Off-season in the Masai Mara - The fabulous Mara Plains Camp in the OMC.

[madaboutcheetah]

The Loita wing of the migration marching out of the woodland....... It really was chalk and cheese comparison of plains game between the reserve and in the conservancy.

[madaboutcheetah]

The Kicheche plains right in front of the Kicheche camp was the most productive area for viewing during my stay - Spectacular (guess what - their camp closed end of March for the rainy season) .........

[madaboutcheetah]

Roughly a 20-25 minute drive from Mara Plains camp is this area around the Kicheche plains...... I'm guessing the area is productive now as it has all that woodland right around the plains; not to forget the hills where the animals retreat to. Also, they now have a new access road going up one of the hills and the area is stunning - scenery and game viewing. It is a bumpy road though!!!

[madaboutcheetah]

Hey, I count too!!!

[madaboutcheetah]

I bet the balloon ride got their off-season bonus with the Loita herds around ..........

[madaboutcheetah]

One of the Monico pride members marching through the plains.....

[madaboutcheetah]

Lady in the savannah ......

[twaffle]

Lovely photo essay

[madaboutcheetah]

Thanks, Twaffle

 

Would you believe it .......... side by side, a big male cheetah walks through the Loita herds out of the woodlands. As anyone can guess, I ditched those Monico Lions to see this guy

[madaboutcheetah]

I'm never done with getting images of Cheetahs marking their territory (or getting up on termite mounds) ......... never tires me!

 

Right now, what are the dominant coalition of cheetah in the Mara in different areas? Any idea?

[madaboutcheetah]

He's a big boy! (side note - In Botswana I often hear from guides ......... Oh! Lions are in this area, no cheetahs around for sure) ......... What was fascinating around the Loita herds, we had 4 cheetahs(including Amani and cub) and the Monico Lions in a very small space........... WOW

[madaboutcheetah]

That's him in his habitat .......... If he didn't pop out of that woodland, we would never have known to find him there!

[madaboutcheetah]

No surprises today!!! ........ "We are watching you"

[madaboutcheetah]

Amani and Cub

[madaboutcheetah]

Can't get enough of them!!! Followers of the Big Cats of the Mara, will know that Amani is the daughter of Shaba. Here she is now with what we hope will be another superstar in the making!

[madaboutcheetah]

I don't know why; but, I totally dig this image .......... One that I really love from this recent safari!

[madaboutcheetah]

More Amani and cub......

[madaboutcheetah]

And more Amani and cub.......

[madaboutcheetah]

When I grow up, I'm going to pose for your cameras like mom!!!

[madaboutcheetah]

Why do you need to find a boring Leopard when I can do this?

[madaboutcheetah]

Let's not forget Malaika ....... Squeeze in one more Portrait of her

[madaboutcheetah]

Malaika at last light ........ Can you believe she (most likely) made a kill shortly after I left her ............... She was full bellied the next morning when we found her and the blood on her face looked all dried up. Had waited the entire day out and left with the impression that she wasn't going to make it happen after dusk what with the Double Crossing pride sleeping not far away!

[madaboutcheetah]

"You give me a chance, I can pose too"!!!

[madaboutcheetah]

"Everybody dance now!!!" ....... Party time in the Mara.

[madaboutcheetah]

I found Topis to be fascinating subjects; with this male Marching through the plains........