Those of us who have visited the “Mara” understand why it is ranked so high among the world’s outdoor destinations. The rolling savanna provides the perfect habitat for large numbers of grazing and browsing animals, ranging from robust black rhinos to delicate Thomson’s gazelles. From June through October, it is the home of the largest migration of large mammals in the world. Around 2 million wildebeest and zebra flock to these rich grasslands as they follow their annual migratory routes in search of nutritious food.

But our favorite time to visit the Mara is from late December through March. While the migration may have moved on, there is an amazingly diverse population of wildlife that remains. As the dry season advances, the animals congregate around the dwindling sources of water and offer us unparalleled opportunities to witness the activities and interactions of the various species.

And there are fewer other travelers during this season. We often feel that the Maasai Mara is our private wildlife reserve during these months.

If you’d like more information about the Maasai Mara and the best places to explore, please contact us here.

After confirming all his safari travelers and guides were safe, our partner in Kenya, Steve Turner, and his Origins Safaris team quickly took off in a chartered aircraft in order to evacuate those who had been staying at the affected camps. Meanwhile, the rest of Steve’s staff focused on finding appropriate accommodations in Nairobi and reorganized safari itineraries, as needed.

Last year, the government of Kenya established the Kenyan Crisis Response Team (KCRT). In Steve’s words, “Real thanks must go to the newly formed KCRT (Kenyan Crisis Response Team) for an incredibly well organized evacuation of all effected persons. Kenya is the only country in East Africa with a permanent secretariat for “Crisis Response” and they really proved how valuable they are in this instance, getting half a dozen rescue helicopters on the spot within 30 minutes was truly impressive.”

Here is more of Steve’s assessment: “All camps & lodges on the river itself EXCEPT SaSaab have been forced to close with immediate effect. Detailed assessments are underway as to the various redevelopment issues, and no doubt details of re-opening will emerge from various camp management in due course.

Otherwise game viewing in the park been spectacular. The main bridges across the river will probably be repaired pretty rapidly as it appears their damage was more “access road related” than anything more serious.”

Affected camps and lodges include: Intrepids, Serena, Samburu Lodge, Ashnil, Larsen’s and Elephant Bedroom.

We join Steve in praising the swift and professional efforts of the Kenyan Crisis Response Team.

For those of you who have traveled with us at Safari Professionals, Steve’s quick and effective actions should come as no surprise. We are, again, reminded how blessed we are that Origins Safaris is our exclusive safari partner in Kenya.

Quoting the Audubon Society’s website, “The Important Bird Areas Program (IBA) is a global effort to identify and conserve areas that are vital to birds and other biodiversity.” Their website goes on – “By working to identify and implement conservation strategies at Important Bird Areas, we hope to minimize the effects that habitat loss and degradation have on birds and other biodiversity. ”

While Lake Nakuru is world-famous for its population of lesser and greater flamingos, around 450 bird species have been cataloged around the lake, including endangered species such as the Madagascar pond heron, the gray-crested helmet-shrike and the martial eagle.

This designation will help focus additional attention and resources on the importance of understanding and preserving the Lake Nakuru ecosystems.

For more information on the Important Bird Area program, please visit the Audubon Society’s website here.

Following the lead of other tourism destination countries, the Kenya Tourist Board has invested in the Chinese market and it appears to be paying off. Kenyan officials are particularly delighted that Kenya placed higher than South Africa and Egypt among those attending the event.