Pink-rimmed shoreline of Lake Nakuru.

Few natural sites in the world can match the magnificence and splendour of the pink-rimmed shoreline of Lake Nakuru.

One of the early European explorers wrote of the lake: "The aviary of Lesser flamingos, pelicans and other water birds yonder bewitches the eye and transfixes me for hours to its soft pink reflection."

The flamingos are the main attraction in a tour to Lake Nakuru National Park that also has different kinds of wild animals.

But the number of flamingos keeps fluctuating throughout the year, with the birds dotting the lakeshore at a particular time and then migrating seasonally, leaving only a handful.

When they return, around this time of the year, it is a site to behold.

They often fly back at dawn or dusk in endless uniform columns that could last for days.

Often, after the migration, a large number of birds remain on the lake.

But nature conservationists now say last year’s migration, which happens in November and lasts to in April, revealed a worrying trend, which they attributed to severe drought.

Low water levels caused by a persistent drought between November and March saw the flamingos migrate leaving just about 1,000 birds. These remained and were concentrated at one corner of the lake.

This is in sharp contrast to full aviary that sometimes attracts more than 250,000 birds.

With the ongoing return, already a blanket of pink has been enlarging along the shores of the lake, but conservationists say the numbers are still not near full nest.

The number that flew back to the lake between March and May is estimated to be more than 100,000.

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Central Rift Senior Scientist Joseph Edebe says the number of flamingos had declined due to an increased concentration of salt in the waters of the lake.

A census by KWS last July showed the number of flamingos at the lake was 6,630, down from 258,210 in January the same year.

Dry and low spells

Mr Edebe explains that the number fluctuates during different rain seasons in a year and the birds will stay or move depending on the water levels in the lake.

He says low and high water levels may lead to the migration of the flamingos.

"When the water level is too low during dry spells and too high when it rains, the flamingos will move to other saline lakes," the scientist says.

He says during dry seasons, alkalinity in the water increases due to the decrease of fresh water flowing into the lake from rivers Njoro, Nderit, Lamudiae and Makalia.

"The source of the rivers is the Mau complex and they dried up early due to human activities at the water tower," he says.

Bird food

The high alkalinity on the lake, he adds, is not conducive to production of algae that is food for flamingos.

Too much water is also not good, as it dilutes the alkalinity, thus affecting production of algae.

Edebe says algae grow on precise water conditions and temperatures.

"Thus when the water is too alkaline, there is little algae in the lake and the birds migrate to other salty lakes where they will get food and return to Nakuru when the conditions improve," he says.

Edebe says most of the flamingos migrated to Lake Oloiden in Naivasha and others to Lake Bogoria and Elementaita.

He says between last July and March this year, there was little water flowing into Lake Nakuru, thus the alkalinity was affected and the birds migrated.

He attributed the latest increase in the number of flamingos to the improvement of water quality in the lake.

He says: "The recent rains that have pounded Nakuru and its environs in the past few weeks have diluted the alkalinity of the lake’s waters enabling the formation of algae."

"We at times know the water quality in the lake depending on the number of flamingos present," he adds.

Edebe says pollution of water flowing into the lake also affects production of algae.

According to the KWS official, during rainy season, storm drains get blocked and the water flows directly into the lake, carrying with it toxic substances.

These toxic wastes include fertilisers, agrochemicals from farms, heavy metal from industries in the densely populated Nakuru town and Njoro sub basin.

Human waste from burst sewage pipes also pollutes the lake.

Peak number

According to Edebe, the lake has the peak number of flamingos when there is moderate rainfall, which does drastically alter the water concentration.

The KWS scientist says the trend of flamingos due to the factors stated have changed due to the changing weather patterns.

The lake was too salty in January due to drought and the birds stayed away.

"This explains why there were just about 1,000 flamingos at the lake at that period," he says.

Beautyful memories from Samburu National park & Bogoria

Recently Leftfoot African Safaris had a group of domestic tourists who wanted to experience there country's wild first hand, here are some of the memorable moments captured at Samburu National park and Lake Bogoria.

He ain't no snake handler.

All photos property of Leftfoot African Safaris

Hotels re-open ahead of peak tourist season

After the worst post election violence ever witnessed in Kenya's history, Kenya's tourism industry is still recovering from the negative effects of the post election violence.

The Kenyan tourism sector was one of the hardest hit sectors of the Kenyan economy, with dozens of people losing their jobs, and establishments closing down due to lack of business.

Now things are beginning to slowly look up. As the Ministry of Tourism re-brands the country's image to the rest of the world, even though it is doing this with a limited budget. Industry players are keeping their fingers crossed that with the upcoming "high season" anticipated, that things will drastically improve.

Dozens of hotels at the Coast have reopened to welcome holidaymakers from Europe and local tourists ahead of the school holidays next month.

Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association chairman John Cleave said tourist arrival figures are expected to rise beginning July 15 owing to the setting in of the customary high tourist season.

