Posts

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Zakouma – a wild Safari south of Sahara

As promised, the first report back from Zakouma National Park in south-east Chad. It is tough to put into words just how what an incredible experience this has been. Spending 5 nights camped out in the moonlight on the edge of the Rigueik wetland with a great bunch of people, tasty bush food and great […]

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Dawn & Dusk #Whyilovekenya

Recently I spent some time on safari in the Masai Mara and Laikipia. Days were warm and dry, especially in southern Laikipia, so I made the most of my favourite times of day…dawn and dusk. Although I never got the ‘Golden Hour’ everyday, I was treated to some classic safari moments. Couple this with some excellent walking at Ol Pejeta and the low numbers of tourists in Kenya at this time of year, I can safely say January is a great time to be in Kenya if you aren’t really looking for wildebeest! #Whyilovekenya

The excitement builds as we are nearly ready to board the Governor’s Balloon for our morning floating over the majestic Masai Mara.

The excitement builds as we are nearly ready to board the Governor’s Balloon for our morning floating over the majestic Masai Mara.

What an incredible way to start my day – sunrise over the Mara.

What an incredible way to start my day – sunrise over the Mara.

One of the dreamy scenes that unfolded on the balloon ride, just after floating over a pride of lions!

One of the dreamy scenes that unfolded on the balloon ride, just after floating over a pride of lions!

The chance to photograph this iconic mountain in a different mood each day is my motivation for rising early.

The chance to photograph this iconic mountain in a different mood each day is my motivation for rising early.

The almost milky late afternoon light on Ol Pejeta provided a fun opportunity to capture the top f the Aberdares as backdrop to the zebras and elephants

The almost milky late afternoon light on Ol Pejeta provided a fun opportunity to capture the top f the Aberdares as backdrop to the zebras and elephants

Some patience before sunset was rewarded when a young male Grant’s Gazelle decided to put in a big effort to court a female.

Some patience before sunset was rewarded when a young male Grant’s Gazelle decided to put in a big effort to court a female.

This cute bushbaby can be tricky to photograph in the thorn trees with no natural light. I spotted this one in silhouette as it emerged just minutes after sunset.

This cute bushbaby can be tricky to photograph in the thorn trees with no natural light. I spotted this one in silhouette as it emerged just minutes after sunset.

 

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African Civet po(o)ps by…

One of things we love to do with our guests is find a waterhole or well-used game trail to put up a camera trap. The infra-red sensor takes photos while we sleep and later we get to download the card and find out who came to visit. Better still is to look at the tracks first and try to establish how many species came past. In Karongwe, west of the Kruger National Park, we had a successful nights’ trapping. The highlight was an African Civet which decided to poop right in front of the camera. Anyone that has seen the droppings in a civetry (a special name for their latrine) will have questioned how an animal the size of a civet could pass them – well take a close look at the photo. The answer is it isn’t easy!

I always enjoy finding African Civet on a night safari - for me it is a sign of a healthy environment

I always enjoy finding African Civet on a night safari – for me it is a sign of a healthy environment

A picture says a thousand words!

A picture says a thousand words!

Although the porcupine is actually quite common, you don't get to see them too often unless they are raiding the camp veggie garden.

Although the porcupine is actually quite common, you don’t get to see them too often unless they are raiding the camp veggie garden.

I assume this Common Duiker was headed for a morning drink at the waterhole

I assume this Common Duiker was headed for a morning drink at the waterhole

This female impala must have sensed something out of place on the tree - she is very alert

This female impala must have sensed something out of place on the tree – she is very alert

I you put a camera trap up just about anywhere for a few days, you are bound to get at least one look-in from an inquisitive baboon!

If you put a camera trap up just about anywhere for a few days, you are bound to get at least one look-in from an inquisitive baboon!