Samburu (06-08/09/2011)

Doogs that is so sad to read how bad it is in Samburu. I too feel sorry for the guides but it really shows how tough it is for the animals. It brought a lump to my throat to read about the two lionesses, especially as there were cubs to feed as well, it's never nice seeing thin animals, I hope they are ok.
I can understand why you don't want to return, from a safari point of view, it's not worth the money but I wonder what would happen if everyone decided not to return, what would the guides do and would there be an impact on the animals? thats not a guilt trip, just a thought about how samburu would alter more. The elements have a lot to answer for don't they, there is either flooding or drought in Africa but it is nice to get a true picture of what is happening there at the moment so i'm glad you posted the information.

Loving the photo's especially the mother and baby Impala

littlewid-x-

What a shame it was so quiet after all that traveling Doogs. Thats a long way to go, and expensive, for so little to see.
The Photos are great Doogs not to small at all, but I'm not sure what an Impapa is never heard of one of those Love the Giraffe
WS

Oh My Goodness, those are all wonderful Doogs. All those girraffes together wandering off is lovely, it's a kind of cherio picture
Baby ele is so very sweet, he looks as if he is having a scratch or possibly going to fall over, he's an absolute darling and I really like the ele foot picture, thats the kind of picture that could be framed and hung up for all to see

littlewid-x-

Love those shots Doogs. That really is a fantastic, shot of the Giraffes. Hope you wer'nt to close to that foot
Ahhh I knew what an Impala was, it was the ImpaPa that had me confused
WS

Bless him Doogs, he really is just so adorable. I love elephants, the big ones for their magestic being and family unity and the little ones for the fun they have. I understand about the lack of animals, if I was going on safari I would want to see all kinds of wildlife, not just one or two species, even though I adore ele's. It's a huge amount of money to spend but as you say, hopefully the eles and giraffe will keep them going and nature does have a way of bouncing back and maybe if the place is quiter for a while, it will give it a chance to recover in peace. Fingers crossed it does.
On the other hand, I know it was your money but the report does show the real truth as it is now, it's like a news report that puts it all in perspective. If you are not there you have the impression that all is well and the animals are in abundance, so it is good to get the truth, even though it was at yours and Ians expense.
littlewid-x-

We actually had a really funny incident with a young male ele. I must confess they are the only animal I feel wary of on safari, the cats don't bother me in the slightest but the ele's can make you feel a bit nervous at times 'cause of their size and the damage you know they could inflict so easily. Of course the guides are so well trained, they know any signs of an ele being agressive and will move if need be so there really is no need to worry but you just can't help it, you do !

We had a young adolescent male who thought he was being tough by trumpeting at us and playfully charging. If we moved the jeep he would come running after us, loud trumpeting but as soon as we stopped the jeep - he stopped and came no closer ! He made us all and on this occasion you could see he wasn't being angry he was just trying to show how grown up he was, but he wasn't

Yes it was at our expense that we found out what Samburu is like at the moment but I'm glad we went back as we'd have always been wondering. I really do hope and pray that in time the wildlife does recover at this lovely place

Lovely pictures there Doogs, my favourite is the little baby ele:D

So sad to hear how dry it is. It must be so tough for all the animals. Really upset me to read what you said. Really funny story about the young male ele though. Cute

Lovely photos Doogs and devastating to hear how bad things were where you were. The drought really has taken it's toll and no signs of rain at all. I won't say more until I post my photos but Sarara fortunately has a waterhole so hence an abundance of eles, dik dik, lesser kudu and the rest.

Lai Pai