ENJOYING MASAI MARA DURING THE LOW SEASON

I just completed a great safari in what most would expect would be a very wet and boring season to be in the Mara. I also had some doubt of a memorable experience over the this period, basing it on past experience. However, my guest, who have made regular visit to Kenya and Tanzania over the past few years during the month of April, had another memorable experience into the Mara that was bereft of tourists at that time. We arrived int eh Mara over Easter, and as usual was busy over that  weekend, then come Monday and the Mara was left to us. We had sighting all to ourselves and even watched wildebeests and zebras crossing the Mara over a couple of days at the same spot that is usually packed with cars in August, but this time all on our own.

We had an excellent share of leopard sightings with kills. Siri, Kijana and Bahati and another un-named leopard near Kichwa Tembo airstrip, gave us more sightings than we expected of leopards. 

during this trip too, i spent a week not eh Mara triangle, which was my base 16 years ago, and i must say i enjoyed every bit of my stay on that side of the Mara. General the trip was good, and my guests, Kym and Tonya, who are writing a book to be launched in Oct, managed to get more than enough shots to fill the spaces left to complete the book. You may see some of their images at;

www.kymillman.com/photography

 http://paul-kirui.blogspot.com/

www.soinafricasafaris.com

MASAI MARA UPDATES.

This year has seen the resident herds of wildebeests calving in the Mara. The birth of wildebeest calves is meant to happen en-masse as a way to counter predation. while this happened in the Mara over the last couple of weeks, the masses in south Serengeti (Ndutu area) are also giving birth. thousands of calves are born with a period of 2 weeks. about 80% of the female population (±400,000) will give birth around that period. this ensures that the predators are overcome by the number of prey and that will see many young ones live through to adulthood. what we are witnessing in the Mara currently is not different form that witnessed in South Serengeti. It has really been a treat for those who have never been down south to witness the mass births.

what is unique about the Mara situation this year is that we had so many young born than previous records.  Over the last 15yrs in the Mara, this is the second time we have witnessed such birth. The  local migration, commonly referred to as the Loita migration, used to go to the Loita plains east of the Mara. however, over the past few years, a change in the land use in the Loita area has seen the original group ranches sub-divided into individual parcel. what followed were fences coming up as families and individuals erect fenced off their own parcels. this has now prevented the wildebeest from accessing their traditional calving ground, hence their high concentration in the reserve at the moment. The neighbouring conservancies has brought a relieve to these wildebeests, as they provide a safe ground after the loss of the Loita plains.

Whereas the earlier birth records in the Mara was attributed to drought, which made the wildebeests, including some from Serengeti to overstay, the current is due to the land use change and partly due to a dry spell currently experienced in the region. The Mara predators who would otherwise be on lean feeding at the moment, are now in a season of 'surprise' plenty.

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Three Ivory smugglers arrested in Nairobi- say ivory belongs to elephants

hree smugglers were early Tuesday (December 30th 2014) nabbed by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Security personnel ferrying four pieces of ivory weighing fourteen kilogrammes. The three, John  Waweru, John Waigwa, and Roseline Kimani were  arrested at Kayole junction along Nairobi’s kangundo road ferrying the contraband ivory on a motorbike.

The suspects were remanded at the Langata police station awaiting appearance in court to answer to charges of illegal possession and trafficking of wildlife trophy.

Meanwhile KWS security operation team in Tsavo West National Park has arrested eighteen herdsmen for illegal livestock grazing in the park. The herdsmen have been remanded at the Taita Taveta police station and are due to be aligned in court for illegal grazing in a protected.
http://www.kws.org/info/news/2014/30decsmaggle2014.html

Kenya Tourist Federation (KTF) Statement on the Mandera Incident

The Kenya Government has confirmed reports that before dawn in the early morning of 22nd November there was an attack on a bus near the remote town of Mandera, close to the border with Somalia, by an armed gang suspected to be connected to the Al Shabaab terrorist group. In the attack, 28 innocent Kenyans lost their lives.http://www.ktf.co.ke/

Event Sites: Make your event adventurous in Kenya Attraction Sites

Park Attractions, facilities and Activities
So you're an adrenaline fan, with a thirst for an active/adventure holiday? KWS is your match. We promise you opportunities beyond your imagination but within your reach.

Birding watching Safaris
Kenya is ranked among the leading countries with 1090 species of birds. Not surprisingly, more and more Kenyans are becoming keen birders, and all over the world bird-watching is a fast-growing hobby. The country is endowed with over 62 bird watching locations that are globally recognized as Important Bird Areas.
Together with Nature Kenya and Birdlife International Partner  we provide you with the opportunity to know bird names, distinctive characteristics, and habits, as well as admire their beauty.
Enjoy bird-watching at:

• Coastal Region:  Arabuko-Sokoke forest and Shimba Hills National Park
• Central Rift Region: Lake Nakuru National Park, Hells Gate and Mt. Longonot National Parks
• Western Region: Kakamega Forest, Mt. Elgon National Park, South Turkana and Ruma National Park
• Mountain Region: Aberdare National Parks, Mt Kenya National Park and Mwea National Park.
• Tsavo Region: Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Chyulu National Park
• Northern Region: Meru, Kora, Marsabit, Sibiloi and Central and Southern Island National Park

