Zebra - First Light

Etosha National Park, Namibia, 2007

When we think of Etosha, we usually think of winter (June-September). Winter weather is reliable, which makes for reliable photography. For months on end, Etosha is bone dry with warm sunny days and cool nights. Such weather yields consistently warm early morning / later afternoon light that shines on a chalky white and rocky landscape defined by the Etosha Pan. 

This zebra, which I photographed at sunrise, presents the other side of Etosha. I made this photograph in April 2007 - the tail end of the summer rainy season. In stark contrast to the dry and dusty landscape we've come to know in winter,  April delivered thunderous storms, dramatic light, and lush green landscapes. It's quite a beautiful time to visit.