Closer to wild, a shared adventure. . . . . . . . . .

If you love animals, especially viewing them in their natural habitats,

I hope you will enjoy this post. These are all photos from Kenya which I've

not shown previously - it's rather long and all the information is 

at the end.

This will probably be the final post on my safari trip to Kenya last Autumn.

These links below will take you directly to view my earlier posts of very exciting

 moments of that memorable trip --------------

 http://abreathoffreshair-mary.blogspot.com/2017/02/kenyan-birdsong.html

http://abreathoffreshair-mary.blogspot.com/2016/11/a-morning-on-maasai-mara.html

http://abreathoffreshair-mary.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-cheetah-on-early-morning-drive.html

http://abreathoffreshair-mary.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-maasai-community.html

http://abreathoffreshair-mary.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-leopard.html

http://abreathoffreshair-mary.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-crossing.html

http://abreathoffreshair-mary.blogspot.com/2016/09/mara-lions-from-sunrise-to-sunset.html

As usual, I took a lot (close to 2,000) photos, of people, places, and of

 course the amazing animals. I used the lightweight Canon Power Shot SX530HS

point and shoot, not a hefty complicated DSLR, and am happy with my photos.

This visit, we were in Kenya the entire time. All these beautiful creatures,

 large and small, were seen on the magnificent Masaai Mara National Reserve

 which is contiguous with the Serengeti National Park of Tanzania. 

I've included some shots which show you the stunning landscapes as well as

 close ups of the animals.

As mentioned, these are photos I've not shown in previous posts. They are more

 I really like and want to share with you before moving all the Africa photos

 to a portable drive to free up storage space here on my MacBook. 

If possible, never pass up a chance to visit the captivating

 continent of Africa. . . . . . and definitely go on a wildlife safari.

For more information on planning a wonderful customized safari trip,

I suggest you contact Kili McGowan here at NEXT ADVENTURE. 

Kili and her staff will make sure your experience will be unforgettable 

as mine have always been.

Lions in love---------------------

Masaai Mara, Kenya - September 16, 2016

Early morning on the Mara. Our guide braked as a pair of magnificent lions, 
who were obviously planning a romantic interlude, passed by the safari vehicle.

We followed them quietly for some time - they took us roaming

 with them across the sunny golden plain. 

We even stopped here for our bush breakfast - in a safe spot of course - realizing

 they were in no hurry and we could catch up with them later.

Bob, Tirian - our Masaai guide and friend, Me

When we caught up with them again, he seemed to be treating her well, 

 gently showing affection . . . . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . . he looked at her with adoration

. . . . . . . .and roared, but not at us, at another young male who passed by, possibly

one of his sons according to Tirian.

More snoozing and no action. . . . . . and this continued for quite a while.

So we said goodbye, gave them privacy, and wished them well - they did look happy!

More Kenya Memories. . . . . . .

We met two bright and friendly young Qatar Airways flight attendants in London.

They sat at the table next to us in the pub on the chilly evening prior to our flying 

out the following morning. Learning they were Kenyans from Nairobi, we enjoyed

 chatting with them about our visit to their country in September. It was surprising

 that they had never actually been to the Masaai Mara area - not that far from their

 city - for a visit or on a safari. They had not seen these beautiful animals up close

 in their natural habitat, the bush and plains of their amazing homeland.

I realized that evening that although the world has become smaller due to

the ease of travel by air, people often have to do what is necessary to see places

whilst making a living. That elegant talkative young woman, and the quiet smiling 

young man, had obviously worked hard to reach their goals. . . . . . . completing

 their education, training with one of the most prestigious airlines in the world, 

and now holding jobs which will take them to wonderful places on the planet.

I really hope some day, even if only once, they will have an opportunity to take

 that tiny prop plane from their heaving, bustling hometown, and fly low across

 the Mara to see the stunning landscape, nature's African beauty, and the

 incredible wildlife roaming almost in their back yard.

All photos taken on my September 2016 safari trip to Kenya.

A very happy New Year to all my readers and friends around this amazing world.