On Safari Again
I have been absent from blogging for much too long. If you have previously followed me, I am sorry. January of 2025 found me on Safari in Kenya, once again. The next few blog entries will be about the experience and things I have learned while on Safari. Hopefully, this will also encourage some of you to go on your own "Bucket List" adventure. So, You are interested in the idea of going on Safari!We’ve all seen the big game drives on television or in the movies. Many of us grew up watching Tarzan and dreaming about that kind of wild Africa. Of course, that world doesn’t really exist anymore - but the animals are still there, even if not in the great herds of 40 or 50 years ago. What remains is still extraordinary, and it’s now up to us to help conserve it and to simply enjoy the sights, sounds, and rhythm of life in the bush. Tourism, when done right, is part of that conservation effort. The dollars that travelers bring help fund anti-poaching patrols, support local communities, and keep the land protected for wildlife. Still, there are challenges. At times, the Maasai Mara can feel overwhelmed by too many vehicles at popular sightings. The Kenya government and conservancies are trying to manage it, but solutions take time. The biggest problem often comes from a few reckless operators - guides who crowd the animals during migration crossings - or from weekend visitors who don’t yet understand how to behave in the bush. Even so, a safari in Kenya remains one of the most magical experiences you can have. Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or with family, there’s nothing quite like watching the sun rise over the savannah and knowing you’re sharing that space with lions, elephants, and giraffes. It’s a privilege - and a reminder of what’s still worth protecting. Nairobi - A good place to start…Most International flights arrive in Nairobi at night, between 2100 and 0100 hours (9:00pm to 1:00am for the Americans reading this). You will need to stay the night in Nairobi before heading for the bush, by either a small bush plane or by Safari Vehicle. However, there are several sights to see in, and around Nairobi so you might want to stay an extra day or two. These are my choices, not necessarily in any order of importance, or interest. They are all spectacular in their own ways.
The Giraffe Centre was established by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (A.F.E.W. Kenya), a Kenyan non-profit organization. Its main mission is to educate Kenyan schoolchildren and youth about their country’s wildlife and environment, while also giving both local and international visitors a rare opportunity to meet the world’s tallest land animal face to face. For more information, visit their website: Giraffe Center
The Nairobi Elephant Orphanage is open to visitors, by appointment only, every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Visitors are invited to book in advance to watch the orphaned elephants enjoy their midday mud bath and milk feeding at the orphanage, which is located within Nairobi National Park. Access for this special hour is strictly by prior booking. For details and reservations, visit their dedicated Nairobi Nursery Visiting Page. I’ve adopted a couple of the orphaned elephants over the past few years, and finally visiting the orphanage in person was something truly special. Watching the young elephants play, splash in the mud, and interact with their caretakers was both heartwarming and humbling - a reminder of how much dedication and compassion goes into saving these remarkable animals. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust does remarkable work protecting and rescuing elephants and other wildlife across Kenya. The young elephants raised at the Nairobi orphanage eventually “graduate” to one of the Trust’s reintegration units, where they learn to live more independently before being returned to the wild. It’s a fascinating and deeply inspiring story of commitment, patience, and compassion. To learn more about their work - or to adopt an orphan of your own - visit their website: Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Nairobi National Park lies just about a 10 km drive from Nairobi’s Central Business District, making it the world’s only wildlife capital. Despite its proximity to the city, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife and bird species, set against spectacular scenic views both within the park and beyond. It’s a popular destination for families, couples, and organized groups. The park is fenced on three sides, while the open southern boundary allows migrating wildlife to move freely between the park and the adjacent Kitengela plains. Nairobi National Park is sometimes called Kifaru Ark, which means “Rhinoceros Sanctuary,” and it stands as one of Kenya’s most successful rhino conservation areas. A game drive in Nairobi National Park is a rewarding introduction to Kenya’s wildlife - a perfect prelude before heading deeper into the bush on your safari. My books on Kenya can be purchased at the following links:
My goal is to publish this Blog post and a Substack post about every two weeks. Stay tuned for more tips and tricks to going on Safari, and photographing some of the worlds greatest wildlife.
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