|
| Dear ATCNews Readers,
Greetings from us all at Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps! |
| As the end of the year approaches, we thought we’d update you with the latest news and scenes from our camps and conservancies in Kenya.
Every day brings spectacular new sights, sounds and experiences for guests at the Porini Safari Camps. This is a quieter time with less tourists, yet there is still an abundance of animals – including lions, leopards, elephants and more. Visitors are enjoying some prime wildlife-watching in the tranquil Conservancies, with no other tourist vehicles spoiling the view. Porini Camp guests are capturing some wonderful images from their daily game-drives and guided walks, such as the following by regular guest Olli Teirila .. |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| Olli also took some fantastic images and video of the wildlife of the Masai Mara from our new Photographic Vehicle which is based at Porini Lion Camp in Olare Motorogi Conservancy. |
|
|
|
| This specially-adapted Toyota Landcruiser has lowered window openings to maximise photography opportunities, and the centre row of seats has been removed allowing increased space for photographers to move to the most advantageous positions.
See the video and find out more: New Photographic Vehicle at Porini Lion Camp … |
|
|
|
| The Big Fight: Giraffes in Ol Pejeta
Guides and guests on a game-drive from Porini Rhino Camp last month witnessed this unusual spectacle of giraffes fighting. Renowned as "gentle giants", giraffes are often docile and graceful, so it is fascinating to see this aggressive behaviour. A giraffe fight usually involves two males wanting dominance over territory or the right to breed. They use their powerful necks to swing their heads (and horns) at the opponent, landing powerful blows. This is termed "necking". Fights have been known to result in deep wounds, broken bones and even death, but more often than not one backs down before any serious injury occurs. Porini Rhino Camp is in Ol Pejeta Conservancy which is famous as a rhino sanctuary – and home to the World’s last two remaining Northern White Rhino – but other residents include the Big Cats and other iconic African species such as zebra, Cape buffalo and giraffe. |
|
|
| Find out more: To view the video and discover more about Ol Pejeta, click here or on the image. |
|
|
| Wildlife Viewing from Rhino River Camp
Last week our Managing Director, Dr Mohanjeet Brar, visited Rhino River Camp – the latest addition to our Porini Safari Camps collection. Rhino River Camp is situated in 80 acres of privately owned wilderness right on the edge of the Meru National Park – a beautiful wilderness which is home to all of the Big Five and much more. The camp is made up of 7 cottages set on raised wooden platforms from where you can watch the gentle flow of the Kindani River. There is a swimming pool, a restaurant area, a well stocked bar and many varied activities. |
|
| Dr Brar paid his respects at the graves of Joy Adamson and Elsa the Lioness. Elsa was orphaned in 1956 at just a few weeks old and was raised by George & Joy Adamson. She was trained to survive on her own and was eventually released into the wild, but died in 1961. Her story is the inspiration for the book and film "Born Free".
Dr Brar’s game-viewing in Meru also rewarded him with sightings of Big Cats as well as these rhino which he has shared on this video. |
|
| Rhino River Camp is ideal to combine with our Porini Camps in Amboseli, Laikipia or the Mara to create an itinerary that makes the most of the wildlife-viewing opportunities by encompassing various landscapes and habitats.
For example, our new Meru & Mara Safari stays 3 nights at Rhino River Camp before flying to the Masai Mara for a further 3 nights at Porini Mara Camp. |
|
| Find out more: Meru & Mara Safari … |
|
|
|
| Wildlife Hide at Porini Rhino Camp
Guests at Porini Rhino Camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy have been enjoying the new wildlife hide which has been carefully placed to enhance wildlife-viewing at the watering hole right in front of camp. The watering hole offers visitors an opportunity to observe the wild animals that come for a drink – and the hide allows guests to get close (safely!) to the animals which can freely stroll into camp. Spending time in a hide can, with a little patience, result in some incredible sightings, as our repeat guest Matt Caldwell found during his recent visit. |
|
|
| Find out more: Wildlife Hide at Porini Rhino Camp … |
|
|
| Porini Safari listed in Kenya’s Top 15 Experiences
Last week the Kenya Tourist Board pronounced one of our Porini Safaris – the "Paka Kubwa Safari" – as one of the 15 best signature experiences in Kenya. Paka Kubwa means "Big Cat" in Swahili and this eight day tour offers an excellent chance of seeing the big cats – and much more – by combining Nairobi National Park, Selenkay Conservancy, Amboseli National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the Masai Mara National Reserve & Conservancies. Find out more: Paka Kubwa Safari … |
|
| If you have not yet arranged your next safari then get in touch using our online contact form or simply hit reply to this email and let us know how we can assist.
We look forward to welcoming you to East Africa very soon. Best wishes, |
Jake Grieves-Cook |
| P.S. The huge variety of different wildlife species that can be seen in East Africa is quite amazing, and you can follow this link to access our new Guide to Mammals which lists all those that I have seen personally on wildlife viewing drives from our own Porini Camps. I hope that you will find it interesting! |
