Natural Track Safaris

Photo :: Hurricane-like

2011-10-01T01:55:00.000-07:00

Kenya home of long distance runners

2011-09-17T01:15:00.000-07:00

The Kalenjins are estimated to have a population of about 2.7 million people according to 1993 census. They are an ethnic grouping of eight culturally and linguistically related groups or "tribes". These include; the Kipsigis, Nandi, Tugen, Keiyo, Marakwet, Pokot (sometimes called the Suk), Sabaot (who live in the Mount Elgon region, overlapping the Kenya/Uganda border), and the Terik. Their present-day homeland is Kenya's western highlands and the Rift Valley.

Together, the Kalenjin comprise Kenya's fourth-largest ethnic group. The Kipsigis are the largest Kalenjin population, with approximately 470,000 people.

The word “kalenjin” means I say to you in Nandi. Although not all kalenjins are Nandi the name kalenjin has also been used to refer even to the non nandi dialects such as the Kipsigis, Marakwet, Pokot and Tugen.

They migrated to this area 2000 years ago from southern Sudan. The majority of kalenjin groups have taken up agriculture from pastoralist which formed their original behavior. Some, however such as the Okiek have remained in the forests doing hunting and gathering. Beekeeping was also a common activity and the honey was used not only in trade but also for brewing beer.

For both males and females, becoming an adult in Kalenjin society is a matter of under-going an initiation ceremony. Traditionally, these ceremonies were held about every seven years. Everyone undergoing initiation (tumdo) thereby becomes a member of a named age-set (ipinda).

Polygamy was widely practiced, although most men cannot afford the expense of such unions because of the burden of paying the bride price. Regardless of the type of marriage, children were regarded as a blessing from God

Administration of the law is carried out at an informal gathering of the clan’s elders and other interested parties in the dispute called kok.

Unusual with other Kenyan tribes, Kalenjin doctors were usually women who used herbal remedies for their practices. They also had other amazing specialist doctors who could take out pieces of skull to cure certain ailment which is also practiced by the Abagusii and Kisii people.

Traditional Kalenjin clothing consists of skins of either domesticated or wild animals. Earrings were common for both sexes in the past, including heavy brass coils that made the earlobe stretch down almost to the shoulder. The staple Kalenjin food is ugali (a cake-like, starchy food that is made from white cornmeal mixed with boiling water and stirred vigorously while cooking. It is eaten with the hands and is often served with cooked green vegetables such as kale (sukumawiki)

PKP- kenya safaris

Natural Track safaris

The smallest tribe in kenya

2011-07-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

The little known El molo tribe is the smallest tribe in Kenya living on the southeastern shore of Lake Turkana. El molo's total population is about 4000 people but pure Elmolo people are very few. The name El molo came from a Maasai Phrase meaning "Those who make a living from other sources other than cattle".

The Samburu name for El molo is "loo molo onsikirri" which means "the people who eat fish". Unlike the Turkana and the Samburu, the El molo do not depend on livestock for their livelihood. Their main diet is fish and occasionally crocodile and hippo from Lake Turkana. They live in small huts made of the doum palm fronds with supports made from the few acacia trees available. They dress following Samburu custom- beads and goat or fish skins, incorporating many of the lake artifacts such as fish bones and teeth.

The elder still dress traditionally, the youngest wearing the traditional 'selah' and the school age youth dress mostly western. Life expectancy is short due to their diet and health problems with people usually living up to 35-45 years. Women and children have high mortality late while men engage in dangerous fishing and hunting activities. Their social customs have also contributed into their low population.

PKP- Kenya Safari desk

Natural Track Safaris

THE SAMBURU PEOPLE

2011-07-13T07:02:00.001-07:00

The Samburu are semi nomadic people who inhabit an arid region in northern Kenya they belong to the Maa speaking group of people. They have traditionally herdeded cattle, though lately some have taken up farming. The Samburu share many customs with the Maasai. Changes in lifestyle have come as Samburu have traveled to other parts of Kenya. The Samburu tongue is also related to Turkana and Karamojong, and more distantly to Pokot and the Kalenjin languages. The Samburu have been in a somewhat defensive position with surrounding peoples moving around them.

They have maintained a military and cultural alliance with the Rendille, largely in response to pressures from the expanding Oromo (Borana) since the 16th century. Generally between five and ten families set up encampments for five weeks and then move on to new pastures. Adult men care for the grazing cattle which are the major source of livelihood. Women are in charge of maintaining the portable huts, milking cows, obtaining water and gathering firewood. Marriage is a unique series of elaborate ritual. The marriage is concluded when a bull enters a hut guarded by the bride's mother, and is killed. Fertility is a very high value for the Samburu. A childless woman will be ridiculed, even by children.

Duties of boys and girls are clearly delineated. Initiation is done in age grades of about five years, with the new "class" of boys becoming warriors, or morans. (il-murran) which involves training in adult responsibilities and circumcision for boys and clitoridectomy for girls. The moran status involves two stages, junior and senior. Samburu are very independent and egalitarian. Community decisions are normally made by men (senior elders or both senior and junior elders but not morani), often under a tree designated as a "council" meeting site.

The Samburu love to sing and dance, but traditionally used no instruments, even drums. They have dances for various occasions of life. Their own traditional religion is based on acknowledgment of the Creator God, whom they call Nkai, as do other Maa-speaking peoples. They believe in charms and have traditional ritual for fertility, protection, healing and other needs. The Samburu have many traditions and ceremonies for every occasion including the killing of a sheep for the birth of a baby; initiation or graduation rites as they prepare to become adults and marriage ceremonies which may occur after the initiation ceremony.

Girls generally marry between the ages of twelve and fifteen and boys usually, in their mid twenties. Boys become murrani or junior warriors for about five years and then go through another ceremony to become a senior warrior. Samburu girls hope to become "beaded" by their favorite warrior. If the young man likes the girl, he will give her layers of necklaces and pay a bride. The Samburu wear their traditional attire which is a bright red material worn like a skirt.

They also wear multi-beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Moran is a term used in both Maasai and Samburu community to refer to a warrior. Like the Maasai, the Samburu also mix blood and milk to make their traditional drink.

PKP-Safaris in Kenya desk

Natural Track Safaris

Cheetah on the roof - Maasai mara

2011-07-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

Rwanda: The land of a thousand hills

2011-04-02T03:23:00.000-07:00

Rwanda is a land of great diversity and beauty. The characteristic spectacular volcanoes and dense tropical forests dominate the north of the country, while gentle hills and valleys, calm lakes and turbulent rivers in both savannah and dense tropical vegetation dominate the rest of the country. In addition to nature, Rwanda offers a welcoming and culturally rich atmosphere.

Prior to the infamous genocide, Rwanda attracted adventurers through its natural treasures ranging from gorillas, rain forests to big game. Despite the hard times, today the country is once again on the road to a bright future. Leading the way are those same attractions that continue to thrill the adventurer, eco-tourist and or just plain nature-lover.

Popularly known as 'the land of a thousand hills', Rwanda has five volcanoes, twenty-three lakes and numerous rivers, some forming the source of the great River Nile. The landscapes in this 'green country' are truly breathtaking.

Hoisted as Africa’s most eco-destination and the alternative safari destination, Rwanda now boasts the mountain gorilla, authentic African culture, comfortable weather and excellent year-round wildlife viewing, unparalleled scenery and great food. Among all, there is safety and reliability in Rwanda whilst most of its attractions lay undiscovered. Numbering in their hundreds, the gorillas live in a protected area, with many rangers to make sure they are free from poachers.

The Virunga National Park in northern Rwanda is home to the world’s largest number of endangered mountain gorillas.

The gorillas can be viewed in their natural mountain habitats at a fairly close range. The park is also home to a great variety of bird life. The National Office for Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN) organizes guided tours.

When visiting the Land of a thousand hills, you should not miss out on the magnificent opportunity to visit Rwanda's National Volcano Park (NVP). The park consists of 125 square kilometer of mountain forest and is home to the six Virunga Volcanoes bordering DRC and Uganda.

Best known for its mountain gorilla inhabitants, what is now the NVP was originally part of the Albert National Park, the first national park created in Africa, established in 1925. Today, the park is managed and protected by the Rwandan Office of Tourism and National Parks.

The Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda is teeming with wildlife both large and small. They range from Lions, Giraffe, Elephant and Hippopotamus to Hyena, Impala and Gazelle without mentioning the rich variety of bird life.

Although hiking and climbing the Volcanoes is currently not permitted, a gorilla visit can entail anything from a half an hour to a four hour trek through the forest, led by experienced trackers who have spent their entire lives living in or close to the forest. Your trek through the forest will not be easy, but will be enchanting as you weave through overhanging vines, moss covered Hagenia trees and giant Lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate of the forest. You may spot golden monkeys swinging from the bamboo, or see wild buffalo, bush duiker and a wide assortment of bird life.

Access to the NVP begins in the lively town of Ruhengeri, situated at the base of the entrance of the park. Ruhengeri has long been the base point for gorilla visits and entertains a stunning backdrop of Karisimbi, Visoke, Mikeno, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes.

Ruhengeri is easily reached from Rwanda's capital city, Kigali, either by private vehicle or by public taxi minibus. If you intend to make a gorilla visit, you will need to organise your own transport from Ruhengeri town to the park boundaries, where you will continue your trip on foot. Vehicles can be hired for this purpose in Ruhengeri town. Ruhengeri is also only a 45-minute drive away from Gisenyi and the stunning Lake Kivu.

Rwanda also has water bodies which are ideal for water sports and fishing. Lake Kivu in the west of the country and Lake Muhazi in the east are both ideal for water sports and fishing. Lake Kivu also offers beautiful beaches, jutting peninsulas and an archipelago of beautiful islands.

The Kinigi Guest House on the foot of Mount Sabyinyo was recently fully refurbished, and is now open. It offers very comfortable accommodation in cottages for two, four or eight people. It also offers a good restaurant and bar. Hotel Muhabura in Ruhengeri town also offers comfortable accommodation in reasonably priced single and double rooms equipped with mosquito nets and a good supply of running hot and cold water. The hotel also features a reasonable restaurant and bar and is complete with fax and telephone facilities.

PKP- Safaris in Kenya desk

Natural Track Safaris

The Akagera national park

2011-04-02T03:19:00.000-07:00

Akagera National Park is located in the east of Rwanda on the border with Tanzania near Kibungu town. The park covers over 2500 sq km of savannah west of the Kagera River, which designates the frontier with Tanzania. The park hosts, leopard, hyena, lions and more than a dozen types of antelope. Also found in and near the lake are large pods of hippopotamus as well as portentous crocodiles basking in the sun.

The park is comprised of swamps, lakes, savannah, woodland and open grassland. The lakes draw out herds of elephant and buffalo, while the savannah typically attracts giraffes and zebras. That is just the beginning! For the bird-lover, you can be entertained by majestic fish eagles and the large concentration of waterbirds. In the marshes, keep an eye out for the papyrus gonolek and the often sought-after shoebill stork.

Quoting from words of great environmental writers - “Akagera, with its complex mix of terrains, vegetation and animal life is a very special place on earth – a place to preserve at all costs for future generations".

With its perfect location, Akagera National Park could scarcely be more different in mood to the breezy cultivated hills that characterise much of Rwanda. Dominated scenically by the labyrinth of swamps and lakes that follow the meandering course of the Akagera River, the most remote source of the Nile, this is archetypal African savannah landscape of tangled acacia woodland interspersed with open grassland.

Akagera comes as an exciting surprise after the steep cultivated hills and breezy climate that characterizes the rest of the country. Set at a relatively low altitude along the Tanzanian border, this beautiful game reserve protects an African savannah landscape of tangled acacia and brachystegia bush, interspersed with patches of open grassland and a dozen swamp-fringed lakes that follow the meandering course of the Akagera River.

Akagera is, above all, big game country. Herds of elephant and buffalo emerge from the woodland to drink at the lakes, while lucky visitors might lurch across a leopard, a spotted hyena or even a stray lion. Giraffe and zebra haunt the Savannah, and more than a dozen types of antelope inhabit the park, most commonly the handsome chestnut-coated impala, but also the diminutive oribi and secretive bushbuck, as well as the ungainly tsessebe and the world's largest antelope, the statuesque Cape eland.

Lining the lakes are some of the continent densest concentrations of water birds, while the connecting marshes are the haunt of the endangered and exquisite papyrus gonolek, and the bizarre shoebill stork - the latter perhaps the most eagerly sought of all African birds.

Camping alongside the picturesque lakes of Akagera is a truly mystical introduction to the wonders of the African bush. Pods of 50 hippos grunt and splutter throughout the day, while outsized crocodiles soak up the sun with their vast jaws open to cool down abit. Magically, the air is torn apart by the unforgettable high duetting of a pair of fish eagles, asserting their status as the avian monarchs of Africa's waterways.

There are accommodation facilities on the edge of the park at Gabiro, 100km (60 miles) to the north. It is best not to visit the park in the rainy season (December, March and April) since many of the routes become impassable.

PKP- Kenya Safari desk

Natural Track Safaris

Tanzania – Unique and Diverse

2011-04-02T03:14:00.000-07:00

Budget camping safaris are among the most popular options for visitors who want to explore Tanzania’s numerous game parks and conservation areas the cheapest, most adventurous way. They are a rewarding experience because you feel you are ‘roughing it’ and participating in a real African adventure, but still have all the benefits and comforts of safari drivers, guides, and a cook to take care of all their needs.

The safaris embark on a circuit of national parks and game reserves just like other more expensive vacations, and you get to feel that you are experiencing an ‘on the ground’ adventure by camping in beautiful locales.

Booking a camping safari can be done directly through the tour operator from your home country. Or, if you are travelling through Tanzania and have a few days to spare, you can book directly through the company’s office in Tanzania.

Often, individual participants find a company and book their trip, then the tour operator is responsible for finding enough numbers to fill a car, preparations are made, and the group embarks on safari. Visitors are often expected to help pitch camp and bring their own camping equipment, but the cooking and cleaning is all left to the camping staff.

‘Fly camping’ is the term for luxury walking safaris where visitors sleep out in the open with only a mosquito net between them and the African sky. For many visitors, fly camping is the height of their Tanzanian experience - the sheer vastness of their surroundings, the peaceful rhythms of nature, and the opportunity to be alone in the African bush is a stunning and memorable experience.

Guests often embark on day hikes through the bush with their private guide, and camp is set up each evening in a new locale. These mobile walking safaris give visitors a chance to see the wildlife and birds of the game reserves up close, and experience their natural surroundings without the distraction of vehicles and other guests.

Visitors learn to read animal tracks, explore the medicinal properties of indigenous plant life, and immerse themselves in the vast world of insects and bird life that sustains the vast African plains.

Hike lengths can be varied according to difficulty and length each day, and the guided walks introduce you to a living, breathing world that extends beyond the big game of other mainstream safari options.

Fly camping is fast becoming the most popular option for luxury safari guests who want to experience the freedom and adventure of camping in the African bush without the encumbrances camping often entails. At present, fly camping is only available in the Selous Game Reserve, but due to its popularity, other game reserves may include it as a safari option soon.

Camping safaris in Tanzania are in deed unique and diverse and every human being should experience it at least once.

PKP- Kenya Safaris desk

Natural Track Safaris

A safari in Uganda

2011-04-02T03:11:00.000-07:00

Uganda is slowy becoming one of the top safari destinations in Africa. Its landscapes are well known with numerous waterfalls, lakes and the beautiful, snowcapped Ruwenzori Mountains as backdrop. An African safari to this stunning and friendly African country is one of the best and memorable experiences one can get from Africa.

Begin your sightseeing tour with Kampala, the capital city. The Kasubi Tombs, the National Museum, the sparkling white Kibuli Mosque, the huge Rubago Cathedral and the enormous Bahai Temple in the heart of the city. In Entebbe, the city where all Uganda international flights land and take off are the Botanical gardens which are worth visiting if you have half a day available. Established in 1901, the gardens are alongside the lake between the sailing club and the centre of Entebbe.

Outside Kampala, you will be spoilt with choice of destinations. A trip to Kibale Forest National Park, the spectacular Semliki Valley National Park or the dramatic Murchison Falls National Park is well worth a visit. If your preference is to experience the best scenic splendor, then don’t miss the charming Mt Elgon National Park, the undulating peaks of Ruwenzori National Park and the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Filled with fantastic natural scenery and interesting wildlife, Uganda is making a name in Africa travel. Among many attractions, Uganda boasts of being the only safari destination with half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. It is also a unique and captivating safari destination given its wealth of attractions that a single African safari cannot be enough to discover all the natural beauty and wonders that Uganda has.

The magical gorilla safaris are a must-do activity. Most of these safaris are designed to cover comprehensive gorilla tracking as well as sampling other Uganda’s interesting wildlife, a variety of fauna and its climate that is all friendly through out the year. Go on a Gorilla Safari to Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

If culture and crafts catch your fancy, take a trip to Sanga where the Ankole people have created the Lake Mburo Cultural Village to tell people about the customs and history of their land. At Ntandi, the home of the pygmy tribe, various traditional handicrafts are sold. The 400 years old rock paintings at Nyero, near Kumi, are another paradigm of the heritage of the Ugandans.

While on safari, consider to sample the beautiful Uganda lakes and enjoy their unique attributes. Look for Lake Bujuku in the Queen Elizabeth national park. The lake is about 13,000 feet and is the eastern gateway to the icy peaks of Rwenzori Mountains. Take in the sight of the spectacular Lake Bunyoni, the deepest lake in Uganda, 6km from Kabale. Lake Nkuruba, 25km south of Fort Portal, is a beautiful crater lake that is reportedly safe from bilharzias, thus great for swimming.

For any safari however, reading up and finding out before your trip is a good idea. You may also check other destinations in Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania including the scenic rural countryside, historic places, magnificent wild lodges and walking through the stunning rainforest can be included in your trip.

A unique experience on these adventures is exploring and comparing the remote outback of the countryside areas of the African people while enjoying scenic viewing of the rolling hills and unsurpassed sceneries. East Africa has so much to nature on offer. It is worth every moment and penny.

PKP-Kenya Safari desk

Natural Track Safaris

Gorilla experience in Rwanda

2011-04-02T03:09:00.000-07:00

It is now official that the number of one of the world’s most charismatic and endangered species is out and its good news to the world today especially the enthusiastic conservationists. This is according to the partial report posted by the African Wildlife Foundation in Kigali, Rwanda.

The analysis of the census conducted in last year indicates that there were a total of 480 mountain gorillas, (Gorilla beringei beringei), in 36 groups along with 14 solitary silverback males in the Virunga Massif.

Along with the 302 mountain gorillas censured in Bwindi in 2006 and four orphaned mountain gorillas in a sanctuary in DRC, this brings the new total world population to 786 individuals. The last census undertaken in the Virunga Massif was in 2003, when the population was estimated at 380 individuals.

The current figure represents a 26.3 % increase in the population of mountain gorillas in this area over the last seven years, which is a 3.7 % annual growth rate. This increase in the population occurred despite the killing of no less than nine mountain gorillas, in four separate incidents, during this time period.

Of the 480 mountain gorillas censured, 352 (73%) were habituated (349 in groups and three solitary males) and 128 were unhabituated (117 in groups and 11 solitary males).

Virunga massif includes three contiguous national parks namely; Parc National des Virunga in DRC, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The only other location where mountain gorillas exist is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

The goal of the census was not only to assess the population level of the mountain gorillas, but their level of health as well. Analyses conducted on fecal samples will contribute to one of the most comprehensive health screenings of any wild ape population.

The results will also be extremely valuable in order to make comparisons between populations, and between habituated and unhabituated groups. These results will not only serve as a baseline for understanding the health status of the mountain gorillas, but may also provide insights into past and future exposure to human pathogens.

