On Safari in Kenya

It’s hard for me to describe my time on safari in Kenya, and why - nearly a month after returning - I still find myself daydreaming about my time there.

Seeing nature in all it’s raw beauty is a gift and, for me, there were many things that made my week so special…

the stillness of the savannah; the roar of lions; the days that seem to last forever but also fly by; the smiling and joyful Maasia who call this place home; the sound of rain hitting the safari jeep windows; the smell of grass; the laughter of friends around the dinner table; the playfulness of lion cubs and baby elephants; the improbability of a giraffe; the birth of a topi; the steely look of a leopard; being awoken by the (sometimes very loud) nocturnal sounds of animals in close proximity to our tent; the parade of a lion pride as they strolled right by my jeep; the spectacular skies at sunset.

Similar to my safari three years ago, I spent a week in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy of the Maasai Mara in Kenya and traveled with a photography group. Once again, we stayed at the lovely Porini Lion Camp and the glamorous Mahali Mzuri Safari Camp. The trip was everything I had remembered and more: two games drives per day, amazing wildlife sightings thanks to the skilled and lovely Maasai safari guides, and wonderful meals with old and new friends, including an over the top bush breakfast put together by the folks at Mahali Mzuri.

Unlike the weather in January 2017 (when Kenya was in a national state of emergency due to drought conditions), this year the country had been experiencing rain for weeks. The muddy terrain made for some rather interesting game drives, full of cautionary “hold on” instructions from the jeep drivers. We were tossed around and bounced about, but we didn’t care - we were in Kenya :-)

The fields were awash with grass so high and green that all the animals were extremely healthy and happy. And so, instead of just worrying about getting food, they were able to socialize and have some fun. ⁣We saw plenty of animals frolicking and playing, and lots of babies. I was constantly enthralled by the interactions between the animals, seeing how they cared for each other brought tears to my eyes more than once.

It was all pure magic. After seven days, I left with 6,500+ images and a heart full of moments I won’t soon forget.⁣⁣

The slideshow below is filled with a few dozen of my favorite images. I hope you enjoy them.

Thank you Kenya - you were extraordinary. I can’t wait to return next year!!

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