Camping and Picnicking: Under the Canvas: ‘Sleep in the Wild with the Wild’
A night under the cover of countless stars and the feeling of morning dew on your feet as you take in the crisp clean air of the morning is a reality that awaits you in our parks. The beauty of camping is that you’re in charge, sleeping times, meal times, even bath times!
If you’re operating on limited time, picnicking will work excellently for you. Picnic at Nairobi National Park, Aberdare National Park, Hell’s Gate National Park, Mt. Kenya National Park, Mt. Elgon National Park, Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, and Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park. Facilities include adequate shelter, benches, water and latrines.
Our campsites are found in: Mwea National Park, Hell’s Gate National Park, Tsavo West National Park, Tsavo East National Park, Mt. Elgon National Park, Mt. Kenya National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli National Park, Aberdare National Park, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, Sibiloi National Park and Ruma National Park amongst others.
All public camping sites have access to water and latrines, while the special campsites consist of the grounds only. For inquiries or to make any camping reservations please contact the respective warden or the Marketing & Business Development Department at the KWS Headquarters in Nairobi.

Cycling
Hells gate National Park offers a rewarding experience for both novice and expert cyclists. As you cycle, you’ll get to view one of the most magnificent sceneries in Africa as you embark on this invigorating experience. Cleft deep into the Rift Valley floor, bear witness to the towering Cliffs, Water Gouged gorges, stark rock towers, and belching geothermal steam. Welcome to one of the most atmospheric parks in Africa.

Fishing
Calling all fishing junkies! Excellent fishing activity awaits you at one among the many cool mountain streams that flow through the Aberdare forest. With its clear, tumbling streams, shaded river bends, mossy overhangs and meandering reaches Aberdare National Park offers some brown and rainbow trout fishing.
A fishing license should be obtained (at minimal cost) from the park gates. This is because the laws of Kenya only allow fly fishing
Tsavo West and Mt. Kenya Parks also offer fishing activities.

Game viewing Safaris
It is possible to have a game drive in any of our parks in Kenya. Usually, the best times to go for game drives are early mornings and late afternoons. In the midday heat, most animals retreat to the cool of thick undergrowth and disappear from view. Morning and afternoon game drives also allow you to witness the unforgettable African dawn and dusk.
Tsavo offers some of the most magnificent game drives in the world - vast herds of dust-red elephants, fat pods of hippo, giant crocodile and a kaleidoscope of bird life are set against a blazing backdrop of endless bush.
Night game drives are also offered so that tourists get to can see the nocturnal species.

Hiking and Rock Climbing
For those who love challenges, test your limits as you take on hiking and rock climbing. Tourist hot spots for hiking, rock climbing, and biking are Hell’s Gate National Park, Mt. Longonot and Mt. Kenya, and Tsavo East parks.

Horseback Riding
Set off your journey in a car and finish with a horse ride. Drive to Hell’s Gate and watch wildlife from the back of a horse. Horse riding is offered in; Tsavo East, Chyulu Hills, Aberdares, Mt. Elgon National Park and Hell’s Gate National Park.

Mountain Climbing
Climb the slopes of Mt. Kenya and enjoy the changing flora as you ascend. Walk through an alpine meadow in the clouds as you brace yourself against the frigid winds that swoop down to where the land becomes rocky and desolate. Conquer the continent's second highest mountain and feel what it’s like to stand almost on the "roof of Africa."
True conquerors conquer Mt. Kenya. It lies about 140 km North, North-East of Nairobi with its Northern flanks across the Equator and is part of the national park.  Its three famous peaks are - Batian (5200m) and Nelion (5188m) while the most popular point is Lenana (4985m).
Another mountain to climb is Mt. Elgon, which requires no technical climbing skills to get to the top. There are several routes to the peaks accessible to any moderately experienced hiker. If you prefer a gentler stroll, a number of well-marked nature trails lead around the Elkony Caves.
Always full of options, Kenya offers yet another fantastic climbing location: The Aberdare Ranges. The summits can be reached with little more than a strenuous high-altitude trek. Centrally located in Kenya, Aberdare National Park is accessible by road and air, making it a pleasant single-safari destination.
The peaks include Lesatima (4,001m), Table Mountain (3,971m), Kinangop (3,906m) and Kipipiri (3,349m).

Nature Trails (Walks): The silent refreshing adventure
Escape the constraints of a vehicle and lose yourself in Kenya's stunning wilds. Having worked none-stop for sometime, there is nothing as refreshing as a walk in our cool quiet nature trails where the only interruptions are birds singing and trees whistling. You deserve it, we offer it. Don’t deny yourself.
Nature trails can be tour guided or self guided. Night walks are also a fantastic option. Nature walks can only be carried out in parks that offer unique wildlife and scenic beauty which will keep you transfixed in wonder.
Parks that offer nature walks include Nairobi Safari Walk, Kakamega National Park, Ndere Island National Park, Tana River Primate National Reserve, Shimba Hills National Reserve, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, Mt. Kenya National Park, Aberdare National Park, and Mt. Elgon National Park.