The census itself was an exercise in collaboration, and IGCP played a lead role in attracting support for the census and coordinating all participating institutions and organizations. Over 1,000 kilometers were systematically walked by six mixed teams of seventy-two people from DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Teams covered the entire range and meticulously documented fresh signs of mountain gorilla groups. Genetic analysis of fecal samples collected was analyzed to identify and correct for any double-counting of individuals or groups, ensuring the most accurate estimate for the population.

Although habituated mountain gorillas are continuously monitored, periodic census of the population is a necessary step in conservation. The census not only recorded the presence of mountain gorillas, but also the presence of other large mammals and illegal activities like bamboo cutting and snares.

While the incredible increase in this population of mountain gorillas is clearly a good thing and cause for celebration, the threats to their existence are persistent. Recently, a coordinated patrol discovered and destroyed just over 200 snares in the Virunga Massif over a five-day patrol. Although poachers typically do not target mountain gorillas, the snares they set are a threat nonetheless.

The Virunga Massif mountain gorilla census was conducted by the protected area authorities in the three countries: L’Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, the Rwanda Development Board and the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

The census was supported by the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (a coalition of the African Wildlife Foundation, World Wide Fund for Nature, and Fauna & Flora International), the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund – International and the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project.

The census was funded by WWF-Sweden, Fair Play Foundation, and the Netherlands Directorate General for International Cooperation (DGIS) through the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration.

The full report of the census, which will be available in 2011, will include details on population dynamics and distribution of the Virunga gorilla population as well as population structure and genetic composition. These details will provide a scientific basis from which IGCP and other conservation institutions and organizations will plan collective conservation efforts.

PKP-Kenya Safaris desk

Natural Track Safaris

The Zanzibar Island, experience unchanged history

2011-01-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

Although there’s more to the islands of Tanzania than just Zanzibar, Zanzibar enchants and fascinates with its oriental mystique and forgotten exoticism -- the very name evokes the Spice Islands and the dhow trade, sultans and palaces built of limestone and coral against the palm trees and the crashing surf.

Zanzibar’s coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you’re on. On the east coast, waves break over coral reefs and sand bars offshore, and low tide reveals small pools of starfish, small minnows, and anemones. Up north, ocean swimming is much less susceptible to the tides, and smooth beaches and white sand make for dazzling days in the sun.

Portuguese invasion and control of the Swahili Coast in the late 16th century ended the golden age of the archipelago, although the Omani Arabs returned to power less than a century later. The port city of Stone Town dominates the west coast, and although the beaches of Mangapwani, where slave caves are visible at low tide and nearby Bububu are less than half an hour’s drive away, a night or two spent on the east or north cost is well worth the extra hour it takes to drive there. That said, the Chole Island Marine Park just off Stone Town – and nearby Prison, Grave, and Snake Islands – make a refreshing day-trip and a good break from exploring the winding passageways of the old city.

On the south coast of Zanzibar lies the Menai Bay Conservation Area, a sea turtle protection area for the endangered species that come to breed on the island. Roads to the southeast coast take visitors through the Jozani Forest, home to Zanzibar’s rare Red Colobus monkeys and a number of other primate and small antelope species.

Today, many of the winding streets and high town houses of old Stone Town remain unchanged and you can walk between the sultan’s palace, the House of Wonders, the Portuguese fort and gardens, the merchants’ houses, and the Turkish baths of the old city. Day-long spice tours to working plantations offer visitors the chance to observe the cultivation of cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and other spices that have made the island famous.

PKP-African Safaris desk

Natural Track Safaris

Western Lowland Gorillas on the Rise

2011-01-06T05:23:00.000-08:00

Western lowland gorillas are endangered, but they remain far more common than their relatives, the mountain gorillas. They live in heavy rain forests, and it is difficult for scientists to accurately estimate how many survive in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A new tally of lowland gorillas has found massive and surprising numbers of these African primates alive and well in the Republic of Congo, Wildlife Conservation Society scientists announced.

The new census puts the number of western lowland gorillas (called great apes, along with chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans) within two adjacent areas in the northern part of the Congo at 125,000 individuals, including infant gorillas.

Previous estimates from the 1980s placed the entire population of western lowland gorillas, which live in seven Central African nations, at fewer than 100,000 individuals. Since then, scientists thought the number would've at least halved due to hunting and disease but last year’s census was a surprise to many.

Western lowland gorillas tend to be a bit smaller than their mountain cousins. They also have shorter hair and longer arms.

Western lowland gorillas are one of four recognized gorilla sub-species, along with mountain gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas and Cross River gorillas. While the eastern lowland gorilla is considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the others are labeled "critically endangered," which means the group faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Gorillas can climb trees, but are usually found on the ground in communities of up to 30 individuals. These troops are organized according to fascinating social structures. Troops are led by one dominant, older adult male, often called a silverback because of the swath of silver hair that adorns his otherwise dark fur. Troops also include several other young males, some females, and their offspring.

The leader organizes troop activities like eating, nesting in leaves, and moving about the group's three-quarter- to 16-square-mile (2- to 40-square-kilometer) home range.

Those who challenge this alpha male are apt to be cowed by impressive shows of physical power. He may stand upright, throw things, make aggressive charges, and pound his huge chest while barking out powerful hoots or unleashing a frightening roar. Despite these displays and the animals' obvious physical power, gorillas are generally calm and non-aggressive unless they are disturbed.

Female gorillas give birth to one infant after a pregnancy of nearly nine months. Unlike their powerful parents, newborns are tiny—weighing four pounds (two kilograms)—and able only to cling to their mothers' fur. These infants ride on their mothers' backs from the age of four months through the first two or three years of their lives.

Young gorillas, from three to six years old, remind human observers of children. Much of their day is spent in play, climbing trees, chasing one another, and swinging from branches.

In captivity, gorillas have displayed significant intelligence and have even learned simple human sign language.

In the wild, these primates are under siege. Forest loss is a twofold threat; it destroys gorilla habitat and brings hungry people who hunt gorillas for bush meat. Farming, grazing, and expanding human settlements are also shrinking the lowland gorilla's space.

Together, let’s save the gorillas for posterity.

PKP-African Safari desk

Natural Track Safaris

The Pearl of Africa – The preferred travel gem

2011-01-06T05:19:00.000-08:00

The world travel trends are reforming so enthusiastically and immensely as people voyage preferences, interests and expectations revolutionize. This is so true even in African safaris where many holiday makers in Africa tour are opting for safaris off the beaten track and those that offer unique safari styles and ‘new experience’ expeditions. One of the key beneficiary to this varying trend is Queen Elizabeth national park in Uganda. This is a wonderful national park; sometimes dubbed 'the Pearl of Africa or Switzerland of Africa' boasts the world biodiversity haven. The wide bio-diversity means that Queen Elizabeth National Park contains the most astonishing number of species - almost 100 types of mammal and 606 different bird species! From open savannah to rainforest, from dense papyrus swamps and brooding crater lakes to the vastness of Lake Edward, it is little wonder that QENP boasts one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game reserve in the world. Such incomparable diversity make this superb safari territory, with elephant, abundance of hippos, the indefinable giant forest hogs and handsome Uganda Kobs all regularly sighted around the tourist village on the Mweya Peninsula - which also boasts a marvelous waterfront setting in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains. The Kasinga Channel alone is said to contain the world's largest concentration of hippos, but interestingly enough not many crocodiles! Other wildlife includes warthogs, buffalo, rare aquatic Sitatunga antelope, Giant forest hog, beautifully horned Uganda Kob, Topi, Waterbuck, Elephant and leopard. There are no giraffe, zebra, impala or rhino. Hunting exhibits such as stuffed lions, leopard skins, deer heads and elephants’ tusks may still be found adorning some hotels and lodges, but the emphasis is certainly more on shooting with a camera these days. Much of Uganda's wildlife was poached out in the past, especially elephants, but now the area is protected and elephants numbers are boosted by those entering the park from the Congo, where poaching is still a problem. Some rare and odd birds inhabit this park and keen birders come from all over the world to clock up a sighting of the peculiar, pouting shoebill (or whale-headed) stork. This giant bird stands 4-foot high (more than 1 metre) and wears a rather timid expression. This and a myriad of other birds and animals are best viewed from a boat on the Kasinga Channel. Several of the National Parks and lakes have changed their names more than once since independence in 1962, and not all maps have kept up with the changes. For example the Queen Elizabeth National Park was called the Ruwenzori National Park for many years until it returned to its royal colonial name. Meanwhile the Ruwenzori Mountains to the north of Queen Elizabeth N.P. were formed into the new Ruwenzori National Park in 1991. Elsewhere, the remote Ishasha Sector is famed for its tree-climbing lions, the Kyambura Gorge harbours habituated chimps, the Maramagambo Forest is home to an alluring selection of forest monkeys and birds, and flocks of flamingo are resident on the crater lakes. Kyambura (or Chambura) Gorge on the north-east boundary of the park, is real Tarzan territory with thick treetop canopies and vines dangling down to the soft forest floor. The terrain comes complete with chimpanzees who crash about and chatter high up in the branches. If they don't feel like being seen, they just keep one step ahead of the out-of-breath terrestrial visitors. The park lays 5-6 hours from Kampala on a surfaced road via Mbarara, and can be reached on a dirt road from Bwindi accessible by public transport. There is a landing air strip at Mweya lodge for light aircraft or a larger airstrip at Kasese town. Simply, this fertile equatorial area is especially scenic, with two lakes connected by a channel overlooked by a high peninsula. You will also find volcanic craters, grassy plains and tropical forest making it one of the highest biodiversity ratings in the world.

PKP- African Safari desk

Natural Track Safaris

The Bat-eared Fox

2011-01-06T05:15:00.000-08:00

The Bat-eared Fox (Otocyon megalotis)with the name Otocyon which is derived from the Greek words "oto" for ear and "cyon" for dog is a canid of the African savanna, named for its large ears. The ears of bat-eared foxes can grow up to 5.3 inches long and have an average weight of about 2.2-4.5 kg.

The teeth of the Bat-eared Fox are much smaller than teeth of other canid species. This is an adaptation to its insectivorous diet, insects making up as much as 80% of its food intake.Bat-eared foxes use these specialized ears to locate termites, dung beetles, rodents, birds ,eggs and sometimes fruits and other insects, which make up most of their diet. Bat-eared foxes can hear larvae chewing their way out of an underground dung beetle ball. They can also detect the sound of harvesting termites chewing on short grasses. Surviving on an all-insect diet required several adaptations in the bat-eared fox. In addition to their large and powerful ears, bat-eared foxes have specialized extra teeth for chewing up insects, and their lower jawbone is designed to open and close rapidly.

The body of the bat-eared fox is ashy gray in color with black limbs and tail. The backs of its enormous ears are also black, and it has a raccoon-like white facemask. The underside of its neck and belly are paler than the rest of its body.

Bat-eared Foxes are mostly nocturnal animals that live in small groups consisting of mated pairs and their young. The pairs live in dens and typically raise two to five pups together. Mated pairs are very social and are monogamous, Bat-eared foxes mate for life, and sometimes two females will mate with one male and share a communal den. The father is very invested in the rearing of young, and he spends a great deal of time baby-sitting. While the father is watching the cubs, the mother is free to forage for food, including insects, which are a steady food source. Though they are low in nutrition and cannot be regurgitated for the young, they allow the mother to take in the necessary amount of food needed to produce milk for the cubs.

Bat-eared foxes are hunted by several different mammal species, including cheetahs, jackals, spotted hyenas, rock pythons, African wild dogs, and leopards. Their large, bushy tails work as a rudder when fleeing from predators in a zig-zag pattern. They are fast and good at dodging, but their best chance at escaping predation is by fleeing to their underground dens, which have several entrances and multiple chambers connected by tunnels. A bat-eared fox family may have several dens throughout their home range.

Bat-eared foxes are also preyed upon by raptors and must keep a watchful eye while foraging. Most of their foraging is done alone at night. While looking for food, these foxes walk slowly and quietly with their noses to the ground and their ears cocked forward, listening for insects.

Look for them when outdoor, usually in the morning hours, they can be seen warming up in the morning sun, before getting into their dens when it gets hot.

PKP-African Safaris desk

Natural Track Safaris

Hyena that hunts birds

2010-12-30T01:39:00.000-08:00

The spotted Hyena (crocuta crocuta) of Africa has been known to be a greedy scavenger who largely feeds on left-overs from kills of other predators, mostly depicted as cowards and poor hunters.

You must have heard of this common myth which says that ‘if you are taller than the hyena it will not attack you but if you are shorter it will attack you’, which many of us have believed without even seeing a Hyena itself.

The real truth is that, these strong jawed creatures have crudely proved in many occasions to be aggressive and intelligent hunters. The spotted hyenas of Lake Nakuru have proved this point beyond any shadow of doubt, they hunt flamingos.

A tour to Lake Nakuru will take one to the Commorant lakeshore for a stopover that presents a panoramic splendor of water fowls, the flamingos, pelicans, gulls and a host of other birds. One is most likely to spot the hyenas outside their den basking in the sun or wallowing in muddy pools with their young ones.

Adult hyenas hunt solitarily, mostly between dusk to dawn. When approaching flamingos the hyena lowers its head to a reasonable distance, dashes and grips the flamingo as they scamper for safety. It has become apparent that this new delicacy is increasingly being preferred by hyenas in Lake Nakuru. In most places, hyenas, like other carnivores adapt to feeding what is available to them in that particular reserve/park.

The state at which the lure for this strange action has been observed is just unique. In the past few years you would rarely spot hyena's along the shores, especially the Cormorant shores, but today, you can easily find them in big numbers lying sluggishly on the beach as they await for any opportunity to pounce.

Seeing is believing or so they say, a visit is inevitable for who knows how long this spectacle will last before the hyenas switch to a different delicacy that will send them deep into the forest and make them hard to see.

PKP-African Safari desk

Natural Track Safaris

Tale of African Snakes - affirm the traditional dilemmas

2010-12-30T01:35:00.000-08:00

Many people are scared of snakes and to many, a snake is a snake, all are dangerous and deserve death. However, most snake species are completely harmless! In fact, about 80% of all snakes’ species in the world are non-venomous and perform important ecological functions as controllers of rodent- pest populations. Thus knowing how to identify snakes is a vital part of our lives and conservation education

The wilds of Africa are often associated with snakes and rightly so, but, unfortunately, usually for the wrong reasons. Africa is well known amongst herpetologists and snake lovers for the interesting variety of species of which some are unfortunately highly priced in the pet trade.

Although many of the African snakes’ species are completely harmless to humans, this region also hold some of the worlds most deadly snakes. The Black and Green Mamba, Puff Adder, Cobra, Boomsland, and Saw-scaled Vipers are some of the worlds most deadly snakes and deserve a great deal of respect.

In east Africa, there are close to 200 species of snakes. Of these 200, 47 are considered dangerous to humans, 45 are venomous and two are large constrictors (two species of pythons very similar in appearance). Of the 47 dangerous species mentioned, 18 species are known to have killed people.

Kenya is home to several of the most dangerous species for example, the Puff Adder (Bitis arietans), Black-necked Spitting cobra (Naja nigricollis) and Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis). However, Kenya is also home to many harmless species that feed on rats and mice that consume maize, millet and rice, the stable diet of the people of Kenya.

The simplest way of describing snakes is whether a snake is Harmless, Mildly Venomous or Dangerous. Some snakes have no venom and are completely harmless like the Brown House Snake. Others like large pythons may be non-venomous but are still considered dangerous.

Sand snakes (genus Psammphis) are considered mildly venomous. This means that the venom is strong enough to subdue or kill its prey, like a small lizard, but not strong enough to kill an adult human. However, one should still be careful around these fast moving serpents. Young children or adults that have allergic reactions could suffer severe symptoms from the bite of a sand snake!

In general, African is home to an abundance of different snake species. From its deserts to savannahs, the African landscape is home to an enormous variety of extremely beautiful and potentially dangerous snakes. Below are some of the most popular snake classification;

Colubridae / Colubrids – A Colubrid is a snake that is a member of the Colubridae family. It is a broad classification of snakes that includes well over half of all snake species on earth. While most colubrids are non-venomous (or have venom that isn't known to be harmful to humans) and are normally harmless, a few groups, such as genus Boiga, Coluber and Rhabdophis, can produce medically significant bites. In addition, the Boomslang and African Twig Snake have both caused human fatalities.The venom-injecting fangs associated with venomous colubrids are almost always in the back of the mouth, compared to vipers and elapids. In North America, all snake species in the colubridae family are generally harmless to humans. Please note: This list does not currently include sub-species.

Elapidae/ Elapids (Venomous) – The cobra family is thought to have evolved from Colubrid snakes and many appear very similar in appearance with long, slender bodies and large scales (plates) on the head. They differ in having more advanced venom delivery systems than the venomous Colubrids. Elapids have fangs that are "effectively tubular" in that the fangs contain grooves that are enclosed by an infolding of the edges. The fangs are in the front of the mouth rather than the rear as is seen in venomous Colubrids. The Elapidae contains some of the world's most dangerous snakes including cobras (Naja), mambas (Dendroaspis) and sea snakes (Hydophinae and Laticaudinae). Elapids are found worldwide and in Ausralia is the predominant family. In North America, three species of elapids are found, two species of coral snakes and one sea snake. The coral snakes are relatively small snakes that spend most of their time underground. Their primary food is other snakes. Despite their small size and small fangs, their venom is extremely toxic.

Viperidae / Vipers (Venomous) – The vipers are generally considered to be the most advanced family of snakes since they possess a very sophisticated venom delivery system. Large tubular fangs are placed in the front of the mouth and they are hinged, allowing them to be folded back when not in use. Their heads are covered with numerous small scales and their eyes have vertically eliptical pupils.

What to do when you meet a snake?

First of all, except for the slow-snakes like puff adders, you will generally see a snake swiftly pass by you, not even enough time to take a photo. That being a general rule, always leave snakes alone, don’t touch them unless you are a professional snake handler. Like all wildlife, they deserve their respect and distance from our interference. Except for cases where human-pet life is in danger, leave them alone, unless it is absolutely necessary to have them moved.

PKP- African Safari desk

Natural Track Safaris

Rhino protection enhanced

2010-12-30T01:32:00.000-08:00

The Black Rhino is listed in Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and is also listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In 1987, Lake Nakuru was set up as the first Black Rhino sanctuary in Kenya.

The park has been used as a successful breeding habitat and the surplus species reintroduced in the former natural ranges and to stock other sanctuaries. It is recommended that the population is maintained at optimum level where density shall not limit reproduction due to sparse distribution nor, shall it inhibit breeding due to congestion or food shortage.

Lake Nakuru Black Rhino ear notching exercise / fitting of transmitters and translocation to Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) was successfully undertaken from 12^th-19^th October 2010. A total of 10 male black rhinos were translocated to IPZ Park and 1 of the rhinos named Nganga was very hostile such that upon release in its new home it knocked the bumper of a KWS vehicle nearby causing a serious damage to the vehicle.

The exercise was also in line with realizing the objective of the Black Rhino Management Strategy (2007-2010) of having at least 60% of all the Black Rhino’s ear notched to enable positive identification. After this exercise 72% of the Black Rhinos in Lake Nakuru national park are now ear notched and this is expected to improve individual identification and sightings. There is need to further conduct another ear notching exercise within the next 2 years to enhance monitoring.

Figure 1: Photos from the field; Ear notching/ fitting transmitter and loading

Figure 2; Participants in the Black Rhino Ear notching and

Translocation exercise in LNNP after a successful exercise

The activity was sponsored by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and participants were drawn from KWS Airwing, Vet/Capture Units, Rhino Programme, Species Conservation and Management, Central Rift Conservation Area; Assistant Director, Lake Nakuru National Park Management, WWF and Maasai Mara National Reserve Staff also participated in the exercise.

