Tsavo, A Slow Revelation of Hidden Beauty

After my first visit to Tsavo East, I could not wait to visit Tsavo again. With a long holiday weekend in end June 2017, what better way to spend an extended weekend! One thing I realized from my previous trip was that, a DSLR camera is a must for a safari. On the flip side, I had no clue about photography and thus I began a journey of self learning on various aspects of photography.  My friend Kamran gave some valuable advise and tips since he is an ardent wildlife photographer. When we reached the gates of Tsavo, it was dry as it could be. There was a mild coldness in the air but no water in sight.

We stayed at Satao Camp which was located in the park. Personally this is one of the best places one could visit in Tsavo East. Luxury tents with extremely comfortable bedding and to top it off there is a water hole with resident hippo’s which near the camp site.

Even though it was so dry, the abundance of animals was amazing. We saw so many animals but the climax of the trip was spotting a lion pride with two cubs. The cubs were so entertaining and we were near them for nearly 45 minutes.

As the sun started to go down, I was mesmerized by the African sun set coupled with cold wind blowing gently across my face along with a silence which I have never witnessed before.

We were back at the camp just before pitch darkness set in and was treated to a camp fire to drive away the cold wind. There were Masai guards who were around is when I realized that the camp site is not fenced. It freaked me out at the beginning but then, being so close to mother nature, what more can you ask for! After a amazing dinner, I lay down in my bed in the tent and pitch silence, I have not words for that experience! Around 2 am I heard a roar of a lion and sounds of elephants drinking water. Apparently a lion’s roar could be heard from around 3 miles away, which was a comfort to an extent!

All in all we saw two prides of lion and a large number of elephants. Countless number of Zebra, Impala, Grants Gazelle, Orix, Buffalo were by the side of the park roads which was a sight by itself considering the park had not received proper rains in nearly 3 years.

This trip signifies the beginning as a novice wildlife photographer and was quality time spent with friends. As we left the park, my only prayers were, rain, rain rain!