Leroy - an upcoming star

 Amboseli Elephants are world renowned. They simply are magnificent.

With the legendary Tim now gone (Tim died of natural causes at the age of 50 years), Craig is the more popular big tusker in this kingdom. Besides Craig, there are other males with some very impressive tusks, some of whom I recon can probably grow bigger than Tims - only time will tell 😎

With other males besides Craig like Pascal, Palmer, Velowski, Adam and Leroy coming into the lime light. These guys will be stars in the years to come. There are about 25-30 young males with impressive tusks who are between the ages of 32 years and 40 years. 

I am particularly impressed by Leroy, a 36 year old bull. One morning straight from bush breakfast I saw him walking back very quickly. He had ventured out of the Amboseli National park and Kitirua conservancy into the neighboring farms in Tanzania. Looks like he did not get a good welcome, and he quickly made his way back home. He is a handsome bull, still growing and getting increasingly popular. Chege, one of the guides at Tortilis camp was very helpful in identifying him. Chege is an outstanding guide, one of the few gold rated guides in the country! Ali (head guide), Jonathan, Juma team up with Chege to make an outstanding guiding team based at Tortilis camp, part of the Elewana collection. They are joined by Festus and Leperes. They all are top guides, great individuals with great personalities. All these guides have shared with me their extensive knowledge and I am grateful to have the chance to work with them and to build long lasting friendships with them.

Leroy. Kitirua conservancy, Amboseli (B&W image)

Leroy. Kitirua conservancy, Amboseli (B&W image)

Leroy. Kitirua conservancy, Amboseli 

A star studded night

The city robs us of one incredible experience, and you got it right - star gazing... the distractions from the sky scrappers and all the light pollution. We only get to see the moon and a few stars and that's about it.  

In the cities and towns you may never get to see how incredibly beautiful the African night sky is. The night sky is filled with billions of stars and galaxies. 

Over the next few weeks I will share with you my journey of photographing the night sky in a stunning location in the southern part of Kenya called Amboseli national park, and Kitirua conservancy to be more specific. 

Every time I look up into the sky, I remember a rhyme which my daughter still sings... twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are. Up above the world so high, like diamonds in the sky... 

Night sky. Kitirua conservancy, Amboseli

'Look at the stars. See their beauty. And in that beauty, see yourself'... Draya Mooney 

Something random

While the big five are always great to spot on safari. There are many other animals that are very interesting to observe, and to photograph. Cheetahs are among my favorite animals to photograph. They are very active during the day and are very photogenic 😎 

Hyenas, on the other hand are underrated. But, they are fascinating and good hunters in their own right. 

The plains animals form close family bonds and the tender moments of love between them are incredible. Zebras are great to observe, they groom each other, play and stay active. They often make great photography subjects. 

I will share few random images from Loisaba conservancy, Kenya. Some of which are incredible sightings while on safari.

Cheetah stalk. Loisaba conservancy, Kenya 

 

Zebra in the plains. Loisaba conservancy, Kenya 

Spotted Hyena. Loisaba conservancy, Kenya

Male lion. Loisaba conservancy, Kenya 

Lions - Panthera Leo

Large and powerful! this is the second biggest cat in the world. The Lion is one of the best know wild animals. They find their home in about 28 African countries (African lion), and in India (Asiatic, Indian or Persion lion).

The male lions most outstanding feature is his mane, which varies between individuals. A fully-grown male is about 2 metres long excluding the 1 metre tail. The male lion stands tall, with a shoulder height of about about 1.2 metres and weighs up to 250 kg. The female is a little bit smaller, with a body length of 1.5 metres, excluding the 1 metre tail. A shoulder height of about 1 metre, and an average weight of up to 200 kg. The lion’s coat is short and often varies from buff yellow, orange-brown, silvery gray to dark brown color, with a tuft on the tail tip that is usually black in color.

Lions live in prides, a unique trait in the cat family. The pride consists of females, few young males, cubs and of course the pride males. The pride is multi generational, with the females being related. Each pride has a well-defined territory which varies in size. The prides territory consists of a main core area which is strictly defended against any intruders, and a fringe area where some overlap is often tolerated. Roaring and scent marking is a way the lions choose to proclaim their territories. 

Lions are good hunters, hunting a wide range of prey from gazelles to elephants and giraffes. Females often do the hunting, with the males joining in when hunting bigger prey like buffaloes. 

