Hell's Gate

 

A foreboding name to be sure, but we opt to not only enter this area, but explore it on mountain bikes, riding over 21 kilometers roundtrip. The animals are upon us from the very first push of the pedals. Zebras look on, baboons scurry about, some little rodent looking thing has made his presence known. Africa truly is an animal lover's dream. 

(That’s Jean saying hi.)

At the end of the first half of our ride through Hell's Gate National Park, we come to a winding canyon where Tomb Raider 2 was filmed. This is also the location, both the canyon and the mountains around, where various scenes from The Lion King were, perhaps not filmed, but used as a model to create the animation. See if you can spot them. 

On the ride back I kick it into high gear, leaving the group behind. I want to beat the heat and the sun. I race past the animals, only stopping for a family of baboons crossing the road. I'm tired, yet thrilled to have seen this beautiful place.  

  

(Bro, those are baboons behind me!)

Lake Nakuru

Our group moves onto Lake Nakuru. Time for another Game Drive!! This park is much smaller than the Masai Mara, but no less amazing. Check out these beautiful baboons caring for their young! And the surprises keep coming…

White and black rhino, wildebeests, warthogs, and our friend the lion. We take a break at a beautiful lodge in the middle of the reserve. 

Rough life, right? But then it’s back on the hunt…

(This area holds one of the largest populations of flamingoes in the world!)

(Zebra just chilling on the beach)

(My legs are so long it’s hard to drink!)

(Gimme a ride mama)

Such  beautiful place, yet time to move on…

Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha in Kenya is a special place. Otherworldly. As if you’ve stepped back in time. Eagles, Cranes, Guinea Fowls, and over 400 bird species flying overhead and lining the shores and trees of this beautiful lake. 

Oh, and did I mention the hippos? Yes, the lake is teeming with them. We go on a boatride in search of the massive animals after shooing away a visitor looking for a free ride on our boat. 

We don’t have to go far to find the hippos, but we keep our distance, as these guys can get ornery and are actually one of the deadliest animals in Africa. They’re herbivores and come on shore at night to dine on grass and vegetation, sometimes walking and grazing for several kilometers. We have an electrified gate around our camp, let’s just hope the power doesn’t go out!

Our boat driver whistles to an African Eagle perched on a treetop then throws a fish in front of our boat. We’re all poised and ready for that  Kodak moment. The eagle swoops down from hundreds of feet away and then glides in for his prize. I follow him down and snap the shot… Wow, it’s perfect!!!

Lion Hunt

Day 2 is breaking, and oh what a beautiful morning it is out on the Masai Mara Reserve. The Serengeti lies just off in the distance. This is the land of migration, a land of untold beauty.

But we are on the hunt, and our trusty Maasai Warrior driver is the best trekker around. And it isn’t long before we see our first big cat. And what a sight he is. He’s a big boy, with a full mane. 

But don’t worry, this is a game drive, where the only thing we shoot are Nikons, Cannons, and our trusty iPhones. A female comes over to play and the male roars up. My stomach is in my throat. Mind you, we have no windows on our little rig. And we are close… real close to this majestic beast.  

(Yeah this close!)

 

Soon there are other cats, moving right past our truck. I hold my breath as they pass. 

We move on, the radio is clattering. Our driver kicks it into high gear and the dust starts flying. Something big is up I can tell. Our driver plays coy and burns up the dirt roads, off-roading through tall grass and through muddy pits. Then he points to a tree. Hmmm… nothing too interesting there. 

But then he drives under and tells us to look up… 

Yes, that is a leopard! Beautiful animal, just chilling on a limb. He pays us no mind, just takes a look and closes his eyes. I feel a sense of oneness with this amazing animal. He, too, likes to roam free and solitary, lazing in the shade. We all stare in awe… 

But then a pack of wildebeests are on the move, running through the grass. We move in closer… 

Then some Chetahs pass by, the fastest animals around. 

(Stefano and I can’t believe our luck!)

The day comes to an end, but as we’re heading back we spot one last lion and his family. This lion has a kill and is feeding. The circle of life is playing out before us. 

Ahhhh Africa, you amaze me. Thank you!! Asante Sana!!