Gallery / Africa

Waiting Her Turn

Watercolour
Private Collection

The early morning and very late afternoons are the most favourable times to catch the best light when photographing wildlife, and sometimes the waterholes can get quite busy, with animals queueing up to drink. Giraffe are particularly shy animals and will often wait at the back of the line before gingerly stepping forward. On this occasion, I counted 15 giraffe surrounding the waterhole from all sides, with a trickle of zebras scurrying in between the large beasts to quench their thirst.
The only downside about being out at a remote waterhole late in the day is having to "drive like a madman" in order to arrive at camp before the gate is closed.