The Explorer
February 2005
News from the Bush!

Climbing rather lazily into the open Land Cruiser at The Alamana Wilderness Camp after a continental breakfast in the lounge tent perched on granite, overlooking the kopje-strewn valley; it felt like autumn in Europe rather than the midway point of the short rainy season.

The morning, as far as it had gotten, had been punctuated by an early lightning storm, followed by a short drizzle to dampen the dust (and quell the camp-fire). Sun rose over the surrounding hills through breaks in the clouds as the countless plains game, livened by the cool weather, started their day.

Grants and Thomson Gazelles, Eland, Giraffe, Zebra and Wildebeest passed by as we ambled across the short grass plains en-route to our starting point for a morning walking and tracking game, along the Lalaroi river that marks the north eastern boundary of this exclusive preserve.

Shortly after we emerged at the edge of the acacia woodlands, wrapped in Masai blankets for warmth, the first predator of the day sprang into view — a satiated Lioness with dragging belly from a successful hunting foray. As we sat entranced by the sheer beauty of the Queen of beasts strolling towards The Ngaroi kopjes, a second Lioness appeared apparition like, from over a bluff running to join her sister. These two fine conditioned predators, seemingly fearless, passed within a few metres of our open vehicle and our quietened band, warmer now, about to be foot safari participants!

We were off again, headed towards the Lalaroi when our Masai spotter quietly drew our attention to a beautiful fully grown female Cheetah with her two juvenile cubs walking towards a large herd of Zebra grazing peacefully on plains edge. Whilst a Zebra has nothing to fear from such a slight grouping, the stallions kept a close watch as the spotted felines moved gracefully across the grassland. Crawling along in a low gear it seemed that we also were part of the Cheetah family as they meandered looking also for an early morning feast.

The Ngaroi boasts not the animal density of other, perhaps better known wildlife habitats, however where the plains meet the ridges, rivers meet kopje rich islands, there lies a quietly understated experience waiting to unfold a paradise to anyone patient enough to kick back and absorb the bountiful delights of this haven of bush poetry!

Community Support

Over the many years that Wildlife Explorer has been privileged to outfit safaris in East Africa, we have always maintained, that in order to balance wealth with fundamental respect, we needed to support the communities that so graciously allow us to welcome our friends on a Safari Za Mwituni.

One part of this return of gratitude is our continuing support of Primary Schools through the Rafiki Foundation.

Originally founded by friends of Wildlife Explorer, the Rafiki Foundation has strived to provide funding for school projects such as the building of classrooms, nursery schools, bathrooms and staff accommodation, spanning 5 different local schools in Loliondo, Ngorongoro, Arusha and Mount Meru.

In addition we have also been able to provide funding for secondary equipment for individual scholars and yearly scholarships for exemplary students both for boys and girls.

With the continued support of our friends we plan to be able to continue funding a variety of different projects and individuals.

For those of you that have helped in the past, we thank you, and for anyone wishing to sponsor a child, please contact us for further information.

Two in the Bush

The Ngaroi season is almost back-to-back safaris this year, which is a challenge we are all excited to meet. Vehicles have been prepared, crews re-trained and of course the Walking Safaris meticulously planned.

As a large number of the safaris have reached 12 to 16 guests we have teamed both Philip Ashby and Dave Armon together in order to increase the available walks and ensure that everyone has as much opportunity to leave behind the vehicles and explore The Ngaroi as often as they like.

Both Philip and Dave have extensive knowledge and experience of walking The Ngaroi and are enjoying the season’s challenges.

Nothing better than a tent!

Not so long ago I was sat at my bush desk (the veranda chair and table) on the porch of my ‘canvas palace’ looking out over the Serengeti, editing some of the digital images I had shot that day, when it occurred to me that of the hundreds of thousands of visitors on safari this year, only a small select few would be able to relate to my love of canvas, and of those, probably some would be regretting the day they ever agreed to try to sleep with only a 16 ounce canvas wall between them and all the predators one views during the daylight hours!

There is in my opinion, no finer experience than returning to ones own private tented camp and a steaming hot shower after the rigours of a day exploring the bush. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc certainly is a plus, but the real treat is the sound and smell of a gently swaying tent and the intimacy of a smoky campfire. A bed set with panoramic views through mosquito netted windows and the chink of glasses being set for cocktails.

Don’t get me wrong, I am the first to sign up for the very best safari lodge, but come the hour of intrusion from the hundreds and thousands, my heart quietly yearns for rescue and to be whisked back to my canvas haven!

Mmmmmm, maybe a re-fill before I head to supper!

News from Olerai

Having built The Alamana Wilderness Camp, seen the season start and then headed out on safari myself, it is almost with a sense of relief that my own safaris have gotten off to such an exciting start!

Jo of course, is back and maintaining a sense of balance at home, not easy, even at the best of times but essential backup allowing me to join our other fine guides on safari during our busiest season in the 21 years of Wildlife Explorer’s history.

Marianne continues to juggle all the pieces of the safari puzzle through rain, KLM lost baggage, change of flight plans and the completely unexpected, delivering the efficiency and attention to detail synonymous with the Wildlife Explorer brand.

Deo still untiringly fills in the blanks and now we have the pleasure of Rose Jacob joining us from A&K, the office is fully humming along! Welcome Rose!

And with that, greetings from us all and the end of our news from the bush.

With warm wishes,
Gary & Jo