Just a quiet update between friends!
For nearly 20 days we were treated to the richest photography Kenya had to offer. We photographed the arid ecosystem of Samburu, the huge flocks of flamingos and pelicans on Lake Nakuru and the endless grasslands and wildlife of the Masai Mara. The wildebeest migration was in full swing. We were spoiled for choice.
To be in the midst of nearly a million animals is a soul touching experience. Wildebeest were everywhere, appearing like ants in the distance. One need not photograph to know you were witnessing something very special on the planet. Some in our vehicle were left speechless.
The predator cats were everywhere – lions galore, even mating within ten metres of the vehicle; cheetahs with cubs enthralled us for hours on end and even the ever elusive leopard allowed us to capture some brilliant shots. The bird photography was equally spectacular.
When seen for the first time, a river crossing by migrating zebras and wildebeest brings on two distinct emotions – sheer awe at the spectacle unfolding before you and a feeling of distinct distress at the number of animals that do not make the crossing or are trampled as they try to clamber to safety on the opposite bank. The vultures are ever present; the dead animals ever increasing in number along the river banks or floating in the fast flowing current.
A poignant mix of jaw-dropping photography and a reminder of the rawness of nature. It is impossible to be in Africa and not be confronted with the insignificance of man in this world, a significance that has not changed for millennia. Yet we strut our stuff on the stage of life for the brief blink of time we are here.
Can’t wait to get back for the next photo safari.
