Bui Xuan Viet, a photographer hailing from Dong Nai, recently took part in an extraordinary adventure in Kenya, where he captured stunning images of wildlife. During his nine-day trip, which included two days at the Masai Mara National Reserve, Viet realized his dream of photographing animals in one of the world’s most famous natural ecosystems.

The Masai Mara, situated in western Kenya, covers about 1,500 square kilometers and is celebrated as a prime spot for wildlife photography. The reserve is home to the iconic “Big Five”: lion, rhino, elephant, leopard, and buffalo, drawing photographers from around the globe.

“It was my first time in such a place filled with diverse and thriving wildlife. The animals are in their natural environment, displaying innate behaviors like hunting and migrating,” Viet remarked.

While his aim was initially to photograph the Big Five, he ended up capturing even more wonderful moments. Some of his most memorable shots included: a leopard dragging its prey up a tree; a cheetah lounging peacefully; and a group of hyenas devouring a hippo in a lake.

One of his favorite photographs shows an eagle against a moonlit backdrop. “It was a tough shot to get,” he reflected. “I was on a boat unable to move around, but the scene was just too perfect to pass up.”

Another highlight occurred when his group hurried back to the reserve after learning a leopard was feeding in a tree. “I thought I had missed out, but after navigating the rough roads for 20 minutes, we arrived just in time to capture the scene,” he said.

For safety reasons, visitors in Masai Mara must remain inside their vehicles, even for brief restroom breaks, except in designated safe areas. “Though the reserve is large, staying in the vehicle is strictly enforced,” Viet noted.

This rule allowed Viet to shoot a lion relaxing in the shade of their vehicle and a cheetah cub sleeping soundly without even waking when he got close with his camera.

Besides the Masai Mara, Viet explored Nakuru in central Kenya and Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya. Surprisingly, he found the weather in Kenya to be cool and pleasant, contrary to common beliefs about it being hot and dusty.

“I was struck by how well humans and wildlife coexist here. The locals have a strong commitment to conservation—they don’t hunt or harm wildlife, only deter them when needed,” Viet observed. For example, birds freely search for food in residential areas without fear.

Viet’s trip cost him over 100 million VND (about $4,000), a price he believes was a great investment for the incredible experiences and memories he gained. “With all I witnessed and captured, this was truly an investment in my passion,” he concluded.