This Week At Angama #126

Every day, whether bird or mammal, big or small, carnivore or herbivore, the goal is the same – survival. A good day for a jackal is a very bad one for an impala, and vice versa. [f 3.5, 1/500, ISO 200, -0.3]

[f 7.1, 1/1600, ISO320, -1]

[f 6.3, 1/1250, ISO 250, -0.67]

[f 5.6, 1/250, ISO 160, 0.0]

A game drive could lead you to a kill, which for some is a heartbreaking part of life in the savannah. That very same game drive could also lead you to the discovery of new life, like the ever-adorable lion cubs. [f 5.0, 1/125, ISO 200, -1.33]

Photograph by Adam Bannister

[f 5.6, 1/400, ISO 205, +0.33]

Photograph by Adam Bannister

[f 8.0, 1/1000, ISO 320, -0.33]

[f 7.1, 1/1600, ISO 320, -0.67]

And yet the kill (as counterintuitive as it may seem) plays the role in sustaining a life, or several. And the arrival of an apex predator means a future risk for lives of others.

Nothing is set in stone, not even for the apex predator, as I’ve watched new male coalitions move in and take over territories that belonged to other once mighty males. The circle of life is a bitter-sweet one – and yet somehow, because of this, is ever beautiful. [f 7.1, 1/1250, ISO 320, -0.67]

[f 6.3, 1/160, ISO 400, -2.33]

Photograph by Adam Bannister

[f 5.6, 1/2000, ISO 250, -0.33]

Photograph by Adam Bannister

The migration draws ever nearer and the excitement continues to grow as more small herds of wildebeest start to appear. A chance encounter recently saw a small herd of zebra cross the Mara River at one of the main crossing points. A lone wildebeest contemplated making the risky crossing, but chose instead to wait and see how things played out for the zebra. [f 5.6, 1/1000, ISO 200, 0.0]

Almost immediately, several of the awe-inspiring Mara crocodiles made their presence known – as though daring the zebra to test their luck because they knew the odds were against them.

After several aborted attempts, the zebra decided to take a chance and made their move. The current was strong and their struggle to stay afloat was painfully evident. The crocodiles, on the other hand, were right at home, cutting through the water with effortless precision.

Yet despite several close calls, luck favoured the zebra and they all made it across safely – including two stragglers who I thought were goners for sure. The solitary gnu decided that perhaps the day’s good fortune had been depleted and opted to stay on his side of the river. A wise choice if there ever was one. [f 7.1, 1/1600, ISO 320, -0.67]

Photograph by Adam Bannister

[f 5.6, 1/1250, ISO 250, -0.33]

This week continued to be an introspective one for me as I drew comparisons to life in the Mara to life in general – about making choices, taking more risks and hopefully thriving as a result or at the very least surviving to try again another day. [f 5.0, 1/4000, ISO 200, -0.67]

Photograph by Adam Bannister

[f 5.6, 1/800, ISO 125, -0.33]

Photography Adam Bannister

Wherever you are in the world – I hope the beauty and unique experiences of the Mara continue to inspire you. [f 7.1, 1/250, ISO 160, 0.0]

Photograph by Adam Bannister

[f 5.6 1/320, ISO 160, -0.67]

This Week One Years Ago (TWAA #74)

Photograph Adam Bannister

Even when young, the elephant is a formidable beast and a vital part of the cycle of life in the Mara. [f 5.6, 1/640, ISO 250, +0.33]