According to Ben Okita Head of National Rhino Program, the expensive exercise was a big success to the general conservation of black rhinos which are endemic in Kenya.

PKP-African Safari desk

Natural Track Safaris

Tanzania great Islands, the epic getaway

2010-12-30T01:28:00.000-08:00

The coast of Tanzania is perhaps most famous for the Zanzibar Archipelago, a cluster of islands that saw the growth and survival of Swahili civilization and trade until the mid-twentieth century. Throughout the Swahili Coast, diving, swimming, and snorkeling offer superb vistas of thriving coral and marine life. Whether you’re content to stay on the mainland coast, or want to venture off into the atolls and islands of the Indian Ocean, the Tanzanian coast is a place of untouched beauty and enchantment.

Pemba Island

In Pemba, villages steeped in culture and tradition preserves the Swahili way of life, almost oblivious to the world around them. Traditionally part of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Pemba is fast becoming a unique destination in its own right. For centuries, Pemba’s clove plantations and spice fields provided the Omani sultanate in Zanzibar with money for trade and military dominance over the surrounding areas.

To this day, the island is still a major spice producer in the archipelago. Visitors flock to Pemba’s shores, dotted with desert islands and throngs of coconut palms, for some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean. The Pemba Channel drops off steeply just off the west coast and the diverse species of marine life and coral are truly exceptional. Because tourism is still in its early stages, a trip to Pemba’s unspoiled shores and pristine waters is an adventure of a lifetime.

Rubondo Island

Rubondo Island national park is on the southwest shores of Lake Victoria. The park includes Rubondo Island and several other smaller islands. A diverse collection of butterflies and bird life can be seen from the lake shore.

The different habitats on Rubondo Island include open woodland, dense forest, swamp and savanna. This variety provides for an array of wildlife. Many of the animals found in Rubondo Island National Park were relocated here in the 1970’s because the Island was considered a safe haven from poaching.

Hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing or relaxing on quiet beaches are some of activities to enjoy in Rubonda Island National Park.

Mafia Island

On the islands of Mafia, old trading towns line the walkway to abandoned ports and the gentle sea. For centuries, the island was a trading stop for Shirazi merchants travelling up towards Persia and under the rule of the Omani sultanate in Zanzibar, vast coconut and cashew plantations flourished.

Today, all that remain of the island’s prestigious past are the coral ruins on Chole Mjini, the small island just off Hore from Mafia where the Arab landowners lived a sumptuous life removed from their plantations and slaves.

Mafia Island is a popular destination for visitors to relax after their safari and the island’s relaxed and secluded beaches offer privacy and comfort for discerning travelers. Mafia’s incredible and unspoilt dive sites have remained a well-kept secret of diving aficionados and beach recluses for years, but now the island is fast becoming a preferred destination.

These days, Mafia’s remote location means it receives only the most selective visitors, but things are changing. The recent gazetting of Mafia Island Marine Park – the largest protected area in the Indian Ocean – to include surrounding villages in its conservation efforts means that the millions of fish and coral species that thrive in the warm waters of Mafia’s beaches will survive for decades to come.

There are other Islands in Tanzania that are equally enchanting and we will endevour to bring you the best selections of inland water mass islands.

PKP-African Safaris desk

Natural Track Safaris

The newest wildlife sanctuary in Kenya

2010-12-30T01:26:00.000-08:00

As you drive on the Nakuru-Nairobi highway the sight of Lake Elementeita will certainly catch your attention especially with its pink coloured islands and shorelines. You may as well spot gazelles and zebras grazing on the open plains. This is Lake Elementeita, a soda that is the newest wildlife sanctuary in Kenya today.

Lake Elementeita is the only breeding ground for the great white Pelican in Kenya and neighbouring countries. These fish-eating birds nest on rocky islands in the lake. In addition, the lake attracts visiting flamingos, both the Greater and Lesser varieties, which feed on the lake's crustaceans and insect larvae and on its suspended blue-green algae, respectively.

The lake surroundings have a rich history. Nearby is the Kariandusi Museum, which is an important prehistoric site where stone hand-axes and cleavers were discovered in 1928 by Louis Leakey. Elementeita Badlands is a lava flow to the south of the lake covered in bush and including some spectacular scenic peaks in the nearby Utut area

The survival of Lake Elementeita and its environs have been threatened by incompatible land use practices. KWS has been working with the stakeholders around Lake Elementeita and its catchment area to come up with mitigation measures. This led to the formation of an organization called Greater Lake Elementeita Conservation Area (GLECA) to push for the enhancement of conservation status of the area. After a series of consultation with stakeholders including the local communities, it was finally agreed that Lake Elementeita be accorded the status of protected area.

The Minister for Wildlife and Forestry Hon. Dr. Noah Wekesa formally gazetted it on 6th July 2010 as a Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is approximately 2533.9 hectares.

Following the gazettement, KWS and GLECA are now working towards completion of the sanctuary’s Management Plan which will chart out issues to do with environmental conservation, tourism, and community enterprise and business development among others. KWS and GLECA are in the process of demarcating the boundaries, developing infrastructure and stationing personnel in the area to ensure illegal activities that are detrimental to the ecological integrity are checked.

With this new development it is expected that tourism activities will be improved and diversified for the benefit of the local community while at the same time securing space for wildlife.

Lake Elementeita together with Lakes Nakuru and Bogoria has also been nominated for enlistment as World Heritage Site. We look forward to that. Have a nice visit in these Rift Valley lakes.

PKP-African Safaris desk

Natural Track Safaris

Giraffe Rothschild – Now Endangered species

2010-12-30T01:22:00.000-08:00

The Rare and Gorgeous Rothschild giraffe has joined the ‘red list’ of the endangered species in the world. Driven from its wide-ranging West African habitats, the Rothschild giraffe is evidently in peril but now, its plight has been officially recognized thanks to great conservation dedication, efforts, and research. The world's largest environment network, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, has added it to its red list of endangered species.

Attaining a height of nearly 20ft when fully grown, the Rothschild’s are the tallest giraffe species. This therefore qualifies them as the tallest mammals in the entire world! It is also the only giraffe species without patches on its legs. In fact, its legs are white from the knees to the feet and its looks as if it is wearing white stockings. Its other peculiar feature is that of having five ‘horns’ instead of two.

Named after the banker and zoologist Walter Rothschild who first described it, the species joins the West African giraffe on the list, making it the second most threatened of the nine giraffe sub-species. While giraffes overall are ranked of "least concern" by the IUCN, partly due to a lack of data, there are far fewer Rothschild giraffes remaining than there are endangered African elephants. Conservationists say farming developments are largely to blame for the animal's decline.

Giraffes are browsing animals which use their huge necks and prehensile tongues to strip the leaves and bark from trees on the African savannah. They also graze and have a series of special valves and a complicated network of elastic blood vessels in the neck, not only to prevent the animal from passing out when it bends down to drink or graze, but also to ensure that the blood is successfully pumped along its long neck to the brain.

Despite their great height and gangly appearance the giraffe is one of the fastest species of animal, reaching top speeds of 35mph (56km/h) when running over open ground. For longer distances, the giraffe can lope along at about 10mph (16km/h). They have one of the longest and most mobile tongues reaching an average length of 45.6cm and their coat patterns are as unique as human fingerprint.

Fewer than 670 Rothschild giraffes now live in the wild, in isolated populations. Some 40% live in national parks and private land in Kenya and the remaining 60% in Uganda. Isolation of the species' remaining populations and a lack of understanding about how it lives and feeds are hampering efforts to restore its numbers.

There are very few locations where the Rothschild Giraffe can be seen in the wild, with notable spots being Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya and Murchison Falls National Park in Northern Uganda. There are various captive breeding programmes in place—most notably at The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, and at Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire, England—which aim to expand the genetic gene-pool in the wild population of the Rothschild Giraffe.

While giraffes in general are classified as Lower Risk: Conservation Dependent, the Rothschild Giraffe is at particular risk of hybridisation, as the population is so limited in numbers. Its current classification is highly hoped to highlight to the world the critical state its tallest creature is in.

PKP-African Safaris desk

Natural Track Safaris

Birds Migration

2010-10-22T00:23:00.000-07:00

Bird migration is one of the great mysteries of nature. The earliest recorded observations of bird migration were 3000 years ago, as noted by Hesiod, Homer, Herodotus, Aristotle and others. The Bible also notes migrations, as in the Book of Job (39:26), where the inquiry is made: "Doth the hawk fly by Thy wisdom and stretch her wings toward the south?" The author of Jeremiah (8:7) wrote: "The stork in the heavens knoweth her appointed time; and the turtledove, and the crane, and the swallow, observe the time of their coming."

Each year, millions of birds leave the comfort of Africa and fly across deserts, mountains and oceans. They fly north to Europe and Asia, where they build their nests and raise their young. A few months later they undertake another great journal to return to Africa.

They fly north when it is spring and summer. There at that time, the sun is over northern hemisphere. Spring and summer days in northern countries are much longer than the nights. The sun may rise at 4am and set at 9pm north of the Arctic Circle. The sun does not set at all in mid June. This gives the birds plenty of time to look for insects to feed their young.

Sometimes circumstances such as a good breeding season followed by a food source failure the following year lead to interruptions in which large numbers of a species move far beyond the normal range.

The primary advantage of migration is conservation of energy. The longer days of the northern summer provide greater opportunities for breeding birds to feed their young. The extended daylight hours allow diurnal birds to produce larger clutches than those of related non-migratory species that remain in the tropics year round. As the days shorten in autumn, the birds return to warmer regions where the available food supply varies little with the season.

During the cold, dark months of the northern winter, few insects survive. With the coming of warm, sunny days, insects hatch in large numbers. The resident birds cannot manage to eat them all. This leaves plenty of insects for food for migratory birds to eat and feed their young.

In fresh water wetlands and seashores, tiny crustaceans also multiply in the summer, and eventually there is abundant food for wetland birds.

Some large birds such as White Stocks may follow landmarks along their route while some small birds such as Nightingales migrate at night and may be guided by the stars. Scientists continue to study migrating birds hoping to understand how they make that amazing journey.

Migrating does not only happen to Africa. Birds also migrate from southern Asia and Australia to northern Asia; and from South and Central America for instance; The Arctic Tern, a beautiful silvery seabird migrates from Arctic Circle in the north all the way to the Antarctic in the south. A few birds migrate in other directions: from the tropics to lands far in the south and back again.

In Kenya, more than 100 species of birds migrate to Kenya from other continents. Some of these stay in Kenya until they fly north again. Others continue their migration to southern Africa while a few migrate to Kenya from Madagascar and southern Africa.

Migratory birds in Kenya include White Stocks, Plovers and Sandpipers, Barn Swallows and Nightingales among many others. Usually Migrating birds follow directions called flyways. In Kenya, flyways pass through the coastal and eastern lowlands, the central highlands, the rift valley and Lake Victoria.

You don’t need to be a birder to enjoy seeing migrating flocks. All you need is a spirit of adventure, and enjoy being outdoors.

PKP-African Safaris desk

Natural Track Safaris

Kenya Camping

2010-10-09T02:41:00.000-07:00

Camping in Kenya offers you utmost flexibility. Since you have all the basics that you need in your adventure camping vehicle, time is at your control.This makes it all so easy and relaxing knowing that you can spend as much time or less depending on where you want to visit.

The superb tropical climate with hot breezy days and cool tranquil nights gives you an interpretable sensation. The sceneries thrilled with undisturbed reserves and the great natural attractions such as lakes, Mountains ranges, snow peaks, wildlife, forests and culturated expanses will leave you dreadly inspired. An interaction with the local people in their ethnicity is a great prove that africa's diversity is unique.

Among the many places worth visit in africa, you will find kenya tour to be more deserving. Imagine camping in the heart of wildlife thrilled savanahs surrounded by beautiful sceneries and clear open skies at night. In some places, you can opt to spend your night under open skies and enjoy the quietness of the cool breezes.

But this depends on how you plan it. The most important thing for any successful camping is advance planning. You need to plan on where to go, when, how long and the number of people you will be sharing the experience with. With these in mind, then it will be easier for you to do your budget and also know what is essential and what is not. Altenatively have a local agent do the arrangements for you.

Then its time to pack your camping gear. If you are booking your camping tour through a Kenya tour operator, then you will be exempted the task of carrying a complete gear since most Kenya tour firms will do this for you. But if this is not the case, then you will need to itemize your gear and all the essentials that you would use while camping. Depending on when and where you like to camp and what you like to do, the list will be ever changing. A tip is to think flexibility. The ease with which you can set/move camp and off course the weight of your stuff, including foods.

You've finally arrived at your camping destination and you're scoping out the area to see which spot looks best for setting up your campsite. While choosing the campsite, please consider pitching your tent on slightly high level ground to keep you safe incase of rains. You will also need to consider fundermental issues such as water source, adequate cooking area, cleaning area (don’t kill vegation with hot soapy water), garbage area and finally, consider a camping area with some shade.

After setting up the campsite it's time to go do what you came here to do, "go play!" Whatever your preoccupation is, enjoy! Do such refreshing things as; seeing the campsite set up, smelling the country air, short walks, go bird watching, take a bike ride, stroll around, eat well, enjoy a drink and if possible get a feel with the local communities. This is a refreshing change from all of the confines of the city.

Then in the evening enjoy the orange African fire while the sounds of wilderness fill the night: Night birds, the laughter of hyenas, the buzz of a mosquito or the occasional roar of lions proclaiming their territory.

Camping, whether with pals or family can be lots of fun. But you need to pay attention to a couple of things for example baboons and vervet monkeys. Baboons can be a menace and some times destructive. So as to cope with baboons and monkeys, always make sure; you close your tent, never leave you campsite unattended and constantly keep all the foodstuffs away from their, because that is what they seek. This way, you will be able to keep them off the temptation.

It's time to leave the camp? A little effort is all that you need to expend in order to ensure that the next camper arriving at the campsite after you will enjoy it just as much. The most basic principle rule for camping is: Leave No Trace. It's all about respect for nature. If campers would just leave their campsites the better than the way they found them (assuming it was clean to begin with), then we will all be doing our share in making sure that other generations will have their share of fun in the wilds of Africa. Its beyond any doubt that africa makes one of the most wonderful and adventurous camping vacation for any one who enjoy outdoor adventures.

PKP-African Safaris desk

Natural Track Safaris

How to get the best out of your safari

2010-10-09T02:34:00.000-07:00

If you love traveling like me, you will agree that vacation time needs planning ahead, and some research is called for. Depending on where you want to vacation, prior information comes in hardy.

Here are 10 factors that could make your African safari a dream come true or a disaster.

1. Check the best seasons compared to the time you have for vacation time.

Whatever you want to do/see during your safari, first thing you should do

Is to consider when the best times are. While all-year round could be

Good, the rainy seasons can make things very hard. And if it’s the annual migration you have in mind, the months of July till early September is what you need.

2. In addition, what other places of interest would you want to see?

Lonely planet has good suggestions off course, but there are other

Sources like friends, family, online directories and reviews that are great source of updated information.

3. After you know what you want to see/experience, its time now to know what it might cost you. Avoid disappointments by not being aware what you might be expected to part with. Get a rough idea by enquiring from travel agents and park authority sites, Tour Operator Association sites. Be informed!

4. Accommodations vary greatly, both in level and in prices. Some lodges and Camps are high end, while others fall somewhere medium level. And in addition there is the option of camping. Definitely the accommodation type you choose affects what you have to pay in the end. How much do you want to spend or can afford to spend? That’s up to you.

5. You are informed. You know what you want to do/see, and you know when you want to do that dream safari, to see wildlife at close range or vacation on beach. You also have a rough idea how much it might cost you. But you have to choose your tour operator. Again recommendations from those who have first experience are great. If not, check online, contact several tour operators and make a list of several that gives you confidence.

6. This is now the most important part. From the mails or your contact with agents/tour operators, you may have an idea of what kind of a company you are dealing with. But that is far from enough. Check the operator(s) you have settled for. Check for reviews from previous travelers. Get their email address/phones from testimonials and comments pages. Hear their experience with that company.

7. You have settled for one? Good. Now go pin down last details of your itinerary. Have your itinerary finalized to the last bit. Be sure/aware what prices includes and what not and what costs what. Day –to-day program and if possible driving times/distances between parks/towns. You don’t want to be driving at night or spending all your time on road.

8. Ask for discount, especially if booking in advance. Besides, am yet to hear of a law against asking for discount.

9. Book your safari.

Depending on when you want to travel, some seasons demand booking in advance. The peak seasons, usually the months of July, August, September, January/February require that you have booked your safari several months in advance.

10. Then go enjoy your safari. Remember, the best prints you can leave are to leave none.

PKP-African Safari desk

Natural Track Safaris

The Kenya you have Never Seen

2010-10-09T02:30:00.000-07:00

Ask any tourist about Kenya and you will hear endless stories about Rift valley views, Lake Nakuru, Bogoria and Baringo. Others will tell you tirelessly about the famous parks and reserves while others will narrate from dawn to dusk about the recently graded seven wonders of the modern world, the wildebeest migration and masai mara ecosystem. Additionally, you will not miss a hundred more tell you about Lake Victoria, the worlds second largest fresh water lake. The narration will go on and revolve around what one saw or heard about the beaches of the Kenyan coast and the pride mountain, Mt Kenya. And the story ends here.

In the rush for wildlife, especially big five craze, there is another side of Kenya that you rarely get to see, starting with Western Kenya.

When you hear of port Florence, the name sounds like one of the many ports in the world. This is the current Lake Victoria's major town and the Kenya’s third city- Kisumu one of the major attraction site in western Kenya. Many know about it and scholars have written about it both locally and internationally with the local people having various authentic folk tales, myths and legends about its mother Lake Victoria.

The western Kenya includes important towns among them, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Kisii among others. The Kenya’s agricultural back bone is found here. To the north, you enjoy fresh fruits and other farm produces from the fertile farm lands. To the south you view beautiful vast plantations of tea that are endless and the dedicated local people may insist you pick a few. Proceed to Kakamega forest. It is the only rain forest in Kenya and only found on this part of the country. Here you get to see many species of Fauna and Flora that can only be spotted in the Congo forests, which are thousands of miles from here.

This is definitely a living museum of unique and rare species, a treasure trove for nature lovers, bird watchers and an ideal place for holiday makers.

A couple of primate species reside in this forest including black and white colobus monkeys and the debrazza monkeys. The sheer abundance of birds is over whelming and the beautiful chameleons that are often seen in the undergrowth are a great pleasure.

You can set camp on the forest edge and enjoy a great meal prepared by the safari cook. But at night the forest is a different world – the air fills with bats, the silence is taken over by croak sounds of frogs, night birds and the unmistakable booming call of the giant forest squirrel, very interesting and appealing.

The forest has many walking trails. Though there is a vehicle circular, the forest is best explored on foot. It is such a fantastic place and you feel the urge to stay longer.

But you have Mount Elgon to visit too. Here lays an impressive craggy extinct volcano whose peaks are ideal for climbing. The many caves found here are collectively known as Elkony but the famous one is called Kitum. At night Elephants collect in this cave to lick natural salt from the walls of the cave. Here you witness ancient cave paintings on the walls. Hiking to the peak is very fulfilling.

These are some of other destinations that you would rarely find on the regular safaris, especially if coming back to Kenya for a second or third time.

PKP-African Safaris desk

Natural Track Safaris

The Wild Dog

2010-10-09T02:21:00.000-07:00

The scientific name "Lycaon pictus" which is derived from the Greek for "wolf" and the Latin for "painted".The African Wild Dog is a medium sized canid found only in Africa.

It is the only species in the genus Lycaon.

It is also called the Painted Hunting Dog, African Hunting Dog, the Cape Hunting Dog, the Spotted Dog, or the Painted Wolf in English, and Mbwa mwitu in Swahili. Adults typically weigh 17-36 kilograms (37-79 pounds). It stands about 30 inches (75 cm) at the shoulder, with a head and body length averaging about 40 inches (100 cm) and a tail of 12 to 18 inches (30–45 cm).

