BEST of KENYA photo safari TRIP REPORT Nov 2016
Posted by Wild4 Photo Safaris on 30th Nov 2016
The November "Best of Kenya" photo safari always produces a lot of excellent photo opportunities and experiences, and this years trip was no different. The rains were late this year and Samburu and the Mara were quite dry compared with last years trip.
Samburu was our first destination and some of the special highlights were the Lions (including 2 males with their unusual short manes), a beautiful young male Leopard with a Waterbuck kill, a female Cheetah with 2 cubs, excellent Elephants, the unusual Gerenuk, Grevy's Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Martial Eagles, Reticulated Giraffe, a Palmnut Vulture and the beautiful Rosy-breasted Bushshrike.
On our way out of Samburu we were treated to a very clear view of Mount Kenya which is usually covered in thick cloud.
Our next stop was Lake Nakuru where we got to spend a good amount of time near the edge of the lake photographing a group of Flamingos and many other waterbirds. Five White Rhinos were also close by. African Buffalo were plentiful and we photographed a large group of Rothschild Giraffes in the open with the Yellow Bark Acacias in the background.
Our final destination was the Maasai Mara where we spent time on both sides of the river.
The Mara never dissapoints and we had an unbelievable amount of special sightings which included Lions chasing a Hippo, a Leopard with two small cubs, one of which had the most amazing blue eyes ! We saw Musiara, the female Cheetah with her 3 large cubs. A Lioness with a fresh warthog kill that was trying to run away from the pride male who was determined to steal her food (and did manage to do so in the end) We had a very special sighting of a Lioness carrying a very small cub in her mouth. We saw Malaika the female Cheetah with her two small cubs. We even got to see a river crossing which is unusual for November in the Mara, but there were still 1000's of Wildebeest around the lookout hill area and we had a unique river crossing where two groups on different sides of the river decided to cross at the same time. A Lion cub entertained us by trying to protect a shoe that he had found and we saw a very serious fight between two dominant male Giraffes.
There were many other great photo opportunities and mother nature really spolied us on this trip.
Many thanks to all the lodge staff for looking after us so well, and a special thanks must go to our excellent driver guides, Silas, Julius and Mamai who worked tirelessly to get us into the best positions for great photos.
Thank you also to the participants on the trip, Mark, Jeff, Ed, Diane, Rita and Murray, it was a great pleaure having you on the team for this safari and we are very much looking forward to the next one.
Please enjoy a selection of photos from the trip.
Best wishes
Stu
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Our 14 days with Wild4 Safaris will always be remembered as the best learning experience we have ever embarked on. Not only for the improvement in photographic skills and knowledge, but also the animal behavioural knowledge that we gained. We were totally immersed in the world of wildlife photography in the best place in the world with one of the best pro photographers around. Stu genuinely enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for wildlife and photography. More than a holiday, it was an unbelievably rewarding learning experience and has taken our skill level up significantly.
Stu and his team were able to help us learn about our equipment and coach us to apply these new skills quickly. Their sharing of knowledge, expertise in photography, and being able to read wildlife behaviour along with the excellent booklet (which became Marie's bible) are world class. This ensured we got to places that others didn't and that we were always in the best position to shoot. We also booked the extension and were most impressed with the "behind the scenes" access we gained at each Reserve. Stu didn't disappoint and was able to put together some memorable opportunities for us to get many excellent shots.
The whole package was first class, from the pick up at Nelspruit, accommodation, food and day trips, to the people (now friends) who we met on the trip. This is one of those bucket list adventures that we will be doing again with WILD4.
John and Marie, AUSTRALIA
I wanted to write this while the trip is still fresh in my mind. This was my first trip to Africa and I did as much online research into photo specific safaris as I could. I was not disappointed with choosing Wild 4. Throughout the trip Stu answered the countless questions as if there wasn't a stupid one in the bunch (and there were many) his knowledge of the wildlife is nothing short of amazing, I can't think of a single bird, mammal or reptile that he couldn't identify and give us some background on. Not to mention his uncanny ability to spot wildlife while moving. Our rangers and accommodations in Ngala and Mala Mala were first rate. While in the Kruger proper, John and Anne took exceptional care us. I would not hesitate to book another trip with Stu. Patrick
Patrick Flora, USA
Wonderful shots Stu, can’t wait to join you next year! Have a great Christmas holiday, cheers Becky
Becky Bolen - December 01st, 2016 at 5:45am
Wow Stu, fantastic images. Wish I’d been there. Lovely to know that Murray and Rita were there. Hope to join you again sometime
Lesley Middleton - December 01st, 2016 at 10:03am
Stu,
Once again, an amazing collection of images and an incredible draw for me to return. I’m going to win the lottery tomorrow, so I’ll be booking a place real soon. Fantastic to see the images of all your trips, keep them coming my friend.
Del Hunter - December 01st, 2016 at 10:47am
Excellent!! I can’t wait until next November!! What a nice assortment of wildlife, and you did a great job with the camera, as per usual. I’m counting the days already. Will talk soon. Jim
Jim Betz - December 01st, 2016 at 10:58am
Looks like another fantastic trip. Reminds me of the wife and I doing that trip in 2015. We had a great time.
Michael Anderson - December 01st, 2016 at 12:27pm
Superb, as usual, Stu! Brings back beautiful memories…
Andrew Oliver - December 01st, 2016 at 6:35pm
Hi Stu awesome photos can’ wait for our trip next year . Hope all is well with you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and we will see you soon jody & Peter
Jody Fitzgerald - December 01st, 2016 at 7:03pm
Great collection of images Stu. Glad you got a chance to shoot the superman and a great shot that was ! Especially love the sunset.
Sue Green - December 02nd, 2016 at 1:21am
Looks fabulous. Really looking forward to joining you in Tanzania in February.
Sharon Thorp - December 02nd, 2016 at 6:11pm
Superb as usual
I would like to see settings as you previously did
You are great
Ulhas Mayekar - December 04th, 2016 at 7:44pm
A great trip with a fantastic group of people, no sooner had we imagined the next outrageous sighting or photography opportunity , there it was. Be it sightings of big cats in magnificent condition , or the immense stupidity of Wildebeest , not a single game drive was ever without something new. Just how do you propose to top that next time Mr Porter?
Mark Youngman - December 07th, 2016 at 9:46am