| Dear ATCNews Readers,
Greetings from us all at Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps! |
| It is nearing the end of the tourism High Season here in Kenya, but the conservancies and parks are still brimming with wildlife. The past few months have brought some incredible wildlife-viewing, and guests at our Porini Safari Camps in particular have been treated to some spectacular sightings in and around our Conservancies. The next few months will be quieter with less tourist numbers in the parks so this is an ideal time to visit to escape the crowds and to have the wildlife all to yourself!
Our safari guides have been showing visitors the varied flora and fauna on daily game-drives and guided walks, and guests have been taking and sharing some wonderful wildlife photos. Guest Matthew Grodzins stayed this month at our Porini Camps in Amboseli, Ol Pejeta and the Masai Mara and he has kindly shared these great images. |
| More of our guests’ photos can be seen on the Safari Diary section of our website. |
| Last month safari guides and guests of Porini Amboseli Camp were thrilled to observe rare African Wild Dogs in Selenkay Conservancy.
This endangered species has a total population in the whole of Africa of less than 1500* so this was a very special sighting. We are hoping that they will be attracted again to the peaceful and pristine habitat of the Conservancy.
* source: WWF
This image was taken by our safari guide Daniel Mpararia. |
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Eco Warrior Awards – Winner!
The 14th Eco Warrior Awards were hosted in Nairobi on 26th September. This annual event attracts a large number of local, regional and international tourism stakeholders to celebrate companies that champion responsible tourism in Kenya.
We were delighted that Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps were winners in the category of "Best Social Impact 2019" and Runners-up in the category of "Best Green tour operator", continuing our winning streak over the past 14 years! The Gamewatchers team are pictured below receiving their award from Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife cabinet secretary Najib Balala.
The awards recognize efforts, innovations and exceptional achievements for promoting responsible tourism and enhancing tourism sustainability which directly conserves the natural environment linked to local communities through mutually beneficial and equitable partnerships. |
| Our "Conservancy Concept":
As a local Kenyan company, we are committed to helping preserve East Africa’s unique wildlife and natural landscapes in close co-operation with local communities. We believe that the best way to do this is to establish wildlife conservancies to enlarge the area of protected habitat for wildlife and to ensure that this benefits the local communities while giving our guests a rewarding wildlife watching experience. |
| Find out more: In this short video clip, I explain the "conservancy concept" that we have championed for more than two decades and which has proved very popular with so many of our regular guests who keep returning to stay at the Porini Camps. To view the video click the image above or click here. |
| Family Units now at all Porini Camps
Porini Amboseli Camp (Selenkay Conservancy) and Porini Rhino Camp (Ol Pejeta Conservancy) have recently added Family Units, so all Porini Camps now feature these special, enlarged tents. |
| Family Units are comprised of two Twin / Double Tents each having its own separate bathroom, with an additional lounge area between them, giving a large private space which is ideal for any family or group travelling together. They are simply priced as two tents, but have the advantage of the extra space.
The Family Units are proving popular but are subject to availability at the time of booking – so do book early to secure them! |
| New Photography Hide at Porini Rhino Camp
The addition of a new hide at Porini Rhino Camp is proving popular with guests wanting to observe and photograph wildlife safely, yet in close proximity. |
| The hide has been carefully placed to enhance wildlife-viewing right in front of camp. With the peaceful setting and the animals freely strolling in, we can really immerse ourselves in the surroundings and feel we are part of nature. |
| 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 this year.
Best wishes, |
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Jake Grieves-Cook
Founder
Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps
Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa |
| 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! |
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