Conservancies Safari October 2020

[MartinDT]

I’ve just come back from a 10 day safari to Kenya last week. This was my 3rd safari to the region in as many years and it certainly won’t be my last as I’m totally on board with the Conservancy concept and I believe this model of human and wildlife co-existence is the way forward for wildlife conservation in Africa.

It was a stunningly rewarding trip in many ways. The Maasai people, who are true custodians of the region’s wildlife, are wonderful people and I enjoy their company every time I visit. Even more so on this trip as I was the only guest in camp for four out of my 10 nights. It may have been the ultimate exclusive privilege for me but I was acutely aware that this meant economic hardship for the staff and their families who benefit directly from our tourist dollars. If you feel you can possibly bring your safari plans forward then I would urge you to do so whilst obviously making your own decisions regarding your medical wellbeing.

I visited Porini Mara, Porini Lion and Offbeat Mara North. The standard of these camps are very similar with very good food and luxurious tented accommodation including the all essential bucket shower. Guiding is of the highest standard and wildlife sightings were phenomenal throughout with the big bonus being that one always gets up close to the action.

[MMMim]

Thank you for sharing Martin, it looks wonderful.  Was the picture of the little scops owl taken near the dining tent at Mara camp?  I have a picture exactly like that  Also wondering who was your guide at Mara and Lion camp?  Glad you had a great trip, I am missing the conservancies right now and know how difficult it is for the locals that depend on the tourism there.  I would love to drop everything and go right now, but my "Maasai Son" tells me that Covid is increasing again rapidly in the country, like everywhere else in the world right now, and it looks like things will be shut down again.  Take care and stay safe.

[wilddog]

Oh you are back. Glad you had a good time....and what lovely TR with good sightings.

 

I too love the conservancies but sadly cannot travel now. 

I am sure the camp staff treated you like royalty. It must be hard for them all. 

 

 

[MartinDT]

That little owl must love that spot MMMim as yes, he was still sitting there! Geoffrey in Mara and Jackson in Lion were my superbly capable guides.

I obviously just got in during a small window of opportunity. For a start if I had to start my holiday now I couldn't as leaving Wales now is not allowed because of our 3 week lockdown. I was lucky indeed.

Yes Wilddog, I got the best treatment ever and judging by my sightings even the animals did their best. Hope you'll be able to travel again as soon as conditions are better.

[kilopascal]

Love the lion posed on the tree! 

[michael-ibk]

Great introductory photos, really looking forward to this report!

[ElenaH]

@MartinDT, very nice photographs. amazing sightings! Hopefully, we'll see more ;-)

[MartinDT]

Hi Elena, glad you and others like my photos. Here are a few more.

 

        

[shazdwn]

Wow some amazing sightings - we are still locked in here in Australia but I am hoping that my Jan 2022 trip to Kenya will still happen.