SIX YEARS, SIX STORIES: A PHOTOGRAPHER’S JOURNEY IN AMBOSELI AND MARA NORTH
A gitzo story by Pie Aerts
For six years, Gitzo Global Ambassador Pie Aerts has returned to Tortilis Camp in Amboseli and Elephant Pepper Camp in Mara North Conservancy, two extraordinary locations that over time became his second home. During those years, he not only produced his latest body of work titled ‘Umoja’, but he also started to share these 2 special wildlife strongholds with like-minded people by offering annual photographic safaris, guiding his guests through breathtaking landscapes, chasing unforgettable wildlife encounters. His expeditions are more than photography workshops - they are immersive journeys in storytelling, connection, and conservation.
Each image captured by Aerts is not just a moment frozen in time; it’s a story. Below he shares six of his favorite photographs, taken in Amboseli and Mara North, with the tales behind them - moments of awe, patience, and the wild spirit of Africa that keeps calling him back.
Amboseli: A Symphony of Elephants and Vast Horizons
1. The Chase Across the Lakebed
A sudden storm blew in from the northwest, turning a quiet moment on the dry lakebed into a dramatic race against nature. A small herd of elephants quickened their pace, their massive forms silhouetted against the approaching tempest. The matriarch led the way, her wisdom and experience guiding the group safely across. This fleeting scene spoke volumes about the resilience and unity of elephants, who rely so deeply on their elder stateswomen to make life-or-death decisions. Watching their journey unfold, I was reminded of their strength, wisdom, and grace—traits as timeless as the landscape itself.
2. Dreams in the Dust
For three years, I dreamed of capturing this image. Sitting on the cracked earth of Amboseli’s dried lakebed, I finally saw it—a monumental elephant crossing, framed by the glowing light of dawn. The sheer scale of the scene, the timelessness of the elephants’ march, and the weight of their survival hit me harder than I ever expected. In a world where wildlife populations are vanishing, this image stands as a tribute to the resilience of these giants and the wild places they inhabit.
3. Unity in the Marsh
I’m a firm believer that behind every first impression of any wild animal, big or small, there is a sentient being with the very same emotional needs and ability to feel. Over time, I learned that when practising that vulnerability in the field, it can be incredibly rewarding to experience how my own senses become ultra-engaged. How the world goes to silent and how I almost enter another dimension. One in which I feel deeply connected to my subjects, as if I am no longer in control and my only compass is my instinct sharpened through experience. This also happened during multiple encounters with Craig, one of the last remaining Supertuskers of Africa. An image that, every time I look at it, gives me a strong sense of ‘oneness’, of unity. A feeling that became a recurring thread in my entire Umoja Collection and I sincerely hope that it will do the same to you. Like Chief Seattle once rightfully said: “if all the beasts were gone, men would die from great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to man”.
Mara North: The Spirit of Lions and the Endless Plains
4. King and Queen of the Mara
This image was a dream come true—the King and Queen of Africa, side by side. For a week, I tracked this lion pair, hoping to witness an intimate moment between them. On the final morning, they finally let me get close, positioning themselves perfectly in the golden light of sunrise. Their focus on each other was so complete, it was as if I wasn’t there. This shot captures their majesty and their bond, a symbol of the untamed beauty of the Mara.
5. The Brothers’ Bond
After a night of heavy rain, the Black Rock brothers found solace in each other. The crisp morning air was filled with the scent of new life as they lay together, their powerful connection on full display. Photographing lions at close range is never easy, but this moment unfolded as if nature itself decided it was time. Their brotherhood reminded me of humanity’s own wild roots—of the bonds that connect us all, human and animal alike.
6. Dust and Stillness
Midday in Mara North, the heat was stifling, and the savanna seemed to hold its breath. A gentle rumble broke the silence, followed by a cloud of dust that announced the arrival of a herd of elephants. We stayed still, observing as they passed, their movements steady and deliberate. This image is a testament to the rewards of patience and respect for nature’s rhythm—a reminder that when you align your energy with the wild, it always delivers.
Join Pie on an expedition
What ties these stories together is a deep respect for the wild. Amboseli and Mara North are not just photography destinations; they are vital ecosystems where every moment feels like a gift. Through his work and expeditions, Aerts hopes to inspire others to protect and cherish these extraordinary places.
“Each year, I leave Amboseli and Mara North with new stories, new lessons, and a renewed sense of purpose. And as long as these wild places exist, I’ll keep returning, camera in hand, to capture their magic and share their stories with the world.”
If you want to join Pie Aerts on one of his annual photographic expeditions to Kenya, Zambia, Patagonia or the Indian Himalayas, find more information on his expedition website by visiting:
Pie Aerts
Pie Aerts (@pie_aerts) is a Dutch documentary and wildlife photographer with a sincere interest in human/wildlife conflict stories. Through his lens, he examines the intricate relationship between animals, humans and nature. As we become increasingly distant from each other and ourselves, Pie uses photography to search for the cause of this disconnection.