Thanks, mlgb!
Yes, the leopards were magnificent. I was told they are very elusive. My first glimpse lasted about a half second. So I was extra thrilled to get such good views of them.

Photos are magazine worthy. And that hot air balloon ride a gorgeous sight indeed.

Thanks for taking the time to post. There are not that many posts on Africa but I think your outstanding trip report might encourage others to do the same.

Thank you so much for sharing your trip report and your photos! You are a magnificent photographer. It brought a smile to my face to see the wonderful leopard photos. I went to Kenya late July this year and was lucky enough to have witnessed the migration. Wish you had been there to coach me on taking photos of the herd. Looking forward to your next trip report, wherever that may be!

<Volunteering to photo 2,500 cats? That’s a person who is meant for good things. I love cats and can’t imagine living without one. No wonder you got such good shots of those cheetahs. They knew you were one of them.>

TPAYT and lakeflyer: Thanks SO much for the generous comments about my photos.

TPAYT. It's probably now closer to 3,000 cat photos, but that's over a four-year period. I've fostered 39 neonatal (bottle-baby) kittens for the humane society and I care for 12 homeless cats. But my dream since I was 8 years old was to see the big cats in their natural habitat. I never dreamed I would get so close.

OMIGOSH Songdoc! Your trip report is gloriously full of so much helpful information for 1st time safari goers while allowing us repeat customers to relive some memories.
Your photos are spectacular and the big cats definitely came out to welcome you!
So when are you going back??

KathBC: Thank you SO much for those kind comments!

When am I going back? Probably not until I have enough FF miles to book another Q-Suite--which might never happen because COVID pretty much ended my business travel. I'm too old (and spoiled) for 16-hour nonstops in coach!

Thank you for all the photos and the terrific report!

Leely2: Thanks SO much for the kind comment!

You did really well songdoc! Your big cat photos are wonderful and I’m glad you saw just about everything Kenya has to offer!! Thank you for whetting my appetite to return…it was fun to travel vicariously through your trip report!

Just WOW, Songdoc. Your photos grabbed me so completely, I'll need to return and read the words more carefully (although I didn't miss you kind cat activities...bravo!!). Absolutely fabulous TR.

Songdoc, a trip report for the ages and those mesmerizing photos—thank you!

I am practically speechless from your comments. It's truly overwhelming. Thank you SO much!!!

Fantastic photos! I am glad you had such a great trip.

Wow! What a trip! Such great photos! Those ELEPHANTS!! ♥♥ And balloons! And cats! I'm happy to see your trip went so well without any issues. You ended your trip in a great spot - the OMC. Who was your guide there?

Thanks so much for those kind comments, KTravel & Sundowner.

Our guide at OMC was Dalton. He--and all of our guides--seemed very attuned to our getting the best photo ops.

Wow doesn’t seem to adequately describe your photos. From all the birds to the cats they are all so very stunning. Glad you got to realize your dream of seeing the cats. Do you have print any for your walls?

Paqngo: Thank you SOOO much!
I don't have any room on my walls, but I will probably do a Shutterfly coffee table book.

I am so grateful for the super kind comments. I never imagined I would get so close to those magnificent animals or that they would pose for me so perfectly!!! It was truly amazing.

So the burning question is, are you planning the next one yet?

amyb: <are you planning the next one yet?>

Not yet. I've got a couple of bucket list trips I want to check off before I repeat any. But I doubt anything will exceed the Safari.

Thanks Songdoc;
Terrific report and pictures.

Wow! You took a balloon ride!!..

I see you went in September ( I think) , did you get to see the migration across the Masia River. ?

Great Report.