Hippos are often found wallowing in calm, shallow ponds filled with water lilies, where the floating vegetation provides both shade and camouflage. While hippos don’t eat the lilies themselves, their presence can help maintain open water channels through the dense growth. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1400, f/5.6 at 1/1250th of a second.

The waterbuck is a large, shaggy antelope commonly found near rivers, swamps, and lakes across sub-Saharan Africa. Its name comes from its strong preference for staying close to water sources—both for drinking and as a refuge from predators. We spotted this one on our last day in the Masai Mara while on the way to the airstrip. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 64, f/5.6 at 1/640th of a second.

Thanks to all those who have ordered a T-shirt from my new brand, Species Limited. Each design is created from one of my original photographs. My “Camo Collection” is the most popular so far, but in the “Conservation Status Collection,” which was the inspiration to start the brand, the most popular so far has been the Reticulated Giraffes Tee, created from this image taken in 2024 in Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve. To get your tee and support wildlife conservation, go to specieslimited.com. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 900, f/5.6 at 1/1600th of a second.

Young male lions, often brothers or close-age cousins from the same pride, form tight-knit groups known as coalitions. These bonds are forged through constant play, grooming, and cooperative behavior from a young age. As they mature, these coalitions stay together and increase their chances of successfully taking over a pride by working as a team. The trust and coordination developed during their youth become crucial for survival and dominance in adulthood. I photographed these two young males in the Masai Mara of Kenya this past June. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 900, f/5.6 at 1/500th of a second.

Something told us this hippo had recently been in some water lilies. In fact, hippos are often seen lounging or wading among blue water lilies, especially in calm, shallow waterways across Africa. These floating flowers thrive in the same warm, slow-moving waters that hippos prefer for staying cool during the heat of the day. While hippos don’t actively seek out the lilies for food, the plants offer shade and camouflage. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 500, f/5.6 at 1/160th of a second.

Probably more than you’ll ever need to know about a zebra’s coat, but here goes — the skin is black beneath its fur, and the stripes are formed by black and white hairs growing from follicles that contain melanocyte cells. The melanocytes are activated to produce melanin in the areas that form black stripes, while the melanocytes are deactivated in the areas that form white stripes, resulting in an absence of melanin for the white hairs. But why? The black and white stripes serve multiple purposes, though scientists are still debating exactly which is most important. One leading theory is that the stripes confuse biting insects like tsetse flies and horseflies, which struggle to land on the high-contrast patterns. The stripes may also help with thermoregulation. White hairs reflect sunlight while black hairs absorb it, creating micro-air currents that cool the skin. Additionally, the patterns may offer camouflage in tall grasses and help zebras recognize one another at a distance. And when a group is being pursued by a predator, all those stripes running together can prove very confusing. So now you know. Have a great weekend everyone. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 180, f/5.6 at 1/640th of a second.

Elephants wallow in mud to protect their skin from the sun and biting insects. The mud acts like a natural sunscreen and bug repellent. It also helps cool them down, since elephants don’t sweat. For baby elephants, wallowing is especially important because their skin is more sensitive and they overheat more easily. Plus, it’s just plain fun. Young elephants love to splash, slide, and play in the mud as part of their social development. And it certainly looks like this little one was having a lot of fun. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 145mm) ISO 2500, f/5.6 at 1/1600th of a second.

I try not to overlook any creatures we encounter on our safaris (within reason, of course). These are spur-winged lapwings, also known as spur-winged plovers. They’re often seen near freshwater lakes, marshes, and riverbanks. The name comes from the small, sharp spur on each wing, which they use to defend territory and nest. With bold black-and-white plumage, a chestnut back, and red eyes, they are both elegant and aggressive, unafraid to confront much larger intruders. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1100, f/10 at 1/500th of a second.

Some days just call for a portrait of the massive head of a hippopotamus. We saw this guy as we were leaving for the airstrip on our last day in the Masai Mara back in June. Always nice to see them out of the water (and at such close range). In case you’re wondering, a hippo’s head can be 3 feet wide and weigh up to 500 pounds.Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 8000, f/5.6 at 1/250th of a second.