Kenya Safari: Lake Naivasha

30th - 2nd June 2012

A trip of a lifetime and one that I will never forget.  This was my first experience of meeting some of the planet's most revered animals.

Africa is a huge continent and there are plenty of destinations to choose from but Kenya is a one that has been well explored, and set-up for mass tourism.  I admit feeling ambivalent at times particularly when charging around this sensitive and globally-important verdant landscape in a mini-van, in pursuit of the next prized mammalian target.

At least my aim to shoot these wonderful creatures was with a camera and not a gun.  It is a most spectacular place.

Here are a selection of the many photos taken on the 8 day trip taken in May 2012.

Camp Carnelley's was my base for the first part of the trip located on the foreshore of Lake Naivasha.  

The grounds were full of birds including superb starling, lilac-breasted roller, and this wonderful red-chested cuckoo.

Listen to it's call here (from xeno canto).

I have no idea how I managed this

Lake Naivasha was where I had my first taste of the mind-blowing Kenyan wildlife. It was safe to wander around the local area and take in the daily routines of the villagers.

A Pied Kingfisher and groups of Yellow-billed Stork fished patiently by the shore of the lake.

Keen to emerse myself in the country's wildlife, I embarked on a one-day cycling safari with a local guide.  Feeling the country through the warmth of the air while observing every passing bird or animal was an amazing experience.  Seeing these mammals for the first time was just incredible and the stuff of dreams.

Small groups of marabou stork sat on the dead trees that lined the smooth tarmac road that routed through the village.

Having a bike allowed the ease of stopping and starting at any moment.  There was so much to see with Giraffe and Zebra present on both sides of the road.

One thing that surprised me was the varied landscape with dry rivers, rocky outcrops, and lush woodland providing a mosaic of habitat for the rich abundance of wildlife here.

These white-fronted bee-eater were occupying a dead tree off the rugged path.

The shoreline of Lake Naivasha was a Flamingofest.  Thousands of greater flamingo had gathered along the saline lake.  It was a spectacular sight.

There were a number of trails that could be safely navigated not too far from the base at Lake Naivasha.  One was a reasonably demanding trek along the Oloonongot nature trail, the warmth of the sun providing obvious challenges.  There were wonderful views to be had along the way.