Two Giraffes went into a Bar ….
The day I stop being excited is the day I stop taking photos. Roie Galitz
©kathykarn
The door opened to the inner sanctum of the photography hide buried below ground level; a long narrow window opening aligned with the edge of the water hole a few feet away.
Entrance to the hide ©kathykarn
I’ve dreamt about photographing from a hide for years. Last year I chose a camp in Tsavo East National Park specifically because of its spectacular photography hide. However, in 2025 late rains meant there was plenty of water everywhere, the animals didn’t need the water hole. We were there for 3 days, not one animal showed up. Best laid plans - welcome to the reality of wildlife photography.
Photo credit Julius Pilipili Memusi
When an opportunity arose on our last day on safari this year to visit Ol Donyo Lodge’s photo hide, my friend Cathy and I jumped at the idea. We arrived in the heat of the day, not the best time for photography and siesta time for wildlife. Would any animals be at the water hole?
Maasai giraffes at the waterhole ©kathykarn
The hide’s window slot revealed a big bull elephant (a story for another time) and a “tower” of giraffes. I felt like I’d taken a bite of Alice in Wonderland’s make me smaller cookie instantly changing my viewpoint to that of a small rodent. I know, I know, giraffes are the tallest land animals, but from this perspective I truly felt it; giraffes are really, really, tall!
©kathykarn
Giraffes are curious animals with excellent eyesight. Their height is an added asset when scanning the landscape for predators. I sensed the they could see us even with a small roof obscuring the hide’s opening. We held our breaths and didn’t move a muscle. The giraffes paused, they stared, they licked their lips. For all their elegance, drinking is an awkward endeavour for giraffes. At 18’ above the water level it’s impossible for them to grab a quick sip and run. Drinking for a giraffe involves slow steady prep and a deep downward dog.
Step 1: After ensuring it’s safe, arch neck, spread legs wide
©kathykarn
Step 2: Lower head, drink deeply
©kathykarn
Step 3: Elevator up, begin to ascend
©kathykarn
Step 4: There will be inevitable spillage
©kathykarn
Step 5: Invite your friends to join you
©kathykarn
We were so close my long lens was no use to me. The giraffes hung out and drank often. With an average shutter speed of 1/1000 sec and focal lengths of 50 – 120 mm, I loaded up my card with hundreds of images. It’s hard to describe the thrill of being able to observe wildlife at such close range. I could have stayed all day! You don't need to ask, yes, I’m dreaming of my return ….
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