Nairobi’s Royal Birds – Article by Gareth Jones
THE ROYAL CRANES! - BY GARETH JONES We slowly approached a treed area where there was a dam with reeds. As we sat quietly waiting, a family of grey crowned cranes emerged from the long grass and walked along the edge
Zebra “On The Roll”- Article by Gareth Jones
ZEBRA “ON THE ROLL" AT THE NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK Year after year the plains zebra faithfully return to the Nairobi park to seek fine pasture. In recent years this feat is becoming more and more challenging with the pressures of human
Clicks For Better Pics! – Article by Gareth Jones
CLICKS FOR BETTER PICS - IT'S ALL ABOUT WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY!!! - By GARETH JONES I do not pretend to know everything about taking good wildlife photos, but over a period of half a century hopefully, some hard lessons have been learned.
Reedbuck- The African Antelope! – Article by Gareth Jones
THE NAIROBI REEDBUCK! - BY GARETH JONES Late one afternoon I drove to the Hyena dam area, it was very evident that some parts of the park were looking green, with various sightings of herbivores and birds. As I turned a
An Enjoyable Park Day!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
AN ENJOYABLE PARK DAY AT THE NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK The alarm clock buzzed at 04h30 as we awoke to a new day! We prepared then packed the car and arrived at the gate just before 06H00, then met our friendly guests
Mountain Reedbuck – Article by Gareth Jones
The Chanler's Mountain Reedbuck While some people might be aware of the more common Bohor reedbuck frequenting the wetland areas of the Nairobi Park, very few people are aware of the rarely seen Chanler's Mountain reedbuck found in some of the
The Nairobi Rhinos – Article by Gareth Jones
BLACK & WHITE IS GREY - BY GARETH JONES It is always a thrill to see Rhino in the wild, just a few days ago I saw some White Rhino peacefully grazing in the park. That reminded me of the exciting
Super Sensitive Servals!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
Super Sensitive Servals Of The Nairobi National Park When driving in the Nairobi National Park, always be prepared for those “suddenly” moments when you see something rare or special. It is good to drive with your camera ON! and READY! and
The Wildest Holiday!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
The Wildest Holiday In The Nairobi National Park The alarm clock buzzed at 04h30 as we awoke to a new day! We packed the car and arrived at the gate just after 06H10, excited to be able to visit the
H&S Holidays Recommended Hotel Of The Week- The Sands at Nomad – Diani Beach, Kenya
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Bravo Tsavo East! – Article by Gareth Jones
Tsavo East National Park - Bravo Tsavo East! The alarm clock buzzed at 04h00, we rapidly awoke and packed a few remaining items into our car and left Nairobi just after 05H00. After weeks of waiting, we were actually on our
Nairobi City Escape- Article by Gareth Jones
NAIROBI CITY ESCAPE - THE BUSH BUZZ!! - BY GARETH JONES In this fast and often crazy world we live in ,many people like to "escape from the city" and spend time in a natural environment. Well, the Nairobi National Park
The Unique African Antelope – Article by Gareth Jones
UNIQUE AFRICAN ANTELOPE - BY GARETH JONES Wow! What a sight for the naked eye to behold, before me stood a big herd of elands, moving slowly across the Embakasi plains as they grazed and interacted with each other. So
Run Baby Run!! – Article by Gareth Jones
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK - RUN BABY RUN!! - By GARETH JONES As I drove through the park late one afternoon after a good shower of rain, I noticed some movement in the small stream “lugga” in a valley. Wow! it was
The Nairobi Hippos- Article by Gareth Jones
HIPPO ON THE GO!! - BY GARETH JONES Some years ago it was getting late on a cloudy day and almost becoming evening, and being tired after a long day, I rode slowly but purposefully through the park, not really putting
The Mighty Buffalo – Article by Gareth Jones
NAIROBI BUFFALO HERDS - BY GARETH JONES Some years ago, as I rounded a bend in the Langata forest, the road was full of buffalo. There were so many, from tiny calves to cows to young bulls to old bulls, what
Tsavo West National Park – Article by Gareth Jones
TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK - BRAVO IT'S TSAVO!!! - By GARETH JONES The alarm clock buzzed at 04h00, we rapidly awoke and packed a few remaining items into our car and left Nairobi just after 05H00. After weeks of waiting, we
Cubs Are Cute!!- Article by Gareth Jones
Cute Cubs Of The Nairobi National Park - Written by Gareth Jones Just imagine for a moment if we could actually understand Lion talk!
