Fleeing the flames

Greg du Toit's Image

Greg was on safari with friends in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park when he spotted smoke.

It came from a grass fire sweeping across the plain. Driving towards it, he saw a lone wildebeest, seemingly reluctant to move. Its leg was broken. As the blaze approached, he watched in horror. ‘It was incredibly hot and smoky, but we stayed, willing the animal to leave’. Finally it did, just as the flames were lapping at its tail. He took the shot as part of a bigger story on wildebeest migration. Every year around 1.3 million animals move from the Serengeti to Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve and back in search of food and water. Many perish on the journey, often drowning at river crossings, succumbing to fires, or becoming prey for hyenas or lions. ‘I want to portray some of the challenges they face,’ explains Greg. Though this animal escaped the flames, its fate is still uncertain.


Behind the lens

Greg du Toit

Greg du Toit

South Africa

Greg has spent the last 20 years photographing exclusively in Africa, waiting for the perfect light, subject, background and behaviour to coexist in singular moments. He specialises in low light and slow shutter speeds. He won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year grand title in 2013 and is one of Africa's most sought-after photographic safari guides.

Image details

  • Nikon D3s
  • 80–400mm f4.5–5.6 lens at 175mm
  • 1/1000 sec at f5.6  •   ISO 1250
  • Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
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