There is little sexual dimorphism, though judging by skeletal dimensions, males are usually 3-7% larger.it has 42 teeth in total. The premolars are relatively large compared with those of other canids, allowing it to consume a large quantity of bone, much like hyenas.The heel of the lower carnassial M1 is crested with a single cusp, which enhances the shearing capacity of teeth and thus the speed at which prey can be consumed.

This feature is called trenchant heel and is shared with two other canids: the Asian Dhole and the South American Bush Dog. The African Wild Dog reproduces at any time of year, although mating peaks between March and June during the second half of the rainy season. Litters can contain 2-19 pups, though 10 is the most usual number.

The time between births is usually 12–14 months. Pups are usually born in an abandoned den dug by other animals such as those of the Aardvark. Weaning takes place at about 10 weeks. After 3 months, the den is abandoned and the pups begin to run with the pack. At the age of 8–11 months they can kill small prey, but they are not proficient until about 12–14 months, at which time they can fend for themselves.

Pups reach sexual maturity at the age of 12–18 months. In packs, there are separate male and female hierarchies that will split up if either of the alphas die. In the female group, the oldest will have alpha status over the others, so a mother will retain her alpha status over her daughters. For the males, in contrast the youngest male or the father of the other males will be dominant.

Dominance is established without blood-shed, as most dogs within a group tend to be related to one another in some way, and even when not this can occur. They have a submission-based hierarchy, instead of a dominance based one. Unrelated African Wild Dogs sometimes join up in packs, but this is usually temporary. Occasionally, instead unrelated cape dogs will attempt hostile takeovers of packs.

The African Wild Dog hunts in packs. Like most members of the dog family, it is a cursorial hunter, meaning that it pursues its prey in a long, open chase. The dogs have a peculiar rather playful ceremony that bonds them for a common purpose and initiates each hunt. They start circulating among the other pack members, vocalizing and touching until they get excited and are ready to hunt.

Its voice is characterized by an unusual chirping or squeaking sound, similar to a bird. After a successful hunt, hunters regurgitate meat for those that remained at the den during the hunt, such as the dominant female and the pups. They will also feed other pack members, such as the sick, injured, the very old that cannot keep up, or those who stayed back to watch the pups.

The African Wild Dog's main prey varies among populations but always centers around medium-sized ungulates, such as the impala, Thomson's Gazelle, and wildebeest. While the vast majority of its diet is made up of mammal prey, it sometimes hunts large birds, especially Ostriches. Hunting larger prey requires a closely coordinated attack, beginning with a rapid charge to stampede the herd.

One African Wild Dog then grabs the victim's tail, while another attacks the upper lip, and the remainder disembowel the animal while it is immobilised. This behaviour is also used on other large dangerous prey, such as the African Buffalo, giraffe calves, and large antelope even the one-ton Giant Eland.

The dogs often eat their prey while it is still alive. Remarkably, this large-animal hunting tactic appears to be a learned behavior, passed on from generation to generation withinthe species. The home range of packs varies enormously, depending on the size of the pack and the nature of the terrain.

Their preferred habitat is deciduous forests because of large prey herd size, lack of competition from other carnivores, and better sites for denning. No two wild dogs are marked exactly the same, making it easy to identify different individuals. Why such a pattern should develop, and how it serves the hunting dog, has long intrigued scientists.

These long-legged canines have only four toes per foot, unlike other dogs, which have five toes on their forefeet. African hunting dogs are endangered. They are faced with shrinking room to roam in their African home. They are also quite susceptible to diseases spread by domestic animals.

PKP-African Safari desk

Natural Track Safaris

The Jackal

2010-10-09T02:13:00.000-07:00

Scientific Name: Common (Canis aureus), side-striped (Canis adustus), black-backed (Canis mesomelas)

It's Swahili Name is Bweha. It weighs about15 to 35 pounds and have a lifespan of10 to 12 years. The jackal, a medium-sized carnivore with doglike features and a bushy tail, is widely distributed in Africa, the Middle East and India.

The three species of jackal in East Africa are the golden or common jackal, the side-striped jackal and the black-backed or silver-backed jackal. The golden jackal is somewhat shorter and stockier, and the black-backed is the most slender and upstanding, with noticeably larger ears.

Mainly, they differ in color and choice of habitat. The sandy-colored golden jackal prefers open, grassy plains, while the side-striped jackal lives along water courses with dense undergrowth. This jackal is drabber in color, has a white tip on the tail and indistinct black and white stripes along the sides of the body.

The black-backed jackal is easily recognized by the mantle of black hair on the back that contrasts with the rust-colored body. The black mantle is streaked with white and from a distance has a silvery appearance. The tail is black-tipped, as is that of the golden jackal. The black-backed jackal is usually the most frequently seen as it is more diurnal than the other two species.

The common jackal lives in open savannas, deserts and arid grasslands. Side-striped jackals are found in moist savannas, marshes, bushlands and mountains. The sliver-backed jackal lives primarily in savannas and woodlands. Jackals can best be described as opportunistic omnivores. They cooperatively hunt small or young antelopes such as dikdiks or Thomson's gazelles or even domestic sheep.

They also eat snakes and other reptiles, insects, ground-dwelling birds, fruits, berries and grass. Jackals live singly or in pairs, and are sometimes found in small packs. They are among the few mammalian species in which the male and female mate for life. Yipping calls are made when the family gathers. Members only respond to their own family's calls and ignore those of other individuals.

Although they have long had a reputation as sneaky, skulking scavengers, research has shown jackals to be agile, lithe hunters with close-knit, cooperative family groups. A pair of jackals will move through their territory at a fast trot, stopping frequently to examine something, sniff the air or listen-ready for any opportunity that might provide a meal.

They have been successful in adapting to changing environments. It takes about 10 days for the infants' eyes to open, and for the first few weeks of life they remain in the thickets or holes where they were born. At about 3 weeks they begin to spend time outside playing with their litter-mates. Litters number up to six but usually average two to four. The pups are suckled and fed regurgitated food until they are about 2 months.

By 3 months they no longer use the den, but start to follow their parents, slowly learning the territory and observing hunting behavior. Sometimes pups stay with their parents and help raise their younger brothers and sisters. At times they bring back food to their younger brothers and sisters. At times they bring back food to their younger siblings or babysit them while the parents hunt for food.

Most pup deaths occur during the first 14 weeks of life, so the presence of helpers increases the survival rate. Leopards, hyenas and eagles are jackals' most feared predators. Eagles are small pups biggest threat. Jackals are very cunning and resourceful. Although usually considered scavengers-they do pick over kills made by large carnivores and frequent rubbish dumps-they also hunt and kill a variety of prey. Jackals are noisy. Family or pack members communicate with each other by a screaming yell and yapping, or a sirenlike howl when a kill is located.

PKP-African Safaris desk

Natural Track Safaris

The Warthog

2010-10-09T02:07:00.000-07:00

Scientific Name: Phacochoerus aethiopicus

Size: 30 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 120 to 250 pounds

Swahili Name: Ngiri

They are found in most of Africa south of the Sahara and are widely distributed in East Africa. They are the only pigs able to live in areas without water for several months of the year. By tolerating a higher-than-normal body temperature, the warthog is perhaps able to conserve moisture inside its body that might otherwise be used for cooling.

Males weigh 20 to 50 pounds more than females, but both are distinguished by disproportionately large heads and the warts-thick protective-pads that appear on both sides of the head. The face is fairly flat and the snout elongated. Eyes set high on the head enables the warthog to keep a lookout for predators even when it lowers its head to feed on short grass.

The warthog's large tusks are unusual: The two upper ones emerge from the sides of the snout to form a semicircle; the lower tusks at the base of the uppers are worn to a sharp cutting edge. Two large pairs of warts occur below the eyes, and between the eyes and the tusks, and a very small pair is found near the jaw (usually just in males).

Sparse bristles cover the warthog's body, although longer bristles form a mane from the top of the head down the spine to the middle of the back. The warthog characteristically carries its tail upright when it runs, the tuft waving like a tiny flag. As the young run in single file, the tail position may serve as a signal to keep them all together.

Warthogs trot with a springy gait but they are known to run surprisingly fast. Warthogs live in family groups of a female and her young. Sometimes another female will join the group. Males normally live by themselves, only joining the groups to mate. Warthogs engage in ritual fights in which they charge straight on, clashing heads when they meet.

Fights between males can be violent and bloody. When water is available, warthogs drink regularly and enjoy wallowing in muddy places. As part of their grooming they also take sand baths, rub against trees and termite mounds and let tick birds pick insects off their bodies. Warthogs sleep and rest in holes, which at times they line with grass, perhaps to make them warmer.

Although they can excavate, warthogs normally do not dig holes but use those dug by other animals, preferably aardvarks. When water is available, warthogs drink regularly and enjoy wallowing in muddy places. As part of their grooming they also take sand baths, rub against trees and termite mounds and let tick birds pick insects off their bodies.

Before giving birth to a new litter, the female chases away the litter she has been raising and secludes herself. Female warthogs only have four teats, so litter sizes usually are confined to four young. Each piglet has its "own" teat and suckles exclusively from it. Even if one piglet dies, the others do not suckle from the available teat. Lions and leopards are the warthog's chief enemies.

Warthogs protect themselves from predators by fleeing or sliding backwards into a hole, thus being in a position to use their formidable tusks in an attack. When alarmed, the warthog grunts or snorts, lowers its mane, flattens its ears and bolts for underground cover. The warthog has poor vision (though better than most other African wild pigs), but its senses of smell and hearing are good.

PKP-African Safaris desk

Natural Track Safaris

The savannahs of Kenya

2010-10-09T02:03:00.000-07:00

The savannahs of Kenya are home a wide range of wildlife. One of the most frequently seen wildlife is the spotted hyena, yet little is known about them.

In the traditional African society, the Hyena has been branded 'the coward one'.

This has been due to the way of feeding of the hyena. Known as a scavenger, the hyena is actually a great hunter and scavenging only makes 5%- 10% of their meals.

They rarely leave any evidence especially because they devour everything. For example they can make a kill in the night and the only sign will be light blood stains.

In the recent years the complexity of the hyenas has been revealed. Lots of time has been dedicated to studying them. This article is about hyenas and their survival tactics in the savannahs of Kenya. They range throughout sub-Saharan Africa in savannah, arid areas, and open woodlands. So far they aren't present at the coast.

There exist three species of hyenas in Africa. Two species are found in Kenya.

The most common being the spotted hyena, crocuta crocuta.
They live in groups called clans and the clan is under the leadership of the oldest female, the alpha female. Interestingly, the females are dominant over the males and are heavier than them. The females genitalia are very masculinized which contributes to their being aggressive. Such sex dimorphism is not common with other wildlife. This is due to the presence of higher level of testosterone in the female's body than that of the males.

A distinguishing feature with the hyenas is the 'haunch-back' and short hind legs. They hold their head low when they walk. Usually the head has a rounded skull and long ears. They have extremely strong jaws and a complex acidic digestion system. This is one of the factors that give them a step ahead for survival. They are capable of ingesting bones, horns, hooves and the tough animal skins.

Only the hair is not digested and this usually comes out in the form of bolus or locally referred to 'hyena hair ball'. All this bone matter that they eat is what makes the hyena feces chalk-white.

They hunt in packs in a way that could be termed as ruthless as they do not have a killing bite. They lack in hunting technique and most cases they run down their victim to exhaustion. Usually they attack their prey and tear chunks before their victim dies.

It is interesting to know that lions steal lots of their kills. It is true that hyenas do the final cleaning by chewing the bones and the skins left by others. In some cases the hyenas have succeeded to steal from the lions but in most of occurrences the reverse is more common.

The reproduction and life cycle is not seasonal. The females do not however mate with their members of the clan. They can take any other wandering male for mating and discard him. Four months is the gestation period and usually give birth to up to four cubs. These are usually black in color with some others having small taint of black. A weird thing that happens with the cubs is competition over who nurses first.

This in most cases result in fighting for dominance. The looser usually starves to death and this is only with the female cubs. Hyenas, unlike other wildlife take very long to wean their cubs. It may take between 14-18 months. The female can lactate up to 12 months with milk that is very high in protein percentage.( 14%). The cubs start following the mother to the point of kill when they reach 1 year.

They do not bring back food to the den. They eat to their fill on the spot.
The female cubs stay in the clan of their birth but males are kicked out when they reach around 2 years. Apart from playing with the cubs the male has no role in upbringing of the cubs.

One clan can have between 20-100 members, all on the matriarchal system. All the members are related. Each clan digs its own den which comprises of deep and long tunnels to accommodate the clan. They mark their territory through anal sac secretions. This is a paste that they use to define their boundary and is deposited at the edge of their territory. That is their home-territory that they protect and intruders are not welcome. They have a greeting system of sniffing each others genitalia and also as a way of identification or recognition within members of the same clan.

To the untrained eye, it is difficult to differentiate between males and females. This is because of the physical resemblance of the female's genitalia to that of the male. But in any case they are female organs. The females are not hermaphrodite as some have claimed at first sight.

Hyenas have 'toilets' whereby all the members go to deposit their dung. This adds to the boundary markings of their territory.

They communicate in a number of ways: When about to attack the tail is held high, when it is held forward over the back, it is a sign of excitement. And when frightened they hold the tail tucked between the legs. When there is presence of food, this is the time you hear the famous 'hyena laughter' especially in the night. This laughter is a call to other clan members and can be heard up to 3 kilometers away.

It is important to note that though hyenas portray cowardly behavior, they can be extremely dangerous. They should be left alone, least intimidated and their respect awarded to them.

PKP-African Safari desk

Natural Track Safaris

Bottom of Form

THE MAGICAL PILGRIM

2010-10-09T02:00:00.000-07:00

Africa is changing at a rapid pace and human encroachment into wildlife reserves has continued to erase the traditional routes and wildlife migratory corridors. Coupled with development and massive changes of the way of life, the image of wildlife roaming free in the jungles of Africa is slowly getting expunged. Fortunately, Kenya in tropical Africa still holds on to its charisma of an open limitless land. It is one of the places in Africa that still prides in wildlife diversity and concentration.

One of these amazing places is Maasai Mara national reserve. With its ideal location; - south west of Kenya, 290 kilometers from Nairobi, Mara’s profusion of wildlife and remoteness implants memories in-buyable with money.

The wildebeest migration is a recent phenomenon with 60’s and 70’s marking the biggest boom with about 250,000 individuals. The number has since then risen gradually to the current population of over three million individuals. Add to it an estimated 1.5 million zebras, thousands of gazelles and hundreds of impalas and the result is one of the most magnificent scenes in the world. This massive display of ungulates attracts hundreds of big cats as the population provides abundant prey while the giant crocodiles lie in wait, patiently, as the herds come to cross the river or to drink.

Many have described it as the world’s biggest spectacle, while others have come back time and again, to witness this panoramic faction of wild animals’ itinerant freely through unspoiled savage wilderness. While the drama culminates, the air fills with clicks of cameras flicking tirelessly to capture this unique world re-known spectacle.

However, as the phenomena may seem to astound and amuse scores of visitors and conservationists, tally the Maasai community out of the glee. To them, the phenomenon is a big calamity as the wildebeests transmit diseases to their herds and poison the waters with their fetal sacs and also compete with their vast boran cattle herds for pasture and water.

This world famous migration is a circle of life which in simple terms means ‘there isn’t a start or an end’ but just where the herds are sited at a particular time subject to availability of pasture. The plains of Ngorongoro conservation Area in Serengeti are a favored spot as grass abounds and the wildebeest find a safe place to grace. It is also here that over five hundred thousand new calves are born and many are taken by the nearby waiting jackals or hyenas. Casually speaking, the gnus (wildebeest) go to Mara for ‘honeymoon’ and then proceed to Serengeti for breeding. The new born’ have little time to strengthen their legs since soon after they are born, the pilgrim" continues.

By April, the rains are over in Serengeti and the plains have dried up, thus these natural lawn mowers have to instinctually abandon the exhausted grasslands of southern Serengeti. They therefore gather and commence the extensive stride northwards and westwards to the already tall grass of the western corridor near the shores of Lake Victoria.

The pioneers of this pilgrimage are the majestic herds of zebras. They prefer the long shoot of the coarse grass thus leaving behind shorter grass favored by the wildebeests. In late June to July the mass start pouring into the Kenya’s Masai Mara reserve where fresh tender and mineral rich grass is already waiting. Here they meet the resident Mara populations which add up to a hundred and fifty thousand individuals. Also commonly referred to as the Loita plains herds, they spend most of the season northeast of Mara. When it gets dry, they pour into the interior of the Mara in search of greener pastures.

The migrating herds spend roughly three to three and half months in the Mara crossing through Sand River (a tributary of the Mara River) along the boundary of Kenya and Tanzania. They trek westwards and cross the Mara River and sometimes the Talek River. Usually, around this time, heavy rains on the Mau escarpments (Origin of the Mara River) fill the Mara River to the brim.

This is a good time to watch the trunk-looking Crocodiles, while they spectacularly anticipate and grasp the ‘imminent feast’. Finally, the gnus venture into the river! This gregarious coordinated behavior of the herds, usually teamed with zebras, creates an unimaginable scene – Just what the cameras have been waiting for!

They wander along the river looking for a convenient crossing point. This is a moment filled with tension for both the gnus and the audience. They survey for a less steep spot oblivious of the perceptible jeopardy. Finally, one takes courage and plunges into the river and magically the rest falls onto the footsteps and in one organized line cross the river.

In addition to the crocodiles’ merciless attacks, accidents also occur. The river's current can be too strong for some especially the young ones or simply, getting stuck between the rocks in the river and breaking limbs – a direct ticket to the jaws of the giant crocodiles. Finally, the crossing is done and the trek to their unknown (or known) destiny continues

In the month of October, they are already heading to Serengeti where the rains have treated the southern grasslands to lush, green carpet of rich grass. Once again, they are heading to the southern plains, where a new generation will be born to start the cycle of life all over again.

PKP-African Safari desk

Natural Track Safaris

A TALE OF AFRICAN RHINOS

2010-10-09T01:56:00.000-07:00

In Africa today, the fight for growth of the rhino population is an everyday activity. After being declared an endangered species, Kenya has put up big efforts financially to see to it that their habitats have been safe guarded.

The rhino belongs to the family Rhinoceroteridae. They are 5 species placed in 4 genera. Three of these species are found in south-central Asia and the other two live in Africa – south of the Sahara.

They inhabit savannahs, shrubby regions and dense forests. The African species live in more open areas than do the Asian species. Their habitat has to generally have access to water as they usually drink everyday.

Their horns are dermal growths originally composed of compressed keratin. Usually they have 1-2 horns. Their horns, their beauty have been their dilemma for ages. Powdered Rhino horn has been used extensively in traditional medicine in Asia and to make ornamental dagger handles in the Yemen. The demand is so great that traders are prepared to pay poachers vast sums to kill rhinos for their horns causing a wholesale slaughter in Kenya.

To stop these abuse, governments and conservation bodies such as Save the Rhino teamed up to halt the cruelty. Thanks to them, the overall decline of the rhino has been halted, and populations in Africa are beginning to stabilize.

Rhinos are known to have poor eyesight but strong hearing and smell. Both hind and forefeet have 3 digits with a small hoof while the tough and wrinkled skin has very few scattered hairs and the tail ends with stiff bristles.

The history of the rhino can be traced back to 45 million years ago. The Baluchitherium, an ancestor of the Indian rhino, was the largest land mammal that ever lived. It was 18 feet high and 36 feet long. It lived over 20 million years ago.

