Category: Safari

BIG CATS of the MAASAI MARA

12/1/2014

Our annual Big Cats safaris in Kenya's Maasai Mara are among our most spectacular...we have unrivalled time to spend with the cats, which never disappoint in the Mara...perhaps Africa's premier big cat viewing destination for all of leopard, lion and cheetah.

Of course, often it seems the Big Cats are as interested in us as we are in them...so close enjoyment of the feline species is usually possible.

In fact, the Cats of the Mara are generally so habituated and relaxed around vehicles that it is not unusual for them to use our 4x4s as shade, cover while hunting, or even a vantage point when scanning the generally flat & feraturteless plains for their prey!

Even guests with basic point & shoot cameras will be able to get dramatic close-ups!

We are still able to accommodate a few people on our March safaris this year, one couple only on the March 1-11 departure, and two or three couples on the shorter 6-night safari between March 12-18. We may even be able to offer a hefty discount to those booking & paying before the end of January!

If you are interested in joining us in the finest "mobile tented camp" in Kenya, guided by the finest safari guides in Africa and photographing in the finest Big Cats reserve in Africa...please contact us as soon as possible. There is only limited space left!

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Elephant Birth - after 25 years!

31/3/2011

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After 25 years as a wildlife photographer, and having always wished to see and photograph a wild elephant birth, my dream finally came true whilst on a safari in Botswana with Stoney & Jan Edwards and their son Tom last December. The poignant moment was made so much more exciting by the fact that we had great light for photography, the elephant chose to drop her baby right in front of us in open country, and the herd interactions and excitement were so moving. It started after we'd had a great morning at Mombo Camp, watching lions, buffalo, leopard and then rhino - four of the Big Five - and then we found a herd of elephants feeding on the floodplains. Big Five in one game drive - amazing. After watching the herd for a while we were about to move off when I noticed one cow acting a bit strangely. I asked our driver to stop and wait a while and quickly discerned she was about to go into labour.

The cow first lay down then stood up again, moving quite awkwardly. I noticed a bulge on her flanks, quite high up, but then noticed her rear was swollen. I was almost too scared to say anything, but murmured to my guests - I think she's going to have a baby! At this stage most of the herd was feeding unconcernedly nearby, though one or two younger cow had moved closer. They may have been her daughters. The cow then rumbled a bit, and let out a brief trumpet. The next thing she had turned her back towards us and I could see the beginnings of the amniotic sac protruding from her birth canal. How co-operative and convenient of her to make sure we could see everything!

The actual delivery was very fast - a few seconds and the calf was lying kicking to free itself from the sac on the ground. The mother initially moved away, rumbling excitedly...and the rest of the herd responded immediately, rumbling, trumpeting and rushing to the scene.

That was when proceedings really became fascinating. I knew of course that elephants are sentient beings and have a great understanding of life and death, much like we humans do. But the way the herd gathered around and formed a protective screen, then started "digging" at the ground with their forefeet to create what I termed a "birthing pit" or perhaps a soft cradle-like sandpit where the calf would find it easier to stand for the first time, and have a soft landing every time it stumbled and fell. Whatever, there was a seemingly conscious decision by all of them to create this soft sand-pit.

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Big Cat Safari in the Mara, March 2011

18/3/2011

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Well, we all know that the Maasai Mara in Kenya is something special during the wildebeest migration each year during August - October, but we recently ran a great Big Cats safari in early March, and the place was really alive with these usually elusive animals.

How about 8 different leopards in a week? What about a great cheetah chase and kill? How about 27 lions before breakfast?

Yep, we had them all. The safari was organised with well-known UK wildlife artist Pip McGarry and his wife, along with 10 of their friends and guests. They were in Africa to photograph scenes to paint once back home and everyone must have got a year's worth of work at least. Look out for Pip's soon-to-be-painted hyaena and vultures canvas!

In fact so successful was this trip - and in fact game viewing was perhaps better than during the migration because we were not under pressure to find the river crossings each day - that Pip has already planned another for next year March, and Wildphotos Safaris will also offer a special Big Cats departure. It is bound to be a huge success, so make your enquiry soon.

I will post an album in the Photos pages once I'm through editing!

Lions roaring at sunrise, mist on their breath.

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Photos from Migration Safaris, August-September 2010

15/1/2011

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Daryl & Sharna Balfour

Daryl & Sharna Balfour are among the most highly acclaimed African wildlife photographers and safari tour operators, based in Africa for most of the year, but also offering exclusive safaris too both the Arctic & Antarctic on request & by arrangement.

BIG CATS of the MAASAI MARA

Elephant Birth - after 25 years!

Big Cat Safari in the Mara, March 2011

Photos from Migration Safaris, August-September 2010

Daryl & Sharna Balfour

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