Jambo sana,

First of all I would like to mention that I have run every scheduled safari this year as I felt it was safe to do so. I can also say with pride that no one cancelled and, do you know what? - we had the parks all to ourselves.

 Recent Events

If you read my earlier Newsletters you will remember that I was of the opinion that the problems here were mainly tribal and events have shown that to be the case. The largest tribe, the Kikuyus, are the majority group in the Internally Displaced Camps but this is a situation I do not see continuing as law and order returns to the rural areas. I think it is worth pointing out that the Kikuyus are the hardest working people who have settled all over Kenya and therefore took the brunt of the incidents. Recent events have shown that they are now reacting to the earlier situations which caught them off guard; they are fully prepared to show their strength and are not prepared to accept a repeat of the earlier clashes, and this will be a stabilising influence.

The differences are tribal and go back many years. The successful, the hard working are paying for those who have not prospered but believe that their right to own land is a historical one. I do believe there is a will for all to work together and to accept that everyone is entitled to own land wherever they wish and my experience out and about confirms this willingness at grass roots, to return to the values of yesterday.

No tourists or expats have been involved, and the fact that we do not safari anywhere near the troubled areas and are as far as one can be from them, makes it extremely safe to safari with me.

How has it affected the safaris? Well, as Mike said in his letter, the parks are empty of tourists and for the 3 months after Christmas we had the them virtually all to ourselves. Would you believe that we hardly saw a vehicle in Samburu from one day to the next? - that is truly unique. I honestly believe that this will continue throughout the summer which is great for you but not for the people here as we need all the support we can muster to generate and provide employment. I did see a Channel 4 documentary the other day blaming population growth with 50% of the population under 15 years, a frightening statistic, but a good reason to try to persuade you to come and support the people of Kenya.

I hope I have not harped on to much , but I do think it is important to set the record straight as the media have failed to report the situation accurately. Kenya has come a very long way in the last 5 years improving the well being of everyone.

Well, lets return to the bush and leave the politics to others who know best or should that be like everywhere else in the world and the politicians fail miserably!

 Safari News

The Ewaso Nyiro river in Samburu was as dry as it could be with animals desperate for water on the earlier safaris and yet by mid March it was full to overflowing with water cascading so fast that huge waves of at least 3 feet where heard well before they were seen. Who said it never rains in Samburu! By mid march the long rains had arrived well ahead of schedule but nevertheless a welcome respite particularly up in Samburu where for a whole week there was no dust. Mind you there was no one but us to enjoy it.

In January we saw huge herds of elephants down on the dry river bed digging for water, a task that took them hours. We would spend hours parked up watching the river bed activities - elephants digging , being pushed away by the larger girls, the youngsters trying to get down on their hands and knees to drink, still unable to use their trunks. The charging, the fighting and the loud trumpeting was all absorbing. Yes our drives into camp at lunch were held up by the elephants in the camp glade blocking the route in but with a little negotiation we were never too late in – well, not often!   With the rain and river full by mid March it was a very different story with elephants enjoying the water and huge herds all bathing together.

The Mara and Samburu as well as Laikipia camps all enjoyed leopard activity, especially the Mara where a young female would enter most nights to lie up within sight of the mess tent. Her partner, a young but mature male, was seen on at least 3 occasions just outside camp or on the road in. One evening at last light as we drove through the trees to the camp we saw a lioness disappearing. She was followed by our young leopard half an hour later, seen by the crew of the water truck as they drove into camp.

The Mara was, as usual, very rewarding and more exciting than normal. Some evenings there would be huge rain and thunderstorms. The tracks were awash and the Talek River in low box was a sit-down hold-on jobbie!! The cat activity was fantastic and it was lovely spending time with Honey’s three young male cubs. Honey was Kiki’s daughter who sadly died as a result of a KWS vet’s error when one of the cubs was ill. The great story is that they have survived and remain together.

The birds were just fantastic wherever we went and a number of firsts were enjoyed, Schalow’s Turaco,  huge flocks of White Storks, fighting and displaying Kori Bustards, long tailed Widow birds in big flocks just to name a few. The raptors have been many including migrating Harriers, Falcons and Kestrels.

Please come while the parks are still empty - you will enjoy them even more.  I believe the Mara has the ingredients for a fantastic migration and we need your support to provide for the many people who depend on our income.

Please do not hesitate to contact me

Kwa heri,

Brian

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