Lions (both males and females) are polygamous and breed throughout the year. Lionesses are usually restricted to the resident pride males. Lionesses become receptive to mating for about three to five days with the reproductive cycle being variable. During mating the pair generally mates every 15–30 minutes, copulating up-to 50 times in a day. Such extended copulation not only stimulates ovulation in the female but also secures paternity for the male by excluding other males. The gestation period is about 110 days, and the litter size varies from one to six cubs. 

Humans pose the greatest threat to lions. Human wildlife conflict, loss of habitat, poaching, and trophy hunting have caused huge population decline. Lions are classifies as vulnerable in the International union for the conservation of nature (ICUN) with less than 20,000 individuals left in the wild.  

Male lion. Maasai Mara, Kenya 

Lioness and cubs. Maasai Mara, Kenya

The cheetah

The scientific name of cheetahs is acinonyx jubatus - which means a long-legged spotted cat. 

In this publishing I will share with you some cool facts about the cheetahs, some of which you already know. Cheetahs are amazing animals to observe while on safari, unlike lions and leopards, they are more active during the day. This is the fastest land animal in the world, and seeing it in full sprint is spectacular. They can reach up to 112 kp/h in less than 3 seconds. Cheetahs are light weight, with long and slender bodies, perfectly built for sprinting and their long tail helps them balance while on a full sprint. 

Cheetahs have a pale yellow coat with black dots and their underbelly is white. Their faces are distinguished by the prominent 'tear drop marks', black lines that curve from the inner corner of each eye to the outer corners of the mouth. 

Cheetahs social life is flexible and complex. They are not solitary neither do they form big families. Females are usually solitary, while the males tend to be solitary but can be found in coalitions of between 2 to 6 males, often brothers. Females lead a nomadic life, often venturing into different home ranges with different dominant males. Males and females mainly interact during the short mating season. The females have an estrous (when they come to heat) cycle of around 12 days on average, but this can vary from 3 days to a month. Females mainly conceive again after 17 to 20 months from giving birth, or even sooner if a whole litter is lost. After a gestation of nearly 3 months, a litter of one to eight cubs is born with the births taking place at 20–25 minute intervals in a sheltered place such as thick vegetation. The cubs eyes are shut at birth, and open after 4 to 11 days, and after 2 weeks the cubs start to walk.

Cheetahs don't roar, but they are know to purr. Cheetahs chirp or stutter barking (an intense bird-like call and lasts less than a second) or chur while communicating. 

Sadly, this beautiful animal is threatened by loss of habitat and prey, as well as conflict with humans. Cheetahs are classified as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red list (The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species). Today, an estimated 7,100 cheetahs remain in Africa.

Cheetah cub and mom. Maasai Mara, Kenya

Cheetah silhouette. Maasai Mara, Kenya

Cheetah portrait. Loisaba conservancy, Kenya 

Sunset silhouettes

 Sunset silhouette photos are always stunning. I love them... 

Sunsets always have amazing colors, but at times this isn't always enough especially when photographing sunsets and that's where silhouettes come in. When adding a silhouette, the key thing to keep in mind is that you are adding a shape. Sometimes, the shape will have little or no details, some times it will be purely black or with little color. It is also important to make the silhouetted shape distinct and uncluttered. 

Silhouettes are effective in sunset photography, they add character to the image. It is always important to have a visual image of the shot you want to take in your mind before capturing it. Position yourself well, I find getting low on the ground while taking the shot is always great and gives a better perspective for the final image. Being at a lower elevation than your subject brings out the best angles to photograph. 

When it comes to the camera settings. Always, and I repeat, always remember to turn off your flash, this should be your number one thing to check. With the camera settings, always make sure that you have taken it off auto mode, and remember to set the correct aperture, shutter speed and ISO for the perfect shot. Until next time, stay safe. 

Cheetah silhouette, Maasai Mara

   

Cheetah silhouette, Maasai Mara

Silhouette of a tree, Maasai Mara

World lion day

10th August marks the international World Lion day. This is a special day organised to raise awareness about the decline in the overall lion population. 

The first World lion day was marked in 2013. The founders Derek and Beverly Joubert in partnership with National Geographic and big cat initiative came up with a partnership to protect lions in their natural environment. 

