Without even trying, our ten days at the Maasai Mara became a lion fest. Of the 23k files images I came home with, 6500 of them were of the the Marsh Pride. This famous pride with its own TV program and numerous books is unique for many reasons. One of the interesting ones is the fact they don’t seek shade when they sleep, the only lions to do such, anywhere. We saw them a lot, from making six kills, ranging over large range of land and as their name implies, at the marsh a lot. We have so many stories to go with all those images, but the story behind this image is a favorite of mine. It sums up the Mara, the Marsh Pride and the success basic biology can bring to a photograph.
It was literally our last drive of our stay. We had a spectacular sunrise with part of the Marsh Pride so didn’t expect anything the rest of the morning. That’s how it normally works, you don’t get more than one great opp in a shoot. We were out looking, shooting and simply enjoying the beauty that is Africa. Then our amazing guide Duncan scanning the grasslands spots another part of the Marsh Pride. It was hanging up by the “airport” when it got up with that stance that said they saw something of interest. To the untrained eye, you might take their actions as simply strolling. With their first few steps, Duncan said hold on and down the dirt road we bounced. Soon we could see with our naked eyes what Duncan had seen through the bins. Then it seemed we were going to go right past the pride. Then it seemed we were not even going to stop for them. At this point, other vehicles were following us, it was obvious from Duncan’s driving something was up. Then, not too far from the dirt runway, Duncan turned to the left, crossed another road and stopped. He just looked off towards the ridge and not to much longer, we saw the pride. I had the Df / 300PF on my lap and ready. Duncan said, “They are going to walk right down the road.” How he knew that from a mile away is beyond me but sure enough, as you can see, a few minutes later they were walking right down the lens barrel.
You can’t help at first to think of them as just large pussy cats. Then you see the efficiency of a hunt as they all play their role and there is no doubt they are the top predator of the plains. Then you see their greeting as they move about and you think once again, they are just big cats. We will always treasure our ten days with the Marsh Pride, look forward to getting back to see how they survive the test of time. Their biology is fascinating, the individuals intriguing and their life on the marsh is better than on TV. There are many joys in wildlife photography, none more so then being let in the world of your subject if just for ten days to see what their world is like. It will be forever in our hearts!