July 2024

The Munje Evening Fried Fish Market

The Munje Evening Fried Fish Market

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In the small coastal settlement of Munje, daily life buzzes with activity, from small bicycle and motorcycle repairs to tiny shops with groceries and household goods. As the sun dips below the horizon, a unique scene unfolds: the Munje evening fried fish market.

Under the soft glow of kerosene lamps—the only source of light in this community—a handful of women gather to sell their freshly caught and fried seafood. The flickering flames dance across their faces, creating a picturesque image that begs to be captured on a slow shutter speed. The blurred movement of the vendors and the twinkling lights add a sense of magic to this humble market, a testament to the resilience of the community.

Elephant Amboseli

Amboseli on an early morning

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A lone African elephant strides across the savanna at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. The morning sun, rising after a night of heavy rain, casts the elephant’s silhouette starkly against the dark sky. The landscape, a unique and iconic part of Kenya, is vast and breathtaking. The elephant’s posture is relaxed, yet alert, its trunk raised to test the air for scents. A solitary acacia tree stands beside the elephant, providing a sense of scale and emphasizing the vastness of the savanna. The setting sun paints the horizon with a warm glow, contrasting with the spreading storm clouds above, hinting at the unpredictability of the weather around the great mountain. This image captures the delicate balance between the animals and its environment, a snapshot of the beauty and of the African wilderness.

Lazy Hippos in Mzima Springs

Lazy Hippos in Mzima Springs 

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On a gorgeous afternoon in Tsavo West National Park, two hippos glide peacefully over the crystal-clear waters of Mzima Springs. A soft breeze dances across the surface, generating mesmerising ripple patterns that glisten in the golden light of the setting sun. The image is nothing short of stunning, demonstrating the sheer beauty of the African savanna.

Giraffes savanna

Giraffes and social interactions

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Giraffes, despite their lonely demeanour, lead a rich and intricate social existence. They frequently establish informal associations, or “towers,” comprising of females and their young, whereas adult males prefer to be solitary or form smaller bachelor groups. Within these groups, giraffes participate in a variety of social interactions, including grooming, play, and alloparenting. Their social relationships, particularly among females, can be remarkably strong, spanning years. However, giraffe society is dynamic, with individuals frequently shifting between groups. Giraffes’ fission-fusion social structure allows them to adapt to changing habitats and resources while maintaining social links with a larger network of individuals. Despite previous perceptions, giraffes are far from socially aloof; in fact, they are very gregarious animals with complex and multidimensional lifestyles.

hippo

Aggressive Hippo

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Hippos are normally peaceful animals, but if they feel threatened or disturbed, they can become violent and deadly.

When disturbed in water, a herd of hippos would usually submerge and resurface after several minutes with only the flat top of their heads above water.

On land: If disturbed, hippos can charge at speeds of above 30 km/hr. They are surprisingly agile and can even climb steep banks with proper footing.

Additional elements that can impact hippo behaviour include the presence of young calves, limited resources like as food and water, and time of day (they are primarily nocturnal).

It’s vital to remember that hippos are wild animals and should always be watched from a safe distance. Never approach a hippo, especially if it shows symptoms of stress such as yawning, snorting, or extending its jaws wide.

Male impala

Male impala standing against a stunning backdrop of the African savanna

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A gorgeous male impala against the stunning backdrop of the African savanna. The impala’s exquisite, lyre-shaped horns stand out against the brilliant blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds. The bright sunlight shines its reddish-brown coat, emphasising its elegant silhouette. The impala emanates grace and attentiveness, capturing the raw beauty of the African plains.

Zebras gracefully traversing the arid African savanna

Zebras gracefully traversing the arid African savanna

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Two beautiful zebras are crossing the dry African grassland. The golden afternoon sun casts lengthy shadows and highlights the zebras’ black and white stripes. They go through the arid grasslands with acacia bushes and shrubs, checking their surroundings. The savanna stretches to the horizon, where hill outlines blend with the sky. It perfectly depicts the raw beauty of Kenya.