Charl Stols Photography

09/09/2026

Eye Contact...

For me, there’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of photographing a wild cat when it looks straight into my camera.

That moment when the predator knows I’m there — fully aware that I’ve entered its territory — yet somehow, in that intense gaze, there’s a sense of acceptance.

No words. No movement. Just a silent connection between two beings, sharing the same space for a fleeting moment.

That eye contact is something I’ll never get tired of.

Images taken while hosting for Pangolin Photo Safaris in Pantanal/Brazil.

Sony A7RVI with 300mm f/2.8 and
Sony A1 II with 400-800 f/6.3-f/8
Sony - Alpha SA

06/09/2026

As promised, here are a few more highlights from our incredible 10-day wildlife photography adventure in Brazil with Pangolin Photo Safaris

Every day in the Pantanal seemed to bring another unforgettable encounter. From moments of quiet beauty to those split-second situations where everything comes together — the wildlife, the light and the surroundings — these are the moments we travel for.

What I love most about the Pantanal is that you simply never know what the next bend in the river, the next track or the next patch of forest might reveal. It keeps you watching, waiting and always ready.

I’m still going through the hundreds of images from the trip, and every time I look back through them, I’m reminded just how special this place is.

So, here are a few more favourites from the trip… with more to come soon.

Sony a1ii and the A7RVI
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8, FE 50-150mm F/2
FE 300mm f/2.8, FE 400-800mm f/6.3-f/8

Sony - Alpha SA

04/09/2026

Just back from an incredible 10 day wildlife photographic adventure in the Pantanal, Brazil - and once again,Im reminded why this remains one of my absolute favourite places to photograph wildlife.
The diversity is simply amazing. From stunning and colourful birds to powerful mammals, every day brings something different. There is always something happening, and you never quite know what might appear around the next bend.
For a wildlife photographer, the Pantanal is truly special- incredible encounters, beautiful light, and endless opportunities to capture the wild in its natural environment.
These are just some of the highlights from our trip. Im still working through my photos , so there is a few more images coming in the next few days.
The Pantanal has once again left me wanting more.

Images taken while hosting for Pangolin Photo Safaris

Sony a1ii and a7RVI
Sony FE 24-70 f/2.8, FE 50-150mm f/2
FE 300mm f/2.8 and 400-800mm f/6.3-f8
Sony Middle East
Sony - Alpha SA

24/07/2026

There are moments when time seems to stand still.
A young Kalahari lion walks quietly towards my camera, every step filled with confidence, every glance carrying the wisdom of the wild. It's the unwavering eye contact that captivates me, not a challenge but an unspoken acknowledgment. A silent acceptance of my presence in the wild.
These are the moments I live for.
Image taken while hosting for Pangolin Photo Safaris on a Chobe,Delta and Kalahari trip and absolutely must photographic trip to do.

Sony a1 II with FE 300mm f/2.8
f/2.8
1/640
ISO3200
300mm
Sony - Alpha SA
Sony Middle East

16/07/2026

The moment vs The shot…
An African jacana male and its chick protected under the wings. Image taken in Chobe National Park while hosting for Pangolin Photo Safaris

15/07/2026

A new generation of THE MISFITS...
The Misfits is a lion pride in Chobe National Park and a documentary about the lives of these undercats is made by Robert Hofmeyr of Moving Pictures Africa. Please take a moment and watch the incredible trailer of this movie on the website: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/movingpicturesafrica/themisfits?ref=7f7vbf

Be part of the community supporting this amazing project by donating whatever you can afford! Thank you!!!

Sony a1 II FE 300mm f/2.8
f/2.8
1/800
ISO500
300mm
Sony - Alpha SA
Sony Entertainment Television
Sony Middle East

06/07/2026

Pied Kingfisher Action...
We’re incredibly fortunate to have a healthy population of Pied Kingfishers along the Chobe River, giving us countless opportunities to photograph these remarkable birds in action.
For a long time, one image I had on my wish list was capturing a Pied Kingfisher feeding in mid-air. During a recent Best of Chobe safari that I hosted for Pangolin Photo Safaris, that vision finally became a reality.
I couldn’t be happier with the results. Watching these birds hover with such precision before diving, then catching them with a fish suspended in mid-air, is an unforgettable sight—and photographing that split second is even more rewarding.
Moments like these are what make wildlife photography on the Chobe River so special.

Sony A7V with the 400-800 f6.3-f8
f/10
1/3200
ISO3200
-0.3EV
800mm

Sony - Alpha SA

05/07/2026

27/06/2026

I’ve just returned from another incredible Zambia trip with Pangolin Photo Safaris, this time combining South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi.
Although I’ve visited South Luangwa several times before, it was my first time exploring Lower Zambezi, and it completely took my breath away. The beautiful winter-thorn forests create a unique atmosphere unlike anywhere else I’ve been.
Lower Zambezi may not have the diversity of antelope species or the giraffes that other parks offer, but the stunning forests more than make up for it. Living in Botswana, where I see elephants almost every day, I never expected them to feel like such a highlight. Seeing them in this different environment, stretching high into the winter-thorn trees to feed, was truly something special.
Lower Zambezi is a remarkable place, and I already can't wait to return.
Images Taken with :
Sony A1 ii and 300mm f/2.8
Sony A7VI and 400-800mm f6.3-f8

15/06/2026

South Luangwa...
some highlights of our first South Luangwa photo safari this year. Testing my new Sony gear and very happy with the results. The combo of the super light weight 300mm f/2.8 and the 400-800mm f/6.3-8.0 works like a charm.

Images taken while hosting a Pangolin Photo Safaris South Luangwa safari, June 2026.