I've been fortunate enough to go on multiple safaris in Africa, but until my recent trip to the Masai Mara in Kenya, I had never witnessed a big cat taking down its prey. During the Great Migration in September, I had the opportunity to witness the incredible spectacle of over a million wildebeest crossing the Mara River as they search for greener pastures.
The migration, which starts in July and August and ends in September or October, is a truly breathtaking sight. Watching the wildebeest prance back and forth along the river's edge, sometimes for hours, before finally crossing as a herd is an unforgettable experience. In just 15 to 30 minutes, hundreds or even thousands of wildebeest will make the crossing, while crocodiles wait patiently for an easy meal.
On one occasion, while we were waiting for the wildebeest to make their crossing, one of the animals walked under a tree where a leopard was sleeping. Leopards are typically nocturnal, but when presented with an opportunity for an easy meal, they don't hesitate to take it.
Without warning, the leopard jumped out of the tree and onto the back of the wildebeest. It quickly grabbed the animal by the neck and suffocated it. A few seconds later, the wildebeest was on the ground and the leopard held on for about five minutes before dragging it off into the bush for an early dinner. It was an incredible and unforgettable experience to see this majestic animal in action.
