Tag: Count Teleki

Mathew’s Range: A little-known mountain range with one of the least disturbed forests in north Kenya makes for exciting long term research in forest dynamics

Published on by Rupi MangatLeave a comment

Above: Dry lower slopes of Mathews Range

From the archives: 6 September 2013

Published: in The East African Nation newspaper

Part 1 of 3

September 1887. Count Teleki and Captain Ludwig von Hoehnel left Ngong near what is today Nairobi to trek across northern Kenya in search of a huge lake. The local Samburu called it Empasso Narok (the black lake), Teleki renamed it Lake Rudolf in honour of his friend the Austrian prince and in independent Kenya, it became known as Lake Turkana after the people who live around it.

On Mathews Range between dry lower slope and the high forest- copyright rupi mangat
On Mathews Range between dry lower slope and the high forest- copyright Rupi Mangat.

Enroute, Teleki diverted to Lake Baringo while Hoehnel went in search of another lake called Lorian. He didn’t find the lake but instead came across a mountain range the local Samburu called Ol-doinyo Lenkiyieu. As for Lake Lorian he learned from the hunter-gathers called the Wadorobo, there was no lake but a swamp that the Uaso Nyiro River emptied its floodwaters during the rains.

Continue reading “Mathew’s Range: A little-known mountain range with one of the least disturbed forests in north Kenya makes for exciting long term research in forest dynamics” →

The Unique Kitich Camp of Samburu

Published on by Rupi Mangat1 Comment

Above: Kitich Forest Camp – Dinner under the stars with a herd of elephants.

Published: The East African Nation media – FEBRUARY 13 2015

It’s the deep-throated growl of the lion that alerts us that he’ around. The sound wafts through the forest night uninterrupted by any other. Seated by the open glade of grass where the river flows, we’re surrounded by silhouettes of the mountain peaks rising 6,000 feet high, visible in the glare of the full moon. Decked in a mesmerizing forest of sky-spiraling trees and endemic cycads that have been here since the time of the dinosaur, l scan the glade beyond for a glimpse of the mighty king of beast. But it’s only his growl that gives him away – and the hidden camera.

Kitich Forest Camp - The island forests of Mathews Range in the semi-arid north Kenyain d
Kitich Forest Camp – The island forests of Mathews Range in the semi-arid north Kenya drylands

Continue reading “The Unique Kitich Camp of Samburu” →