Lewa Downs Conservancy, Laikipia Kenya

 

I always enjoy staying at Wilderness Trails on Lewa Downs.  Will and Emma Craig have managed to create an atmosphere of easy comfortable elegance which perfectly compliments the beauty and abundance of the wildlife on the ranch.  Being a wildlife conservancy with the greatest population of the rare and beautiful Grevy Zebra and with one of the country’s largest populations of both Black and White rhino it is difficult to have a bad time!  

To top it all the ranch lies under the towering peak of the magnificent Mt. Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak at 17800 ft. and this mountain was out most of the time we were there.  Now that the rains are over Lewa has already started to return to the dry season colours of Khaki, beige, and grey, but the swamp and the streams which flow through are defined by deep greens which make a lovely contrast.

It is wonderful to sit in one place for a while and watch the animals come to you, perhaps near a water hole or salt lick or with a herd of elephants.  In this way you know that you are not really disturbing the animals since they have come to you of their own volition as opposed to us driving close to them in the car.  

We spotted these two courting Black rhino from afar and positioned ourselves to get a good view.  As we talked quietly they made their way towards us with their large radar like ears swivelling about then stopped and watched us for a short while before making their way off towards the shade.