An African Safari

Photographing an African safari

Boston Globe Staff photographer Essdras M Suarez experienced a two week safari in Kenya and Tanzania this year. Here is a selection of what he captured and thoughts upon his return:
As a photojournalist, you’re always looking to capture moments that define life. In the wild, you’re witnessing life or death situations, and it’s a truly humbling experience. We’re used to living in a world where we humans are top predators and life is extremely safe. When you find yourself in an environment where you’re no longer the top predator, it puts things in perspective to see how and where we fall within the food chain. I never thought I’d be excited photographing nature, but I found myself completely entranced by the whole experience and I can’t wait to do it again. ( 27 photos total)

A zebra takes a dust bath, which is a maintenance behavior designed to clean fur and rid themselves of parasites. (Essdras M Suarez/EMS Photography) 

 A young elephant seeks reassurance from its mother near Batteleur Camp in Kenya. (Essdras M Suarez/EMS Photography)

 After getting tired of playing with his siblings this lion cub decided he would "hunt" his mother who had been watching over them at Klein's Camp, a private reserve in southern Tanzania. (Essdras M Suarez/EMS Photography)

 
A leopard relaxes at dusk, as this nocturnal feline readies itself for the hunt at the prey-filled Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya. (Essdras M Suarez/EMS Photography)

To see all photos go to:  http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2013/11/photographing_an_african_safar.html