Masai Mara, Kenya

Savanna Janitor

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OM-1 Mark II · OM 150-600mm F5.0-6.3

600 mmƒ6.31/2000ISO 1000

The story

It’s a sunny morning and the savanna is slowly starting to heat up. A group of giraffes ambling across the road brings us to a forced stop. Not that we mind in the slightest. One of them strolls past a metre from our jeep. We tilt our heads back, straining to maintain eye contact. Until our necks start to ache. To our right, the younger generation trots past with purpose. To our left, the rest of the family keeps a quiet eye on things.

As you might gather, there’s plenty to feast our eyes on. And on closer inspection, it turns out the giraffes themselves are being well looked after too. Yellow-billed oxpeckers are perched on their backs like they’ve been best mates since the beginning of time. They pick parasites from the fur, keeping it clean. On the other hand, they also drink blood from open wounds, which slows the healing process… Well, even your best friend can occasionally be a bit of a drain.

They’re essentially the janitors of Africa’s large mammals. And with a bit of luck, you can catch one clocking out at the end of the morning shift. Just like in this shot.

Masai Mara, Kenya · February 12, 2026