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One cannot really ask for more. A scene out of a Kipling fable. A beautiful female leopard high up in a Fever tree forest. |
This small little park on the outskirts of Nakuru town in
Kenya’s rift valley never fails to surprise me. Probably not the wildest place
in the world as one can see the outlying developed areas from most places in
the park it certainly punches way above its weight in terms of photographic
opportunities. One of the most remarkable phenomena is the incredible rise of
the water levels. There are a few explanations for it but it is possibly
resulting from increased freshwater inflow into the lake due to high rainfall.
This results in lowering the salinity of the water, which in turn reduces the
“salt flats” which then degrades the area as a feeding spot for the myriad
flamingoes and other waders. Currently the lake shore has reached the entrance
gate, submerging all the original offices and the rising water levels have
drowned hundreds (thousands?) of mature Fever Trees along the lake edge. The lack of numbers of waders
notwithstanding, this easily accessible park still features highly on
photographers hit list.
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The enchanting Fever Tree Forests combined with the frequent early morning mist creates stunning photographic opportunities, reason enough to visit this Park. |
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Again the mist is the deciding factor. Here a white rhino feeds on the "floodplains" next to the lake while a flock of waders pass overhead. |
However to see the big cats within such close proximity to
built up areas is truly a testimony to the conservation success and tolerance
of neighboring communities. During our recent travels we saw several lion prides, Leopard, the most memorable of which was perched regally in a golden
Fever Tree Forest as well as a remarkable sighting of a Striped Hyena.
Birds never disappoint and in addition to a new lifer for me
in the form of European Shoveller, I also saw a spectacular and always special Narina
Trogon.
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Even though we were not really even looking for the big cats, we caught up with several prides of lions. |
2 comments:
Nice, Albie. That leopard shot makes me drool every time...
Wow that is so lovely. Nakuru is definitely one of a kind, been there once and will never forget it! I didn´t know that the lake had flooded that much... hope it´s not too bad. The photos are terrific, congrats! The leopard in the fever tree is the kind of thing you always keep wishing to see while you´re driving along the park, hahaha... so nice you got it
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