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Newsletter - 13th January 2010 |
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Written by Rob
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Wednesday, 13 January 2010 10:21 |
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You will all be familiar with the Big 5 (leopard, lion, buffalo, rhino and elephant). To see all five in a day is quite an achievement for any avid safari-goer and having been lucky enough to have seen this more than once it was time to raise the bar. How about the challenge of seeing five different cats in one day? Impossible you might say, but not so if you have the eagle eyes of Daniel and John along side. Myself, John and Andy Loveland were lucky enough to manage this feat on not one but two separate days.
I can count on one hand the number of caracal sightings I've had over the years, yet we found ourselves in the situation where we could drive five minutes out of camp and find two as if on demand. A mother and cub had taken up residence in a nearby thicket and as if that were not enough, we also had the luxury of spending an hour or so with a very accommodating serval cat in the morning sunshine. With those more unusual ones in the bag the icing on the cake was to see cheetah, leopard and lion. At one point we were able to watch cheetah on one side of the car and caracal on the other!
I call that a better than average day out!
My best salaams to you all,
Rob
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 13 January 2010 10:56 |
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Newsletter - 6th January 2010 |
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Written by Gordie
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Wednesday, 13 January 2010 10:18 |
So it is that time of the year when all those we know and love in the northern hemisphere are wrestling with sub zero temperatures and all the complications to daily life that such weather brings. Happily for us it is a season that traditionally gives us quite the opposite, clear skies, warm days and not a sniff of weather related transport issues. This is the season for long lazy lunches while the game comes to you.
Not so in 2010 because just as Gerard, Rainee and family checked out for a few days break on the coast, the heavens in the Mara well and truly opened. They have pretty much stayed that way ever since. The immediate effect is quite wonderful, the smell and almost immediate emergence of green shoots make it a wonderful thing to be part of. However a few days on, for those running the operation, things will become a little more testing. The rain makes the rivers swell and the mud ever more plentiful and sticky. The game seeks drier ground and normal service becomes increasingly hard to deliver. I am happy to say (from my much drier office many miles away) that so far all is well. The team report that animal sightings are still good, if a little soggy, and supplies and most importantly the guests are still getting in and out. It is of comfort that rain in the Mara is nearly always a good thing (in the end) and even better is that any day now we can expect Gerard back, with a sun tan, ready to help tidy up. Have a good and hopefully dry one won’t you, Gordie |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 13 January 2010 10:19 |
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Newsletter - 30th December 2009 |
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Written by Jono
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Monday, 04 January 2010 11:10 |
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Having arrived at Rekero mid last season, nothing could have prepared me for my own epic ‘safari’. As our first calendar year draws to an end I would like to share with you why I now believe I have arrived in what can be only described as ‘heaven on earth’.
As I sit here in anticipation of another stunning African sunset I think of other experiences from my short existence in the Masai Mara. Waking up to the sun’s first rays bursting through the netting of my tent, the energetic patter of rain drops falling on the parched ground radiating the smell of freshly mown grass, the plinking and tinkering of the little tree frogs at dusk and the midnight sky punctuated with tens of thousands of stars…...and of course the wildlife: the leopards rasping, the lions roaring and the wildebeest grunting; all coexisting in this great cycle of life. I think to myself ‘How did I not find this place sooner? '
The Mara and Rekero work together to produce an experience that few will sample anywhere else on Earth. It is a testament to the Beaton family, all the staff and Jackson for the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into providing a personal experience for all that was summed up by Karen Blixen many years ago: “There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne – bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive”
We wish you all a very happy and prosperous 2010 wherever you are and I hope our paths may cross here in the Mara,
Jono |
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Last Updated on Monday, 04 January 2010 11:16 |
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Newsletter - A Masai Christmas |
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Written by Gordfie & Rob
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Monday, 04 January 2010 11:05 |
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As you might imagine a white Christmas, or the possibility of one, is not something that concerns Daniel Sopia. As normal he will be guiding as well as playing an important part in the festivities that we have planned in camp and at the houses. He tells me that back at his village, the Sopia household will be doing things a little differently.
His community only really acknowledge the day because they realise its significance in the world. As with all special occasions they will be slaughtering a goat and the family will invite relatives and friends around to the house to enjoy it together. The Masai don't really give presents to each other, but they might have bought a new item of clothing from the market to look nice on the day. Daniel is clear that Christmas, as always, should be filled with the most important things starting with the warmth of family and friends.
Across the Rekero operation we will be doing things on a slightly larger scale and will seek to perhaps be a little more active but very much aspire to those same values. So wherever you are and however you choose to pass the day we hope that it is a happy one. The whole team here have asked us to send seasonal greetings to you all and your families and we have great pleasure in doing just that.
Our very best to you all,
Rob & Gordie
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Last Updated on Monday, 04 January 2010 11:07 |
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