From Wikipedia:
The Mara Triangle is the North-Western part of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, and is managed by the not-for-profit organisation The Mara Conservancy on behalf of Trans-Mara County Council (Trans Mara District).
Divided from the rest of the Maasai Mara National Reserve by the Mara River, the Mara Triangle is less visited and less crowded, often with many more game animals grazing on the plains and between the volcanic hills that distinguish this corner of the Mara.
The Mara Triangle is one third of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, with an area of 510 km². It has two natural borders and one political; to the South West is the Tanzania/Serengeti border, to the East is the Mara River, and to the North West is the Oldoinyio Escarpment (also called Oloololo or Siria Escarpment).
Our home for the next several nights was at the base of the escarpment in the western part of the Mara Triangle at Kichwa Tembo Camp. After a long and bumpy ride to camp we were tired and dirty. One of the simple pleasures of safari life is the hot, wet towel and glass of fresh juice along with the friendly smiles that greet you at each new camp. I love the camps in Kenya, they are luxurious in their own way and yet wide open to the sights and sounds of nature too…
Nikon D800, AF16mm 2.8D Fisheye (HDR)
Nikon D800, AF 16mm 2.8 D Fisheye (HDR)
Nikon D4, AF-S 70-200mm 2.8 VR II with TC-20E III
Nikon D4, AF-S 70-200mm 2.8 VR II with TC-20E III
The zebra in the Masai Mara are the Burchell’s (or Plain) Zebra. With the migration in full swing, there were plenty of opportunities to photograph zebra…
Nikon D4, AF-S 70-200mm 2.8 VR II with TC-20E III
Nikon D4, AF-S 70-200mm 2.8 VR II with TC-20E III
Nikon D4, AF-S 500mm f4 VR II with TC-14E II
We even got to see a bit of a fierce fight between two stallions. I’ve seen photos of this in the past and really wanted to have an opportunity to photograph this behavior…
Nikon D4, AF-S 70-200mm 2.8 VR II with TC-20E III
We worked a Spotted Hyena den for awhile. They are completely different in their family/social environment than the behavior of the viscious predators that we know them as. One curious youngster came over for a closer look…
Nikon D4, AF-S 500mm f4 VR with TC-14E II
Most Warthogs run like the wind on their short, stubby legs when we approach but, there are several near camp that are habituated and let you approach within photographic range. This mom was so unconcerned at our presence that she allowed her young to nurse while she grazed on the grasses…
Nikon D4, AF-S 70-200mm 2.8 VR II with TC-20E III
We had several opportunities to photograph Waterbuck…
Nikon D4, AF-S 70-200mm 2.8 VR II
During the rut, the biggest, baddest bucks chase off the lesser males. This guy got a little too close and was quickly sent on his merry way…
Nikon D4, AF-S 500mm f4 VR with TC-14E II
One way to spot a kill site is to watch for vultures. Spotting several circling in the sky nearby, we headed in that direction. The wind and light direction were in our favor to capture Ruppell’s Griffon Vultures flying in to eat on the remains…
Nikon D4, AF-S 70-200mm 2.8 VR II with TC-20E III
We found a pride of lions working a fresher kill. There were several females with cubs feeding on a Wildebeast. I concentrated on working the lions with a minimum of gore and one young fella would nubble for a minute then look up in curiosity…
Nikon D$, AF-S 500mm f4 VR with TC-14E II
The kill site was near the Mara River so, we were in perfect position to turn our attention to the river as a herd of Wildebeast began gathering at the water’s edge. Is it possible that we would get a crossing our first day out? Stay tuned.
Wow…what an adventure…!!!! To be able to witness all these beautiful animals in the wild must be a dream come true for you. Its even better than looking thru a National Geo mag…cause I know this special photog who is probably the happiest person alive to share her adventure with the rest of us…….and we thank her ever so much!!!!
Thanks Linda for the kind words.
PS…I love love love the B/W portrait of zebra!!!!!!! Damn Awesome
Awesome pictures, Laurie. Looks like you had quite a variety of animals and habitats to be around.
Must be a photographers dream to be in such a place.