Scott Ramsay's book 'Spirit of Africa' is an ode to Africa's wildlife and conservation

Pippa Hudson speaks to Scott Ramsay, an acclaimed photographer, writer and wilderness guide.

Photographer Scott Ramsay has spent decades capturing the majesty of wild animals and the spaces they inhabit across Africa.

He uses his images to promote a message of conservation and the preservation of wilderness, which is now in a book.

Ramsay's has just released 'Spirit of Africa' published by Quivertree.

The book is a celebration of Africa's wild spaces, and the people who work to protect them. 

It retails for R1,200, and for each copy sold, Ramsay will donate R50 to the 'Endangered Wildlife Trust,' supporting vital conservation work.

The book is filled with 276 pages of wonderment with over 150 images and 30,000 words. 

In the book, Ramsay says the wilderness saved his life and is a gift, taught him to be effortlessly immersed in the present and to appreciate the wonder of life around him.

"I am so fortunate to have spent 20 years photographing and writing about Africa’s wilderness, and her beautiful people. So I’m happy to present my new book Spirit of Africa, featuring many of my favourite images," Ramsay posted on Instagram.

For Ramsay, wild places represent the powerful idea that humans do not have exclusive rights to Earth.

"We are just one species out of many millions, and other creatures have a right to be here, and to thrive, alongside us. To me, Africa’s last wild places are the most inspirational symbol of this humbling yet hopeful idea," Ramsay's Instagram post continued.

Ramsay hopes the book will prompt the following thoughts with readers: 

• Can we learn to share Earth with the rest of Nature?
• Can we give back what we have taken from her?
• Can we use our incredible human intelligence to re-wild and rejuvenate this wondrous, little planet? 

"I wanted to show other people what I've seen and what I've felt... that's what I'm trying to do with my photography... I want to make people feel the atmosphere of the place."

- Scott Ramsay, Author - 'Spirit of Africa'

"All life forms have a right to be here and they've evolved just like we've evolved here on Earth and in Africa and the more you do that, it gives you a different perspective... and the more you do that, the more empathy you build with other creatures, landscapes and oceans."

- Scott Ramsay, Author - 'Spirit of Africa'

"I suppose we have lost something and the solution would be to just go into nature and start getting that feeling of being a human animal again on the planet and the humility that comes with that and the gift of life that comes with that."

- Scott Ramsay, Author - 'Spirit of Africa'