Underwater Adventure: Marine Parks
Snorkelling and scuba diving offer unique, once in a lifetime experiences within our marine parks. Refresh yourself as you play with the dolphins and admire the coral gardens. KWS ensures your underwater adventure is equally breathtaking.
Other adventure activities are: diving, wind surfing, water skiing, and glass bottom rides. To relax after rigorous activity, visitors can then enjoy fantastic Kenyan weather as they sun-bathe.
Kiunga Marine National Park (situated in Lamu) is the only marine park that offers wind surfing and water skiing.

Our five marine parks along the Kenyan Coast are;

• Watamu National Park
• Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve
• Kiunga Marine National Park
• Kisite Marine Park -Mpunguti Reserve.
• Malindi Marine park

Forget “normal” think “exceptional” Give yourself and your guests a once-in-a lifetime experience in the park. Have anything from birthday parties, weddings, anniversary celebrations, team-building activities, company launches, and the list goes on in a serene, natural environment.
In addition to having a fantastic location, you get to exercise your creativity as you landscape the event sites however you please. The possibilities are endless as one could begin with a game drive, then a sun-downer where you watch the sun go down and eventually see the city lights come on, it’s like Christmas all over again, finally top it all with your event.  Set in especially beautiful or scenic spots, there are also some designated campsites that are for use by private parties. They usually offer no facilities- just pure natural beauty and can be used for bush dinners or bush breakfasts, brand launches and weddings.

The parks that have these campsites include Aberdare National Park, Mt. Elgon National Park, Tsavo West National Park, Nairobi National Park, Amboseli National Park and Mt. Kenya National Park.

Self-Catering Accommodation
To fully appreciate the unique range of natural beauty, wilderness and wildlife on offer in Kenya’s National Parks and Reserves, why not stay over and see more? Choose from our wide range of scenically located, attractively presented, and economically priced self-catering accommodation in most of our parks.

Tips on Planning an Adventure Holiday

• Adventure insurance-take some time to find a policy that suits your style of adventure and chosen activity.
• Find out the reputation of the tour operator organizing your trip and also get certification on the equipment that you will be using. Make sure also, that your equipment is safe.
• Independent travelers should check their equipment and insurance documents before traveling and always carry an emergency number
• Ensure that you undertake a personal fitness and physical ability test to prepare your body for the adventure experience
• Select the trip that is right for you, your family and friends
• Keep an open mind: Travel is a participatory experience that broadens our perspective and enriches our lives with new friendships, knowledge of the customs and traditions of others, and an appreciation for the place we call home.

       www.soinafricasafaris.com

The show ends as the wildebeests heads south on October 20th 2014

The migrating wildebeests and zebras have now embarked on a southbound trek. Due to the short rain we had recently in the Mara, which extended south to central Serengeti, the wildebeest after staying in the Mara and north Serengeti, have now embarked on a south bound journey. For the past four months since the arrival into Masai Mara in early June this year, the wildebeests have been crisscrossing the border between Serengeti and Masai Mara. This is because of the prolonged dry spell in the region which reduced availability of fresh water in central and south Serengeti.

 

I have just come back from Serengeti and the first herds are now in central Serengeti while some are still in the north but all in a general southbound trek. In my observation though, I think the herds might head south then come to central or western Serengeti unless there is sufficient rain int he south over the coming month.

  

Wildebeest heading South.

 In Masai Mara, there are still herds concentrated in certain areas in the main reserve and on the conservancies. Some of these are thought to be the Loita herds and some of the Serengeti herds which will leave later. These year, most people could not understand why the wildebeests kept going into Serengeti and back to the Mara so many times unlike in recent years. This all had to do with the prolonged drought and lack of the short rains in August.

I will keep you updated.

www.soinafricasafaris.com

Ation Plan Taken To Prevent Ebola Outbreak From Reaching Kenya.

Following extensive news coverage in the international media about concerns that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa could spread to other countries in Africa or to places with airports receiving flights from the affected areas, we are advised that the situation is now as follows:
1.      The current outbreak of Ebola in West Africa was first reported in March 2014, and currently involves three countries, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, on the extreme West of the African Continent, thousands of kilometres from Kenya and indeed closer to Madrid, Paris and London than to Nairobi in East Africa on the other side of the continent.
 2.      Action has been taken by the international community with the involvement of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to assist the governments in the three West African countries affected by the Ebola virus to contain the disease and to prevent the spread of the disease overland to the neighbouring countries in the region. It has been confirmed that Senegal and Nigeria, which recently had cases of Ebola, have now succeeded in controlling the situation and have eradicated the disease. The World Health Organization announced that it will increase efforts to prevent Ebola spreading beyond the three countries most affected by the deadly virus: Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. Neighbouring countries including Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Gambia and Mauritania are being prioritized to receive more help in screening, prevention and rapid response to prevent the spread of Ebola into other parts of West Africa.
 3.      There has never been any case of Ebola in Kenya in the past and since the current outbreak in West Africa there has been no case of Ebola reaching this country. Read more on http://www.ktf.co.ke/section.asp?ID=131
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