Also known as panthera leo, lions are the second largest big cat species, after the tiger. The males have a very distinctive mane which grows darker as they age, the manes can also be used to show how healthy the male lion is - thicker and darker manes show that the male is healthier. Both males and females lions roar, and their roar can be heard up to 8 kilometres away (5 miles).    

Nearly 50% of the total lion population has declined over the last 20 years. The main threats to the lion population is the loss of habitat, human-wildlife conflict and trophy hunting. Not all is doom and gloom though. There are ways to stabilize, and increase the lion population. Lion conservation is a vital part in the overall conservation of wildlife and habitat. There are many organisations fighting to protect the lions. Organisations like the Ewaso lions organisation, born free foundation, wildlife direct and mara predator conservation program are doing a remarkable job in protecting the big cat. Please have a look at their cause and you too can assist by making donations, sharing information and creating awareness. 

You too can help in protecting the lions... be a lion guardian!

Lioness and cubs. Nairobi National Park

Male lion. Loisaba conservancy

Male lion. Maasai Mara

Wildebeest migration 2020

It's that time of the year again.... around 1.5 million wildebeests on their annual migration between Serengeti and Maasai Mara. This is one of the natural wonders of the world. This is the largest single movement of wild animals (wildebeests, zebras, gazelles and elands) in the world. 

This is a season of plenty for the predators in the Maasai Mara, they always take advantage of the 'all you can eat buffet'. The wildebeest are usually accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras, gazelles, elands and, they are usually shadowed by nomadic lions and cheetahs. 

The migration is a never ending calling for the wildebeests. Every year, they head north to the Maasai Mara for greener pastures and mating. They then head south, to the Serengeti. Between December and March, they reside in their calving grounds in the southern Ndutu plains. Heading north afterwards. April, May and June, they trek the south and central Seronera area into the western corridor and then the Gurumeti river. Between July and October, they reside in Maasai Mara, where they graze and mate. They always have to cross the Mara river. This is a death-defying experience for them, thousands die during the river crossings.

This year, the migration is going to be different. Due to the covid -19 pandemic, there are far less tourists compared to the previous years. The low numbers of tourism come with its own pros and cons.  

The low volume of tourists means that the animals go about their day to day routines without constantly being shadowed by hundreds of tourist vehicles. There are also no vehicles blocking their river crossing points. However, the reduced tourist numbers signals an increase in poaching activities. There will be far more snares than they usually are. Poaching is one of the major threats to conservation. 

As individuals in the hospitality industry, we all play a huge role in the conservation of our wildlife and their habitat. We now need to be more vigilant and involved in the conservation of our natural heritage. 

I would rather see a hundred tourist vehicles rather than hundred snares.... 

Wildebeest silhouette. Maasai Mara, Kenya 

Wildebeest silhouette. Maasai Mara, Kenya

The Old 'Northern frontier district'

Northern Kenya, expansive and unexplored...

The old “Northern Frontier District” remains one of the most exciting and adventurous parts of Africa. Now referred to as the 'Big North', this region boasts more endangered species than anywhere else in the country - including Kenya’s biggest population of black rhinos, grevys zebras, reticulated giraffe and gerenuks . Alongside some very successful examples of mixed ranching and conservation, and, some very upmarket luxury boutique lodges and camps.

This is arid country with vast pristine wilderness. The landscape, flora, fauna, archaeological sights and small villages make this one of the wildest and authentic safari destination in Africa. The wildlife is sparse, but spectacular. Northern Kenya is also home to around 12 different tribes (The Samburu, Somali, Borana, Rendille, Gabbra, Turkana, Dassanach, Wata, Konso, Burji and El Molo) with diverse cultural and natural resources. The terrain varies from the deserts in the northern border to the lush highlands on the south. From the desert lakes to the Mountains with luxuriant forests, this is a land of immense beauty. 

I'll briefly talk about Loisaba conservancy. Loisaba conservancy is a 57,000 acre wildlife conservancy located in Laikipia, Northern Kenya. Loisaba plays a crucial part in creating a safe haven for wildlife. It connects Samburu and Isiolo to Laikipia county. Loisaba is special for me in many ways. This has got to be my new favorite safari destination. 

The landscape is stunning, the wildlife is amazing, but what makes Loisaba special is the people. 

With wildlife conservancies like Loisaba in place, the local communities benefit from tourism. The bed-night fees and conservancy fees paid by guests got into community based projects such as health care, education and employment for the locals. Tourism has created tangible ways for the locals to see the benefits of wildlife and habitat conservation. 

