Today was a very special day; we are writing this blog to raise money for Save The Elephants and today the Elephants gave us our best photography day yet. We started the day with a leisurely breakfast and headed up to Mzima Springs to photograph the Hippos and Crocodiles. On the way we saw a large herd of Impala browsing at the side of the road, a male Lesser Kudu with magnificent horns, as well as several bird species, including Francolin, Superb Starling and more than one species of Hornbill. We are regretting leaving the bird book at home now but never mind, it gives us something to look forward to.
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| Francolin |
Once we had got to within 5km of Mzima, we saw several safari vehicles go past us at speed, so decided to follow them in case they had found a big cat, imagine our disappointment when we realised they were just heading for the gate at Mtito Andei. Mzima springs was busy with people but sadly nowhere near as busy with wildlife. The severe drought of the last three years has left only thirteen of the original forty-plus Hippos alive. We did enjoy photographing them but we will be back again, as we still feel we can get better shots and it is a lovely, peaceful spot.
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| Yawning Hippo at Mzima Springs |
Whilst we were returning to the Bandas for lunch, we came across a herd of Masai Giraffe and got some lovely photographs of them.
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| Herd of Masai Giraffe with Ngulia Bandas behind |
Once we had eaten lunch, we decided that instead of spending the afternoon at the Rhino Sanctuary, we would just relax on our balcony, which overlooks the waterhole. When two families of elephants decided to join us we were extremely happy we had decided to stay.
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| Elephants at the Ngulia Bandas waterhole, as seen from our balcony |
And here they are on video...
Heading off to the bar now for a well earned dram and meet up with some of the other visitors to this picturesque place for a chat.
If you have enjoyed this post, please consider making a donation to out chosen charity, Save The Elephants through our Just Giving Page.
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