Being marine biologists who work much of the time at sea, we felt it was time to spend a bit of time watching wildlife on land again. Having made self-drive safaris to Kenya before, we decided that this time we wanted to see one of the most dramatic spectacles in the natural world - the great migration in the Masai Mara.
Besides the Mara, we also visited the drought-stricken Meru National Park, where we had the most amazing cheetah encounters; beautiful Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserve with its friendly elephants; Lake Nakuru and Tsavo East, home of the red elephants. Being supporters of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for some years now, we decided to also visit their Ithumba Release Station in northern Tsavo East, which was a very special place to get to know and it was an unforgettable experience mingling with the orphaned elephants large and small!
For a detailed report of our safari, including several hundreds of photos, please visit our website:
http://www.wildscope.com/travel-reports/Kenya-2011-photo-report/
Self-drive safari in Kenya - September 2011
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What a great trip you had! I am so envious: 30 days in Kenya.
I am headed back to Ithumba this June. Your photos have got me all revved up.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your report and beautiful photos! I loved your accounts of driving the Mombasa Hwy, attempting to pay your park fees and your last crazy day in Tsavo. Brought back many fond memories of Ithumba too.
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Last evening, I made myself a cup of tea, climbed into bed with my laptop, and spent three hours reading every word of your entertaining diary. It was a most enjoyable read. As a fellow self-driver, I was fascinated by the account of your travels. Your photos are amazing - you enjoyed some wonderful sightings. We completed a self-drive through Kenya and Tanzania in 2009, and are returning in July/August. Your photos and accompanying text made me look forward to it even more than I already am. Thank you for sharing your photos and story - they were most entertaining. Robin
Thank you all for your very positive comments on our trip report!
@ Leely2: Wow, what would I give to go with you to Ithumba in June! Instead, we'll be exploring the rainforest of northern South America. Please say hello to all the elephants for us!
@ Patty: It's amazing how it is impossible to forget Ithumba, isn't it? We can't wait to go back again.
@ canadian_robin: We are very glad you liked the report. I've devoured all of yours (this way killing many boring hours on a ship!) and I'm certainly looking forward to reading about your next Kenyan adventure! Safe journey!
These are great shots just gorgeous.
What an outstanding adventure you had! I am very interested in the cheetah activity in Meru, very encouraging. Nice photos as well of the cheetah and the lesser kudu that was not cheetah prey.
Loved you Ithumba account. Yours, along with Patty's and Leely's upcoming trip are inspirations to visit that inspirational place.
You have a beautiful album of photos. Thanks for posting.
We are glad you like the report and the photos.
Ithumba is truly an amazing place and it is the experience of a lifetime to be able to mingle with all the elephants. It certainly is highly recommended! Maybe next time you can include it in your itinerary?!
What a wonderful site you have and what a wonderful trip. We went to South Africa and Botswana last year and I am just dying to go to Masai Mara or Serengeti. However, my husband is ready to see mummies. We are still 'discussing' it though and since I'm the 'family travel agent' hummmm.... LOL
Thanks for a wonderful report.