GREAT MIGRATION photo safari KENYA - August 2016
Posted by Wild4 Photo Safaris on 5th Sep 2016
This year's “GREAT MIGRATION” photographic safari to Kenya's Maasai Mara offered a great variety of photographic opportunities. The mega herds of Wildebeest were on the Mara Triangle side of the Mara River and in total we saw 5 river crossings. The best crossings took place at the “Main crossing” point just below Serena and there were a number of crocodile attacks. Other highlights apart from the migration animals and the crossings were excellent Lion sightings which included cubs, mating Lions and a dispute between the resident males of the Musiara Pride and a new arrival who who had sneaked into their territory and was subsequently chased off.
The Hyaena den near Serena was very active with over 15 individuals including a very small cub. The Cheetah activity was extremely good on the Northern side of the Mara River, Malaika was seen on three occasions with her two small cubs and a female with three sub adult cubs near Entim provided us with the classic “cheetah chase” photo opportunities and were always up for a hunt. We watched them chase Warthog Piglets, Thompson's Gazelles, Banded Mongooses and young Wildebeest. The best photo opportunity was the one Wildebeest chase where the four Cheetahs managed to bring down an abandoned Wildebeest. Beautiful sunrises and Elephants at sunset rounded off just some of the great opportunities we had.
Thank you to our guides, Silas and Julius who once again worked long hours to get us the opportunities we had and also to the staff at Serena and Mara Bush “Private Wing” who all looked after us so well.
Thanks also to Steve, Joanie, Frank & Sara for joining us on this very popular and productive African Photographic safari to the Great Migration in Kenya.
Here are some photos from the trip.
Best wishes
Stu
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On arrival we were treated as part of the family by Stu Porter, his wife Justyna, and parents John and Ann. The conditions for finding and photographing everything from small birds to large game was perfect – a 500mm lens on hire from Stu, a specially equipped vehicle, which was referred to as a hide on wheels ( with only 3 photographers) , a dedicated and professional approach to photography and plenty of time.
We would set off at sunrise, find a group of lions as they were beginning to yawn and stir from sleep, or a pair of saddle-billed storks building a nest, and quietly move our cameras into position. The initial sighting was accompanied by the rapid firing of shutters, but then we would wait as long as necessary in the hope of getting further shots. Stu was very sensitive to our needs and would only make suggestions about the best camera settings if he thought we needed his advice. His awareness of how animals behave was very useful in planning our shots.
Stu’s knowledge of African Wildlife and skill as a wildlife photographer is second to none, and I have learned a lot from his expertise. I am delighted with my photos !!
This was the trip of a lifetime, good accommodation, delicious food and great company. It was altogether a wonderful, challenging and thrilling experience and, if you are looking for a photo safari in Africa, I too recommend you contact Stu Porter at Wild4.
David Austwick, UK
Justyna and Stu - I just wanted to take a moment to express my sincere thanks for again arranging a simply marvelous trip for us. It was perfect in all respects. And we were blessed with some truly amazing animal behavior to photograph. We had great skies, great camps, GREAT guides in David and Mamai, and great everything else. (including the new photo land cruiser)
Bruce Hollingsworth, USA
Wow Stu awesome photos looks like a great trip to Kenya . It must be time for a rest now .cant wait for pete and myself do Kenya next year with you .hope all is well see you soon jody.
Jody fitzgerald - September 06th, 2016 at 12:46pm