2019 – Page 8 – Moonlion Safaris

Swan Lake: A Fascinating Performance at Lake Oloiden

Published on March 16, 2019 by Rupi MangatLeave a comment

Above: Great white pelicans herding fish for breakfast. Copyright Rupi Mangat

Replace the swan with pelicans because in Africa we have pelicans and not swans. We’re sailing on Lake Oloiden that’s changes dramatically every so often that it keeps everyone guessing – what next? Salty or fresh?

We’ve woken up to a spectacular performance by the pelicans – that is the Great white pelicans – performing a ballet that’s captivating. On a blue lake, flotillas of the great white birds synchronize their dive in the water, upturning their white butts like a ballerina’s tutu while their enormous yellow bills vanish in the water to swallow the fish they have herded below. It’s spectacular.

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African Twilight

Published on March 8, 2019March 6, 2019 by Rupi MangatLeave a comment

The Vanishing Rituals and Ceremonies of the African Continent

Above: African Heritage House bathed in morning light. Copyright Maya Mangat

Published: The Star newspaper, Kenya – 2 March 2019

“It’s my dream to set up a pan-African centre where artists from all over Africa can come and see the creativity from all parts of Africa,” said Joseph Murumbi, Kenya’s first foreign minister and second vice president.

at 2 (800x605) (800x605) — African Twilight images – Courtesy Alan Donovan

He never lived to see his dream for his house that had one of the most extensive and valuable collections of all things African, was allowed to fall in ruin after he sold it to the government on condition that it would be turned into the Murumbi Institute of African Studies. Murumbi died shortly after that in 1990 when he saw his once cherished house and indigenous garden in Muthaiga, Nairobi bulldozed away. Continue reading “African Twilight” →

Lion Count: A Weekend in Nairobi National Park to Log Lions

Published on March 2, 2019February 23, 2019 by Rupi Mangat4 Comments

Above: Grey crowned cranes in Nairobi National Park February 2019. Copyright Rupi Mangat

Published: 2 March 2019

The Nairobi sky was red-hot before sunrise as we made it to the gates of Nairobi National Park…and l got to say this again with pride – Nairobi’s first national park established in 1946 and the only park in a city that is home to free-ranging wild animals like the big cats – lions, leopards and of recent, a cheetah spotted after decades. It’s 117 square kilometres.

Hippos in Nairobi National Park February 2019. Copyright Rupi Mangat (800x450) — Hippos in Nairobi National Park February 2019. Copyright Rupi Mangat

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Mara in Motion

Published on February 22, 2019January 1, 2024 by Rupi Mangat2 Comments

Above: Elusive leopard in Mara early morning. Copyright Maya Mangat

Published: 23 February 2019

The view is dramatic view of the great Mara from the heights of Siria Escarpment of the big game country.

Maasai Mara Jan 2019 Copyright Rupi Mangat 2 (800x450) — Maasai Mara plains from Siria Escarpment. Jan 2019 Copyright Rupi Mangat

A few miles from Mara’s Oloololo gate, dots appear. It’s a trio of elephants in the midday heat at a mud hole splashing themselves with muddy water. The muddy water is a great sunscreen and a body mask – every one’s concerned about their looks.

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The Illegal Trade in African Grey Parrots

Published on February 20, 2019 by Rupi MangatLeave a comment

It’s a cruel online trade, global and killing the lovable talking parrot

Above: African Grey Parrot. Courtesy World Animal Protection

Published: The East African 16 February – 22 February 2019

When a flock of African Grey Parrots flew overhead in Kakamega Rainforest on a recent trip to western Kenya, we were elated. In their natural forested home, the birds vanished into the canopy. It was split-second but fascinating.

To then see the African grey parrot caged like a prisoner – or any other wild creature – is sickening to the core. I have never understood people who keep exotic pets in cages instead of leaving them in their natural homes. I would love to cage these people and feed them with treats. Maybe then they would value freedom.

African Grey Parrot -Psittacus erithacus timneh-, adult on tree, native to Central Africa and West Africa, captive — African Grey Parrot -Psittacus erithacus timneh-, adult on tree, native to Central Africa and West Africa. Copyright: World Animal Protection

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