The River Horse!- Article by Gareth Jones
The River Horse: Hippos In Nairobi! Some years ago, it was getting late on a cloudy day and almost becoming evening, and being tired after a long day, I rode slowly but purposefully through the park, not really putting extra effort
The Call Of Africa!- Article by Gareth Jones
The Call Of Africa: The African Fish Eagle! A few years ago, we witnessed an incredible and very rare natural event at the Hyena dam in the Nairobi National Park. A fish eagle landed on the bank of the dam and
More Than Just Lions!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
Much More Than Lions! The alarm clock buzzed at 05h00, as we awoke to a new day and arrived at the gate just after 06H00. The master plan was to spend the entire day in the park, and just enjoy all
The ‘Bluetiful’ Guineafowl!! – Article by Gareth Jones
The “Bluetiful” Guineafowl Of Africa We awoke early before sunrise and prepared for a morning game drive in the Meru National Park. Departing just before sunrise, we soon arrived at a low river crossing bridge, then suddenly as we reached about
The Rare Cheetah!!- Article by Gareth Jones
The Rare Cheetah In The Nairobi National Park We awoke very early and entered the park just after 06h00. I decided to slowly head down towards the Athi Basin via the western boundary. We drove slowly and eventually arrived at the
Giraffes Are Amazing! – Article by Gareth Jones
THE AMAZING GIRAFFES OF NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK!!! - BY GARETH JONES Looking down from the wall of the Hyena dam, I watched as some giraffes lined up to drink out of a tiny pool of water below the dam, seeming to
The Biggest Bird!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
The Biggest Bird In The World! Several years ago, we visited the Oudtshoorn district in South Africa, well known for the many large Ostrich farms in the area. We stood behind a fence watching the many ostrich feeding, soon a large
A Fabulous Family Outing!- Article by Gareth Jones
A Fabulous Family Outing In The Nairobi National Park! With the upcoming holidays approaching, many families are looking for activities that will result in great memories and a wonderful family time together. Planning your family outing is a key part of
The Stealth Striker!! – Article by Gareth Jones
The Stealth Striker Of The Nairobi National Park It was a cold, dark, moonless night as the little baby shrub hare followed its mother to find suitable food to satisfy their hunger. One moment “mom” was in front, then suddenly “mom”
The Nose Knows!!- Article by Gareth Jones
The Nose Knows: The Language Of Smell I find it incredible to note how many wonderful creatures have a very powerful sense of smell. As many of us are aware, in the wild, all the senses are important in order to
The Young Ones!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
The Young Ones Of Nairobi National Park There is something, very special, about new life. In the wild, irrespective of if the particular young of the species is a herbivore or a predating carnivore, there is perhaps something “cute” when observing
Nurturing The Forest!! – Article by Gareth Jones
Nurturing The Forest - Nairobi National Park In the last three months of 2021, a wonderful plan to plant close to 900 trees on a neglected section of the original Nairobi Greenline swung into action. It was exciting to see many
Wild Striped Equines!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
Wild Striped Equines Of Nairobi National Park It was getting hot in the car as the sun rose high overhead. As we rounded a corner, a herd of magnificently patterned creatures stood in the road, they were seemingly dazed by the
Pipe Lions & Sign Lions!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
Pipe Lions & Sign Lions Of The Nairobi National Park! Recently, I was driving in the Athi basin on some of the newly reconstructed roads. I was with two international visitors who were really enjoying their outing in the park. Naturally,
FRANK & LYN!!! – Article by Gareth Jones
The Tale Of Frank & Lyn! Lyn waited patiently as a new day dawned. It had been a very lonely night as Frank did not come home. Lyn became increasingly concerned at sunrise, and she began to search the area where
Birds, Birds & More Birds!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
Birds Of Nairobi National Park! As I sat thinking of the amazing diversity of bird species in the tiny Nairobi National Park, the idea came to me to check the global records. Well, a bit of quick research revealed that there
The Good Safaritans!- Article by Gareth Jones
The Good Safaritans Of The Nairobi National Park! One thing that has always touched me in life, is when people help those in need, especially when they expect nothing in return. Many people know the biblical parable of the good Samaritan
Holiday Moments!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
Holiday Moments In The Park! Well, 2021 has seemingly flown past and it is now the time at the end of the year, when families usually want to spend quality time together, either at home or at a venue that they
ALIVE@75!!- Article by Gareth Jones
