Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Migration

Today I got back from Kenya where I have been following the world's largest animal migration as it crosses the Masai Mara. Each year more than 1.4 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra and gazelle, relentlessly tracked by Africa’s great predators, migrate in a clockwise fashion over 1,800 miles in search of rain-ripened grass.

This year the drought was so bad that I even spotted giraffe negotiating the Mara river. Giraffe very rarely brave rivers, their legs are so gangly they could easily slip and never recover. It took this lot almost half an hour to cross this shallow section of the river. It was tense watching them as they stepped gingerly across, carefully feeling with each foot before taking a step.

6 comments:

  1. I've been on safari to Tsavo National Park and nothing else compares, I expect you took plenty of photos (these two look amazing), hope you can add a few more for us to see.

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  2. I hear Tsavo is great, although never been there myself. Yep I've had so many sightings I'll be posting a few more over the last few days. Robert

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  3. jealous....who me? great shots robert!

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  4. Morning Robert, I was born and lived in Kenya and passed months in Masai Mara following the great migration. Still find it the most stunning wildlife show in the world.
    This year it was Kruger National Park but next year its Masai Mara again. Beautiful shots.
    Andy

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  5. Thanks Andy. The migration is superb isn't it? Haven't been to Kruger since 2001 - but loved it too, although it was very different and very dry!

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