Female rhinos give birth every 2 years to a single calf, which is active soon after birth.
The calf remains with the mother until the next offspring is born. Sexual maturity is reached at 7-10 years for bulls and 4-6 years for cows. They have a life span of up to 50 years and a gestation period of 420-570 days.

It is important to note that the African rhinos are more aggressive than Asian species.
They use their horns to attack and toss their enemies and this can be predominantly dangerous and can kill attackers instantly.

African white rhinos have a preference of feeding low to the open grounds whereas the black rhino usually browse on leaves and have a tendency to stay hidden. They have been noted to be more active in the evening, through the night and in early morning, spending their days resting in heavy cover.

Rhinos sleep in both standing and laying positions and love to wallow in muddy pools and sandy riverbeds. They penetrate dense thickets by shear force, often leaving behind trails that other animals later use.

They run with a cumbersome motion, reaching top speed at a canter but can however, attain speeds of up to 45 km per hour for short distances. Unlike the white rhino-calf, the black rhino calf normally runs behind its mother.

Basically the black rhino is more solitary and territorial except for the mother-child unit. Groups of adult cows or bachelor bulls are sometimes formed, however, and during the mating season pairs of rhinos may stay together for up to 4 months.

Rhinos mark their territories with urine and by dropping their dung in well-defined piles that can reach up to 1 m in height. They often furrow the areas around these piles with their horns and make the piles even more conspicuous.

The black rhino has a wide vocal range and can possibly communicate like an elephant, through frequencies below the range of human hearing. Breathing is an important part of communication.

The current available statistics show an estimated 20,000 black rhino in Kenya in the 1970s. By 1982 the population was reduced to fewer than 400. Since then, their number has increased and now stands at over 450. The number in fenced areas has risen at an average rate of four percent each year when the conditions are good.

Since 1984 the Kenyan government has pursued an active program devoted to the
recovery of Kenya’s black rhino, with efforts centering on the development of specially protected or fenced sanctuaries on government and private land, such as Lewa.

Rhino populations under custodianship both on private land (Solio Ranch) and in some State-run areas (such as Nairobi and L. Nakuru National Park) have provided set up for new populations (including reintroducing animals into an electrified-fence sanctuary inside the KWS-run Tsavo West and Meru National Parks). The private sector thus plays an important part in the conservation of rhino in Kenya and currently supplies many of the animals being used to restock state parks.

Kenya is currently the stronghold of the Eastern African subspecies Diceros bicornis michaeli, a home to about 88 % of the population in 1995. Like South Africa and Namibia, Kenya is doing translocation to set up new populations while aiming to ensure that donor populations remain productive.

The public plight of the black rhino has attracted support from many different areas. Today, scientists are formulating a method of «fingerprinting» rhino horn based on the nutrient content of each specific rhino conservation area. This will enable them to pinpoint the area a rhino came from, its family group, and even its preferred diet. It is also an important step toward eradicating poaching, as scientists will be able to determine where a rhino was when it was killed.

PKP-African Safari desk

Natural Track Safaris

The rugged parks of Northern Kenya

2010-05-31T12:01:00.000-07:00

If you have enjoyed a safari in Kenya, that’s fine, but there
is still more apart from the regular Big-Five safari craze.
Mainly the remote and sometimes hard-to-reach attractions
of the North Rift. The northern circuits are for the adventurous
and for those seeking to explore Kenya at its most rugged.

Parks, lakes and attractions that include Lake Bogoria,
Lake Baringo, Kamnarok, Turkana’s South and Central Islands,
Nasolot, Sibiloi and Marsabit see only occasional visitors.
But these parks hold a particular fascination for those seeking
that wild adventure and to go off the beaten track. But you need
some time on hand hear, no rushing.

There are a few that need some extra mention and what it is
famous for.
Lake Bogoria National Reserve is famed for its natural host
springs and geysers. It is good for bird watching and has its fair
share of game. Currently it is one of the best place to watch flamingoes
as the there is a big concentration though some have already
started to move back to lake Nakuru.

Close by, Kamnarok National Reserve is perfect for bird
watching and game viewing.
South Turkana National Reserve and Nasolot are on either
side of the main highway. Nasalot overlooks one of Kenya’s
unique features, the immensely deep crevice of Turkwell Gorge.
The Lake Turkana National Parks – Sibiloi, Central Island –
form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lake Turkana is the most
northerly of the Great Rift Valley lakes.

Camel derby is a big-time event in this region. The annual
Maralal Camel Derby is the only one of its kind in Kenya.
Accommodation is scarce and where it does exist, it is geared
to the independent traveler.
Laikipia, the hot new destination for wilderness lovers, is fast
developing into a major, but exclusive, high density game
viewing area. Laikipia is also strong on bio-diversity and
home to many threatened or endangered species. At the
same time, it is an area where game viewing can be combined
with non wildlife activities such as ballooning, camel riding,
fishing, hiking, horse riding and mountain biking. These are
areas to add to a African safari itinerary if time allows you.

PKP
African safari desk

Kakamega forest region brought closer..

2010-05-29T00:53:00.000-07:00

More and more visitors to Kenya are now using air services to the national parks to enable them spend maximum time in the parks as opposed to spending time cruising long road distances to the parks – a good choice when time in the destination is limited and you wish to see many of the country’s attractions. It is therefore evident that the beginning of this week was marked by one of the regional commercial event kicking off and opening doors to another fly-in destination, Kakamega.

Kenya’s rapidly expanding regional airline, and of course, the undoubted ‘region’s first true low-cost, low-fare airline’ Fly540, has spread its wings to Kakamega with the introduction of daily flights from Nairobi. This is great move in opening up Western Kenya to their growing domestic network, while at the same time opening it up more for tourism and business travel.

The Kenya Tourism Board has, in the recent past, created additional circuits in parts of the country less visited by overseas visitors including Western Kenya among others. Western and Nyanza circuits are suitable preferences for any one seeking off the beaten track African safari experience. The added air-link will no doubt lure tour and safari outfitters in Kenya and across East Africa to be more proactive when promoting these clandestine and offering tours and safaris to the opened up regions.

Western Kenya circuit is home to the well-preserved attractions including the famous only remnant equatorial forest in Kenya – Kakamega forest, the Mt. Elgon National park – famous for numerous salt-filled caves collectively know as Kitum – the caves offer one of the most panoramic elephant salt licking sights in Kenya. This is without mentioning Ndeere Island, the great islands of L. Victoria and the must-visit Impala sanctuary.

Kakamega forest is 15km from town and is home to over 300 bird species, 350 species of trees and 27 species of snakes. In addition, it is the habitat of over 400 species of butterflies, reptiles, molluscs and seven primate species. It is worth adding to your African safari itinerary.

Ruma and Saiwa swamp national parks offer the only known protected areas for the endangered yet attractive Roan antelope and Sitatunga respectively. In addition to wildlife, western Kenya is home unique shrines and historical monuments, the Kiti Mikayi and Timlich Ohinga forests, the Kapenguria jail where the first President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta had a stay.

Still on western Kenya is Lake Victoria – the world second largest fresh water lake and source of the great River Nile is less that 20 minutes drive from Kisumu city. It also boasts Kogelo village – the paternal home of the US president Barack Obama.

There will be a Fly540 office in Holden Mall near Nakumatt Kakamega town to cover Western Kenya and an office at the Kakamega airstrip. The Fly540 Beech Craft 1900 aircraft will depart from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) each day at 7.00 a.m. The return flights will depart from Kakamega at 8.15 a.m.

Passengers will pay an introductory return fare of Ksh shillings 9,540 plus taxes. Tickets are available from travel agents and the Fly540 offices.

Fly540 commenced operations in November 2006 with a daily flight between Nairobi and Mombasa for local and overseas business and holiday travellers. The airline’s value for money flights won instant popularity and Fly540 now has nine destinations in Kenya with regional services to Bujumbura, Entebbe, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro, Manyara and Serengeti.

Adventure African safaris

Camping in Kenya

2010-05-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

No doubt, camping safari is the most flexible. You don’t have to follow strict pre-arranged schedules, lodges booked months if not weeks in advance, meal times and such services. Camping safaris go uncompromised. Indeed they are all permitting and you are in for real adventures.

How about camping part of the time, and lodge safari part of the time? You can use Camping safaris to spice up your holiday some more. And whats more, heey! that will also save you a few coins..

There is little impact on nature. Mainly because it does not require much permanent structures which can cause irreversible or long lasting impoverishment on mother nature. The extent here varies, but much lower compared to lodges.

Camping safari offers you a real natural uncompromised experience. Sit by the camp fire, and just listen to the African wildlife and many nocturnal creatures. It is just real nature!

It is an experience that gives a real feeling of adventure that not only brings you closest to the wilds, but also gives you the opportunity to learn a few words in some local languages, make mistakes in pronunciation and laugh together with the camp team. Visit amazing traditionally architected African villages and sample the authentic unsurpassed artifacts of African people.

On several occasions and upon requests to the cook, you get to taste great African cuisines. Some you may like and some you might not, but most importantly, the feeling of exploring is great.

In addition, friends, families or work mates who love outdoor evenings of fun, simple games, or those silly things we enjoy as friends or family, these camping are worth a try.

Camping safari is one of the few styles that will leave you appreciative of the value for your money. And apart from camping in the parks/reserves, Kenya coastal areas have nice beaches to camp too. But checking best locations in advance is always recommended to get more details.

African Safari desk

Well wishes to all our patners, friends and families..

2010-03-14T12:39:00.001-07:00

The long awaited rains finally came, after prolonged droughts. A very welcome blessing, but in folds and magnitude never expected nor ever experienced. The heavy torrential rains were witnessed in many parts of the country. Untold damage has been caused in many parts of the country, with Samburu and Western side being hard-hit, among other parts. Our sympathies to all of you, trade partners, friends and relatives, that have been victimized.

We wish to thank the quick reponse of all, civilians and military plus the quick response from the Government and red cross.

Simon Njoroge
African Safari Desk
Natural Track Safaris

Amboseli on the scope..

2010-03-11T06:33:00.000-08:00

Good news..……...
Wildlife censuses in Amboseli has been completed. And hurraaay!! it is not as bad as was feared. Prolonged drought made naturalists and nature enthusiasts worried. For a while, and rightly so, as many carcasses could be found in the field, scattered. Both wildlife and livestock, nothing was spared.

The census was completed on 4th March 2010, and though official results have not been published yet, preliminary results on key species like wildebeests, Zebras, Elephants among others indicate a healthy population, already on the start to the path of recovery.

The census data collection also included observations on habitat conditions, water distribution, livestock numbers, human settlement patterns, illegal activities, and other attributes associated with the land and the general contribution to changes in the ecosystem.

The census covered the entire 14,000 km square Amboseli ecosystem, including the 390 km square Amboseli National Park and the surrounding community ranches, Nguruman-Magadi area in Kajiado as well as the West Kilimanjaro region up to Lake Natron in Tanzania. The joint aerial operation was succesfuly completed, with the Tanzanian team expected to finish its operation by the weekend.
There was great need to asses the situation of the adjacent lands as they play an itegral part as feeding grounds during certain seasons.

We look forward to the final results next week, see you then.

Update by Simon Njoroge
African Safari desk
Natural Track Safaris

Frogie frogie day.....

2010-03-11T06:22:00.000-08:00

Croak! Croak! Croak!

How many times have you heard heard them and ignored them? or how many times have you paid attention to their presence? But for others, we have been fascinated by the beautiful voices but others got enraged by the loud "noise" disturbing you.

Usually the loud noise is made by the male frogs calling to attract females to the breeding sites for mating. Mostly it takes takes place during the rainy seasons. The males also call to announce the territories so as to keep off other males.

Frogs going silent Noticebaly, these amphibians are going silent globally. And the sad thing is that the decline is happening even in forests where there is no human interference! We destroy amphibians' breeding habitats when we drain wetlands that serve as their breeding sites, when we remove trees or natural vegetation used for breeding and refuge by adults or when we alter the flow of streams and rivers. Climatical change is playing its part too, in addition to the invasive species, hemical contamination and infectious diseases to mention but a few.Viral and fungal diseases have resulted in mass deaths in the prestine areas.

A thing we should all note..
Frogs permeable soft skin can help us to tell the health of our environment.
The skin allows for moisture to pass through it easily. Unfortunaly, substances like pollutants enter their bodies and therefore frogs are amongst the first animals to disappear in cases of environmental pollution.

While in some countries they are considered a delicacy, they are a needed meal by many species of fish, snakes and birds So before diverting that stream, or clearing those bushes/trees irresponsibly, think of how much damage you will cause in the food chain.

Become a frogie friend...Start by observing and amphibians in your neighborhood, and enjoy the beautiful sounds, and magnificent colors.
When it rains, have a frogie day, go out listen to them, compare colors and record the differences. And if you come across pond/pool/river with dead frogs, its time to call the authority and have it checked: Do not drain chemicas and sewage to the rivers or pools.

These guys are on decline worldwide, and we are responsible. Other generations need to hear them too, tour resposibly and respect their right to live.

Have a Frogie-happy outing.

Contributed by Simon Njoroge
African safari desk
Natural Track Safaris

Africa wildlife series: The Nile Crocodile

2009-12-12T06:59:00.000-08:00

The Nile crocodile

Among many reptile species in Africa, the crocodiles have somehow stolen the arena by being the most vocal and other adaptations. Unlike other reptiles they do not shed their skin and instead grow with it. These dinosaur-like creatures are usually spotted while basking in the early morning sun and late afternoon on the river banks. In the middle of the day when temperatures are higher they lie in the shallow waters sometimes with half of the body partially submerged. It is their way of warming up or cooling behavior.

Being creatures of the water, they are great swimmers and divers. Their respiratory system has a tissue flap that seals off while under water. These enable them to open the mouth and not choke underwater. In addition, crocodile's nostrils close while diving and the same case happens with the external ears. Most reptiles do not have the external ears. Their vision under the water is very good and is facilitated by the nictitating membrane (transparent third eye membrane). This keeps water out of the eye hence no vision interference.

What's more, the tail acts as a oars that helps them maneuver while in the water. They use the tail also for feeding whereby they can disorient schools of fish with strong strokes and catch them. Crocodiles never stay far away from the water. Incase the pool or swamp dries they too die. Their preference is the permanent rivers but on occasions they can be spotted in seasonal rivers especially during the heavy rains whereby they avoid the strong currents. Immediately when the rain subsides they return to their territories.

On land, the crocs can walk fairly fast, up to about 28 miles an hour. Although the back legs are webbed, this does note interfere with their walking on land. Despite this, they do not wader too far from the water. Though they are termed as hunters, their hunting method mostly lying low and wait for their victims to come to drink. Then they thrash forward and grab them, drag and drown them under the water. Their teeth are especially formatted to seize and hold the prey. With crocodiles you can see the two front teeth of the lower jaw.

These lizard-like reptiles live in big groups and can be up to several hundreds. Usually the big males are in charge but it is more of domination than organized social leadership. There is no known coordinated group activity apart from feeding together.
There feeding method is by tearing chunks from the victim and this may sometimes include spinning of the whole body while holding tight with the teeth.

The crocodile (Nile crocodile) reach sexual maturity at the age of 8-12 years. Then they can mate, and after about 60 days the female is ready for laying eggs. She digs a hole and lays her eggs there. She can lay between 20-90 eggs. The eggs are heavily calcified and chicken-egg sized. Inside the buried egg, the temperatures rise to over 90 degrees.

After about 90 days later the hatchlings calls for the mother through hissing and she digs them out. Then she moves them to the water. This is a critical stage as most of them are predated on. Among the predators includes birds of prey,( eagles, hawks, vultures..), monitor lizards, among others. Usually when the mother senses danger to her young ones she can put them inside the mouth (gular pouch) for protection. The few survivors are free from the mother after two years and ready to face the world alone.

Note that crocodiles have no sweat glands. They lose heat through their mouths cavities. During your Kenya safari, you will see them sun-bathing with the mouth open and sometimes panting like dogs. Their color ranges from dark green, to a black-grayish but with a lighter belly. The body is covered with scales and they never shed them.

Their diet varies from small to large animals and in Kenya they have been known to catch birds. Their ectothermic metabolism is very efficient in that the huge crocs can stay for several months without food.

Crocodile have been known to attack and kill people. There are many cases of cows being attacked when they come to drink. Though CITES have classified them endangered, the populations in Kenya and Tanzania are very healthy.
It is their habitat that is in constant danger from intrusion, pollution and fishermen's nets.

Natural Track Safaris
Kenya Safari Desk

Africa Wildlife series: A thing or two about Elephants

2009-12-12T06:52:00.000-08:00

One of the dominant wildlife in the main African safari parks.

The elephant is one of the most interesting and beautiful creatures on earth. During our Tanzania and Kenya holidays we meet this creature in numerous numbers. It is the largest animal on land with some bulls growing up to about thirteen feet tall. They can weigh up to seven tones for the bulls- about the weight of a truck.

Elephants are unique in that they smell, eat, and wash themselves using their long flexible trunks. In addition they have elongated teeth made of ivory that aid them in getting food. They do use them also to lift heavy objects including pushing down trees. These teeth are called tusks.

The most obvious characteristic of elephants, besides their massive size, is their trunk. The trunk is nothing more than an elongation of their nose and upper lip. Besides being used for breathing and smelling it is also used as an appendage, much like an arm or hand. Elephants are capable of pulling up to 11.5 liters (3 gallons) of water into the trunk to be sprayed into the mouth for drinking or onto the back for bathing. As seen on most Kenya safaris, they use their two finger-like projections that are at the tip to manipulate small objects and to pluck grasses.

Elephants eat grass, small branches, and bark from trees. They especially like leaves from the top branches. They get the leaves by pushing down the trees with their large heads and bodies. Then they get the bark by scraping it with their sharp tusks.

Most elephants live in the grasslands of Africa and in the forests of Asia. They live in groups called herds. The herd is typically composed of up to ten females and their young. All of the females in the herd are directly related to the matriarch, who is typically the oldest and largest female. Males beyond the age of maturity are with the herd only during mating. A herd is a group that may have ten or more elephants. It is usually led by a female elephant. Herds have been known to travel ten miles or even farther to look for food and water. When elephants travel, they walk very quietly in single file. Young elephants are led by the older elephants with their tails. They stay close to their mothers at all times. The entire herd will protect the young ones if there's any sign of danger.

Elephants love water and are very good swimmers. When they get hot, they swim in lakes or rivers, or give themselves showers using their long trunks. An elephant can also cool off by rolling in a shady bed of mud.

Young elephants stay with their families for many years. It's not unusual for a herd of elephants to live together all of their lives. They are also capable of making low frequency sounds that are below the human range of hearing; this allows wandering individuals within the herd as well as several different herds to stay in direct contact over distances of many miles.

Did you know that?

