While in Kenya, I was able
to not only go on safari for three days, but we also got to witness
one of the most spectacular sights in the animal world. The great
wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River.
The
Migration
The herds of wildebeest &
zebras gather on the bank of the Mara River.
All it takes is one individual
to summon up the courage to go first, the rest follow.
Soon, vast numbers of animals
pile into the water.
Doing their best to make it
across safely.
A jumping wildebeest.
A vulture lands on a wildebeest
carcass.
The
Unlucky Ones
Several months earlier, a large
group of wildebeest did not survive a river crossing.Many of
the bodies washed up downstream.
About 500 skeletons line the
river bank.
Crossing the river is a dangerous,
but necessary part of the migration.
Wildebeest skull.
Crocodiles
A crocodile lunges near a wildebeest
carcass.
Crocs line the shore.
During the migration, the crocodiles
are well fed.
Crocodiles sunning themselves.
Lions
A lioness with a fresh zebra
kill.
It is shared with the pride
but each must take their turn.
Very sharp teeth.
The pride eats today.
The "Boys Club", a
group of 5 males.
Lion around.
Vultures
One vulture sits alone in a
tree, looking for a meal.
Dozens of vultures descend on
a dead impala, Their heads soaked in blood.
A larger vulture appears and
the others scatter.
The sharp beaks are perfect
for ripping flesh and skin.
Baboons
A troop of baboons.
Baboons are ground dwellers
and omnivorous.
Black
Rhinos
Rare black rhinos
Only about 3600 black rhinos
are known to be left in existence.
Buffalo
Cape buffalo are known to be
very aggressive and several people are killed by them every year.
Buffalo are sometimes referred
to a "Black Death" due to their reputation for attacking
humans.
Chameleon
A well camouflaged chameleon.
It is incredible to watch them
change colour instantly.
Cheetah
The fastest land animal on Earth,
they can sprint up to 70-75 mph.
They are also very effective
predators.
African
Elephants
A group of elephants grazing.
Males can be up to 12 feet tall.
Flamingos
Millions of flamingos line the
lakeshore. What a sight to behold.
The huge flock resembles a sea
of pink.
Giraffe
A group of giraffe are easy
to spot in the distance.
Believe it or not... A giraffe
has the same number of vertebrae in its neck as a human.
Hippos
Hippos are considered to be
one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.
Very territorial, some say that
they are responsible for more human deaths than crocodiles.
Hyenas
Two hyenas, looking for an easy
meal.
I think they're trying to bite
off more than they can chew.
Jackals
A jackal in the grass.
Two jackals on the prowl.
Topi
Topi always like to be high
up to watch for predators.
They are easy to spot on the
savanna.
Warthogs
A warthog running through the
grass.
Related to pigs, they have sets
of very large tusks.
White
Rhinos
These rhinos are protected in
the national park. Poachers have always valued their horns.
A white rhino can weigh in at
up to 7000 pounds.
A
Day With The Masai People
Benson, my Masai guide.
As we enter the village, the
women greet us with a song.
The men dance by jumping high
in the air. I just had to join in.
A Masai boy watches from the
sidelines.
We were welcome guests in the
village.
They even taught me how to make
fire in the traditional way, with two sticks.
