Camera: Nikon Z9

Lens: Nikkor 200-500 f/5.6

Aperture: f/6.3

Shutter speed: 1/800

ISO: 800

Description: The last of the Tano Bora trio takes the plunge into the water in a determined effort to get to the other side.

Story from behind the lens: Excitement reigned supreme once our guide Raddy got word that the then Tano Bora were about to cross the Talek river. Having got ourselves in a good position a Hippo mom and baby played spoilsport as they chased the cheetahs from that spot. Undeterred, the cheetahs went in search of another crossing point. It was a mad dash to decide where to go and position ourselves. Luckily for us our guide Raddy, made the right call and got into position just as the Tano Bora came into sight. What proceeded after that was over in a matter of minutes as the 3 cheetahs jumped, splashed and swam their way across the river, one after another. The memories of this spectacular and rare moment however, have been etched into our memories forever. This image shows the third cheetah crossing the river, following the path taken by its 2 comrades.