Two opportunities for wildlife photography over the past couple of months: The first, a day spent in the nearby Nairobi National Park with a friend and fellow photographer. We had some close encounters with both Rhino and Lions that morning. The second, a longer trip to Samburu/Buffalo Springs conservancies in Northern Kenya. We were on a hunt for Leopards, and we were not disappointed. The first was rather surprisingly just inside the conservancy gate, in the middle of the day. Very unusual, but perhaps being a young leopard could excuse the odd behavior. The second, more typical, required some hunting along a creek valley. Following a local guide is always a good idea. After locating this female, we spent the next few hours just watching and waiting. The reward came just as it was getting just on the edge of enough light when she disappeared for a few moments and returned to show off her cub. The oryx, lion cub, and beautiful landscapes were a bonus.
I've just returned to Nairobi from two months in Ontario, Canada. The theme of the trip seem to revolve around water - not surprising perhaps given the predominance of lakes, rivers, streams, ponds and swamps in Eastern Ontario. Quite a bit of time was spent paddling. Two areas are featured in this small selection of images. The Skootamatta river runs through the beautiful rugged country of the Kawarthas in the vicinity of Kaladar and Tweed. With the recent spring rains, the river was running very high, which made canoeing and kayaking a challenge - particularly moving up river. The Rideau Canal paddle was a continuation of a trip undertaken a few years ago. This time I and a friend canoed from Kingston Mills up through the system of lakes, rivers and canals to Rideau ferry over the course of 4 days, camping at the lock stations along the way. I think this stretch is the most beautiful of the canal - which ends at Ottawa - with the forested granite hills of the Frontenac Axis forming a fantastic backdrop to the clear waters of the lakes and rivers.
Quite a few photos have been collecting in my 'to post' list. The following include some wildlife and landscape photographs from safaris to Amboseli National Park and Meru National Park plus a few from a weekend out along the edge of the Great Rift Valley new Ngong and a weekend hike up Ole Satima in the Aberdare Mountain Range. Also in this posting are some of this school year's commissioned pieces for Rosslyn Academy.
While still unable to travel out of Kenya to either of my families home countries due to COVID travel restrictions, it was nice to spend another long holiday season in Kenya. With international visitors to Kenya still quite low, there are lots of opportunities for those of us who live here to experience some of the magical places in the country with fewer crowds and cheaper prices than usual. A few weeks ago I spent a few days in Ol Pejeta Conservancy in the Laikipia region with my family. Here are a few of the take-aways I thought worth sharing.
Well...! The past 4 months have certainly been unprecedented - at least in my lifetime so far. We are still smack in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and while various countries and regions around the world are getting infection rates under control, many others are still struggling. Kenya is still waiting for its 'peak' but we can be thankful that the Government efforts have been sufficient to keep the infection rates, and more important, the mortality rates low compared to many countries. Nairobi was locked down for April, May and June, with travel around the country opening back up in July. During lock-down I took the advice of a fellow photog and dusted off my Macro lens for some creative outlet around the beautiful school campus on which I'm lucky to live. After the lock-down was lifted, many people took advantage of the lack of international tourists in the country, and some lower than normal prices, to get out to some of the beautiful places in Kenya. I enjoyed a few days with my family and some friends down in the Mara Conservancy, followed by a few more days camping with some other friends in the very hot desert of Lake Magadi. Here are a few images from both of those adventures.
It's been a very slow few months since my last post. Photographically, most of my work has been for clients, and I haven't had much opportunity to do much for myself. Chalk that up to inertia or laziness on my part I suppose. I had a chance to get away last week to a beautiful lake-side conservation area on Lake Naivasha - Sanctuary Farm. It was a much needed break from the constant media noise regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, Kenya has so far been mildly affected, but that may change in the near future. It was nice to be out in an environment with the animals who are oblivious to human worries and to immerse myself in their world, even for a short time. Lots of animals! And some (hippos) too close for comfort. Nothing raises the heart rate like being surrounded by hippos when sleeping in a hammock. Anyway, here are some images of some of the less worrisome denizens of this acacia woodland. To walk among them is a humbling experience.
