April 17, 2010
After wrapping up some five weeks volunteering with ICROSS, I grabbed Edward and we headed southwest of Nairobi to the beautiful lush green lands of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. After a long day of rough, though interesting transportation, we arrived at our campsite with super-sized permanent tents and a chef who would spoil us over the next three days.
The expansive plains and rolling hills would soon become our playground with safari leader, Manchau, leading us through his family’s lands in his elder tank-like Land Rover Defender. The animals were aplenty and kept us on our toes (even inside the truck!), the magnificent trees and selective light highlighted the landscape, and the storm clouds brought a wonderful definition and excitement to the sky.
Into the Mara...
Buffalo romanticism
Mother and son
Who's who in the bush?
Must get heavy to carry a trunk around all day...
Headbutt 
... and what are YOU lookin at?!
Brothers
One for all, all for one
Goodnight Edward...
Note: For anyone interested in visiting the Maasai Mara, and/or other African national parks, I would suggest booking once in the respective country . . . it could save you considerable money! And if headed to Maasai Mara, I will gladly pass along my contacts for a great visit and stay!
Tags: Africa, Animals, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, Kenya, landscape, lion, Maasai Mara, National Park
Posted in Animals, Landscape / Nature |
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February 21, 2010
Just outside the Nakuru city center is the beautiful national park of the same name. On Thursday, we organized a drive through the park with Ann’s friend Boniface and his matatu driver, Danny. And what’s a safari without beers?? Not as fun, that’s for sure! So with a sky full of clouds, the beers made for a less stressful afternoon of fighting the light, and a more carefree drive laughing at the baboons as Ann waved a blown-up condom (remaining from the support groups) at them, which they found quite amusing… ; )
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The afternoon light, in its limited visibility, was well embraced through the raised matatu roof. From the vast dried-up lake to the picturesque overlook, the fine friends, animals, and ok, beers, made for a great afternoon!
(l>r) Stanley, Danny, Ann, & Boniface... and our van in the distance
And the sun creeps in momentarily...
All in all, we saw baboons, zebras, flamingos, buffalo, a warthog, a few hyenas, a rare white rhino, and black rhinos. Unfortunately the lions and giraffes were not found. Here are a few where the light cooperated for a nice image… enjoy!
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February 14, 2010
This past week I spent time in a small city in Kenya called Nakuru. I loved it, the city was alive, the countryside was beautiful, the people were warmly welcoming. Currently working through the images, but in the meanwhile, I hope you enjoy these three!
First snap in Nakuru ...
... walking the streets ...
... and closing the week at Lake Nakuru National Park.
