Eyes On Nature Expeditions Blog

Black rhinos were nearly wiped out by poachers in the 1970s and 80s A new-born rhinoceros in Kenya has been named Kofi Annan in honour of the former UN Secretary General.

Baby Kofi was born at the weekend in the community-owned Ol Choro Oirogua Conservancy in the Maasai Mara reserve.

Mr Annan mediated between President Mwai Kibaki and Orange democratic party leader Raila Odinga, who disputed the results of elections in 2007  December.

Kofi’s birth comes three months after a new strategy was announced to increase the numbers of endangered rhinos.

Rangers did not say there were any obvious comparisons between Mr Annan and the horned beast, but some have suggested he will need a thick skin to push forward difficult negotiations between Mr Kibaki and Mr Odinga.

“Thick-skinned Kofi Annan is likely to spend years in the wild,” the United Nations said in a statement.

http://www.youtube.com/user/StevenNatureMan#p/a/f/0/-uT_1VDvXokh

The new strategy to save endangered black rhino seeks to raise numbers from the current 540 to 700 by the year 2011.

Black rhino suffered a catastrophic decline across Africa in the 1970s and 1980s. Numbers plummeted from an estimated 65,000 in 1970 to fewer than 2,500 by 1992.

Despite the devastating effects of poaching in the 1970s and 80s, Kenya now has the third largest population of the species after South Africa and Namibia.

A number of white rhinos have also been imported to Kenya from southern Africa to boost rhino numbers generally.

But with the continued threat of habitat destruction, the future of the black rhino is far from guaranteed.

The wide open plains of the world renowned Maasai Mara Game Reserve are now home to a new born named after a very famous personality. Baby Kofi, a baby black rhino born in the community-owned Ol Choro Oirogua Conservancy was christened Kofi Annan in honour of the former UN secretary general .

The birth comes at a time when conservationists are putting in place new strategies that will see an increase in the numbers of endangered Rhinos.

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Usain Bolt is, without question, the fastest man in the world. He owns the record for the 150-meter dash, the 100-meter (where his record is a ridiculous sub-10 seconds), the 200-meter, and, as MDS mentioned, he may as well go ahead and try to add the 400-meters and the long jump trophies to a case that includes 2008 Athlete of the Year.

In the meantime though, he’s busy with a new, ahem, pet project: he just adopted a cheetah, which, as you may know, is the world’s fastest animal. Seriously.
The Jamaican sprinter’s sponsorship of the 3-month-old male cheetah is part of an effort to boost Kenyan conservation efforts of its famous wildlife, whose survival is threatened by trophy hunting, climate change and human encroachment.
But the best part is his name: Lightning Bolt!!!! Get it? His first name is Lightning (because he’s fast) and then because he’s Usain’s “child” his last name automatically becomes Bolt! (Sorry, I have no idea why I think that’s so awesome, but I do.)

Know what else is awesome? Bolt is doing this as part of an effort to PROMOTE nature conservation and to help animals and although I’m sure PETA will find a way to get angry with Bolt, it’s really cool to see someone who doesn’t need to help out this cause do so anyway.

Particularly when you consider that Bolt paid $13,700 for the cheetah and will pay $3,000 a year to care for LB, who will be placed in a Narobi conservatory. And let me tell you one other thing: if I wouldn’t feel like a total wuss for saying “OMG, THAT CHEETAH IS SOOO CUTE!” I totally would. Just saying.

Sprinter Usain Bolt is many things.  The Jamaican is a track superstar, having captured three Olympic gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and the 4×100 relay race.  He’s definitely earned the title of World’s Fastest Man.  Now, he’s putting some of his Olympic fame and fortune to good use by adopting an orphaned cheetah cub in Nairobi, Kenya.

Now, don’t get it mixed up.  He’s not adopting the cheetah cub, which he’s named Lightning Bolt, to keep in his backyard in Jamaica.  He’s adopting it by paying for its care and maintenance in a Kenyan animal sanctuary.  His $13,700 adoption fee and monthly $3,000 check is going to go to the Kenya Wildlife Service to cover the cost of some of the many endangered and rare animals that live in that country.