Alive@75 - Celebrating The Nairobi National Park! In 1898, the Uganda Railway project reached a point where there was a swampy section at the railway marker of “mile 326”. The water was deemed clean and fresh enough to declare the place
Our Friends The Bats!!- Article by Gareth Jones
Our Friends The Bats Of Nairobi National Park Sometimes, there are times when we really slow down to look for the really small things. One day near the hippo pools, our reward came in the form of some bats that were
Just Dust!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
Just Dust In The Nairobi National Park I watched as a large cloud of rust coloured dust arose from the hot dry plains driven by a seemingly desperate surge of wind. After spending an entire day in the Nairobi National Park
No Need For Speed!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
No Need For Speed In The Nairobi National Park Some time ago, I drove through the park after a long tiring day at work. I was starting to feel more relaxed after a pleasant drive through the park. Then suddenly my
Are Starlings Darlings? – Article by Gareth Jones
Starlings Of The Nairobi National Park When visiting the various National parks in Kenya, it is difficult not to see various species of starlings. The Nairobi National Park is one of the parks that has some special varieties like the
Open Bill Thrill!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
Open Bill Thrill - Nairobi National Park As we approached the Athi basin dam early one morning, I slowed the vehicle down to a crawl speed in the hope that my arrival would not alarm any wildlife that might be at
GO RHINO GO!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
GO RHINO GO - The African Rhinos! It is always a thrill to see Rhino in the wild, just a few days ago I saw some White Rhino peacefully grazing in the park. That reminded me of the exciting event in
The “Speckletacular” Cats! – Article by Gareth Jones
The “Speckletacular” Cats: The Nairobi Servals When driving in the Nairobi National Park, always be prepared for those “suddenly” moments when you see something rare or special. It is good to drive with your camera ON! and READY! and next to
Nairobi Lion Days!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
Nairobi Lion Days: The Lions Of The Nairobi National Park! Starting as an idea with a humble beginning in 2013 World Lion Day has continued as the brainchild of co-founders Dereck and Beverly Joubert, a husband-and-wife team with a passion for
The Unsung Heroes!- Article by Gareth Jones
The Unsung Heroes Of Wildlife As I arrived at the east gate of the Nairobi National Park, I glanced at the wall, and there in bold print was a sign with a clear message from the past in the words of
Interesting Symbiotic Relationships!!- Article by Gareth Jones
Interesting Symbiotic Relationships In The Nairobi National Park We observed a large herd of buffalo drinking water and wallowing at the Embakasi dam, however, we were fascinated by the presence of many red-billed and yellow-billed oxpeckers on and around the buffalo
The Speedy Antelopes!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
The Speedy Antelopes Of The Nairobi National Park On a recent Sunday afternoon drive while making slow progress towards the Athi basin we saw mixed herds of Thomson's gazelle (tommies) and Grant's gazelle near the No 10 murram heaps. As we
The Creatures Voice!- Article by Gareth Jones
Be "The Creatures Voice" Of The Nairobi National Park!!! In December 2021 The Nairobi National Park will hopefully celebrate 75 years since being gazette in December 1946. Since the humble beginning, when Mervyn Cowie was the first Warden, many caring
Lumps & Bumps!- Article by Gareth Jones
Lumps & Bumps In The Nairobi National Park Over some years, I have noted that there seem to be more animals with abnormal growths in the Nairobi National Park than I have seen in other national parks, especially considering that the
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Lion Love!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
LION LOVE AT THE NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK It was early on a cool morning when we found a mating pair of lions near No16 and the Leopard Cliffs. The male was in his prime and is known to many people as
The Importance Of Biomass – Article by Gareth Jones
The Importance Of Biomass At The NNP - Written by Gareth Jones We all need the energy to survive in the world, wild animals who eat plant species can only survive and thrive if there is enough plant material, like grasses,
Croc Shock!!! – Article by Gareth Jones
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK - CROC SHOCK!!! - By GARETH JONES It was a cold cloudy morning as I sat quietly at the Hyena dam, waiting and watching to see what bird action there was. Suddenly a movement caught my attention, the
The Sosian Serval!- Article by Gareth Jones
The Sosian Serval Spotted In The Nairobi National Park When driving in the Nairobi National Park, always be prepared for those “suddenly” moments when you see something rare or special. It is good to drive with your camera ON! and READY!
