Safari Stories

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

Published on 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 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

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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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Exciting Climb: Lirhanda Hill in Kakamega Rainforest

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It’s a split-second flight and l miss the brilliant scarlet of the Great blue turaco that wears the tag ‘only found in Kakamega Rainforest’. The fact the l hear it is okay because l take solace that these stunning birds are still around.

Great Blue Turaco window pane at Rondo Retreat - copyright Maya Mangat for 23 Feb 2019 (800x450)
Great Blue Turaco window pane at Rondo Retreat – copyright Maya Mangat

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A Collection From the Old Days at Kitale Museum

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Above: The dinosaur at Kitale Museum. Copyright Rupi Mangat

Published: 9 February 2019

The Maasai of old called it Ol Doinyo Ilgoon which morphed into Mount Elgon that frames the town of Kitale. By a stretch of imagination, the Maasai saw its shape as that of a woman’s breast.

Mount Elgon from Kitale Copyright Rupi Mangat for one time use only - 9 Feb 2019 article on Kitale Museum (800x450)
Mount Elgon from Kitale. Copyright Rupi Mangat

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