November 2020

Mount Kenya, near Lake Michaelson

Trekking down Mt Kenya following the outflow from Lake Michaelson

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Looking back at the platue where Lake Michaelson is placed, in the background the peaks are visible and the waterfall behind Lake Michaelson can also be gleamed on the escarpment. Mount Kenya is a trekkers paradise. The slopes are covered in a thick layer of scree, which makes for an easy descent, and the views of the surrounding countryside are simply stunning. This mornings hike begins at the outlet of Lake Michaelson, where the river cascades down the mountain in a series of spectacular waterfalls. The trekking route follows the river downstream, winding through dense forest and past hidden valleys. The Going-Down-Hill River eventually leads to the moorlands below, where hikers can find respite from the sun in the shadow of Mount Kenya’s icy peaks.

Chania Falls 2

The spectacular Chania Falls in the Aberdares

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Driving up to the moorlands in the Aberdares park you get a chance to see some of the fantastic waterfalls that the park has to offer. Chania Falls is one of them. The Aberdares are a mountain range in central Kenya that run for about 200 km. They form a natural barrier between the highlands and the Rift Valley. The Aberdares are an important water catchment area and are well known for their spectacular Chania Falls. The falls cascade down a sheer cliff face for over 50 m and are one of the most impressive sights in Kenya.

Kilimanjaro flying to Nairobi

Mount Kilimanjaro view from a small Cessna Caravan flying to Nairobi

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Flying back from Ukunda airstrip at the coast and we suddenly have a clear view of Kilimanjaro to the left. The ice fields are clearly visible and reminds me of the climbing experience on the mountain itself. The small Cessna Caravan airplane ascends steadily through the clouds, revealing a view of Mount Kilimanjaro. As the airplane gains altitude, the snow-capped mountain comes into view, its peak piercing the sky. The vast landscape stretches out below, with forests, rivers, and plains visible in every direction. The flight to Nairobi is a scenic one, offering passengers a glimpse of some of Africa’s most beautiful landscapes.

Looking down on lake Michaelson Mount Kenya

Trekking down to Lake Michaelson from Point Lenana Mt. Kenya

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On a very pretty and bright morning we are peeking through the cliff opening revealing the beautiful Lake Michaelson. Mount Kenya is a magical place to climb and trek. Mt Kenya is East Africa’s tallest mountain and straddles the equator. Trekking to the summit of Mt Kenya, at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet), is a challenge that rewards climbers with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The mountain has two main peaks: Lenana, at 4,985 meters (16,355 feet), and Nelion, at 5,188 meters (17,021 feet).
Lake Michaelson lies in a glacial valley on the east side of Mt Kenya and is a beautiful sight shimmering in the sun. It’s a popular destination for hikers and can be reached from the Naro Moru or Chogoria routes. The ascent to Lenana takes about four days while the descent to Chogoria takes two days.

Evening in Masai Mara Leopard

Leopard roaming around the river banks near it’s den

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The sun slowly setting over the horizon and we have just spotted a leopard roaming around the scrubs and bushes near one of the rivers in the Masai Mara game reserve. In the late afternoon, the sun is setting and a leopard can be seen roaming around the river banks. This leopard is a mother with her baby. She is hunting for food and trying to provide for her cubs. The leopard is agile and quick, able to navigate through the dense vegetation with ease. She moves along the riverbank, scanning the area for prey. Her baby stays close by, watching and learning from its mother.

The cliffs of Hells Gate

Hells Gate view of the rock formations surrounding the park

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The park’s namesake, Hells Gate, is a narrow gorge that bisects the park. The gorge was formed by the power of water over time erosion. The park is well known for its many rock formations. The most famous formation in the park is the Tower of Babel. The rocks are a popular destination for hikers and climbers.
The views from the top of the rocks are stunning and provide a glimpse into the natural beauty of Kenya.

Two Cheetahs on the grass plains

Two young cheetahs on the open grass plains in the Masai Mara

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The sun has barely peeked over the horizon, but two young cheetahs are already on the lookout. They have been up for hours, scouting the area for any prey that might be moving during the morning hours. The light is still warm and they take advantage of every moment to move around and get a better view of their surroundings.
They are out on their own and they are eager to prove themselves as competent hunters. The grasslands of Masai Mara in Kenya are a bountiful place for them to hunt and maybe they will bring dow a kill.