He said charter flights from Europe to Mombasa will increase to 20 a week compared to 10 during the low season.

“The number of tourist arrivals from Europe will average 60 per cent as from July 15 to next month compared to the same period in 2007 when we had a larger number of visitors,” said Mr Cleave.

“In the months of August, September and October we expect the tourism sector to improve. Charter flights are expected to shoot up during these busy months,” he added.

The tourist official, however, said full recovery of industry might be achieved in December during the Christmas season when the winter season hits Europe.

“We anticipate the industry to recover at the end of the year as many tourists in Europe go for holidays during winter season,” he said.

Dozens of hotels and cottages in Malindi and Watamu which had shut down owing to lack of business are re-opening in anticipation of the high season.

Sighting of Rare African Wild Dogs at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya

The Photo above was taken by Stephen Siapan of Ol Pejeta, who spotted this pack

The African Hunting Dog, one of the world's rarest predators, has returned to Ol Pejeta conservancy in Kenya. A pack of the very rare and endangered African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus) was sighted on the North Western side of Ol Pejeta Conservancy on the 2nd of July 2009. The African Wild Dog or “Painted Wolf” was last seen on the Conservancy 3 years ago.

The African Wild dog (Lycaon pictus) is one of the rarest carnivores in Africa, having disappeared from large parts of their former ranges. The Wild Dog’s endangered status is owed mostly to habitat loss and hunting. Moving in packs of up to 20 individuals, they travel over very large territories and, in the process, tend to wander into human settlements where they may prey on goats and sheep, therefore endangering themselves at the hands of the farmers.

Hunting Dogs closely resemble wolves in body shape, but have mottled reddish brown striped markings, and distinctive large ears. They are gregarious animals that form packs of up to 40 members.

African Wild Dogs hunt in packs led by the alpha male, mainly hunting in the morning and early evening. They will hunt at night with a full moon. They generally use their sense of sight, rather than smell to find prey. Hunts can last for several kilometers at speeds of up to 55 km/hour.

Wild dogs generally live on the move, though breeding females give birth to litters in a grass-lined burrow that is usually an abandoned aardvark hole. Litters normally consist of anywhere between 2 and 22 pups.

Wild Dogs are now endangered all over Africa, due to habitat loss and hunting. Their sudden return to Ol Pejeta is a result of a concerted conservation effort throughout the Laikipia region, now considered one of Kenya's finest wildlife reserves.

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy works to conserve wildlife, provide a sanctuary for great apes and to generate income through wildlife tourism and complementary enterprise for reinvestment in conservation and community development.

Information courtesy of magical Kenya.

Adrenaline Safaris that make Kenya an Adventure Paradise

Kenya has long been known as an adventurer's paradise. This is a land of endless scenic beauty, which provides every opportunity for the active traveler, a country rich with possibilities for adventure and discovery.

For the Trekker, Kenya is a world of highs and lows – from the snow capped peak of Mt Kenya to the desert plains of the north. There are a range of treks from sedate hill walks through game rich ranges to high altitude routes on alpine slopes.

For those aiming higher, Kenya offers plenty of challenges.

For the super adventurous and extreme adrenaline junkies, Kenya is fast becoming a stopover for white water rafting and sky diving, previously thought of as experiences that one could only experience when out of the country.

White Water Rafting in Kenya

One of Kenya's best adventure safaris is a rafting expedition along the Ewaso N'giro river. The trip can last between three and eight days, depending on water levels and accessibility.

Full equipment and expert guides are provided for this ultimate adventure. The river winds its way through spectacular white water, with up to 30 Kms of nonstop Class II, III and IV rapids, and separate stretches of demanding Class V water.

This trip also promises plenty of game, with the river itself home to both crocodiles and hippos. The bank attracts plenty of big game, and herds of Elephant, antelope, zebra and giraffe are usually seen along the way.

Rafting trips in this area have even been known to encounter lions. Each night camp is made on a sandbank, and rafters sleep under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African night.

For the real adventure traveler, it doesn't get much better than this. High water season is May and December.

Sky Diving in Kenya

There are many ways to see Kenya on safari, but how about from 14,000 feet above the ground, falling earthwards at 120 miles per hour?

For adrenaline junkies, the Kenyan coast has become the latest hot spot for aerial adventure- where the equatorial atmosphere at sea level can give skydivers more than a minute of full freefall over the beautiful blue Indian Ocean, before touching down on pure white sands on one of the world’s best beaches. This is the draw for international skydivers who gather at Diani Beach on Kenya’s South Coast each year for the Kenya Skydive Boogie.

This event is proving very popular both with experienced skydivers and those interested in experiencing the thrill of freefall for the first time. What began as a social event organized each year among Kenyan divers has become a major event on the international skydiving calendar.

The term Boogie is generic term for a gathering of skydivers from all over the globe, and each year brings a bevy of boogies as enthusiasts meet up in the world’s best skydive destinations.
To the uninitiated, one skydive location may not be that different to any other, but wind and weather conditions, altitude and the facilities and attractions on the ground all combine to make each boogie unique.

