Gerenuks are obviously known for their long necks. The word gerenuk itself is from the Somali language meaning giraffe necked. This male was feeding on the small shrub in the background in Lewa, Kenya. I have seen photographs of gerenuks, comically standing on their hind legs, reaching for higher branches to feed upon. I was hoping to get such a shot with this guy, but he just wouldn’t cooperate so I had to settle for this portrait.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 550mm with Nikon 1.4 teleconverter) ISO 400, f/8 at 1/500th of a second

Two rhinos found themselves caught up in the middle of a herd of cape buffalo on a rainy day in Kenya. I used a slow shutter speed of only 1/6th of a second to create a blurred sense of movement, while keeping my focus on the head of the rhino to the left.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 200, f/25 at 1/6th of a second

I just realized that in nearly five years of posting photos to this blog, I’ve never posted a gazelle. I guess it’s because they are so common on a safari to east Africa that they get overlooked. Even so, they are lovely little creatures, certainly worthy of attention. This mother and her calf were playing on the plains of the Masai Mara early one morning — the dew on the grass still present before burning off.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 800, f/8 at 1/125th of a second

These three cheetahs brothers seemed full of confidence and on a mission as they marched past our safari vehicle. About half an hour later, I saw them again and watched as they chased down a herd (or dazzle as it’s more commonly known in Africa) of zebras. The chase — unfortunately for the cheetahs, but fortunately for the zebras — was unsuccessful. With their extreme speed, cheetahs are efficient hunters, but even so, only make a kill about fifty percent of the time.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 800, f/4.5 at 1/200th of a second

There are always plenty of ground birds around while on safari in Africa. Most get overlooked thanks to all the amazing large mammals diverting everyone’s attention. Among the many such birds we saw in Kenya were these yellow necked francolins, or as they’re otherwise known, spurfowl. Francolins are often referred to as African roadrunners as they always seem to be scurrying along in front of safari vehicles. I was able to catch this guy off to the side, resting in the green grass, creating a nice contrast to the red and yellow of the head.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 400, f/5.6 at 1/320th of a second

Once the sun is down, I still like to get pictures in the blue light of early evening. Slow shutter speeds are a given at this time of day, which is why I often pan along with animals for a nice motion blurred effect. Thus was the case with this zebra, trotting along the plains in Laikipia, Kenya.
Nikon D700 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 200mm) ISO 1600, f/2.8 at .6 seconds

It seemed about time for another lion cub post. Here’s one from the Masai Mara in Kenya. This little guy was one of six cubs in the pride and appeared to be the smallest of the bunch.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 310mm) ISO 800, f/6.3 at 1/320th of a second

These two lions were quite young. The male had just started to grow his mane. It was very early on a misty morning in Kenya and they were engaged in a bit of foreplay before an attempt at mating. From what I could tell, it was just that — a half-hearted attempt before they both settled back down into the grass.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 330mm) ISO 1600, f/4 at 1/80th of a second

This mother and baby zebra were grazing out on the plains of Kenya despite the pouring rain. We were in a place called Laikipia, which used to be a series of cattle ranches, but has since been reclaimed by the native wildlife. It goes out to my five-year-old friend Sophie who told me today that zebras are her favorite animal, narrowly beating out owls.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/320th of a second

When three cheetah brothers gave chase on this herd of zebras, Karen couldn’t look because she felt so bad for the zebras. When the chase failed, she immediately felt bad for the three cheetahs, who missed out on their meal. Thus is life on the plains of Kenya.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 400, f/5 at 1/500th of a second