From a pair of lions in a storm to Christ the Redeemer framed by a rainbow: The stunning finalists of National Geographic Traveller's photo competition

Taken last January, this photo features a bird’s-eye view of the approach to the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana’s Okavango Delta region. Moremi is cut off from the remainder of the Delta and travel to and from its lodges requires transit by light aircraft or helicopter. The shot was taken from a Cessna plane and shows one of the many ephemeral tributaries of the Okavango basin which snake through the landscape following the annual discharge of rain from the Angolan highlands. The entry is part of a collection in the portfolio category

Talented photographer Stuart Dunn captured this dreamy Omani sunset horse ride at Rub' al Khali while on an expedition of the country and entered the shot into the Nature category of the prestigious competition

A pair of lions dry off at Nambiti Game Reserve in South Africa. Photographer Miguel de Freitas said: 'It was an early morning rise for us when our game ranger had been informed of mating activity within a group of lions. When we found the group, the sudden torrential downpour put a halt on the lions activity but created a different photographic opportunity. The lions were completely exposed to the elements with no nearby shelter on offer. Camera at the ready, it was only a matter of time before the lions did what they could in order to keep themselves dry'

This unusual snap of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro was entered into the Urban category. Photographer Ben Goodwin said: 'It was the end of a long day of sightseeing and I had reached the top of Corcovado, only to be greeted by thick cloud as far as the eye could see. Suddenly, the clouds parted to reveal Rio de Janeiro in all its glory and I quickly set up my camera. As light flooded across the city, I noticed the shadow of Christ the Redeemer fill my frame and quickly took a series of shots, as a rainbow briefly gave the statue its own halo'

This cloudy scene was captured at Dunluce Castle, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. Photographer Rashid Khaidanov entered it into the Nature category. He said: 'This evening was an unreal sight. I hope I was able to convey the atmosphere a little'

This shot of a Nepalese man in a doorway in Bhaktapur, Nepal, was entered into the People category. Photographer Francis Cox said: 'I saw a sweet old Nepalese man in his national dress, who was happy for me to take my pictures. He was shy, almost timid and humble yet proud to dress bold, he took great pride in his colourful organised shop full of hand made beads. Unfortunately 24 hours after taking this image Kathmandu was hit with a devastating earthquake. Although traumatic for me I escaped with only mental scars, for the people of Nepal they lost much more; their family and friends. I never managed to find out the fate of my bead shop man; but one day I will'

This entry into the nature category was taken of a watering hole in Fritham, New Forest, England. Photographer Daren Baker said: 'I love the light, reflections and natural magic. It was a lucky moment! As the light was getting low, I opened up the aperture to F1.6 on my new Sigma 1.4 art lens and focused on the most central horse'

Marco Pozzi snapped a pair of men peering out from a train in Jaipur, India, and entered the shot into the People category. Pozzi said: 'I am fascinated by people in their own environment during their daily life. The train station is a key moment for many people and the second class is where one can better appreciate the adaptive nature of these people. I ask permission before taking any photo and generally people are very generous, curious and helpful. I spent two mornings going from one train to the other and this is the result'

This shocking action shot was captured at Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. Photographer Sajith Buddikha said he saw the garden lizard behaving strangely in the middle of the road then leap like a 'Shaolin monk' when the common bronze back snake tried to attack. The lizard managed to escape


A portrait of a woman dressed in skull-candy face paint and costume to celebrate the Day of the Dead festival in Cancun’s El Parque De Las Palapas, Mexico. The festival, locally known as ‘Dia De Los Muertos’, is an annual celebration in memory of loved ones who have passed away. This shot has been entered into the People category