The Great Escape!- Article by Gareth Jones
The Great Escape! Early one morning while driving through the park, I suddenly had a “flashback moment” of a traumatic incident that happened to me during the post-election violence on the morning of Monday 14th April 2008…. “ One of
Sandgrouse Safari Moments!! – Article by Gareth Jones
Sandgrouse Safari Moment In The Nairobi National Park After another dry and dusty dark night, three tiny little black-faced sandgrouse chicks began to “cheep-cheep” to their parents that they were getting very thirsty. The sun was just beginning to rise
The Call Of Africa!- Article by Gareth Jones
The Call Of Africa By Nairobi National Park's Raptors Nearly two years ago we witnessed an incredible event at the Hyena dam in the Nairobi National Park. A fish eagle landed on the bank of the dam and stood for
Interesting Natural Relationships – Article by Gareth Jones
Interesting Natural Relationships Within The Nairobi National Park We observed a large herd of buffalo drinking water and wallowing at the Embakasi dam, however, I was fascinated by the presence of many red-billed and yellow-billed oxpeckers. As we sat quietly the
Lions Of Nairobi!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
Lions Of Nairobi That Live In The Nairobi National Park For thousands of years, lions have roamed the area we call Nairobi today. Humans have also co-existed with wildlife in this area for thousands of years. However, within the last 120
Hunting For Treasure- Article by Gareth Jones
Hunting For Treasure In The Nairobi National Park On Sunday 30th of August 2020, a number of people participated in a “treasure hunt” organized by the Friends of Nairobi National Park ( FoNNaP). For those who might not be aware, this
The Water Beasts- Article by Gareth Jones
The Water Beasts - Hippos Early one morning many years ago, we drove along a fairly remote stretch of track along the Tsavo River. We rounded a tight bend in thick bush and drove into an area with thick lush green
Cows & Cats – Article by Gareth Jones
COWS & CATS OF THE NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK As we arrived at the dam next to no 9 Junction, a massive herd of buffalo could be seen spread out wide from the dam across the valley. There were so many cows
The Log Mess Mudster!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
THE LOG MESS MUDSTER OF THE NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK After more than 6 months of rains, the park is looking very verdant with plants growing in abundance and flowers everywhere, however, the road network has been seriously affected in many places.
