Craig the Magnificient

I have been to Amboseli a couple of times but there was one encounter I truly wanted to experience. To photograph the celebrity super tusker called Craig. I had only seen pictures of this magnificent super tusker and it was high time we met. It was time for another safari with my friends. I called one of my Masai contacts in Mara and inquired if he knew anyone in Amboseli who knows to track Craig. Hence it was the first time I was introduced to the famous CRAIG TRACKER of Amboseli, David!

As usual we we left Mombasa before sunrise and made our way to Amboseli on a seven hour drive. After lunch and taking a rest we embarked on our evening game drive. Our evening was eventful. We uncounted a lioness with three cubs and a huge tusker.

As we ended our evening safari I contacted David on tracking down the famous Craig. He said to call him next morning and he will have news on the location of Craig. As we ended our day I dreamt about coming head to head with Craig!

Next morning we were ready to leave by 5.30 am. We made our way to the gate and got a call from David. We met at the main gate and he said Craig is not far. Not even 5km in to the park he said to stop the car. We parked on the side. Far from a distance, I mean very very far we could see like a small rock coming forward. It was supposed to be Craig. At first glance we thought David was bluffing but he insisted that it was Craig. We waited for over 30 minutes patiently. And then slowly from the bushes a huge tusker emerged! It was Craig. Pictures do not do justice! Craig was huge! Calm and slowly made way towards us. He stopped a couple of times to eat. Eventually he crossed the road just in front of us. What a moment it was. I was speechless. Finally I have met Craig!

After the unforgettable encounter with Craig we moved ahead. We saw two cheetah brothers as well two more super tuskers called Michael and TJ. These two tuskers were following a heard of female elephants to a water hole.

We proceeded to the view point for breakfast as we overlooked the plains of Amboseli. Next we proceeded to the dead lake. As usual the dead lake bed was extremely dry and we got some good low angel shots.

We made our way back to the lodge for lunch. After a quick dip in the pool and taking a rest we headed out for the evening game drive. We encountered one cheetah and proceeded to the dead lake to get some shots of the sunset.

As we ended the day we reflected on the encounter with Craig and the other super tuskers. What a day it was! Next day we went on the morning game drive but looks like mother nature was not willing to expose any more magical encounters.

Other than a few Hyena and flamingo there was not much to see that morning. We went back to the lodge for breakfast and hence ended our eventful trip to Amboseli.

If dreams do come true, my dream of photographing the mighty Craig definitely came true!