africa – Page 5 – Moonlion Safaris

Nestled in Naivasha

Published on March 24, 2018 by Rupi Mangat2 Comments

Published: Saturday magazine, Nation newspaper 24 March 2018

Above: Hippos ashore. Copyright Rupi Mangat

It’s late returning to Nairobi from upcountry. We find a campsite to spend the night on the fringes of the freshwater Lake Naivasha, the highest of the Great Rift Valley lakes in Kenya. There’s just enough daylight for a walk around the papyrus-lined shore with the hippos honking, preparing to come ashore to dine for the night.

The papyrus ruffles in the evening breeze. It is an amazing plant. Ancient Egyptians used it to make their scrolls that today show their ancient past. In terms of eco-services, the papyrus is home to wildlife like fish, birds and hippos. The green plant also stabilizes water levels and moderates temperatures around lakes and rivers. Yet today there’s less than 10 per cent around Lake Naivasha.

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The Story of Gedi

Published on March 17, 2018 by Rupi MangatLeave a comment

Published: Saturday Magazine, Nation newspaper 17 March 2018

Above: The Palace in Gedi Copyright Rupi Mangat

In the eventide, a skein of white wings glide over the blue of Watamu Bay to settle on the huge jagged Hemingway rock. Curious, l zoom in on the birds that appear as dots with the naked eye, l get my shots and send them to the birders.

IMG_4536 (800x600) — Grey Plovers (Pluvialis squatarola) that breed in the Arctic Circle at Watamu bay February 2018 – flying in to breed here after a flight of 7000 km Copyright Rupi Mangat

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Restaurant at Hemingways with life size caste models of deep-sea fish and aquarium with coral fish. Copyright Rupi Mangat

Tides of Hemingways

Published on February 24, 2018January 1, 2024 by Rupi MangatLeave a comment

Above: Restaurant at Hemingways with life size caste models of deep-sea fish and aquarium with coral fish. Copyright Rupi Mangat

Published: 24 February 2018 Saturday magazine, Nation newspaper

What’s in Watamu?

Whales and snakes, ocean and forest, creeks and sultanates and endless beautiful days.

Magnificent Sailfish at Hemingways bar - life size caste model of the deep-sea fish Copyright Rupi Mangat — Magnificent Sailfish at Hemingways bar – life size caste model of the deep-sea fish Copyright Rupi Mangat

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Paragliders on Elgeyo Marakwet escarpment getting ready to take off. Copyright Rupi Mangat

Paragliding on the Escarpment of Elgeyo-Marakwet

Published on February 17, 2018 by Rupi Mangat1 Comment

Above: Paragliders on Elgeyo Marakwet escarpment getting ready to take off.
Copyright Rupi Mangat

Published: Saturday magazine, Nation newspaper 17 February 2018

The sun appears from the eastern sky over the Tugen Hills with the valley straddled between it and the Elgeyo-Marakwet escarpment. A strong wind brews and a group of paragliders ready themselves for the skies.

Paraglider on Elgeyo Marakwet escarpment getting ready to take off. Copyright Rupi Mangat

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Cheploge Gorge - site of daring drives in Kerio Valley between Elgeyo Marakwet and Tugen hills. Copyright Rupi Mangat

Dare-devil divers of Cheploge Gorge

Published on February 10, 2018January 1, 2024 by Rupi Mangat1 Comment

Daring divers at Cheploge Gorge preparing for dives. Copyright Rupi Mangat

Published Saturday Magazine, Nation newspaper 10 February 2018

A narrow gorge slits the earth below the smooth black road surrounded by the massifs of the Elgeyo-Marakwet that winds its way up to Iten the home of champions who have dominated the stage of world-class runners.

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