We set out early this morning, and our first encounter on the game drive was with a group of hyenas returning from a night hunt. One hyena stood out, its teeth stained with blood and its head and neck smeared in fresh blood—clear evidence of a recent kill. While we didn’t witness the kill itself, it couldn’t have been far from where we came across the hyenas.
A lioness gracefully moves through the golden light of the morning sun, her sleek form blending with the tall grass on the open savanna. The air is crisp and clear, and the sun shines brightly, setting the stage for what feels like the perfect day for a game drive across the vast, open vistas of the Maasai Mara grasslands.
Chyulu Hills is a mountain range in Makueni County, southeastern Kenya, adjacent to Tsavo West Park. The hills/moutains are made up of several hundred small volcanic lava flows and cones that formed 1.4 million years ago. These volcanoes are still considered active, with the last two eruptions (Shaitani and Chainu) occurring in 1856. The rainfall in the Chyulu Hills feeds the Tsavo and Galana rivers, as well as the Mzima Springs. This image depicts the mountain rage on a clear and sunny afternoon.
A hyena trots along an old wheel track as dawn breaks, its is set against the morning’s golden hues with the expansive savanna as a serene backdrop. The first thing we see when we get to the Mara River is a small herd of hyenas coming back from their nighttime hunt. I take out my long-lens camera and record this image of one of the returning hyenas. The picture reflects the peace of the early morning.
Coming down the Naro Moru Route on mt kenya on a serene morning with the warm sun just peking over the ridge of mt Kenya. As we started very early we are already on our way to reach the lush moorlands further down the mountain. In this image you can see the towering presence of the central peaks. If you are considering climbing Mt Kenya the Naro Moru Route provides the easiest access to the southern side of the central peaks.
“The gerenuk antelope is a striking animal, characterized by its large eyes, ears, and long neck. Well-adapted for feeding on high shrubs and trees, it can stand on its hind legs, allowing it to reach fresh sprouts and leaves that are beyond the reach of other gazelles. The gerenuk we spotted is a juvenile, with small, two small horns that give it a devilish appearance.”
“Massive columns of wildebeests, sometimes stretching tens of kilometers, are a breathtaking feature of the African grass plains. At times, these migration columns extend as far as the eye can see, an impressive sight to experience.”
“A less-than-glamorous image of a female lion, her face marked by a litany of battle scars—perhaps the result of clashes with other lions or the struggle to subdue prey. A myriad of flies hovers around her, attempting to draw moisture from her eyes.”
One of the most gratifying ascents of Mount Kenya is the Chogoria Route, which offers unmatched vistas of the surrounding peaks and stunning surroundings. The magnificent peaks are always visible as you ascend, inspiring you continuously.
The Chogoria Route does not have overnight cottages like other routes do. Thus, for a comfortable stay, a strong tent and a warm sleeping bag are necessary. Be ready for the cold because temperatures might drop significantly, particularly the night before climbing Lenana Peak.
The breathtaking view of Mount Kenya’s summits from the slopes that descend to Lake Michaelson is captured in this photograph.
Many predators are most active during the cooler hours of dawn and dusk, and throughout the night. This strategy often leads to better hunting success. Prey animals are more vulnerable in low-light conditions, while midday heat can hinder a predator’s ability to hunt effectively. The bright midday sun also offers prey animals greater visibility to detect predators. During the midday hours, predators often seek shade and rest near the edges of the savanna woodlands.
“A beautiful snapshot of the Wildebeest grazing in the tall, yellow grass, their forms slightly obscured by the hazy afternoon light. The scattered acacia trees complete the beautiful image of the wild African savanna.”
Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa, is a popular destination for mountaineers. The mountain features several routes that vary in difficulty, including the Sirimon route, the Naro Moru route, and the Chogoria route. Here is a general overview of how to climb Mount Kenya:
Like any mountain climbing expedition, climbing Mount Kenya requires careful preparation. You’ll need appropriate clothing and gear, such as hiking boots, warm clothing, rain gear, hats, gloves, and sunglasses. Other essentials include a good quality backpack, sleeping bag, headlamp, and hiking poles. Also, remember to bring enough water and high-energy food. Check the weather forecast before you leave, and make sure you’re physically fit and properly acclimated to the high altitude.
The three main routes to climb Mount Kenya are Sirimon, Naro Moru, and Chogoria. Sirimon is the easiest and most gradual ascent, making it suitable for beginners. Naro Moru is the quickest route to Point Lenana but quite steep, making it more difficult. Chogoria is the most scenic route.
Acclimatization is key to a successful climb. Take your time and do not rush the ascent. The general rule is to “climb high, sleep low,” meaning you can ascend a higher altitude during the day and come back down to sleep. This helps your body get used to the lower levels of oxygen at higher altitudes. I hope that gives a quick view of what is needed to climb Mount Kenya.
Leopard baby sitting on a heap of wood debris that was deposited by the a recent flood/heavy rainfall. It is gathering courage, preparing to take the plunge and swim the last ten meters over to its mother on the other side of the river bank
This is a portrait of an impala. You’ll often find impalas in arid scrublands or in the transitional zones between woodlands and open savannas. These graceful animals are a favored prey of cheetahs and leopards. However, they are not easy to catch! Impalas are incredibly fast and can leap up to 3 meters high during a chase, often confusing their pursuers.
Out in its natural environment a Black-backed jackal trotting around scanning the landscape for possible prey. This fast and efficient hunter can bring down prey larger than itself, relying on its exceptional eyesight, large ears, and sensitive nose to locate and target its next meal.
A mother leopard patiently waits for her cub to cross the river in the late afternoon. This was a difficult shot, as the darkening skies meant that I had to use long shutter speeds and a very long lens to capture this image. It turned out splendid, a warm image from the Maasai Mara.
