We were on Safari in Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana, Africa near the Boteti River. We were enjoying the sunset and all of a sudden a herd of Zebra started running towards the water, creating a lot of dust and this gave a special atmosphere to this amazing landscape. Magic! Three sub-species of zebra (the Burchell’s, Grevy’s and Mountain zebras) still occur on the continent of Africa where they live in a wide range of habitats like woodland, hills, grasslands, mountains and savannahs. The most widespread and numerous of the three species is the Burchell’s, also known as the Plains or Common Zebra. Zebras walk, trot, canter and gallop although they are generally slower than horses, although they can run at speeds up to 40 miles per hour.

During the dry season, from April to October, the Boteti River near the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana, is the only permanent source of water for miles around and water means life. As the pans in the area dry from April onwards, tens of thousands of zebras complete their journey at the river, followed closely by herds of wildebeest and their accompanying predators. They gather at the river in an explosion of black and white stripes. This is a truly remarkable game viewing, attracting a rich array of resident game and a procession of migratory wanderers.The rumble of hooves heralds the arrival of the zebra and wildebeest and while making this picture, I was sitting on the top of a cliff overlooking the Boteti River and in a split second the scene came together. Zebras going down the hill eager for having a drink and other zebra s going up again after their well-deserved refreshment. As the Sun was setting, the sky coloured all shades of red and orange. The dust added a magical atmosphere. Astonishing. Wow.

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