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