On a trip to the deserts on the Angola-Namibia border in southwest Africa, I expect everything but sea lions. They are often associated with maritime areas of the world. But at this point the extensive sandy area meets the sea and creates unusual scenes. After several hours in a 4×4 vehicle in the dunes from camp, I see the coast and see salt spray in the distance, which is not typical of the dry desert climate. However, it actually is! Obviously we are getting closer to the water. The guide stops the jeep and we continue on foot. After a few challenging climbs in the golden sand, I suddenly come face to face with a sea lion! In fact, there is an impressive colony of this marine mammal in this region of Africa. Some sources count more than a million people. Over time, their presence in such large numbers creates tensions with the country's commercial fishermen as they deplete coastal waters of seafood.
In reality, the sea lion feeds on various fish, molluscs and birds. His daily consumption varies between 7 and 18 kg of feed per day. For me it is an experience on the edge of reality to find a “lost” person alone in the middle of the desert. After a long walk I finally reached the Atlantic. I discover a colony of at least 100,000 sea lions, offering me a highly auditory, olfactory and visual experience.
Device : Canon EOS R
Objective: EF 70-200mm
Exposure: 1/250s at F/8
ISO: 125