Alleluia - Tales of Kenya (part II)

Africa » Kenya » Rift Valley Province » Masai Mara NP
January 30th 2012

Published: March 6th 2012

An air of excitement fills the small plane for our 1 hour flight from Nairobi to the Masai Mara airstrip. I am seated beside a Spanish naturalist who specializes in large cats and snakes. He will spend 20 days in Masai Mara studying. Wow, I’m excited for my upcoming 4 days in the Mara! Upon deboarding, we are greeted by Dixon, our driver/guide and Gladys, our game spotter. Both are Masai. Up we ... Read Full Entry

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Schroeder family

Shanghai Sheri

In 2006, our family began what we thought was a 3 year adventure of living and traveling in China. But like Gilligan, our 3 year tour turned into something much longer and deeper than we expected. This was just the beginning of our cultural travels and blogs. 3 years turned into 6 years and included a time of residence in South Korea as well. The kids have all transitioned into and out of college leaving us as empty nesters, but not empty of ambitions to continue to explore the world. Come along with us as we seek to expand our understanding of this marvelous world in which we live! ... full info

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Cheetah mom

Cheetah baby

This 3 month old baby will separate from its mother after 2 years of age.

Masai giraffe

Darker spots differentiate this giraffe variety.

guinea fowl and babies

Agama lizard

Baby elephant walk....

Apparently elephants require a 22 month gestational period and the babies will stay with their mothers for 4 years.

Spotting the babies

This lionesse was one of the 4 lazy lionesse's which were relaxing separate from the babies. She is intently looking (note even the detail of the flies buzzing around her) at the group of 8 babies and 1 lionesse coming toward her.

Reunion of the pride

1 lionesse was in charge of the 8 babies while the other 4 lionesse's were relaxing presumably after hunting. When they all came together, there was obvious joy in their reunion.

Happiness

The babies and mamas came together with affectionate nudges - taking time to each greet one another. This little lion looks so happy.....

Buffalo and yellow billed oxpecker

The buffalo is reputed to be the meanest animal in the reserve, yet they must tolerate the constant picking away of the little birds nibbling at the ticks.

Hippo stroll

We're glad to keep our distance from these aggressive territorial creatures.

Family

The youngest baby was only 1 month old and so carefully protected by the others in the herd. There were more than 23 elephants in this herd and we sat in the middle of them seemingly unnoticed.

Communicating

Inaudible sounds, linked at the trunk, this is how elephants talk. Many of the frequencies they use are so low that we felt it rumble in our bellies.

Good luck

Hey, I caught one with his trunk up!

Big bull

This 58-60 year old bull shows signs of aging. His tusks are worn, musk drains down behind his eye and in front of his ear, and a urine odor permeates around him. Dixon estimates his weight at 6+ tons.

A morning view....

Our picnic breakfast

Comfy seats

The cushions, masai blankets for color and warmth, big open seating - what a fun ride!

Topi askari

Swaheli word "Askari" equals "guard". Using termite mounds to prop up their front quarters, the topi standing at attention was a common sight on the plains.

"Simba ahead"

Dixon calmly announces these words as we happen upon the brother lions in the early morning. Yes, "simba" in Swaheli means "lion".

Run away!

We could hear the topi bleating his warning as the impala and topi flee from the pathway of the advancing lions.

14th April 2012

Anu
Anu

Need info plz.
Hi ! could you answer a couple of questions for me? - which month did you travel? - which camp site did you stay? - who organised your tour/travel/stay?? your tips will help me finalise our tour plan... thanks in advance, regards, Anu

19th April 2012

Shanghai Sheri
Schroeder family

Alleluia Tales of Kenya
I traveled in January, 2012. Stayed at Alex Walker's Serian camp. Organized directly with them. www.serian.net. You will love it!

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Alleluia - Tales of Kenya (part II)

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