The Kenyan boogie is becoming increasingly popular- as it is one of the only such events where divers are based at a single beach resort and can depart from a nearby airstrip and dive from an aircraft directly over their base.

Kenya's Tusker Safari Sevens

Tusker Safari Sevens is back and lovers of rugby, both local and internal are expected to flock to Kenya for this annual event. This year’s event takes place on 19th-21st June 2009 at the RFUEA grounds in Nairobi.

Going by the past performance of the Kenya Sevens rugby team in the international arena, the Kenya rugby sevens a side team had a good run in the just concluded IRB Sevens series, this year’s sevens tournament promises to be a spectacular one.

Kenya is primarily well known for her world class long distance runners, but now, the country can boast of a fine sevens rugby squad and a tournament as big as the team itself. The Tusker Safari Sevens is now a world recognized tournament in the global sevens rugby series. This year’s event marks the 14th Edition of the Safari sevens since its humble beginning in 1996. Currently, Kenya is the defending Safari Seven’s champion and the Kenya team is poised to be the star attraction at the event.

Sevens Rugby Team:
Led from the front by skipper Humphrey Kayange, the team had a huge following of fans, and as a result, they were ranked the most supported team besides the hosts in the IRB sevens series. Kenya’s Collins Injera scoped the top try scorer’s award. Sponsored by Virgin Atlantic the team is currently ranked sixth in the world ahead of rugby power house Australia, Samoa, Scotland and Wales.

For local rugby fans, the Tusker Safari Sevens is a great chance to see Kenya’s top local players in action against some of the best teams in the region and internationally on home soil. The Safari Sevens has grown to become an important event in Kenya’s sporting calendar.

Like past events, there will be plenty of action and excitement on and off the pitch. The legendary New Zealand coach, Gordon Tiejens will grace this year’s event.

The only shame spoiling the party is the Safari Sevens Website, according to the information displayed on the site, the event is meant to take place between 19^th – 21^st June 2009 at the RFUEA grounds, then they say the website is to be launched In May 2009, we are currently in June and there seems to be no new activity on the site.

For an international event, and for Kenya to market it-self, the people in-charge need to stop sleeping and wake up and realize the importance of internet marketing, the question is, when will they realize this? When its two days to the event?

Run Wild at the Safaricom Marathon at Lewa

27th of June 2009

The 2009 Safaricom marathon gives participants an opportunity to experience the Kenyan wild in a most unique way. What makes this marathon unique is that it is run within the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy a protected game reserve located at an altitude of 5,500 feet above sea level. 

This year’s Marathon will be run for the tenth time and is expected to attract competitors from all over the world. The race, which is organized by Tusk Trust and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in conjunction with Safaricom, is in support of conservation and community projects in the Lewa/Il Ngwesi area, in North Central Kenya, about four hours drive and a 45 minute flight from the capital, Nairobi.

Rugged, fun and breathtaking it is an enticing experience which has continued to inspire long distance runners and athletic fans alike. Regarded as one of the extraordinary endurance marathons in the world, runners of all abilities take part at Lewa; from walkers, to fun runners, amateurs, to world renowned professionals.

Many athletes from around the world come to join in the race, both to face this challenging wilderness race and for the chance to rub shoulders with some of Kenya's incomparable long distance superstars. The Lewa marathon is run on dirt roads, over a 42km route (21km for the half-marathon), through some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. Its picturesque setting makes the marathon all the more worthwhile. With Mount Kenya to the south and Samburu and Mount Lololokwe to the north, this backdrop adds to the whole Lewa experience.

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a protected, 55,000 acre wildlife sanctuary and is home to over 80 rhino, herds of elephant and a vast assortment of game, including the eland, zebra, giraffe, buffalo just to name a few. To enhance the safety of the event the course is watched over by a large and experienced team of game rangers, with a helicopter and spotter plane to ensure the safety of runners throughout the race. Water stations and first aid points are situated every 2.5km, with medical support provided by AMREF and the Red Cross.

The main purpose of the Safaricom Marathon at Lewa is to raise the much needed funds for wildlife conservation and community projects in Kenya. This joint community partnership between the Il Ngwesi community tourism project and private ranch owners has created a sanctuary for wildlife. The project breeds endangered rhinos and provides a safe haven and habitat for species threatened by growing human populations in surrounding areas. The Lewa conservancy protects 6% of the country's population of endangered Black Rhino, and 20% of the world's population of rare Grevy's Zebra.

Lewa marathon entrants facilitate the conservation effort by fundraising and seeking sponsorship for their participation, with the funds going directly to the conservation projects, community development, education and healthcare in northern Kenya. Tusk Trust is the official NGO associated with the Safaricom Marathon and has been instrumental in the organization and distribution of funds raised by the event since 2000.

Come lets run wild at the Safaricom marathon at Lewa on the 27th of June, 2009 and support a noble cause.