Images of Kenya: The Wildlife

Going on safari is a magical experience.  We had the privilege of going several times because we lived so close to Maasai Mara, Kenya's most well-known game preserve.  The savannah is an awe-inspiring place, a habitat with a broad diversity of wildlife that reminds us how masterful and creative our Creator God is.

These animals offer Kenya an economic boost because of the steady stream of tourists that come to see them.  And no wonder!  Going on safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience (unless you're like us and live so close you can even do day trips - can't complain about that!).

These photos really don't do it justice.  But they offer a glimpse.

And yes, these are all my photos.  I've been asked many times if they are.  Just a regular DSLR camera, up close and personal with the animals.

I think of Aslan every time I see this photo

ubiquitous antelope

Mama zebra and baby

solitary giraffe

these two rhinos are under surveillance 24/7 

by the Kenyan Wildlife Service, 

to ensure they are protected from poachers

the Swahili word for zebra is "punda milia" 

which means "striped donkey"

leopard, one of the more elusive big cats

male ostrich

hippos are surprisingly loud creatures

baby hippo!

gathering around the water hole

hyena

we saw these beauties and Asa 

started staying "twiga"

which is Swahili for giraffe

secretary bird, which we knew all about 

from watching a Wild Kratts episode

pair of lions

cheetah

cheetah siblings recently independent from their mother

Hello, elephant!

a herd of female elephants

baby cape buffalo

silver-backed jackal

mama lion moving her cub 

to a new location

lazy lions

line of giraffes

yes, the safari jeeps really do get that close

mama baboon and baby

baby baboon!

mama rhinoceros and baby, a very rare sight

flamingo

flamingo stretching its wings

These last photos are not from safari.  But they are more examples of Kenya's diverse and incredible wildlife.

chameleon, which we could find easily 

in the yard around our house

starfish at the coast

moray eel in the tide pools at the coast

crab at the beach