· Elephants stomp when they walk.
· Elephants sleep standing up.
· Sometimes baby elephants lie down to sleep.
· Elephants bathe. Sometimes they spray dirt on themselves or bathe in mud to get the parasites off.
· They cool off by fanning their ears. This cools the blood in their ears. That blood goes to the rest of their body and cools off the elephant.
· They poop 80 pounds in one day.
· Elephants weigh about 10,000 pounds. It would take 250 students to add up to 10,000 pounds.
· Only grown up ladies and their babies live in the herds.
· The bull elephants leave the herd when they are 12 years old.
· They fight with their tusks.
· They eat grass and bark.
· During the wet season they eat things low to the ground.
· During the dry season they use their trunk to gather food from trees and bushes.
· They suck up water into their trunks and shoot it into their mouths.
· Elephants need lots of room to roam and eat.
· They can run 24mph for short distances.
· Elephants perform greeting ceremonies when a member of the group returns after a long time away. The welcoming animals spin around, flap their ears, and trumpet.
· The blue whale weighs as much as thirty elephants, and is as long as three greyhound buses.
· What do bats' wings, elephants' ears, flamingos' legs, rabbit's ears, goats' horns and human skin all have in common? They radiate heat to provide cooling.
· Female elephants produce one calf every five years.
· Genuine ivory does not only come from elephants. It can come from the tusk of a boar or walrus.
· Mice, whales, elephants, giraffes, and humans all have seven neck vertebras.
· African elephants have larger bodies, bigger ears, less bumpy foreheads, and longer tusks than Asian elephants.
· African elephants only have four teeth to chew their food with. However, each tooth is 12 inches long, and their tusks are elongated teeth that grow throughout their lives, like fingernails.
· At birth an Asian elephant weighs around 440 pounds (200 kilograms) and an African elephant weighs 581 pounds (264 kilograms). By adulthood both types of elephants will weigh close to 4 tons.
· Elephant tusks grow throughout an elephant's life and can weigh more than 200 pounds. Among Asian elephants, only the males have tusks. Both sexes of African elephants have tusks.
· Elephants and short tailed shrews get by on only two hours of sleep a day.
· Elephants are covered with hair. Although it is not apparent from a distance, at close range, one can discern a thin coat of light hairs covering practically every part of an elephant's body.
· Elephants communicate in sound waves below the frequency that humans can hear.
· Elephants have been known to remain standing after they die.
· Heart and liver: The elephant heart weights about 22kg and circulates about 450 liters of blood. Inner "cleaning" is performed by a 77kg liver.
· Water and trunk: To drink its 11 litres of water at a time, the elephant uses its trunk which weighs about 113kgs.
· Tongue: Helping the swallowing process is a 12kg elephant tongue.
· Food and intestines: The approximately 250kg food eaten every day passes through 18m of intestines. Eventually processed into about 100kg of elephant dung per day.
· Digestion: Elephants only digest about 40% of what they eat, and therefore, they need to spend two-thirds of every day eating.
· Gas: An elephant 'releases' 2000 litres of methane gas per day!
· Skin: Its skin weighs 450-750 kg.
· Tail: The tail weighs about 11 kgs.
· Fighting: The longest recorded fight between two elephants was recorded at 10 hours and 56 minutes.
· Gestation: An elephant's gestation (conception to birth) is 23 months.
· Call: It is estimated that an area of fifty square kilometers is filled with particular elephant "call" in infrasound. This might increase to about three hundred square kilometers at dusk due to lower temperatures.
· Eyes: An elephant’s eyes are very small in relation to its head. The eye contains very few photoreceptors and they cannot see very well further than a few hundred feet.
· Speed: A herd ambles at about 4 miles per hour and can charge at more than 25 miles per hour.
· No jumping: Elephants cannot run or jump. They can however walk very fast and climb.
· Swimming: They can swim considerable distances. In deep water they hold their trunks above the water like periscopes.
· Trunk: An elephant’s trunk is the most versatile of all mammalian creations being used as a nose, arm, hand and multipurpose tool. It is powerful enough to kill a lion with a single swipe, yet the finger-like lobes at the end are adept enough to pluck a feather from the ground.
· Trunk muscles: The trunk is boneless, and is composed of an estimated 40 000 muscles.
· Tusks: Elephant’s tusks are elongated upper incisor teeth, which grow continuously throughout the elephant’s life. They are not always an exact match, as this depends on which side they favor much like left and right-handed humans.
· Ears: An elephant’s ears are covered with lots of veins, which form distinct and unique patterns which can be used to identify individuals - much like human fingerprints. Elephant's ears are packed with blood vessels, and when flapped, they quickly lower the animal’s body temperature. This swiftly circulating blood is cooled by about 15 degrees Fahrenheit while in the elephant’s ear.

Natural Track Safaris
Kenya safari desk

Kenya holiday: Retreats of the tropical coast

2009-09-29T00:34:00.000-07:00

Kenya coast offers one of the most amazing beauties of apt tropical tranquil that leave lifelong memories to holiday makers. From the south coast to the north, there are infinite matchless varieties of surreal holiday experiences.
It is for this reason that African safari crew – informative and authoritative travel informer have ‘pitched our tents’ along serene tropical coast. In the next few consecutive editions of our Nature series, we will sample the utmost of Kenyan coast. And today, we start with Watamu, its contrasting environs, uniqueness and attractions.
Watamu is an amazing paradise of sun and sand with an international reputation for its reef-protected beaches, offering safe sunbathing at both high and low tides all the year round. The natural feature most obvious to the visitor is of course the marine park.

The park was created in 1968 and is part of the far larger Malindi-Watamu marine reserve, which includes Mida creek. The marine park extends from Blue Lagoon in the North to Whale Island in the south and is mainly a lagoon habitat with depths in the central channel up to 6 meters (approx 20 feet), and some isolated holes by the turtle reef of up to 12 meters (approx 39 feet)

For competent swimmers, snorkeling can be done direct from the beach. However, beware of tidal currents, especially near the entrance to the Mida creek. In addition to snorkeling, there is an assortment of other water sports, ranging from surfing, deep sea fishing and scuba diving which is rated the best in East Africa.

The most spectacular areas for snorkeling are around the Coral Gardens and the adjacent Richard Burnet reef, where a vast array of tropical fish can be seen. Theses include the surgeon fish, snappers, parrot fish, angel fish, puffer fish, butterfly fish, trigger fish and many other awesome spectacles of variety and color.

Rays can also be seen swimming through the water in a graceful flying motion while, on occasion, you might see some young reef sharks in the shallows. No need to worry – they are harmless and are usually just lazing around.

Most of the hard coral species occurring in the Kenya coast have been identified with a healthy reef system. Most easily recognizable corals are the Porites Hump corals – which are slow-growing and may be up to 4 meters (13 feet) in diameter.

There is an ornithological paradise at Mida creek, a wide variety of tropical reef fish in the adjacent waters of Watamu and endemic flora and fauna in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest.

The unique Kipepeo project which is located near the entrance of the Gede ruins is worth a visit. The project is a small community based butterfly farm that exports pupae to Europe and the United States for use in live butterfly exhibits. With over a decade in operation, the project incorporates 150 butterfly farmers who mainly consist of local families that live adjacent to the Eastern border of the Arabuko Sokoke forest.

Here you will be able to see the delicate, gentle and inimitable rearing procedure and also sample a visitor centre illustrating interesting displays and information. There is also a large flight cage to wander through and see a selection of Arabuko Sokoke butterflies at a close range.

Another fascinating place worth a visit is Gede ruins. This historic site is known to be one of the ancient Arab towns which dotted the East African coastline. It dates back to the late 13th to early 14th century and was finally abandoned in the early 17th century.

At its helm of prosperity, Gede had a population of over 2500 people. The Gede ruins gained the status of Historic Monument in 1972 and much excavation and preservation work has been carried out over the years so that the larger areas of the town, especially within the inner walls are now revealed. Surviving ruins at Gede include the great mosque, the palace, residential houses and several pillar tombs. Between the inner and outer walls, there is a nature trail which is probably the best indication of the dry forest vegetation which existed on the raised coral reef before human habitation.

Two other sites have been found in the recent times at Dabasso Rock and Kalalu caves which are sacred shrines to the local Giriama people.

It therefore important to note that, although visitors are welcome to these sites, it is essential to go with a guide interpreter and to observe and respect local customs as these places are still used for certain ceremonies and are held in immense esteem.

Kenya holiday Safaris
Contributed By Francis Nyaga

MALINDI – THE TROPICAL PARADISE

2009-09-26T02:03:00.000-07:00

Malindi’s ancient history, authentic cultural and epic architectural, location puts it in a limelight of sundry interests. However, it is the diversity of holiday making choices that gives Malindi its definitive identity – the tropical paradise’. Following the sign posts, drive through the beautifully hedged, villas, resorts and mansion tangled finely amidst indigenous flora and the last left turn takes you straight to Malindi Marine Park.

Enveloped by a national reserve and a 100ft strip of coastal land starting from Vasco-da-Gama pillar, Malindi Marine Park is located 4km south of Malindi town extending to Mida creek, neighboring Gede ruins and Arabuko sokoke forest, then down to Watamu. It was the first marine protected area in Kenya established in 1968 and designated as a Biosphere reserve under the Man and Biosphere Reserve program of UNESCO in 1979.

It is one of those places to add on to your African safari itinerary.

Malindi Marine Park is endowed with a variety of unique resources such as fringing reefs, coral gardens in the lagoons, sea grass beds, mangroves, mudflats and a high diversity of fish and marine mammals including turtles and shorebirds. Among the species of fish found in the park include coral reef fish, sweetlips, surgeon fish, butterfly fish, damsel and parrotfish.

The untold phenomena of tidal islands that appear magically during the low tides are such an incredible scenario. Imagine walking almost a kilometer in the sea on soft white sand overlooking crystal blue fast flowing waters in the adjacent fringing reef. Then with a glass bottom boat, cross the reef and you are rewarded with a seemingly endless lagoon intercepted by white magical islands. And the experience repeats itself over and over as you sail inner to the coral garden and far stretch to Mayungu … and that is just a glimpse of Malindi Marine Park!

Whether you are snorkeling or scuba diving, you are sure to marvel at the under water beauty, or may just bump into other regular visitors to the Malindi marine park – this may include turtles feeding on the thallasia beds and dolphins feeding on shimmering schools of sardine. On the leeward side of north reef, there has a low coral cover with large schools of Barracuda and occasional reef sharks that are commonly encountered, as well as large rays that feed on the bottom.

Swimming in the warm ocean water, snorkeling, boat rides, diving, and dhow rides, sun bathing and educational tours are among the diverse activities at Malindi Marine Park. All this is without mentioning implausible picnics and barbeque on island, wind surfing (in the reserve), and occasional beach clean up and research.

There is no charge to use the beach for swimming, sunbathing or exploring the many tidal pools. However, a park fee is charged for visitors using boats to go snorkeling, scuba diving or observing the coral reefs.

Kenya Holiday safaris
Courtesy of : Francis Nyaga

Customer care – Malindi Marine Park

Wildlife safari holiday – ultimate jungle experience

2009-09-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

It is no doubt that Kenya has earned a notch in the world as a preferred destination for those seeking ultimate jungle experience, adventures in the wilderness and precise comfort in a wildlife thrilled parks and reserves. “Wildlife safari” was launched this year by the government of Kenya through ministry of tourism as the Kenya’s official destination brand.

Your favorite, reliable and authoritative safari blog ‘African adventure crew’ headed by Francis was again on the ground to see whether this was reflected in truth or it was just a fiction. From our extensive experiences from the holiday makers, we have in this season’s ‘Nature series’ heard stories on real time adventure and eye witness experiences from varied holiday makers in Kenya over the peak months of July and August.

Bob and Kristina - UK
We first met Bob and Kristina an elderly couple that had come to Kenya to mark their lovely 40th anniversary in marriage. The couple had left Samburu national reserve the day before, and had just completed an early morning game drive in L. Nakuru national park. All cheerful and elated with Joy, it was easy to overture and bond with them thanks to the great awe inspiring experiences that kept them smiling all through. To Kristina, seeing Kudus in the wild amidst unique wildlife of samburu was a sought-after memory. In Lake Nakuru, they were lucky to spot the endangered black rhino, while the white rhinos and the stunning panoramic of millions of flamingos roamed were just infront of them. Their itinerary was skillfully and precisely drawn to ensure they touched every heart of the best and unique wilds during their Kenya safari.

Seane story - Australia
The next day we met Sean and party from Australia. No doubt, this young couple must have had a hint of the best way to explore Kenya’s wildlife – camping safari! Their choice to do their Kenya camping safari in August was sheer brilliance as the weather is generally favorable. After breakfast, we proceed to hells gate national park. Sammy the cook had made a yummy packed lunch for the group. Hiking the hells gate was not just a lovely experience but also a great adventure and exercise.

Our choice to set our survey base around the two rift valley lakes – Nakuru and Naivasha was a pre-arranged due to the central location and popularity. Lake Nakuru is Kenya’s premium national park offering a diverse ecosystem and great wildlife spotting within a close range. Lake Naivasha on the other hand hosts the most deluxe vacation resorts and campsites with diverse wildlife and great boating excursions. It is at these two lakes where you can meet tourists with unique and varied itineraries and therefore a chance to obtain views from mixed experiences and different destinations.

Martin Black’s family
We met Martin Black, his mama 79 and three children on the forth day of our program. By then, the group had seen more than they had expected. The two girls were drawing pictures of various wildlife that they had seen, while the young boy was busy playing games and listening to music. Even though this particular group had lived in many places of the world, they openly confessed that Kenya is a ‘paradise’ thanks to scores of wildlife, beautiful sceneries and white-sanded coastal beaches not forggeting the friendly and charming people.

Melywn family - UK
On the fifth day of our analysis, I met the lovely and exciting vacationers of the season – the Melywn’s family from UK. Their driver/guide, Charles made an incredible introduction causing a quick confidence and bond between the two parties. Immediately after briefing, we engaged in a conversation unconscious that we were running behind time. On the way to Naivasha we had great talks as the group shared their experiences and also asked questions on various issues concerning Kenya. The group did a trek in Hells gate national park as well as taking photos of the magnificent Hells gate Gorge, Fischer,s and Central towers and the splendid view of Lake Naivasha from Olkaria hill. The group saw myriad wildlife and inimitable sceneries through out their safari.

Yifat family - Israel
Shalom!! thats how it started. Our last group in this series was Yifat family from Israel. Having visited ‘north of equator’ wildlife parks, they had a great comparison with the lower equator parks. It is amazing how nature is discrete with unsearchable uniqueness. Unlike other African destinations, Kenya wildlife observe the hemispherical rules in that some species are only found on the northern part of equator while others are purely restricted to the southern. Yifat family then proceded to hike the Menengai crater. The crater lies at 2272 meters above sea level and was formed as result of combined rift valley and volcanic activities. The ashy smell from molten lava can be felt up to date while the whole floor is covered by black volcanic rocks and shrubs. On clear days, one can see most rift valley lakes such as Bogoria, Baringo, Elmentaita and the near by Lake Nakuru.

Courtesy of Francis Nyagah
Adventure crew

Tsavo Cheetah Project

2009-04-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

The Tsavo National Parks, in south eastern Kenya, are probably most renowned for the notorious, mane-less, man-eating lions of the late nineteenth century… or even the numerous ‘red elephants’ covered in red dust from the sands which blanket the grounds of the vast, bio-diversity rich Tsavo ecosystem.

But if you come to Tsavo, she will soon show you, if you are here long enough: solid black spots glimmering in between the grass blades of the savanna, a glimpse of large copper eyes peering through a Commophora bush, or a distinctive footprint of a cat with claw marks – that of the elusive cheetah (or duma, in the Swahili language). Currently, approximately 200 cheetahs (1/4 of Kenya’s total cheetah population) are suspected to occupy the Tsavo ecosystem which covers an area of 40,000 square kilometers. But if we are to preserve this large, potentially viable population we must first obtain reliable information on numbers, distribution, conservation status and threats.

The Tsavo Cheetah Project was initiated in August 2008, after three years of preliminary work. The primary aims of this initial 4 year study are to: 1) Determine cheetah numbers and population threats in the vast and unfenced Tsavo National Parks, adjoining communities, ranches and sanctuaries. 2) Alleviate conflict issues between people and cheetahs with education and awareness. 3) Test and further develop cheetah monitoring and census techniques. Continue here..

Camping in Kenya

2009-03-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

Its beyond any doubt that africa makes one of the most wonderful and adventurous camping vacation for any one who enjoy outdoor adventures. Camping in Kenya offers you utmost flexibility. Since you have all the basics that you need in your adventure camping vehicle, time is at your control.. This makes it all so easy and relaxing knowing that you can spend as much time or less depending on where you want to visit.

The superb tropical climate with hot breezy days and cool tranquil nights gives you an interpretable sensation. The sceneries thrilled with undisturbed reserves and the great natural attractions such as lakes, Mountains ranges, snow peaks, wildlife, forests and culturated expanses will leave you dreadly inspired. An interaction with the local people in their ethnicity is a great prove that africa's diversity is unique.

Among the many places worth visit in africa, you will find Kenya tour to be more deserving. Imagine camping in the heart of wildlife thrilled savanahs surrounded by beautiful sceneries and clear open skies at night. In some places, you can opt to spend your night under open skies and enjoy the quietness of the cool breezes.

But this depends on how you plan it. The most important thing for any successful camping is advance planning. You need to plan on where to go, when, how long and the number of people you will be sharing the experience with. With these in mind, then it will be easier for you to do your budget and also know what is essential and what is not. Altenatively have a local agent do the arrangements for you.

Then its time to pack your camping gear. If you are booking your camping tour through a Kenya tour operator, then you will be exempted the task of carrying a complete gear since most Kenya tour firms will do this for you. But if this is not the case, then you will need to itemize your gear and all the essentials that you would use while camping. Depending on when and where you like to camp and what you like to do, the list will be ever changing. A tip is to think flexibility. The ease with which you can set/move camp and off course the weight of your stuff, including foods.

You've finally arrived at your camping destination and you're scoping out the area to see which spot looks best for setting up your campsite. While choosing the campsite, please consider pitching your tent on slightly high level ground to keep you safe incase of rains. You will also need to consider fundermental issues such as water source, adequate cooking area, cleaning area (don’t kill vegation with hot soapy water), garbage area and finally, consider a camping area with some shade.

After setting up the campsite it's time to go do what you came here to do, "go play!" Whatever your preoccupation is, enjoy! Do such refreshing things as; seeing the campsite set up, smelling the country air, short walks, go bird watching, take a bike ride, stroll around, eat well, enjoy a drink and if possible get a feel with the local communities. This is a refreshing change from all of the confines of the city.

Then in the evening enjoy the orange African fire while the sounds of wilderness fill the night: Night birds, the laughter of hyenas, the buzz of a mosquito or the occasional roar of lions proclaiming their territory.

Camping, whether with pals or family can be lots of fun. But you need to pay attention to a couple of things for example baboons and vervet monkeys. Baboons can be a menace and some times destructive. So as to cope with baboons and monkeys, always make sure; you close your tent, never leave you campsite unattended and constantly keep all the foodstuffs away from their, because that is what they seek. This way, you will be able to keep them off the temptation.

It's time to leave the camp? A little effort is all that you need to expend in order to ensure that the next camper arriving at the campsite after you will enjoy it just as much. The most basic principle rule for camping is: Leave No Trace. It's all about respect for nature. If campers would just leave their campsites the better than the way they found them (assuming it was clean to begin with), then we will all be doing our share in making sure that other generations will have their share of fun in the wilds of Africa.

Adventure Travel Crew
Kenya camping safaris
Natural Track Safaris

Kenya tour, shores of lake Turkana

2009-02-27T21:58:00.000-08:00

By Wachira Kigotho
East African Standard

The shores of Lake Turkana have offered another glimpse to early phases of human evolution.
Archaeologists have discovered a set of 1.5 million-year-old footprints at Ileret, an archaeological site at the northern shores of the lake. The footprints confirm the early man walked upright.
The discovery is reported in the current edition of Science, the journal that publishes significant original scientific research and policy issues.
The researchers from the National Museums of Kenya, Bournemouth University, George Washington University, Rutgers University and University of Cape Town say the findings add to the interpretation of the later pre-history of Africa.

According to Prof Matthew Bennet, the findings show that more than 1.5 million years ago, early man had evolved a modern human foot function and a style of bipedal locomotion that we would recognise today.
The new footprints are the second oldest in the world after the 3.7 million year-old prints in Laetoli in Tanzania. Prof Brian Richmond of George, a leading archaeologist from George Washington University, said discovery of early man’s footprints are incredibly rare event.

