Image #5 Zebras: Serengeti Plains Tanzania Africa

I can still recall standing and looking out into the Serengeti plains with such awe and wonder as these magnificent animals roamed at a distance in their natural habitat. I just stood there for some time listening to the sound of the wind, meditating and quietly hoping the emotion and witnessing would forever be seared in my mind. This is the amazing humility that nature can bestow upon us.

Plain zebras, also known as common zebras, live in groups referred to as “harems”, consisting of several mares and their recent offspring led by a single stallion. The harem stallion protects and defends the group’s territory and attempts to prevent other stallions from mating with his mares. When a herd of zebras runs in various directions, individual bodies blur, making it harder for the predator to attack. Because of their excellent eyesight, zebras often alert other animals that danger is near. Zebras can smell lions that are more than five football fields away.

“This image would not have been possible without the assistance of our highly skilled guide, Themistocles Bamwenda. He shared his world of knowledge of animal facts, animal behavior and information on how animals interact with the environment, with each other and the Tanzanian culture. Themi was also very mindful of protecting us from the danger that one can encounter when near animals freely roaming in the wilderness.

Approximately 90 percent of the Tanzanians strongly believe in the protection and preservation of their nations’ wildlife, and many participate in advocacy projects, working to protect animal life and preserve their famous national parks; in addition, the Tanzanians carefully measure and plan for others to have the experience of a safari and a lot is involved behind the scenes. Tanzanians engage in a tireless devotion and selfless, around-the-clock labor of love for the preservation of the environment so that tourists can have the experience and bear witness.

My encounter with the Tanzanian people and their culture and with the country’s beautiful animals was a magical experience. It was an honor, and I will forever be grateful for the memories.”

Resources: “Safari: A Photicular Book” created by Dan Kainen and written by Carol Kaufmann. DK Smithsonian: ANIMAL, Editors in chief, David Burnie and Don E. Wilson.
Tanzania Safari Guide: Themistocles Bamwenda