Sunset silhouette. Lewa conservancy

Sundowner moment. Loisaba conservancy

Mt. Kenya at dawn

Grevys Zebra, Lewa conservancy

Cheetah, Loisaba conservancy

A wilderness by the city

Nairobi national park is a very unique park - it's the only national park in the world that is right next to a city.

Just 30 minutes drive from the city center. Nairobi national park is a perfect get away for wildlife enthusiast within Nairobi not just for the residents but for the non-residents as well.

The animals that call Nairobi park their home are by no means domestic. These are wild animals like those in any national park or game reserve across the globe. Not many know this, but Nairobi national park is nicknamed 'the rhino ark' due to its healthy rhino population - for both black and white rhinos. It is also a great place to spot the unique Serval cat. Lions, leopards, buffalo and a wide range of plains animals also reside here. With some very lucky visitors spotting the 'rare' cheetah within the park. The park has a diverse bird life with over 400 recorded species. A visit to the Nairobi national park is always worth it.

I have visited the park countless times. But recently I did a morning drive in the park with a good friend and a photography legend Paras Chandaria through WOW safaris. I must admit, I was really looking forward to this game drive and I was very, very excited. Paras Chandaria is a world renowned wildlife photographer and for many years he has been in the front like in the fight to protect Nairobi National Park (or NNP).

During this drive we did not see any of the big cats, we had some good sightings though. We were lucky to spot the unique Serval cat, and a pack of 6 jackals - not something you see every day! I got some great shots, and I was very happy. But I promise you, Paras got way better shots!

I entered some of my images in a photo contest by Paws trails explorers for their PT aware magazine. Their theme for that particular week was Serval cats. I'm very happy to have one of my images selected in the online magazine called PT Aware.

Please follow the link below to get the online print.

http://magazine.pawstrails.com/pt_aware_vol_09/page/1

  Serval cat. Nairobi National Park, Kenya 

I highly recommend a safari with WOW safaris. Follow the link below to their Facebook page;

https://www.facebook.com/WOWsafaris/ 

You can also check our Paras Chandaria and his amazing work at; https://paraschandaria.com/ and Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/paraschandariaphotography/

Until next time, stay safe!

Asanteni sana (Thank you in swahili) 

Karibu Sana (welcome)

Jambo (hello in swahili) and Karibu sana (welcome in swahili) 

In this era of technology and technological advancements. Our social platforms have become tools and means for us to communicate, share and create stories that bring to light the beauty of our world. 

I'm always amazed as to what the human brain can achieve and create. 

A brief introduction about myself. I am a third generation Kenyan of Indian origin. I was born in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. I grew up in a small farming town called Narok, about 150 kilometres East of Nairobi. Growing up, I traveled extensively over the eastern and southern side of Kenya, which include the greater Maasai Mara region (where all the present day Maasai Mara game reserve and wildlife conservancies are). This is where it all began - the interest in wildlife which led me to the hospitality industry. 

In 2010, fresh from university, I got my first ever full time job at Sunworld safaris. Fast forward to present day, I have worked my way up the ranks and have gained experience and knowledge. I now work with the Elewana collection. 

I am active on social media - facebook, instagram and linked in. I will share my profiles for each of these platforms and I do hope that you will like, and follow my profiles. 

Facebook has for many years been one of the main social media platforms for many, including myself. My facebook profile name is Murad R. Habib. Follow the link below for my facebook page;

https://www.facebook.com/murad.r.habib

Instagram is fairly newer when compared to facebook. Mainly used for photo or video sharing instagram is getting more popular with each passing day. Follow the link below for my instagram profile;

https://www.instagram.com/hurad_mabib/?hl=en 

Linkedin is mainly used for professional networking. Follow the link below for my Linked in profile;

https://www.linkedin.com/in/murad-habib-58b58a3b/ 

I look forward to interacting with you, and sharing my stories and wildlife images with you.

At the moment we are facing unprecedented times with the COVID-19 pandemic and the racism in America. In this day and age, we should have no tolerance to any form of racism. I do hope that you all are keeping safe. I am optimistic that we will get over it and come out better and stronger. Take care and keep safe.

Thank you all!!

Murad R. Habib

Reticulated giraffe.

Meru National Park, Kenya