Bui Xuan Viet, a photographer from Dong Nai, recently embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Kenya, where he captured rare and breathtaking moments in the wild. Over nine days, including two spent exploring Masai Mara National Reserve, Viet fulfilled a dream to photograph wildlife in one of the most celebrated ecosystems on Earth.

Masai Mara, located in western Kenya, spans approximately 1,500 square kilometers and is renowned as a premier destination for wildlife photography. The reserve is home to the "Big Five" - lion, rhinoceros, elephant, leopard, and buffalo - and attracts photographers worldwide.

"I've never been to a place with such diverse and well-preserved wildlife. The animals here live in their natural habitat, showcasing primal behaviors like hunting, hiding, and migrating," Viet shared.

Initially, his goal was to capture the Big Five, but the results surpassed his expectations. Among his standout photographs were: A leopard hauling its prey up a tree to feed; A cheetah sleeping peacefully; A pack of hyenas feasting on a hippo in the middle of a lake.

One of Viet’s favorite images from the trip features an eagle silhouetted against the moon. "It was a challenging shot," he recalled. "I was on a boat in the middle of a lake, unable to move freely, but the scene was too perfect to miss."

Another remarkable moment came as his group rushed back into the reserve upon hearing about a leopard feeding on a tree. "It was around 5 p.m., and I thought I’d missed my chance. But after a 20-minute drive over rugged terrain, we arrived just in time to witness the rare sight," Viet recounted.

For safety, visitors to Masai Mara are strictly prohibited from leaving their vehicles, even for restroom breaks, except at designated safe zones. "The reserve is vast, but staying inside the vehicle is a non-negotiable rule," Viet explained.

This precaution allowed Viet to photograph a lion resting in the shade of his tour vehicle and a cheetah cub sleeping so deeply that it didn’t stir when he approached with his camera.

In addition to Masai Mara, Viet visited Nakuru in central Kenya and Amboseli National Park in the south. Contrary to common misconceptions, he found Kenya’s weather cool and refreshing, not hot and dusty.

"I was impressed by how harmoniously humans and animals coexist. Locals have a strong conservation ethic—they don't hunt or kill wildlife, only scare them away when necessary," Viet said. Birds, for instance, freely forage in residential areas without fear.

The total cost of Viet’s trip exceeded 100 million VND (around $4,000), a price he considers well worth the unique experiences and memories gained. "With everything I witnessed and captured, this was an investment in my passion," he concluded.