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

Moving back to the motherland - mother Africa

This year was the beginning of a journey of re-discovery that has turned out to be worth the while. I decided – after living in Europe for nearly 10 years – to move back to my mother continent – Africa.

When I was offered a position in Kenya, 10 months ago (February 2007), to coordinate water resources management projects in Eastern Africa, I did not butt an eye. Packed the bags and headed “home”. The arrival – baffling and intriguing. The work – exciting and challenging at the same time. The country – a marvel!!! The continent – all I can say is that I wouldn’t give it up for anything.

So to share this journey I have decided to share some pictures of some of the exciting and interesting places where I am doing water-related work. The people, the places, the dynamics and everything you could possibly imagine – this region has. By region I am making reference to the Eastern African region – which of course goes beyond Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. I must admit anyhow that as a southern African – I am biased. That part of the Africa is the centre of the universe….:-).

In the future I shall be sharing with you various experiences I have had and the work that we as a conservation organization are doing.

So until next time – kwaherini and have a blessed and wonderful festive season.

Wildebeests & Topi grazing in Maasai Mara Game Reserve

North view of Lake Bogoria

Another north view of Lake Bogoria

School kids in Simotwet near the Mara River

Flowing stream at Emsos - feeds into Lake Bogoria

Above and below are pictures of people and places I am working in. As photography is one of passions - I do enjoy capturing the moment in any place I find myself in. So ENJOY!!!

Flamingoes at Lake Bogoria - reddish colour signifies high silt level

Young boy near Lake Albert in Uganda

Wildebeests and Zebras taking the plunge in the Mara River during the migration