Warthog family foraging for food in the dry bush.

Warthog family foraging for food in the dry bush.

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While on safari, you’re likely to encounter warthogs in a variety of habitats and climates. Contrary to popular belief, these tough creatures are a challenging target for predators. They are incredibly fast runners and when threatened, will quickly retreat to their burrows. Any predator foolish enough to follow them inside will be met with a ferocious defense, thanks to their sharp tusks and powerful jaws.

Here’s a small family, with three piglets, foraging for food in the dry bush.

Nairobi as a backdrop

Nairobi Park

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Nairobi National Park is truly worth a visit. Just a short drive from the city, you can spot lions, rhinos, and a wide variety of herbivores. For a great day out, pack a lunch and enjoy one of the park’s picnic spots. In the picture above, a small group of zebras with a young foal grazing against the backdrop of the Nairobi skyline shimmering in the heat.

Lion and lioness in Masaai Mara

Lion and lioness in Masaai Mara

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This stunning image captures a young lion and lioness amidst the grass plains of the Maasai Mara on a bright day. The vastness of the savanna grasslands is truly breathtaking. Notice how easily the lions disappear into the tall grasses – a illustration of their natural camouflage. This makes it incredibly difficult for grazing herbivores like wildebeest and zebras to spot these predators, giving the lions a significant advantage during a quick hunt.

Tsavo and Kamboyo

Dramatic sky in Tsavo West

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Sometimes you get lucky and capture a great picture without even trying. This happened to me during a stay at Kamboyo. I went for a walk after an early dinner, and the clouds parted dramatically, revealing the last rays of the setting sun. In the background you can see Chyulu Hills.

Elephants-Samburu

Elephants and Ewaso Ng’iro River.

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The Samburu Reserve offers a striking contrast between its arid landscape and the life-giving Ewaso Ng’iro River. The riverbanks teem with lush vegetation, creating a vibrant oasis against the backdrop of the dry, unforgiving terrain just a few hundred meters away. In this image, elephants find nourishment and respite along the fertile riverbanks.

Elephants in the moonlight

Elephants at Kamboyo house

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Returning from a long game drive, the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in deepening hues of twilight. As our vehicle slowly ascended the hill towards Kamboyo house, our stay for the night, a breathtaking scene unfolded. A family of elephants, bathed in the blue light of the rising moon, loitered around the waterhole, their bodies casting long shadows in the dusk. The long exposure lends a slight blur to the image, but it perfectly captures the serene atmosphere of that moment.

Rusty-spotted genet in Samburu

Rusty-spotted genet in Samburu

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While Rusty-spotted genets are elusive creatures, a patient observer might be rewarded with a glimpse of these small, nocturnal predators while sitting quietly in the African savanna at night. Their striking markings and lithe movements make them a truly captivating sight.

Mara river migration

Great column of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara river

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The wildebeest and zebra, driven by their instinct to survive and find better grazing opportunities, embark on a treacherous journey across the vast savannas of East Africa. Each year, these magnificent creatures cover hundreds of kilometers, migrating between different ecosystems. Hungry predators lurk at every corner, eager to seize an opportunity for a meal. But perhaps the most perilous part of their journey is the crossing of crocodile-infested rivers. This awe-inspiring phenomenon, known as the Great Migration, is a real privilege to watch.

Tsavo West Kilauni

Kilaguni water hole

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Under dark skies, elephants gather at the Kilaguni water hole, their silhouettes stark against the dry landscape. Tsavo West, known for its arid conditions, forces animals to embark on long journeys to reach these precious water sources. Dawn, dusk, and the cool night hours bring a broad selection of wildlife to these oases.

Wildebeest and calf

Wildebeest mother and her young calf

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The wildebeest is a remarkably resilient creature. Despite common misconceptions, they are far from easy prey for the savanna’s predators. Their robust physique and powerful build make them a formidable challenge, requiring significant effort for any carnivore to bring them down.

This image captures a tender moment between a wildebeest mother and her young calf, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the African savanna.

Dik-dik Tsavo

The tiny Dik-dik gazelle

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The dik-dik is a diminutive gazelle commonly spotted on safaris in regions like Tsavo National Park. Unlike many other gazelle species that congregate in herds, dik-diks typically live in monogamous pairs. Their large eyes are an adaptation to their vulnerable size, allowing them to detect predators lurking in their environment.

Ramisi river crocodile

Crocodiles hunting and living in salt water

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Here we are in the mangrove forests of the Ramisi area. You’ll often find crocodiles lurking at the water’s edge where the mangroves meet the open sea. These crocodiles have adapted to the saline conditions and readily venture out from the Ramisi River to the edge of the open ocean to hunt.

Masaiai homestead Kilimanjaro

Maasai homestead with the slopes of Kilimanjaro in the background

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The Maasai people have a rich tradition of constructing their homesteads, known as enkangs, using readily available natural materials. These distinctive dwellings are built from a framework of branches and saplings, plastered with a mixture of mud and cow dung, which acts as a natural sealant and insulator. The enkang’s circular design, topped with a conical roof, reflects a deep connection to their environment. The roof’s open apex serves a practical purpose, allowing smoke from cooking fires to vent freely. Within the enkang, the earthen floor provides a cool surface underfoot, while minimal furnishings emphasize the communal nature of Maasai life.

Protecting the Maasai’s valuable livestock, a sturdy kraal encircles the enkang. Constructed from thorny acacia branches, this living fence effectively deters predators, safeguarding the cattle during the night.

Sunset Il Ngwesi Lodge

Sunset at Il Ngwesi Lodge

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Il Ngwesi Lodge is nestled within the breathtaking Il Ngwesi Community Trust, bordering the renowned Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Built with locally sourced materials, the lodge seamlessly blends into the surrounding landscape, offering a truly immersive experience. This secluded retreat provides unparalleled privacy, especially when rented exclusively. Far removed from bustling crowds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to witness the authentic Maasai way of life by venturing into one of the nearby traditional villages.

Hells Gate road

Hells Gate Kenya

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Bicycling through Hell’s Gate National Park offered stunning views of the dramatic rock formations, diverse wildlife, and spectacular terrain. I paused to capture the beauty of the towering cliffs, the winding road, and the vibrant sky. It was a truly unforgettable day exploring the park by bike with my family.

Buffalo Tsavo West

Buffalo in drought hit Tsavo West

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Under the relentless sun of a drought-stricken Tsavo West, a resilient buffalo emerges from the shimmering heat haze. Driven by thirst, it has likely journeyed for hours to reach this precious watering hole. In a final burst of energy, the buffalo charges the last hundred meters, hooves pounding the parched earth. A cloud of red dust billows in its wake, a dramatic testament to survival in this arid landscape.

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