A lone bull crosses the plains, heading for the ol Donyo waterhole. (Photo: Walter Kolon)

May should have been a month of dramatic storms and heavy downpours, but sadly we have not had much of a rainy season so far – more of a “gentle drizzle”! So we are keeping our fingers crossed that we may get some late rain in June to fill the waterholes out on the plains and top up our tanks.

The quieter start to the month was put to good use, and many projects were completed around the camp, stables and surrounding roads. The lodge has never looked better and we are now geared up to be firing on all cylinders for the coming peak season.

With this current lack of rain, the area is becoming increasingly dry and consequently the lodge waterhole is becoming a bustling hive of activity. Sitting in the hide less than ten metres from these daily visitors is an enthralling experience. There is a definite hierarchy in place, mainly dictated by size! Our resident bull elephants are definitely top of the pile and everyone else has to patiently wait their turn… apart from one bold species – the Warthog! There are two families that we see regularly who come swooping in like kamikaze fighter pilots, taking a swift couple of gulps before hurtling away to find a new angle for the next approach! We have also had the rare Southern Ground Hornbill at the waterhole in the past weeks. These large birds are listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List so it is thrilling to see them here at ol Donyo.

One Warthog family just waiting for an opportunity! (Photo: Walter Kolon)

Southern Ground Hornbill at the Waterhole (Photo: Walter Kolon)

The end of the month was extremely busy for the stables with riders in continuously for the last two weeks. Fabulous cool morning rides out to a bush breakfast are a true highlight, and these are not just for the experienced rider – novice riders can also enjoy a gentle saunter through the zebra and gazelle herds to a fantastic breakfast under an enormous acacia tree. We also did a night’s fly camping out in the bush with two full days riding either side. To be out in the bush, sleeping under the beautiful starry Kenyan night sky is something so truly special.

The horses and elephants mingling at the water hole (Photo: Annie Waterer)

The lions have been very loud around the lodge at night this month and we have had some great relaxed sightings of the sisters Nosinoni and Nelowua and their four cubs. We also have a new lioness in the area that has been identified as Mbalueni. She has two female cubs that are approximately a year old – hopefully the future leading ladies of Mbirikani’s lion population. The stunning male Kasiyo, thought to be the father of her cubs as well as Nosinoni and Nelowua’s four male cubs, also accompanied them.

Nosi Noni and two of her cubs (Photo: Walter Kolon)

The mighty Kasiyo (Photo: Walter Kolon)

Mbalueni and her cubs striding off through the long grass near the Kopjes (Photo: Walter Kolon)

A momentous occasion in May was the first egg from the Chyulu Chicks! They are now producing regularly and we are very much enjoying the satisfaction and taste of home laid eggs. The gardens are growing fantastically and before long we will have lettuce straight from the garden to plate (via a little wash!) in minutes.

In the Green Gate Garden! (Photo: Annie Waterer)