The Green Lungs- Article by Gareth Jones
NAIROBI’S REGAL OUR FORESTS ARE GREEN LUNGS!! - By GARETH JONES After good rains, new life often emerges in many ways. Flowers blossom with bright splashes of colour, standing out magnificently against the green surroundings and the dry drab grasses erupt
The Guardians Of Nature!! – Article by Gareth Jones
Be The Guardians Of Nature & Protect The Nairobi National Park! The Nairobi National Park will hopefully celebrate 75 years since being gazetted, in December 2021, however many people are currently greatly concerned about the proposed 10-year management plan for the
Beautiful Bee-Eaters- Article by Gareth Jones
BEAUTIFUL BEE-EATERS OF NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK A car stopped next to me and asked ‘Where are the lions?’ I answered them in the way I often do and said “Well actually, I usually pray before going to the park, that God
Our Friends The Bats!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
OUR FRIENDS THE BATS OF THE NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK Sometimes, there are times when we really slow down to look for the really small things. One morning as we drove slowly down the hill towards the hippo pools, I suddenly noticed
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Big Bird Lecture!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
Big Bird Lecture In The Nairobi National Park Very early one morning I drove towards the Hyena dam. Just then I saw a pair of grey crowned cranes standing on top of a tall acacia tree. Their shapes were profiled against
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The Kings!- Article by Gareth Jones
THE KINGS OF THE NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK In August 2007 I drove along the road that goes along a stream towards no. 4 junction, as I rounded a corner, suddenly there was a strikingly majestic lion standing right next to the
The Green Scene!!!- Article by Gareth Jones
THE GREEN SCENE!!! - MERU NATIONAL PARK With the heavy rains in many parts of Kenya this year, many people had to revise their planned accommodation in the national parks during the Christmas holidays. I decided to enquire about Meru National
Enjoying Your Family Safari – Article by Gareth Jones
ENJOYING YOUR FAMILY SAFARI - SPENDING YOUR HOLIDAYS IN THE WILD! This time of year with the Christmas holidays in full swing, many families are travelling to various vacation destinations within Kenya. Naturally, the lure of the coast is an attraction
A TREE-MENDOUS Treat – Article by Gareth Jones
A TREE-MENDOUS Treat In The Nairobi National Park! Early one cloudy morning we ventured into the park, I decided to drive into the Kingfisher picnic spot area. As we rounded a corner suddenly there was a pride of 10 lions on
A Wonderful Family Outing – Article by Gareth Jones
A Wonderful Family Outing In The Nairobi National Park! With the holidays now in full swing, many families are looking for activities that will result in great memories and wonderful family time together.
Nairobi Lakes – Article by Gareth Jones
NAIROBI LAKES - WET, WILD & WONDERFUL!!! - By GARETH JONES Let us just imagine for a moment …We parked near the main gate with a new sign that stated “WELCOME TO NAIROBI LAKES NATIONAL PARK”, and prepared to pay our
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The Unsung Hero – Mervyn Cowie!! – Article by Gareth Jones
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK: THE UNSUNG HERO – MERVYN COWIE!!! - By GARETH JONES In 1898 the Uganda Railway project reached a point where there was a swampy section at the railway marker of “mile 326”. The water was deemed clean and
The World Of Ants!! – Article by Gareth Jones
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK - THE WORLD OF ANTS!! - By GARETH JONES My vehicle stopped suddenly near the Kingfisher picnic site, in front me a moving mass snaked its way across the road, a closer inspection revealed seemingly millions of red
Lake Nakuru National Park!! – Article by Gareth Jones
LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK - WORTH A VISIT!! - By GARETH JONES For many years we have enjoyed occasional weekend visits to Lake Nakuru National Park. It is indeed a wonderful place to escape from the hectic city life of Nairobi.
Magnificent Meru!! – Article by Gareth Jones
MERU NATIONAL PARK: 'MAGNIFICENT MERU' - By GARETH JONES The alarm clock buzzed at 04h00, we rapidly awoke and packed a few remaining items into our car and left Nairobi just after 05H00. I always try to plan safari trips out
Panthera Leo!! – Article by Gareth Jones
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK'S LIONS ALSO KNOWN AS PANTHERA LEO - By GARETH JONES For thousands of years, lions (Panthera leo) have roamed the area we call Nairobi today. Humans have also co-existed with wildlife in this area for thousands of years.
Nearly Next Door!! – Article by Gareth Jones
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK - NEARLY NEXT DOOR!! - By GARETH JONES The alarm clock buzzed at 05h00 as we awoke to a new day and arrived at the gate just after 06H00. On a number of occasions, people have seen some
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The Safari Samaritans – Article by Gareth Jones
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK - THE SAFARI SAMARITANS - BY GARETH JONESOne thing that has always touched me in life, is when people help those in need, especially when they expect nothing in return. Many people know the biblical parable of
Babies & Ivory! – Article by Gareth Jones
THE NAIROBI ELEPHANTS - BABIES & IVORY - BY GARETH JONES Recently whilst stopping at the Ivory burn site with a visitor, I noticed some lesser striped swallows on top of one of the piles of burnt ivory. As I stood
The Nairobi Servals! – Article by Gareth Jones
THE NAIROBI SERVALS - A SERVAL FAMILY! - BY GARETH JONES When driving in the Nairobi National Park, always be prepared for those “suddenly” moments when you see something rare or special. It is good to drive with your camera ON!