from Wikipedia…
The Samburu National Reserve is located on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro river in Kenya; on the other side of the river is the Buffalo Springs National Reserve in Northern Kenya. It is 165 km² in size and 350 kilometers from Nairobi and ranges in altitude from 800 to 1230m above sea level.[1]Geographically, it is located in Samburu District of the Rift Valley Province.
In the middle of the reserve, the Ewaso Ng’iro flows through doum palm groves and thick riverine forests that provides water without which the game in the reserve could not survive in the arid country.
The Samburu National Reserve was one of the two areas in which conservationists George Adamson and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness made famous in the best selling book and award winning movie Born Free.
The Samburu National Reserve is also the home of Kamunyak, a lioness famous for adopting oryx calves.
I awoke very early the first morning in camp to the sounds of an elephant trampling the brush as it made it’s way past my tent. It sent a thrill up my spine to have such a great wild creature so close and yet so unconcerned at my presence. I enjoyed coffee in my tent while dressing and getting ready to hit the trail on our first game drive.
Patrick and Bruce are both world class spotters and were constantly on the lookout for good subjects to photograph. Our first day alone provided us with a great variety of birds and mammals; some of which are unique to this region.
Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill…
Nikon D4, AF-S 500mm f4 VR with TC-14E II
Unique to Samburu are Reticulated Giraffe which can reach up to eighteen feet tall…
Nikon D4, AF-S 500mm f4 VR with TC-14E II
They nibble at the tender leaves stripping the foliage from thorny branches of the Acacia trees with their soft muzzle and eighteen inch tougues, pruning the trees into beautiful shapes…
Nikon D4, AF-S 500mm f4 VR with TC-14E II
Males will mock-fight and it is beautiful sight to watch as they swing their long necks slowly and gracefully at each other. It’s the thumping sound when they make contact that makes you realize that they can do damage with their short, rounded horns…
Nikon D4, AF-S 70-200mm f2.8 VR II with TC-20E III
We sat enthralled at their graceful beauty for quite some time while they continued their battle of strength and will…
Nikon D4, AF-S 70-200mm f2.8 VR II with TC-20E III
A pair of Little Bee-eaters posed long enough to fire off a couple of quick shots of them together…
Nikon D4, AF-S 500mm f4 VR with TC-14E II
A little patience and observation can yield some action shots as the Little Bee-eater will find a perch to “hunt” from. When it sees it’s prey (insect) it will fly off the perch, catch the insect mid-air and return to the perch to eat. So, by focusing on the perch, I was able to make a couple of action shots of it taking off…
Nikon D4, AF-S 500mm f4 VR with TC-14E II
We were entertained by a pair of male Grant’s Gazelle as they sparred. Males will fight over harem rights. To the winner goes the harem while the other “bachelors” hang out together in small herds waiting for their window of opportunity to take over an existing harem or to establish their own…
Nikon D4, AF-S 70-200mm f2.8 VR II with TC-20E III
We had a very successful first day with many subjects to photograph and simply getting our safari legs as well as figuring out the best methods of shooting from our vehicle. I brought a ToddPod at Bruce’s recommendation and found it to be invaluable. I attached my Wimberley head to the ToddPod and had all the conveniences of panning my big lens as when mounted on a tripod. *Note: the ToddPod is specifically designed by wildlife photographer and veteran African safari leader, Todd Gustafson, to work with the safari vehicles that have removable hatch tops.
After freshening up with an eco friendly, outdoor shower we met for a Tusker’s beer and unwound with the other guests comparing highlights of our day. After “happy hour” Bruce and I were treated to a lovely dinner with the companionship of Oria and Ian. The conversation was both enlightening as well as inspiring and I enjoyed learning more about their Save The Elephants work and saddened to hear of an increase in poaching again. After a wonderful first day and stimulating evening, we headed to our tents to turn in for the night. After downloading my cards, charging my batteries and cleaning my equipment I drifted to sleep listening to the night sounds of Samburu.
Laurie, your photos are SPECTACULAR…I love the sparring animals and the flight of the bee catchers….all are jus so wonderful and your stories are glorious…just makes one feel like “I was there”!!! Thanx sooooooo much for sharing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Linda, Glad you are enjoying my photos. More to come!