Pretty, natural things

I have recently been on holiday – believe it or not – in two of my project sites. How ironic and funny. I spent 2 days at a friend’s farm where the Malewa River passes through the farm and flows into the Lake Naivasha – a spectacular sight!!! Below are some pictures showing some hippos having a good time in the river and the pelicans hanging out with them. Simply sublime. Acacia tree – sky view, also wonderfully intriguing.

Hippos in River Malewa

River Malewa

Pelicans swimming away in River Malewa

View of the sky through an Acacia tree

One of my photographs that took my breath away was the sunset in the Likipia Hill range – I was just so blown away by the colors and sun’s rays.

Amazing sunset view on Lake Naivasha – Likipia Hills in foreground

Two days later I went to Lake Nakuru to check out the flamingoes – heavenly. The birdlife in this lake is simply spectacular. I saw pelicans, cormorants, flamingoes, sacred ibis and the not so pretty Maribu stork….:-) Also saw some other wildlife including zebras – which are just gorgeous animals – check out mother and child below.

Flamingoes in Lake Naivasha

Maribu storks checking out each others feet

Zebra mother and child – Lake Nakuru National Park

A day later – I was in Lake Bogoria seeing yet more flamingoes. This is yet another of the rift valley lakes that is just simply beautiful. Graced by the Tugen Hill range its just a marvel to see. Another unexpected find on this trip was the blossoming of the desert rose – Adenium Obesum – which when in bloom is just incredibly beautiful – and very poisonous too. Check out the pictures below!!!!

The amazing desert rose – Adenium odesum – in bloom in Lake Bogoria area

Further adrift I took a drive up to the Tugen Hills to have a view of the rift valley from above – so to speak. On the way there – drove passed the Perkerra River Gorge which was one moment of wonder – beautiful. See picture below.

View of the Perkerra River Gorge near Tugen Hills

Driving up the Tugen Hills gives you the impression of being lifted into a space that is just beyond description. I was just sooo soooo BLOWN AWAY by the views.

Tugen Hill Range and view of the rift valley below the hills

In a way the experience was rather humbling really. Just how tiny and simple creatures we are. With that I leave you with these pictures showing "pretty, natural things" and enter the New Year rather refreshed I suppose.

To do all the "wild" walking – I adopted the ways of the local guides and bought a pair of the local shoes – made out of recycled tyres (see picture below). Not very comfortable but sure do take the dust. I did miss my timberland boots though…ohh those simple pleasures of good shoes hehehehehhehehe - Enjoy!!!!!!

My feet