On safari in South Africa with the winner of the Been there Travel Photography Competition – in pictures

Ngala wildflife reserve borders, and has been incorporated into, Kruger national park and is home to Africa's big five as well as many other species. The reserve's namesake – Ngala means “place of the lion” in Shangaan – rules the South African bush Photograph: Laura Cook

Elephants are one of Ngala’s most powerful residents. This mother stopped to stare at us as she protected her young calf Photograph: Laura Cook

The leopard can be a rare sighting on safari but we had the privilege of watching this female relax in the soft dusk light for more than an hour ... Photograph: Laura Cook

... offering plenty of time to take the perfect shots Photograph: Laura Cook

This cheetah devoured its impala prey within a few hours of the catch, wasting nothing and nervously keeping watch for potential competition for its tasty prize Photograph: Laura Cook

Guests get really close to animals such as this male cheetah but the activity is carefully managed by Ngala staff to limit impact on the natural environment Photograph: Laura Cook

There are few sightings that compare with a large male lion walking towards you out of the trees Photograph: Laura Cook

Wild Dog Crossing is a key place for sightings of this rare and vulnerable species. With only a few wild dogs left in the wild in South Africa, Ngala educates the public about the value of these beautiful animals Photograph: Laura Cook

Hyenas are often given a bad reputation but they are attractive animals that stand out in their striking environment on the edge of Kruger national park Photograph: Laura Cook

Wildlife guide Pieter Van der Merwe stops to highlight one of Ngala’s smaller residents. The guides employed by &Beyond are well trained to be able to provide lots of information on animals large or small Photograph: Laura Cook