It’s all to raise awareness of Kenya’s many conservation efforts to stem the tide of poaching, pollution, and human encroachment.  In a country jobs poor but animal rich, the temptation of poaching is almost too much to bear.  That’s why Bolt is lending his name and money to the cause of animal preservation.For more information visit:

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Tags: world’s fastest man, world’s fastest cat, Usain Bolt, Lightning Bolt, Nairobi, Kenya, animals, conservation, Usain Bolt adopts cheetah

Since its inception in the year 2005, Eyes on Nature Expeditions has been donating 5% of each tour sold to a worthy cause through a charitable organization, Leo Community Development Network (LECDEN KENYA). The contribution goes towards catering for basic needs for the needy like buying medicines, food and even paying for school fees for the orphans and People living with HIV/AIDS(PLWHAS). LECDEN-KENYA has a number of centres within Nairobi: Kiambiu Slum, in Nairobi Buruburu Phase I, has 100 orphans, 85 OVC’s, 200 widows, 300 Girl Child , 250 PLWHAS  .Kibera Line Saba also in Nairobi has 80 orphans, 75 Other Vulnerable Children, 120 widows, 200 Girl Child, 100 People Living with HIV/AIDS.  We have other centres within the country in Makueni, Machakos, Siaya – near Kogello village (Home to US president Barack Obama’s late father), Nakuru, Central and Masala Village in Rarieda District. Rarieda District has 100 orphans, 120 Other Vulnerable Children, 140 widows, 250 Girl Child, 150 People Living with HIV/AIDS. province. For more details visit our website: www.lecdenkenya.com .

THERE ARE AT LEAST FOUR (4) GOOD REASONS YOU SHOULD COME WITH US.
1. We have formed close working partnerships with the best in-country outfitters and the best
lodges and camps-outfits that have decades of experience with guests on safari. In addition, we are committed to employing local people to the maximum extent possible. We pay our people well and, just as important, we provide them with training and involve them in our company. They are trusted partners in providing our guests with the best safari experience available in Kenya

2. Ethical tourism is one of the cornerstones of our company. Eyes On Nature Expeditions is committed to travel that provides exciting opportunities for our guests while enriching lives and protecting habitats in East Africa. We support micro-economic development projects with a number of tribal groups in Kenya. These programs allow our guests exclusive entry onto tribal lands while giving local people local control over the way tourism is introduced and the way dollars earned are used. Our programs open up rare opportunities for in-depth exchanges between western culture and traditional African cultures.

3. We offer responsible tourism by giving back to the community through the contribution of 5
percent of our income from every tour we sell. We contribute to LECDEN-KENYA, an NGO working with the less fortunate members of society. For more information please visit the website at www.lecdenkenya.com or enquire at info@lecdenkenya.com or lecden_2005@yahoo.com

4. Education is one of the cornerstones of Eyes On Nature Expeditions. On our safaris , you learn by going. It is a highly entertaining process of deepening discovery that we call Natural Learning and it’s an integral part of every one of our safaris . As our guides teach you to spot and identify game and track animals, you begin to see with new eyes. You become more curious and observant about animal behaviors, and you begin to understand how all the pieces of the ecosystem fit together. In addition, we can also arrange your safari to give you special access to amazing people who know Africa’s depths: researchers, directors of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) tribal councils, and camp owners. At Eyes On Nature Expeditions we want you to come away with a deeper understanding of an astonishing landscape.

FOR VOLUNTEER VACATIONS KENYA SAFARI Click Here

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Eyes on Nature Expeditions is big enough to fully cover all your tour requirements yet small enough to empathetically involve itself in your tour with quality personalized /customized services.

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Are you drawn to Africa? If you yearn for landscapes of great grasslands; jungles that are the last refuge of endangered gorillas and chimpanzees; warm oceans washing up on beaches that have seen the ebb and flow of the continent’s fortunes over the centuries; or the beat of Africa’s cities and people today, we can take you to her top destinations.
Continent of Contrast

These top destinations in Africa will reveal this continent of contrasts to you. Each has its allure, its culture and history, its people and wildlife that can be found nowhere else. From the islands of the Seychelles, to the great plains of the Serengeti, the rhythms of life in the Okavango Delta and the pulse and vibe of the world’s most beautiful city at the foot of Africa, we bring it all to you.

Tried and Tested
Careful consideration has gone into the selection of these top African destinations. We pride ourselves on helping our travellers discover an authentic, unique and truly memorable African experience. We ensure that wherever it is you’re dreaming of going, you will return from Africa with its sights and smells imprinted on your memory; the sound of a lion’s roar in the deep of the night still ringing in your ears.