But for the first time, the researchers used a three dimensional method to analyse the ancient footprints and to compare them with those of modern humans.
The international team led by Prof Jack Harris of Rutgers University and Prof David Braun of University of Cape Town excavated two distinct sedimentary layers in a single outcrop at Ileret and revealed footprints that were preserved in fine-grained mud.
Footprint like human’s..
The surfaces have been dated precisely through inter-bedded volcanic ash layers to 1.51 to 1.53 million years old. Thereafter, the scientists created three-dimensional digital elevation models of the prints, which are accurate to a fraction of a millimetre.

According to Braun, the footprints were probably formed by Homo erectus, a species of hominids believed to have lived in the area during that period.
However, the major evidence is that the fossil footprints have a big toe that is in line with the other toes, a robust heel and anklebones, a pronounced longitudinal arch and short toes which are characteristics of a modern human foot.

"Through advanced scientific analysis, we were able to determine that the shapes of these prints are more like those formed by modern humans compared to the prints from Laetoli," said Bennet. Archaeologists believe the Tanzanian footprints were formed by Australopithecus afarensis, an older hominid species that lived in Eastern Africa between three to five million years ago.
But based on the size and the stride pattern of these newly discovered footprints, the team determined that the individuals responsible would have been about six feet in height.

Site at risk..
"The size and stature estimates derived from the Ileret prints compare well with those of our distant ancestor, Homo erectus, and are too large to have been formed by other hominid species that might have lived in this part of Africa," says Richmond.
According to the study, "Early Hominin Foot Morphology Based on 1.5-Million-Year-Old Footprints from Ileret, Kenya" the discovery supports archaeological hypothesis that Homo erectus had a larger home range that enhanced dietary quality and shift in cultural and biological adaptations in comparison to earlier hominids.

Unfortunately, the area in which the footprints are located is eroding, placing the valuable site at great risk. However, the process of laser scanning of the footprints is being used to preserve the discovery for posterity and further study.
"The digital scans are easily replicable and can be transformed into real-life casts available for museum display around the world or even in classrooms," says Ms Emma Mbua of the National Museums of Kenya.
The footprints are some of the recent discoveries made jointly by the National Museums of Kenya and international archaeological teams.

By Wachira Kigotho
East African Standard

Climbing Mount Kenya

2009-02-18T00:33:00.000-08:00

On the tropical land widely known as the craddle of mankind, sixteen kilometers south of equator lie a magficent land mark. It raises 5199 metres above see level making it the second highest mountain in Africa and the highest in Kenya. The highest peaks are Batian and Nelion – only mountaneers with technical skills can reach it. Point Lenana is the third highest peak and can be reached by trekkers – and is usually the goal for most people wishing to turf this great mountain locally known as Kirinyaga.

Mount Kenya, a mountain cocktailed with numerous intrinsic worth of significance and an attractive proposal for a Kenya tour. Its native appeal have carried its lure to every generation whether past, present or those that their fate of existence is eagerly awaiting. There are superb views over the surrounding country from point Lenana. The summit is often cloacked in mist from late morning until late afternoon.
Of ultmost importance is the cultural heritage and belief of the 'Agikiyu' also known as Kikuyu who trace their roots from this magnicent dome. The Kikuyu folktale of origin is as interesting as trekking Mt. Kenya itself.

They say "During ancient creation days, a dense cloud stood over the land as Ngai (the divider of the universe) descended to earth and made his dwelling upon the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya. Then He (Ngai) beckoned Gikuyu to the consecrated mountain and gave him the land around Kirinyaga (Mt. Kenya) as an inheritance and treasure for Him and his descendants. Then Gikuyu went to an orchard of sacred fig trees. While resting, Gikuyu found a beautiful woman who He gave her the name Mumbi and took her for his wife. They were then hallowed with nine charmingly glance daughters who later grew into very beautiful women. The daughters kept on besseeching saying their parents saying "Oohh that we would have husbands and build our own homes so that the names of our parents would last forever"

For many moons, Gikuyu and Mumbi searched their hearts in their quest to satisfy their daugthers' desires. At last in despair, Gikuyu fell upon his knees. Raising his face to Kirinyaga he called upon his creator, to bless his daughters with husbands and Ngai heard Him and commanded Gikuyu to make a sacrifice under the orchard of the fig tree. Heeding the commandment, Gikuyu sacrificed a lamb and a sheep fowl and lit a fire with nine burning sticks and said " we have come to beseech thee for rain that satsfies our children. Say now that the rain may fall" Suddenly out of the fire came nine young men whose backs were firm and strong like the trunk of the sacred Mugumo (fig) tree and when Gikuyu saw them, he gave thanks and welcomed them to the homesated.

Unanble to resist the beauty of Gikuyu and Mumbi's daughters, they asked for their hand in marriage. Gikuyu blessed the marriages and each daughter built herself a hut and started their families thus the name of Gikuyu and Mumbi prospered. Each daugthers generation came together to form a clan thus the nine Kikuyu clans. From the tribute of Gikuyu and Mumbi and in the honor of Ngai, the Kikuyu's build their houses with doors facing Mountains Kenya. It is also not uncommon to see Kikuyu burrying their dead relatives with head facing Kirinyaga.

Tales of Kikuyu's enterpreneurship are not uncommon in the modern world, their hardwork, determination and industrious innovative investments are inspiring. This is without the fact that the Kikuyu's form the largest ethnic group in Kenya with the widest political and economical representation in Kenya. While on Kenya safari, you will not miss tales of this industrious ethnic group")

Of further startling trait is how Mount Kenya was named. Dr. Edward Krapt was the first white man to see the snow peaks on the equator and by spotting the glaciers of Mt. Kenya from a great distance he was motivated to find out more about the epidode. Curious of such an historic and fulfilling phenomena he asked a Kamba elder of the name of the mountain. Unable to pronounce Kirinyaga, the Kamba elder said Kiinyaa and Krapt translated it as Kenya thus the name upto date.

Mount Kenya is also surrounded by a national park called by the same name. The park, which was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1997 and is a Biosphere Reserve, covers 715 km2, and includes the Peaks consisting of all the ground above 3200m with two small salients extending lower down to 2450m along the Sirimon and Naro Moru tracks. Surrounding the park is approximately 2095 km2.

The park has incredible attractions such as; Pristine wilderness, lakes, tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty, geological variety, forest, mineral springs, rare and endangered species of animals, High altitude adapted plains game, Unique montane and alpine vegetation with 11 species of endemic plants.

The vegetation varies with altitude and rainfall, and there is a rich alpine and sub-alpine flora making the mountain beautiful and live almost to the peaks. Part of the mountain’s fascination is the variation in flora, including Giant Groundsel and Lobelia, and fauna as the altitude changes. The lower slopes are covered with dry upland forest, the true montaine (mountain) forest begins at 2,000m is mainly cedar and podo. At 2,500m begins a dense belt of bamboo forest which merges into the upperforest of smaller trees, interspersed with glades. In this area the trees are festooned with high altitude lichen.
These forest belts are host to many different animals and plants with at least 11 unique species. Game to view includes: Black and White Colobus and Sykes Monkeys, bushbuck, Rock and rock Hyrax, Greater galago, white tailed, buffalo, elephant and lower down Olive Baboon, waterbuck, Black Rhino, black fronted duikers, leopard, giant forest hog, genet cat, bush pig and hyena. More elusive is the bongo, a rare type of forest antelope. A number of other rarer species can be found here: Suni Antelope, Mt. Kenya Mole Rat, skinks (lizard), Montane Viper and a variety of owls. Occasional sightings have been recorded of albino zebra.

Birds are not abundant in the forest. But you can find Crowned hawk eagle and the Jackson's francolin. Rarely can you find the Abyssinian long-eared owl. Birds seen from the lodge include; Green ibis, African black duck, Ayres' hawk eagle, Rufous-breasted and great sparrow hawks, Scaly francolin, Silvery-cheeked hornbill, Hartlaubs turaco, red headed parrot, bronze-naped pigeon, Mackinder's eagle owl, Rupells robin chat.
There are two species of giant Lobelias; the narrow, featherly-leafed lobelia telekii and the broad-leafed lobelia keniensis which are a favorite of sunbirds for their half hidden blossoms or the thin shelled snails that make their home there. Plants also include crocus-like flower; Romuela keniensis, two terrestrial orchids - a Disa and a Habenaria, and an orange flowered gladiolus,Gladiolus Watsonioides. The high altitude heath at the top (3,000 – 3,5000m) is generally open, dotted with shrubs: African Sage, protea and helichrysum. The peak (above 3,500m) is moorland, with little game other than high altitude zebra and eland, common in the northern moorland.
Join us for trekking Mount Kenya, and enjoy this beauty on earth!

Adventure Travel Crew
African Safari desk
Natural Track Safaris

Wilds' of Africa - the remote of a Kenya tour

2009-01-23T23:59:00.000-08:00

Many people have described Africa, and others have had dreams that eventually would gladly lift the face of this great continent. Words such as Mysterious, Origin of man, the black continent, wild africa … have been used by scholars and personalities to describe Africa. However, there is nothing that describes Africa better than its diversity and authenticity. … Africa is inexhaustible!

From the northern wondrous pyramids of Egypt to the South African Cape Town, and from the historical monuments of east African coasts of Lamu and Mombasa to the ancient docks of the slave trade triangle in West African coast. All this in simple term translate; "Africa is diverse".

Some of the most amazing characteristics of Africa are the wildlife thrilled savannahs, picturesque sceneries, Mountains, Beautiful Eastern beaches, Lovely people with incredibly diverse culture not to mention the good equatorial climate ideal for relaxing and adventures where summers and winters have no meaning.

The end of 2008 found the African safari desk crew in the interiors the country that many say 'best describes Africa' - Northern Kenya is a vast wild wilderness in its own complex. If you have been to Kenya before and you would like to set a foot back but off the beaten tracks, then northern Kenya would be an ideal place for you. The area is characterized by vast desert with temperatures rising to a height of 40 degrees Celsius and above. You will need to be ready for such high temperatures and off course be a 'tomboy' and young at heart to beat the cold nights.

Northern Kenya is home to one of the most famous but least visited national parks on a Kenya tour list. One of this Kenya's remote national parks is Marsabit. It lies about 560 km from Nairobi, and its best described as 'Kenya's most quiet and remote national park'. It has the scenic and serene Lake Paradise on top of Mt. Marsabit, elephants, Greater Kudu, mountain lions, buffalos and other wildlife. The extensive forest supports animals that would not normally be found in arid northern Kenya. There are elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, wart hogs, Grevy's Zebra, reticulated giraffes, hyenas and antelopes to mention but a few.

Abundant rare birds are also found within Marsabit National Park. Many water birds hang out at Lake Paradise and a variety of raptors can be seen on the shaggy cliffs and in the treetops. Marsabit National Park was home to Ahmed, an elephant that I earlier told you was given 24-hour protection by a presidential order. Ahmed boasted some of the biggest tusks ever recorded and died at age 55.

Another one of this amazing parks which our crew had a chance visiting is the Sibiloi National Park. It was gazetted in 1973. Sibiloi boasts an international significance as the 'cradle of mankind'. The park teems with fossils, zebras, gazelles and impala. It is near Lake Turkana with its world famous population of crocodiles. The park covers 1570 Km2 of wilderness with scenic landscapes on the shores of Lake Turkana. Sibiloi was partially established through the initiative of the National Museums of Kenya to protect unique prehistoric and archeological sites, some of which are linked to the origin of man. The fossils include a crocodile Euthecodon brumpti, giant tortoise Petusios broadleyi, elephant Elephas recki and the petrified forest. The terrains consist of lake shore, dry semi desert bush and near desert country. The park is waterless apart from the alkaline waters of the lake.

Of the three great parks in this secluded part of Kenya is Malka Mari National Park which was gazetted in 1989 because of its high wildlife concentration. It is located along the Daua River on the Kenya-Ethiopia border in the extreme north east of Kenya on the Mandera plateau. It has a hot and dry climate. The area is largely semi arid bush land and scrubby grassland with riparian woodland and palms along the Daua River. The area is also considered a site for plant endemism. Its main attractions are; Malka Mari fort, hills and valleys. Unfortunately, it has not been developed

The areas in northern Kenya are accessible by air and road although at some points riding on camel form the other only alternative from walking giving you no other better option. The entire escapade is fun for the adventurous hearted and gives inimitable experiences far off the beaten tracks.

Adventure Travel Crew
African Safari desk
Natural Track Safaris

Uganda - A must visit Top 10 attractions

2008-11-30T01:05:00.000-08:00

Uganda - A must visit Top 10 attractions

It is almost a month now since our Nature series team launched its wide strides to Uganda. The first write-up on gorilla tracking has been a great welcome to a diverse community in the travel and tourism world. This time round, we have been chasing after a fortune of identifying Uganda's top ten attractions and we found an incredible list of our fortune here!!

1. Kidepo Valley National Park

The Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda's most spectacular parks. It is 1,442 square kilometres and harbor scenery unsurpassed in any other park in East Africa. Tucked into the corner of Uganda's border with Sudan and Kenya, the park offers breathtaking Savannah landscapes, which end in rugged horizon. The vegetation can most excellent be described as open tree Savannah which varies much in structure and composition. Mountain forest dominates some of the high places, while areas along the Lorupei River support dense Acacia geradi forest. The flora and fauna of the park are more typical of Kenya than the rest of Uganda. The landscape throughout the park is studded with small hills, rocky outcrops and inselbergs from which one can obtain stunning views in all directions. The Kidepo Valley National Park was established in the 1960s. Kidepo Valley National Park is a 1436 km² national park in Karamoja region in northwest Uganda. Kidepo is rugged savannah, dominated by the 2750 m Mount Morungole and transected by the Rivers Kidepo and Narus. Perennial water makes River Kidepo an oasis in the semi-desert which hosts over 86 mammal species including lion, cheetah, leopard, bat-eared fox, giraffe - as well as almost 500 bird species.

2. Sipi falls

Sipi Falls is supposedly one of Uganda's most beautiful sights. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Uganda and is about 15 km from Kapchorwa. Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls and lie near Kapchorwa, north of Mbale. The waterfalls lie on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park, near Mount Elgon on the Kenyan border.

3. Mt Elgon National Park, Uganda

Mt. Elgon National park is located near Mbale in the Eastern part of Uganda. The park covers 1,145 sq km. It is named after Mt Elgon (4,321m), an extinct Volcanic Mountain that lies on Uganda’s border with Kenya. In the prehistoric times this mountain stood taller than Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in East Africa. Though the Mountain is shared by Uganda and Kenya its highest point Wagagai peak (4321m) lies in Uganda. The mountain has got three other major peaks which are Kiongo (4303m), Mubiyi (4210m) and Jackson’s summit (4165m). Mt. Elgon is known locally as Mt. Masaba. Masaba is the name of the founding ancestor of the Bagisu who is said to have emerged from a cave on the slopes several centuries ago. The Park can be accessed by road. The journey takes around 3-4 hours from Kampala along a good tarmac road. Hiking is the major tourism activity. Climbing Mt. Elgon is not so much challenging and therefore can attract both medium climbers and the experienced climbers. From here, you can visit the exquisite Sipi Falls for scenic viewing, Nature walks from Budadiri trailhead. Community visits and participation in Imbalu dances.

4. Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi

The Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi are regarded as the major spiritual centre for the Buganda people, the largest Ugandan ethnic group. They constitute a site embracing almost 30 ha of hillside within Kampala district. Most of the site is agricultural, farmed by traditional methods. At its core on the hilltop is the former palace of the Kabakas of Buganda, built in 1882 and converted into the royal burial ground in 1884. Four royal tombs now lie within the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, the main building, which is circular and surmounted by a dome. It is a major example of an architectural success in organic materials, principally wood, thatch, reed, wattle and daub. The site's main undertone lies, however, in its indefinable values of belief, spirituality, continuity and identity. Guides at Kasubi lead visitors around the area and into the building, explaining the history of the Baganda and the cultural traditions associated with the tombs.

5. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

It is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. The park is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and is situated along the Democratic Republic of Congo border next to the Virunga National Park and on the edge of the western Rift Valley. It comprises 331 square kilometres of jungle forests and contains both montane and lowland forest and is accessible only on foot. Many species of birds and butterflies can also be found there, as well as many endangered species, including the mountain gorilla. Bwindi is also an incredible preserve home to some of Africa's most endangered animals. It is a haven for gorilla tracking.

6. Rwenzori Mountains National Park

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa's third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The region's glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa's most beautiful alpine areas. The park has many natural habitats of endangered species and a rich and unusual flora comprising, among other species, the giant heather.

7. Mpanga National Reserve

This is a government nature reserve 453 hectares in size. Gazette around 50 years ago, the 45km2 Mpanga forest reserve near the small town of Mpigi, lies 37kms west of Kampala on the road to Masaka. It is a compact forest offering a cathedral like atmosphere in which to enjoy fabulous bird watching. The main forest center in 500 m from the main high way and marked by a decorative sign. Visitors are welcome to picnic or camp at the forest center and follow any of the well marked trails to the south of the river. The reserve protects an extensive patch of medium -altitude rainforest, characteristic of the vegetation that once extended over much of the northern lake Victoria Hinterland, but has largely been cleared over the past century due to human activity. Wide footpaths (initially made by researchers) crisscross the forest where Celtis mildbraedii and Bosquieia phoberos form the dominant tree species. The forest is now is now open to public.

8. Mabira Forest reserve

Mabira forest lies along the main highway running from Jinja to Kampala. Its actual location is 54 km from kampala and 20 km from Jinja. The forest centre is on the edge of Najjembe village approximately 500m north of the main road. If you are coming from Kampala, it is signposted to your left before you reach the roadside market at Najjembe. The Mabira forest project was established with help from the European Union. There are 10 forest trails catering for people of all time schedules and abilities with options of both guided and unguided trails. If you are not rushing to the west of Uganda or needing to get to Kampala in a hurry, then consider Mabira Forest – a pleasant backwater and stop over.

9. Lake Victoria, Uganda

While the communities living around the lake have many stories to tell in addition to the lake being a source of living for them, no need to add to what Wikipedia says;

"Lake Victoria or Victoria Nyanza (also known as Ukerewe and Nalubaale) is one of the Great Lakes of Africa. Lake victoria is 3rd biggest lake in the world covering 68,800 square kilometres (26,560 mi²) in size – making it the continent's largest lake, the largest tropical lake in the world, and the second largest fresh water lake in the world in terms of surface area (third largest if one considers Lake Michigan-Huron as a single lake). Being relatively shallow for its size, with a maximum depth of 84 m (276 ft) and a mean depth of 40 m (131 ft), Lake Victoria ranks as the seventh largest freshwater lake by volume, containing 2,750 cubic kilometres (2.2 million acre-feet) of water. It is the source of the longest branch of the Nile River, the White Nile, and has a water catchment area of 184,000 square kilometres (71,040 mi²). It is a biological hotspot with great biodiversity. The lake lies within an elevated plateau in the western part of Africa's Great Rift Valley and is subject to territorial administration by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. The lake has a shoreline of 3,440 km (2138 miles), and has more than 3,000 islands, many of which are inhabited. These include the Ssese Islands in Uganda, a large group of islands in the northwest of the Lake that are becoming a popular destination for tourists"

10. The people of Uganda the cultural diversity

The Uganda culture is made up of a dissimilar array of cultural groups. It includes a number of religious groups like Christians, Sikhs and Hindus. People speak in 40 languages out of which Luganda is the most common. Swahili is also used while English is the official language. Literature of Uganda is very rich as well. Many of the regions like Buganda, Bunyoro and Toro had kingdoms of their own. Lake Kyoga forms the northern periphery for the Bantu-speaking peoples, who dominate much of east, central and southern Africa. In Uganda they include the Baganda and several other tribes. In the north live the Lango and the Acholi, who speak Nilotic languages. Iteso and Karamojong who speak a Nilotic language, occupy the east parts of Uganda and few Pygmies live isolated in the rainforests of western Uganda. Each of the tribe is very respectful to their tradition and the culture of Uganda can be best described as a melting pot of diverse cultural practices. The Uganda people are quite hospitable.

