Lending a Lens for Endangered Species
Africa is the beginning and the end for me. It encompasses everything I love most about travel – diversity, wildlife and a tapestry of fascinating cultures. There’s one place in Africa, however, that has become very near and dear to me, and that is Kenya.
Grevy’s Zebras are currently listed as an endangered species. I © Photo courtesy of Gypset Productons
I took my first trip to Kenya last January with my friend Ethan the founder of Mint Media to participate in the Great Grevy’s Rally with the conservation organization Wildlife Direct. The Great Grevy’s Rally is “a unique opportunity for citizen scientists to contribute to the preservation of an endangered species [and to] be a part of the national census of Grevy’s zebra that is using photography and citizen scientists.”
For three days we traveled around the savannah and tracked these extraordinary zebra’s, as well as the beautiful reticulated giraffe, snapping photos of their spots and stripes from their right side, so the real scientists could differentiate between each animal to count them. How cool is that! I have to say, it was so satisfying knowing that with each photo I took was lending a hand in helping to save these endangered species.
Adventures in Amboseli
Game drives are one of the incredible experiences available as guests at Tawi Lodge. Seeing these animals in the wild is truly a singular experience. | © Photo courtesy of Tawi Lodge
After this, we were on to our next great adventure…a safari in Amboseli National Park, with my friend Teeku Patel who is a wildlife photographer, conservationist and certified professional safari guide. If you want to get up close and personal (at a safe distance) with the wildlife of Kenya, Teeku is your man. Teeku spent many of his early years on safari, exploring and camping in the game parks of Kenya and reserves of East Africa. He did so under the expert tutelage of his father, an Honorary Game Warden. This is where he learned a great deal about wildlife and the different cultures and customs of East Africa.
A Home Away From Home in Kenya
I could hardly write about my travels to Kenya without mentioning one of the absolute best places to stay. Tawi Lodge is where we called our home away from home for a few nights while on Safari. I’ll never forget waking up in my cottage, walking out on my deck to find the clouds had lifted. With the air clear and the views vast, I could see Mt. Kilimanjaro in all its magnitude reigning over the landscape. Even from a distance, it’s impossible not to appreciate Africa’s tallest mountain and how small it can make you feel.
There’s not a bad view in sight. Each cottage is built on sweeping bushland in full view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. | © Photo courtesy of Sokomoto Images
Aside from the glorious views though, the experience at Tawi was unforgettable on its own. From the exceptional accommodations, to the creative, delicious menu and the wildlife enjoying the waterhole safely adjacent to the swimming pool, so many wonderful memories were made. All of this matched with the incredible service, you couldn’t ask for anything more.
Every cottage is decorated exquisitely. The art and finishes put the vibrant regional culture on display. | © Photo courtesy of Tawi Lodge
An Unforgettable Cross-Cultural Experience
Due to the incredible proximity to Amboseli National Park, the wonderful staff at the lodge arranged for us to go exploring with a Maasai warrior. The Maasai people have been semi-nomadic on this land for centuries and their knowledge of it is unmatched. Their experiences living in sync with the land and animals serve as a shining example of climate adaptation. There’s a lot we can learn as climate change progresses.
Myself on a bush tour with a Maasai warrior. I © Photo courtesy of Sokomoto Images.
He led us on one of the most unforgettable days. There’s really nothing in the world like encountering the majesty of zebra, giraffes or elephants in their natural habitat. Just when it could hardly get any better, we met up with Teeku again. That night, he arranged a bonfire and we ended the day beside the fire, sun melting below the horizon. I am absolutely sure I will return to Tawi Lodge again and again.
© Photo by Gypset Productons
Feature Image of me. I © Photo courtesy of Sokomoto Images.
Teeku, myself and Ethan