These African destinations are our top choices because they are time and travel tested places that our African safari experts and our travellers have been to – and consistently rated as Africa’s highlights.

Into the Future
That said, our African safari experts are also at the forefront of exciting new developments in Africa when it comes to new lodges and areas opening up to travellers. This is where their firsthand, specialist knowledge allows us to present you with new choices that meet our stringent criteria and earn their place on our list of Africa’s top destinations.

REMARKS
Eyes on Nature Expeditions is big enough to fully cover all your tour requirements yet small enough to empathetically involve itself in your tour with quality personalized /customized services.

Other services provided by Eyes on Nature Expeditions include:-
-  International and domestic airline ticketing;
-  Tailor made FIT (Fully Inclusive Tour) International itineraries to suit your client’s needs;
-  Long or short tour packages within Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa and Seychelles;
-  Incentive tour programs which includes stays in prime properties and exotic locations;
-  City and local excursions;
-  Shopping itineraries;
-  Airport transfers;
-  Conferencing and event management;
-  Special interest groups such as Golfing, Honeymoon, Bird watching, Fishing safaris and others
-  Air ticketing
-  Beach, lodge and hotel bookings
-  Water rafting in Kenya and Uganda
-  Nature expeditions and peoples cultural programmes   -  Tour packages to Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya.
-  Mountaineering, fishing and balloon safaris
-  Car hire services and airport transfers
-  Group tours
-  Reception on arrival at all major airports
-  Camping safaris for budget travelers and special rates students

We pride ourselves in the fact that our safari guests can immerse themselves in Africa’s broad savannahs and remarkable wildlife with complete peace of mind, knowing that they are in the safe hands of Eyes on Nature Expeditions. No group is too large or too small for our tour company – at the end of the safari, we are always friends.
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Please do not hesitate to contact us for any additional information or assistance that you may require. Individual and discounted group rates also available on request

We aim to create that special relationship which converts our business partners and visitors into life longtime friends.
Yours Sincerely,
STEVE (Nature Man)
DIRECTOR, (TOURS AND TRAVEL CONSULTANT EAST AFRICA REGION)
EYES ON NATURE EXPEDITIONS LTD (TOURS AND TRAVEL)

WEBSITE: www.eyesonnatureexpeditions.com
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Can the Lake Naivasha in Kenya be saved? This has been the big question of late. In fact, the lake’s users and water regulators convened at the Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge to hammer out a formula to protect one of Africa most important sites. This amid concerns that it is just a matter of time before it dries up for the third time, and maybe forever, taking with it billions of shillings in investments and the livelihoods of millions of people.
The lake is a popular vacation weekend getaway for weary city dwellers. It was once part of a bigger lake that included Lakes Elmenteita and Lake Nakuru, but much of this original body of water dried up, leaving Lake Naivasha with a 150 km2 freshwater lake. Subsequently, Lake Naivasha becomes known for its cool climate, peaceful surrounds and tranquil waters; an excellent holidaying spot.

During the colonial era of the early 20th century, the lakeshore was a popular location for parties. Today, the fertile soil around the lake is used for agriculture, in particular for the production of fruit, flowers, vegetables and vineyards, while the fish of the lake attract over 400 bird species. Wild animals that can be seen frequenting the shore are zebra, antelope, giraffes, monkeys and hippopotamus.

Between 1937 and 1950 this beautiful, peaceful fresh water lake was used as a landing place for plane passengers destined for Nairobi! The flying boat from London would land on the lake where the Lake Naivasha Country Club now stands, and travellers would board a bus for Nairobi. Today the lovely lake, with its cool climate, has become a retreat for Nairobi residents and tourists looking for peace.
Officials from the Kenya Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) and the Naivasha Municipal Council and flower growers agreed there is an urgent need for them to engage the communities around the lake and far up its catchment areas to get its feeder rivers, which have since stopped flowing, back on course. Listening to the deliberations from the almost tearful speakers, the pain of losing Lake Naivasha becomes so real, the frustration obvious.

