephants, bongos, and more.
These 15 photographs are more than just visual triumphs — they are enduring reminders of nature’s rhythm, resilience, and breathtaking spontaneity.
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#1. Winner – Photographer of the Year 2025: "Casting Off" by Christina Schwenck
"A soaked leopard emerges from slumber, casting off the night’s rain. Kruger National Park, South Africa."
#2. Runner-Up: "Survival by an Inch" by Ernest Porter
"A red-headed finch survives by an inch as a young lanner falcon strikes and misses. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa."
#3. Runner-Up: "Shared Wonder" by Mary Schrader
"A mountain gorilla lies in quiet contemplation as an orange butterfly flutters by – a fleeting moment of connection. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda."
#4. Highly Commended: "Tusks and Tempers" by Alex Appleby
"Caught in a dust-choked duel, these warthogs clashed for over half an hour. A pure operatic scuffle. Shompole Conservancy, Kenya."
#5. Highly Commended: "Lion’s-Eye View" by Benjamin Loon
"This large male walked so close to our game drive vehicle I had to stop down to f10 to get the whole eye in focus. Sabie Game Reserve, South Africa."
#6. Highly Commended: "Muddy Ambush" by Eric Coiffier
"After hours lying in wait in the marsh, a lion erupts from the mud, claws first, onto the back of a buffalo. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya."
#7. Highly Commended: "Sandstorm Growl" by Hannes Lochner
"A lioness growls in defiance at the dominant pride male, signalling she is not yet ready to mate. Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana."
#8. Highly Commended: "Vertical Feeder" by Jordan Fry
"Boswell, the famous vertical feeder of Mana Pools, stretches the laws of elephant anatomy. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe."
#9. Highly Commended: "Desert Illusionist" by Marcio Lisa
"The Namaqua chameleon pauses beside a rusted relic of desert life, its skin mirroring the metal’s mottled hues. Dorob National Park, Namibia."
#10. Highly Commended: "Metamorphosis" by Marina Cano
"Three young cheetahs were learning to hunt while the mother was observing their behaviour. A difficult scene to photograph: difficult to show the raw nature. For me, there is a kind of poetry in the precise second the image was captured – the four faces together, what looks like serene stillness in the dik-dik and the contradiction with the reality of the moment. Samburu National Reserve, Kenya."
#11. Highly Commended: "Standing Tall" by Nili Gudhka
"A bull elephant pauses mid-journey to test the air, Mt Kilimanjaro looming behind him. Amboseli National Park, Kenya. "
#12. Highly Commended: "Ambush" by Roan Carr-Hartley
"A lioness takes cover in an empty water trough – the perfect spot for launching an ambush. Tsavo East National Park, Kenya."
#13. Highly Commended: "Liquid Light" by Tania Cholwich
"A dance of water and light captured in its purest form. An African spoonbill sends droplets scattering like tiny jewels as it enjoys a refreshing bath. Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa."
#14. Highly Commended: "Warning Received" by Turgay Uzer
"In the tangled forests of Gabon, a forest elephant mock charges – a display more warning than attack. Then, just as suddenly, she melts back into the forest. Loango National Park, Gabon."
#15. Highly Commended: "First Gaze" by Wiki West
"An adult cheetah lies in recovery after veterinary sedation for a health assessment. “Translocated from Australia to South Africa to diversify the gene pool, this female had just reopened her eyes post-check-up when this photo was captured. She was released to Mziki Game Reserve” South Africa."
