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Written by Jono
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Wednesday, 10 March 2010 10:18 |
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Sometimes you just don’t realise when a little luck will come your way. For many months I’ve marvelled at the African Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone Viridis). During this time they have often strutted their very evident beauty on the branches around my tent and across camp. This open savannah and forest is an ideal habitat for them, so here at Rekero we are spoilt by their regular presence. The real and frustrating challenge that they present is that they don’t sit still long enough to capture on film their strong rusty colours, long plumage, dark crested head and sky blue eyes and bill. Not to be put off I have been waiting for my chance and yesterday, just before tea, it came.
I heard the distinctive call of this wondrous bird, whee-wheeo-whit-whit. So armed with my camera, I found my chirpy little friend bouncing from one branch to the next leaving me, as normal, with barely any hope of getting the shot I was looking for. I sat at a distance so he would become more comfortable with my presence and my patience was rewarded when he stopped trying to distract me away from his newly built nest. The new tiny cup shaped nest sat much higher in the tree with what I imagine contained two or maybe three eggs. After a few blurry attempts I managed to snap the below picture and bounded off to share one of the Masai Mara’s enchanting species with everyone in camp.
Yet another perfectly satisfying day in camp! From all of the Rekero team, have a great week.
Jono |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 March 2010 10:19 |
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Newsletter - 24th February |
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Written by Dudu
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Wednesday, 10 March 2010 10:15 |
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I have to be at my sharpest on a Monday morning. It is order day for me and with that the responsibility to provide, amongst other things, the fresh fruit, salads and meat that we all enjoy in this wonderful setting. All supplies, edible and not, are ordered from the same individuals that Rekero has used for two decades. On Tuesday morning our lorry arrives in Nairobi to load up before starting its arduous journey down to the Mara stopping overnight. On Wednesday morning it arrives at the Rekero base in the northern Mara. Here it is unloaded and its cargo is separated into urgent and non essential. As the first supply car leaves base with the perishable newly arrived fresh produce, a lone tractor starts its journey up from camp to meet the lorry, it is a journey that will take roughly 5 hours on a good day. Later that afternoon the tractor arrives at base and is packed with the remaining supplies, including water, fuel and spare parts for the vehicles. At first light on Thursday it sets off back for camp, passing the first supply car now full of off duty staff heading back to base. The supplies arrive here in the heat of the day to be unpacked and checked. Assuming there is no rain, no breakdown and nothing, apart from the odd egg, is broken then we can all enjoy light and airy cakes for tea and a devilishly tasty dessert at dinner.
Our very best wishes,
Dudu
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 March 2010 10:17 |
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Newsletter -17th February |
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Written by Swenson family
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Wednesday, 17 February 2010 10:10 |
We knew from my father, who had visited before, that it was well worth the time to explore the community aspect of Rekero for which it has become well known. When our turn came to visit the Mara late last year, it was our guide Daniel who offered to take us to his home and we eagerly accepted. I think it is safe to say it completed our entire experience.
On the way we stopped for a bush breakfast and Daniel began to expand on his family life outside of Rekero. He explained proudly that he provided his wife's family with a certain number of goats in order to marry her and that he now had two children, Lemayian and Lerionka. As we arrived his family were waiting to greet us and we spent the next few hours experiencing the life they lead in this remote corner of Africa. We learned of the role of men as protectors and the women as keepers of the home. The overriding sense was that each family member, even the young, has certain duties. Working together in these harsh conditions is everything.
They too learned something about us, where we came from and who was in our family. There was particular interest in our daughter Haley (her strawberry blonde hair) and our son Erik (his filming skills).
The striking thing is that the women in this family are wisely given responsibility for the most important assets; the children and the goats. Looking at these fine animals it was clear that Daniel is already saving to ensure his kids can have families as wonderful as he does.
Our greetings to them and all,
The Swenson Family (Rekero 2009)
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 February 2010 10:11 |
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Newsletter - 10th February |
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Written by Gordie
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Wednesday, 10 February 2010 10:11 |
Those of us who have been on safari will know that there is little more important than the quality of the guide that sits alongside you. It is most definitely one part of a journey where mediocrity can very easily dilute an experience. With nominations now open for the World’s Best Guide 2010, I am sure we could all think of a suitable person fit to take this award.
As the nominations draw to a close, I would like to take a liberty in suggesting that a worthy nominee would be our very own Jackson Looseyia. I suggest him because of his deep commitment to bring to visitors a genuine understanding of his wilderness. He does this through his own special brand of communication and his ever growing army of protégé guides that he has developed to deliver his and their own unique brand of guiding. He is a man whose innate ability has been built on over many years experience, I know this because I was first guided by him when we were both about 15 years of age and continue to be two decades later. Through pure determination he has taken indigenous guiding to a whole new level to become one of Africa’s stars. He does this by combining expert knowledge of flaura and fauna with a passion and commitment and most importantly delivers it in a way we understand.
If by some chance Jackson were to be your choice you can add your own nomination through the following link www.worldguideawards.com by the 25th February. From there he is in the hands of the judges. No pressure of course!
Have a good one won’t you, Gordie |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 February 2010 11:44 |
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Newsletter - 03rd February |
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Written by Rainee
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Wednesday, 03 February 2010 09:40 |
Up in the forest behind Acacia House lies the Rekero classroom. This fine seat of learning is where we seek to put into practise the nuts and bolts of our ethical policy. It is not just the haunt of conservationists, guides, chefs or waiters but also those addressing the important human needs that surround us.
There was a low key graduation ceremony here this morning. This particular passing out was of significance because it played an important role in our efforts to work on the female rights amongst the Masai. This is one area that sadly often needs more attention than it gets. This is the second of two ten day computer courses attended by girls from The Tasaru Girls Rescue Centre which provides a safe house and vital education through secondary school for Maasai girls rescued from genital mutilation (FGM) and forced childhood marriage. Despite being illegal, both are still prevalent amongst the 800,000 or so Masai in Kenya. The stories these girls could tell are both shocking and depressing and we must through employment, ongoing education and direct interventions tackle these issues head on. We as an operator are clear that they contribute nothing to the well being of the individuals and their communities.
This opportunity and all others are made possible directly and indirectly by each and every guest for which we and they are really most grateful.
Best wishes from me and the team,
Rainee
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 03 February 2010 09:41 |
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