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 p.1 #1 · Tanzania: wildebeest crossing the Mara (7) | |
Visits to the Mara River, in the Serengeti regions of Tanzania and Kenya, are invariably accompanied by the hope of seeing a “crossing”. The plains in these regions are dominated by wildebeest, which spend their time moving north and south in search of rich grasses on which to feed. However, their sheer numbers soon deplete the grasses available, forcing them to move on. In addition to the predators that feed on the herd, an incredibly dangerous time involves crossing the Mara River, which is loaded with crocodiles wanting to have a Beest Feast -- as well as the chances of tripping, falling, and drowning (which may be apparent in the shots below). Although we visited the northern region of the Tanzania at a time that is not noted for crossings, we hung around for about three hours at the river since a large herd of wildebeest looked as though they might cross. We were rewarded by a view of thousands of animals that had lept off a cliff (literally!), hit a sand “beach”, ran then swam across the river, then scrambled up a slick bank on the other side. We saw one wildebeest drown. Fortunately for the animals, we saw no crocs in the vicinity. All but one of these pictures were shot with a 1DmkIII + 500 IS lens while I was sitting on the bank, with lens braced against my knees. Comments and critique are welcome!
-- Susan
#1 Scrambling up the steep bank was extremely dangerous.
#2 A wider view of the scene, taken with the 70-200 zoom lens.
#3 The most dangerous time in this crossing involved keeping one’s footing on the rocks.
#4 Coming out of the water was also a major struggle for many animals.
#5 Slipping and sliding could mean death, even for adults.
#6 A few months before we arrived, several thousand wildebeest died in a crossing that involved an unwise choice about location. Exiting the river was difficult, and the pileup of animals trying to get out resulted in innumerable deaths.
#7 Coming off of the near bank in this crossing involved a mad dash to the water, not knowing what dangers might await ahead. Sincere and heartfelt thanks to Gero for help in the B&W conversion of this shot!!!
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