Unfortunately, neither the council nor WARMA has details on the lake’s water usage; though officials say the report is being complied and will be ready in a month. “Without the lake, there is no Naivasha. Without the lake, there are no flowers. Without the flowers, the people who live in the town will have to relocate,” said the mayor of Naivasha Municipal Council. The Lake Naivasha Growers Association, the Lake Naivasha Water Users Association, the Council and the government are burning the midnight oil to implement the Lake Naivasha Management Plan, which would provide water extraction, recover all riparian land and control usage. The plan, to be enforced by the Council, states how much water should be allocated to pastoralists, individuals, commercial users, irrigators and tourism.

Tourist Activities Around Lake Naivasha

Bird watching Safari: Kenya recorded around 1090 bird’s species mainly in Mt Kenya Lake Bogoria, Kakamega Forest, Lake Naivasha Masai Mara thus the East Africa ornithological & birding paradise.

Lake Naivasha Camping Safaris: camping safari is a throw back to the more traditional safaris in Kenya. Mobile camping safari involve being ‘on the move’, to have your tented camp move with you. Kenya camping safaris were undertaken by early explorers in East Africa and were led by professional a camping guide. This was East Africa safari way of exploring remote safari location by day and sleeping under camping canvas by night.

Lake Naivasha lodge safaris: They are preferred by tourists looking to explore the a wide range world class lodges accommodation.

Honeymoon & Wedding Holidays: This is common for romantic honeymoon getaways

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The Best Compact Digital Cameras for Kenya Tanzania Uganda Travel, Safari Photography

The Best Digital Lumix Camera

Though our safari guides are dedicated photographers, they often don’t take digital cameras with them when they are on a safari in Tanzania Kenya Uganda as they rather not to have the interruption and concentrate on making the experience as enjoyable as possible for tourists who have paid for the privilege. Our guides do have lots of other opportunities to travel on their own and photograph incredible wildlife & scenery. With this “best digital camera information our travel guides hope to pass on advice to help you get the best digital camera for travel, safaris and wildlife photography.

Best Digital Cameras for Travel in Kenya Tanzania Uganda – the most important features are:

The camera should be Handy – This for a safari travel camera is vital, it should be easy to place in your hand luggage; it has to be simple to hold, we highly recommend a compact digital camera for touring Africa. Remember that professional photographers carry large photographic equipment because it’s their job and you are on Kenya Tanzania Uganda holiday with the idea being to enjoy it.

Don’t become a Target – Another thing to keep in mind is that if you travel around populated cities like Nairobi, you are immediately a target for thieves.

Safari Camera – When you travel on safari in Africa, you most probably will be traveling on a 4×4 and the size of your camera is not that critical as long as it is easily available, but if you plan on a walking safari, again a small easy to carry camera is highly recommended.

Best Cameras for Wildlife Photography

When photographing wildlife the most important features to look out for are:

Get in close to the subject – Big Zoom required – the principals of Africa wildlife photography are similar to photographing polar bears in the arctic, you need to get as close as possible.

Digital Camera Battery types and Battery life

Battery life and what type of batteries the camera takes is also an important consideration to take into account, remember if you are traveling to remote locations there may not be any electricity to charge your batteries, therefore buying a spare battery or two is a must.

Below are recommended best digital cameras for Africa travel and wild life photography, by taking into account three main features of large zoom and compact size camera

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 is the successor to the very popular FZ18 and has increased resolution: 10.1 Megapixels.

It has an amazing super-zoom with an 18x optically stabilised lens (27-486mm, 35mm equivalent) and if that is not enough there are options to add a 1.7x teleconverter to it. As well as the zoom for t great close ups of wildlife; the 27mm wide-angle feature is ideal for your broad Masai Mara and Serengeti landscapes allowing you to capture a wider view.

Canon Powershot SX10 IS

Canon’s latest super-zoom, taking over from the fantastic PowerShot S5 IS. Unlike the Panasonic, it uses AA batteries to power it. The massive 20x zoom (28-560mm equivalent), is perfect for getting close to large wildlife like elephants and rhinos. The Canon Powershot SX10 IS boasts 10 Megapixels with the latest DIGIC 4 processor adds AF tracking, more efficient video compression, and a clever self-timer mode which waits for a new person to appear before starting the countdown..

Canon Powershot SX10 IS and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28.

Both cameras are very alike in most regards

Other Super Zoom Cameras Worth Considering Other than the above recommendations for the best camera to take on Kenya safari, you may wish to also take a look at the options below, all great cameras and all that meet our requirements of being compact enought to easily carry whilst traveling, have a great zoom on it to get nice close up photos of the wildlife and must be not too expensive.

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