Samburu is so beautiful as I write this. Although the initial rains in October stopped for 4 weeks and everything began to dry up in November, we were fortunate to receive about 5 days of rain in early December. The land has transformed. It is so green, grass is everywhere and the Ewaso Nyiro River is still flowing. Impala and oryx are fattening up, elephants have slowly returned to the reserves and lions are moving far and wide in search of prey. The contrasts are extreme. From the dust, death and devastation of the year, the brown layer has finally been washed away.
Rain clouds in October
Buffalo Springs National Reserve in October after the first rain
The same view of Buffalo Springs in December
Samburu, the people, the wildlife and livestock, are all so fortunate to have received this rain. I hear from my friends and colleagues in the South that they have received no rain at all. Lets hope that some relief arrives for them.
We are busy setting up camp, locating the lions daily and meeting with the communities. Christmas is also round the corner and we are getting prepared for that too!
Elephants return to a green Samburu
Healthy oryx watch sleeping lions
More news coming soon!
Donations made here are
Mar 15th Margot S USD 115.00
4 Comments
Wonderful news!!! Thanks so much for the photos as well! Best wishes and Happy Holidays to you All!!
it is so green as you said. and thank god for the rain! have a merry christmas and a happy new year to you all and to the animals too.
Thanks,Shivani, for posting these lovely pictures. I never tire of seeing pictures of lush green grass in Samburu…and the lions, elephants and all the other creatures finally getting a respite from the long drought. Happy New Year and let’s hope 2010 is kinder to our wildlife friends and that the Long Rains in April/May are truly record-breaking!
Thanks for your comments! It really is lovely to see it this green. However over the past week, it has been dry and I am amazed at how quickly everything is beginning to dry up, including the river. The Commiphora trees have all become yellow. BUT, as I write this comment, I can see black clouds all around me and there are signs of rain. I’ll keep you posted!