Adventure Travel Crew

African Safari Desk

Natural Track Safaris

Gorilla tracking, a lifetime experience

2008-11-04T05:37:00.000-08:00

In our nature series this season, our African safari desk has stretched its adventurous strides to Uganda and in the next few episodes; we are going to light our campfire around informative details, news, and facts about this wonderful East African country widely known as – the home of the rare mountain gorillas.

Uganda’s major attraction is the endangered mountain gorilla, the most profoundly built of living primates and among the most peaceable too. Staring into the pondering brown eyes of these calm giants, who share 95% of their genes with humans, is as awe-inspiring as it is exhilarating; no less so, when one realizes that fewer than 700 known individuals survive today. The groups are divided between Bwindi National Park and the Virunga Mountains south west of Congo border.

Within Uganda, there are five habituated Gorilla troops available for viewing – four in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga National Park. The groups have been given local titles which have very interesting meanings. Eight people are permitted per group per day and a total of twenty four people are taken in Bwindi, while eight people are allowed for Mgahinga.

Uganda is also home to man’s closest relative, the chimpanzee, a delightful ape whose evocative pant-hoot call is a definitive sound of the African rainforest. Chimpanzee communities have been habituated for tourism at Kibale Forest, Budongo Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kyambura Gorge. There is also a community of orphaned chimps, most of which were confiscated from poachers, and can be visited on Ngamba Island, which lies on Lake Victoria 45 minutes by motorboat from Entebbe.

Of more exhalation is the exceptionally well representation of monkeys in Uganda. Kibale Forest boasts the greatest primate variety and density in East Africa, with five or six species likely to be observed over the course of one afternoon walk. Elsewhere, Mgahinga National Park hosts habituated troops of the rare golden monkey, while Murchison Falls is one of the few East African strongholds for the spindly, plains-dwelling Patas monkey. The fossilized 20-million-year-old bones of Morotopithecus, the earliest-known ancestor of modern apes and humans, were unearthed in the 1960s near Moroto in Eastern Uganda, and are now housed in the National Museum in Kampala.

Tracking Gorillas is one of immensely fascinating and sometimes very emotional experience for many taking safaris in Africa, whilst for others it often fulfils a lifetime ambition. The most famous areas for gorilla tracking are in the Bwindi Impenetrable forest. The best way for a perfect tracking is guided nature walks between Buhoma in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the town of Kisoro via Nkuringo and vice versa.

This experience offers a low cost insiders perspective into village life in rural Uganda highlighting some of the wonders of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest all at your own pace. Gorilla tracking is a very captivating activity; it involves walking in the wilderness in search of these great apes. It can be a challenging activity, therefore ensure physical fitness.

It is paramount to know that the Uganda wildlife authority requires you to have a tracking permit; Booking for all gorilla permits in Bwindi and Mgahinga is done at UWA Headquarters in Kampala. Advance permits are available as early as two years.

Another great encounter is the Chimpanzee tracking. The way they feed, climb trees, respond to humans and the care they show for their young ones, is just phenomenal. Kibale national park, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison falls national park are a haven of Chimpz. I know the fact that Chimpz are 'cousins to humans' is not a new tale to you. For the more adventurers, you can be part of the habituation team that goes in the morning to study the behavior of this primate in order to make them get used to human beings.

Adventure Travel Crew
African safari Desk
Natural Track Safaris

Kenya safari, beyond expectations

2008-10-27T02:48:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Anne Nicholson and Richard James

Kenya is a country that many refer to as 'the real Africa'. The cradle of mankind, the home of diverse ethnicity, contrasts and awesome history, all have also been used to refer to Kenya. No matter your interest, pursuance and motivation, Kenya will have uncountable offers which will turn your expectations to nothing less than a lifetime experience.

One of our last Kenya safari visitors from Liverpool was very impressed when he saw the Crying stones of Maragoli near the famous Kakamega forest – the only remnant of equatorial rain forests in Kenya. On reaching the airport to take his flight back home, the visitor who for the sake of his fame in Europe I will not disclose said "Kenya is a whole world in one country…." He waved and left … the last words I had were, "I will come back with my business partner soon… see you then"

For many decades now, many people from every scope of life worldwide have gained massive interest in Kenya. Key personalities have made their name to appear in the Guinness book of record, won Nobel prizes while others have featured in global headlines by setting foot to explore this 'paradise'.

Last week Richard James and Anne Nicholson were in their first time safari in Kenya. Amazingly, what they thought of Africa before then was totally different from the kind of Africa they saw in Kenya. From delicious international cuisines to attractions, beautiful sceneries, wildlife, amazingly hospitable people, beautiful cities and towns e.t.c, all depicted untold African safari experience. Anne and James had a chance to have lunch at the famous carnivore restaurant – a world re-known joint for all selection of game meat and uncountable international and African delicacies. I might not tell the experience better than Anne and James, but I know even to them, words cannot explain this life time experience.

It would not be a sheer tribute if I say "Whoever goes to Kenya has a legacy and an inimitable myriad story to tell" but at least I have Anne and Richard as witnesses among many many others. Many have experienced these African safari dreams, while others only hear

On another arena....
Kenya now boast of world class national parks, well improved infrastructures and hospitable communities, following massive developments that are in place in line with Kenya's vision 2030. If you have been to Kenya recently, you will bare me witness that the roads have greatly improved, Nairobi – the capital has even become better and electricity is reaching even the very rural places. The only issue however is most of the new roads don’t have road signs (ha ha ha!), hope they will be in place soon the roads are complete with carpeting.

News flash......

A funnier thing is that, Kenya is now home to the oldest pupil in the world, the man by name Kimani Maruge. Maruge has entered the Guinness book of records after joining elementary (primary) school class one at the age of 78 years. He comes from Eldoret a few miles from Cherangani hills and Iten where most of the Kenya's world best athletes come from and where most go for high attitude training.

Jambo! na Kwaheri!

Adventure Travel Crew

African safari desk

Natural Track Safaris

African Elephants … the amazing encounters

2008-10-07T23:03:00.000-07:00

(A tale from African safari experiences)

Elephants are the most interesting animals in the world in addition to them being the largest animal living on dry land today. Having grown up in Africa, I have had enormous scenarios and amazing encounters with African elephants, but my desire for more and more encounters is voracious. Today I will tell you untold stories and incredible encounters with elephants in Africa and off course some implausible facts. Join me…..

In one African experience, we were sited around a campfire in one of my safaris in Kenya that worked out so well. The night was characterized by clear skies, lions roar and hyenas human like laughter. The night jars whistled and bats flapped their wings as they hovered in the air. The story of Ahmed - the Kenya's most famous Elephant was being aired by our guide as everyone nodded in awe. We all wished it didn't end, but our joy was we would visit Marsabit national reserve in a few days time.

The day we rose up in Marsabit national reserve was awesome. The reserve is characterized by forested mountains which rise like an oasis in what otherwise would be a desert boondocks. Although the reserve is home to some of the largest elephants in Kenya, it is only Ahmed who enjoyed twenty four hour surveillance from presidential order. Ahmed was preserved and now stands a national monument, displayed at the Nairobi national museums in Kenya. He died at the age of fifty five.

One of the other spectacles in Marsabit national reserve is the crater lakes. Despite being surrounded by a vast abscond wilderness; the beauty of these lakes is far ahead moving imagination. The reserve has three crater lakes which provide habitat to a variety of birdlife. One of the three – called lake paradise is the most scenic and famous from the early films and writings of Martin Johnson and Vivien de Wattville.

Of even amusing stature is the Tsavo national park. This magnificent wildlife thrilled paradise lies on the southern east Kenya, just a few hours drive to the famous, sun-baked white-sanded beaches of the Kenyan coast. Tsavo was crowned home to man eaters' mane less lion in early 1900 to 1920. The lions killed countless Asians, Africans and Europeans who by then worked on the construction of Kenya Uganda railway.

Tsavo is also known to have been theatre of the greatest elephant slaughter in Kenya, all in the name of poaching for ivory. As a result, the elephants developed a wretched tendency towards human being. When they saw vehicles or hear the sounds of running engines, they would run away and hide in he think bushes. That was in the 60s and 70s. However, this has now stopped and the new generation is more calm and human friendly. If you get to Tsavo you will be amazed to see 'brown' elephants. This is as a result of brown mad bathes they take from the pools of water in park.

As I conclude let me share with you what I consider to be the most amazing facts about the elephants, an animal that ranks high on any visitors African safari itinerary; Elephants stomp when they walk and sleep standing up while baby elephants sometimes lie down to sleep. Elephants bathe. Sometimes they spray dirt on themselves or bathe in mud to get the parasites off. Elephants weigh about 10,000 pounds. It would take 250 students to add up to 10,000 pounds. They cool off by fanning their ears. This cools the blood in their ears and that blood goes to the rest of their body and cools off the elephant.

Only grown up ladies and their babies live in the herds, the bull elephants leave the herd when they are 12 years old. They fight with their tusks and they eat grass and bark of trees. The longest recorded fight between two elephants was recorded at 10 hours and 56 minutes.

During the wet season they eat things low to the ground while during the dry season they use their trunk to gather food from trees and bushes. They suck up water into their trunks and shoot it into their mouths. Elephants need lots of room to roam and eat. They can reach 24mph for short distances.

The elephant heart weights about 22kg and circulates about 450 liters of blood. Inner "cleaning" is performed by a 77kg liver. To drink its 11 litres of water at a time, the elephant uses its trunk which weighs about 113kgs while its 12kg tongue helps in swallowing.

The approximately 250kg food eaten every day passes through 18m of intestines which is eventually processed into about 100kg of elephant dung per day. Elephants only digest about 40% of what they eat, and therefore, they need to spend two-thirds of every day eating. They 'release' 2000 litres per day.

A skin of an elephants can weighs 450-750 kg, while the tail as heavy as 11kgs. It is estimated that an area of fifty square kilometers is filled with particular elephant "call" in infrasound. This might increase to about three hundred square kilometers at dusk due to lower temperatures. An elephant's gestation (conception to birth) is 23 months.

An elephant’s eyes are very small in relation to its head. The eye contains very few photoreceptors and they cannot see very well further than a few hundred feet. However, this never hinders their speed, for instance a herd ambles at about 4 miles per hour and can charge at more than 25 miles per hour. It's important to note that Elephants cannot run or jump however; they walk very fast and climb. Elephants can swim considerable distances. In deep water they hold their trunks above the water like periscopes.

An elephant’s trunk is the most versatile of all mammalian creations being used as a nose, arm, hand and multipurpose tool. It is powerful enough to kill a lion with a single swipe, yet the finger-like lobes at the end are proficient enough to pluck a feather from the ground. The trunk is boneless, and is composed of an estimated 40 000 muscles. The tusks are elongated upper incisor teeth, which grow continuously throughout the elephant’s life. They are not always an exact match, as this depends on which side they favor much like left and right-handed humans.

An elephant’s ears are covered with lots of veins, which form distinct and unique patterns adept enough to identify individuals - much like human fingerprints. Elephant's ears are packed with blood vessels, and when flapped, they quickly lower the animal’s body temperature. This swiftly circulating blood is cooled by about 15 degrees Fahrenheit while in the elephant’s ear.

In Africa, the elephants are called Jumbos and in Kenya, you can't afford to miss the tale of 'Ahmed', the celebrity of all elephant to have ever lived on earth. Visit Kenya today and learn how Ahmed became a national monument.

Adventure Travel Crew
African Safari desk
Natural Track Safaris

Camping safari .... a perfect choice

2008-10-03T02:13:00.000-07:00

(As told by Lior and Kristine)

Africa and Kenya in particular has earned a remarkable share in the world of safaris. Safari is a Swahili word meaning travel and Kenya boasts the pioneer-ship of safaris in the world.

Safaris are packaged in diverse ways in Africa, but it is in Kenya where African safaris trace their roots of origin. Although safaris have gone through a massive revolution, the authenticity of safaris in Kenya has remained unscathed for decades. One of the incredible revolutions that Kenya safaris have experienced is the camping safari.

Lior and Kristine had a lifetime experience camping in Kenya. The couple had a whole eight days exploring the magnificent beauty of Kenya. Setting foot in Kenya, they proceed to the famous Maasai Mara. The breathtaking plains spotted with ever green shrubs and scattered acacia, swarm the greatest global spectacle – the wildebeest migration. Mara gained its esteem from the Big cat dairy featured at BBC and lots of other innumerable documentaries and photographic events, but it is the migration that saw Mara rise to one of the seventh wonder of the world.

From Mara, they proceed to Lake Nakuru national park where the picturesque flamingo birds turn the skies pink. Known as a the bird watchers paradise, the park has turned out to be a tale of success in conserving two endangered ungulates – the Black and white rhinos and the Rothschild giraffes. Kristine and Lior had fun! fun!! fun!!! photographing and viewing wildlife, birds and sceneries at close proximity.

Conversely, their paramount incident was the trekking day. We got to Menengai crater in time and all set; we started trekking up the crater. As we went up we could see the horizons interspersed with hills and trees. The sky was clear and the morning sun kept the moist dew glowing.

After a successful hike to the top of the crater, we proceed to Hells gate national park. Here, the trek takes place in a gorge. The gorge is perceived to resemble the 'tunnels of hell' due their seemingly endless facades. To reach the central tower photo site, we had to pass two rock barriers. The first one is slippery and around 2.5 meters high and the other one is around 12 feet. After a great courage, Kristine climbed and we all managed to reach the photo site. It was incredibly rewarding for Lior and Kristine especially the photos bearing the central tower backdrop.

Although I didn’t accompany Lior and Kristine to Samburu national reserve, I heard acknowledgment of their immense experience there. Samburu is a reserve comparable to none in Kenya. It is in Samburu where you will find the grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe and the gerenuk gazelle. Lior and Kristine camped near the famous Ewaso nyiro river rich with Hippos and African crocodiles.

Lior and Kristine are now in Uganda, but they still hold to it that their camping safari in Kenya was indeed a perfect choice. Thanks to Elizabeth of Natural Track Safaris who did all within her reach to ensure Lior and Kristine camping in Kenya was a success. Kudos! Peter, the driver guide …that was a job well done.

Natural Track Safaris has received testimonials world over for arranging unique and precise African safaris tailor made to suit all safari needs. Nonetheless camping safari through natural track has proved itself way above any other in Kenya.

Next time, you can be the one reading about your safari in our articles just like Lior and Kristine.

Kwaheri ya kuonana!

Adventure Travel Crew
African Safari desk
Natural Track Safaris

Snow in Rift Valley... is it another Wonder in Kenya?

2008-09-06T00:31:00.000-07:00

The Tuesday evening of 2^nd September 2008 will be carried down in the history of Kenya meteorology. The Great Rift Valley formed the jumbo theatre of what residents of Gakingi village will keep to remember for decades. What started as a usual evening downpour, suddenly turned out to be a real climatic reversal……

Hailstones, snowballs, ice crystals, snow, sleet, solid rain…… name them, were the terms used to describe this dramatic event which brought almost all Kenya into a situate tranquil. And, on Wed 3^rd all was in the headlines ‘snow in Nyahururu!’ the region has now become a unique attraction for short-timed tours in Kenya for the residents.

Kenya has for long time been habituated to a tropical weather conditions therefore, the Nyahururu ‘snow fall’ on Tuesday evening would easily be mistaken to a start of ‘Kenya Alps’. The snow covered an area of almost 200 hectares with a depth of 10 inches.

Excited residents of Gakingi had their pleasurable affair as they played with the snow that struck their village after an evening downpour. Whatever title used to refer to this event was of miniature significance to them - all what they know is that it was ‘Mbarafu’ (snow) and Kenya sasa ni kama ulaya (Kenya is like abroad) like to say "Kenya has not been locked out by mother nature"

Nyahururu is located in the eastern warp of the Great Rift Valley. It is in Nyahururu where the great ancient British explorer Sir. Thomson with his German counterpart Sir. Fischer’s discovered the Nyahururu water fall in early 90s. The water fall was later named after Thomson 'Thomson's fall' and it forms a pleasant stop over for many safaris in Kenya. Fischer’s on the other hand was rewarded in Naivasha where a tall rocky outcrop in Hells gate national park was named after him.

Although many theories have come up from a diversity of sources explaining what could be the most possible cause of this ‘snow fall’, effects of global warming should be given a priority. What happened in Nyahururu on Tuesday should not be taken lightly. The event shows how evident the effects of global warming have become significantly unpredictable and perilous. The whole world should take the Nyahururu event as a case study of how unpredictable the magnitudes of global warming effects are.

Adventure Travel Crew

African safari Desk

Natural Track Safaris

Best moments: Czech meets Kenya at Elsamere

2008-09-04T00:56:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how history carries its lure beyond human indulgence. It works like magic, thriving all the emotions, perceptions and feelings beyond imagination. It also fosters culture and brings strong bonds even among the most diverse ethnicities. It is this history that made Tomas Mareth and party from Czech Republic feel part and parcel of Kenya. History made it easy for them to feel 'at home away from home'. In Kenya they got the history magic …...

Tomas Mareth and party were in their long anticipated African safari. The safari was to take eleven days on tour in Kenya and then reach its best moments in the white sand sun-baked beaches of the Kenyan coast.

The first activity was climbing Mount Kenya. This saw them ascend the premier peak of the equator also famous as – the only snow capped point on the equator - that is according to early explorer Dr. Ludwig Krapf. Sirimon route was the best for them and on the fourth day, they enjoyed the fantastic view of sunrise at Lenana.

The journey to the peak requires an adventurers' heart. From the gate you pass through the rain forest where some trees are unimaginably huge from where you traverse the mangrove forest before reaching 'Old Moses' camp. The second day is even more tasking and involving. 'Think of hiking a distance of 22 kilometers having to pass through rough terrains, boggy soil, and crossing rivers and 'swamps'. All this happen at an attitude above 3000 meters above sea level. It might sound tiresome and involving, but amazingly, the whole journey turns out to be very interesting and rewarding

Unlike 'Cocacola' (Marangu) route in Kilimanjaro where one walks on gradually outlined paths, Sirimon route takes you through great valleys and rocky outcrops. Among the valleys is Makinda, the longest valley in Mt. Kenya which finds its source slightly below the three peaks (Batian, Nelion and Lenana)

When Mareth learnt about Joy Adamson history and how close they were from the jungles in which the famous born free documentary was filmed he was very impressed. He consulted with the group and enquired whether it was possible to have them pass by Joy and George Adamson's museum. "Yes! It's possible". I said.

When the day came to start their African safari, all the arrangements were in order and now it was confirmed by Peter the driver guide that they would pass through Elsa-mere where the Museum is located.

All this time, I had not known why Mareth and the party were so much interested in visiting any trace of Joy Adamson until I learnt it later at the airport …..

Joy Adamson was born in Troppau, Silesia, Austria-Hungary (now Opava Czech Republic – the home country of Tomas and party). She was born Friederike Victoria Gessner as the second of the three daughters (Traute, her and Dorle) of Victor and Traute Gessner who later divorced while she was still a young girl.

Joy married three times in a span of ten years after her first love affair left her heartbroken. She got the name 'Joy' as a nickname from botanist Peter Bally who she got married to as the second husband after World War II making it her first marriage in Africa.

Joy met her third husband George Adamson while on a Kenya safari and they made a home in Kenya. It is while with George that she (Joy) did what turned to be a global legacy.

Tomas told me that in 'Opava', there still stand a house where Joy spent her childhood with her grandma' who she called 'Oma'.

At Elsa mere, Tomas and Party came live with what two decades ago formed a normal lifestyle of Joy Adamson in Africa.

Adventure Travel Crew

Natural Track Safaris

African safaris