Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Stampede of Survival

On August 1st, 2024, in the Maasai Mara, a massive herd of wildebeests descended the steep cliff in a chaotic yet mesmerizing display of movement, driven by their instinct to cross the river as part of the Great Migration. The scene was filled with raw energy as their hooves pounded the ground and their movements created a ripple of synchronized chaos. Capturing this moment was an extraordinary privilege, as such a dramatic event is not only rare to witness but also challenging to photograph from the perfect vantage point. This image highlights the intensity and survival instincts of one of nature’s most remarkable spectacles.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Camera: NIKON Z 9
Copyright: © Yoshiki Nakamura