Dr. Ranjan had come on safari with The Bucket List Travel Co. in October 2024. He had stayed at Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, and Porini Cheetah Camp in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Masai Mara, and experienced nature at its best. The following are his observations and experiences.

A Captivating Encounter with the Eastern Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys of Naivasha, Great Rift Valley, Kenya:

During my recent visit to Naivasha, I was fortunate enough to witness the extraordinary Eastern black-and-white Colobus monkeys in their natural habitat. With their striking white capes flowing from shoulder to lower back and their long, white-tipped tails contrasting against their sleek black fur, they are a truly majestic sight. 

One particular monkey, bold and curious, ventured close enough for me to capture its piercing gaze — a look both haunting and profoundly human in its expression conveying clemency for survival and peace. The moment left me in awe of the intelligence and depth behind those eyes.

Yet, as fascinating as these creatures are, their existence is fraught with peril. I was stunned to learn that the Colobus monkeys face two grave threats: the first from humans, who hunt them for food and trade; the second from chimpanzees, who, as fierce competitors for both territory and food, sometimes kill them. Tragically, both predators not only destroy their lives but also consume them!

An Unforgettable Encounter in the Maasai Mara:

As we journeyed back to our jungle retreat, Porini Cheetah Camp, following our exhilarating balloon ride over the breathtaking landscapes of the Maasai Mara savannah, we expressed our heartfelt desire to once again catch a glimpse of cheetahs. Our knowledgeable guide, Kevin, and our skilled driver, Philips, informed us that, due to the high population of lions in our conservancy—despite its name, Porini Cheetah Camp—sightings of cheetahs were exceedingly rare, as they had fled the area in fear of the lions. They suggested we venture into Narok County instead, where the chances of encountering cheetahs were significantly greater. 

Upon reaching Narok, Kevin and Philips, drawing on their years of experience and instinctive understanding of wildlife, set off in search of these elusive cats across the plains. However, the cheetahs remained hidden, and it soon became apparent that they were not to be found in the expected locations. Consulting a local Maasai elder, they learned that a cheetah mother and her cub had been spotted not long ago making their way uphill. Although the rocky ascent appeared daunting and I feared it might prove futile, Kevin and Philips resolutely navigated the challenging terrain, showcasing the remarkable off-road capabilities of our trusty Toyota Land Cruiser as we followed the directions provided by the local Maasai.

After a determined climb, we were met with an extraordinary sight: a graceful cheetah mother and her striking juvenile cub, resting peacefully beneath a bush. To our astonishment, they were a mere 10 to 15 feet away, nestled in an unexpected corner of the African savannah atop the hill. This rare opportunity allowed us to capture the beauty of these elegant creatures, who graciously posed for us before they melted away into the denser woods, issuing a firm “no” to any would-be paparazzi.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to share these beautiful moments spent in the company of a mother cheetah and her handsome cub.

At Naboisho Conservancy, we had the rare privilege of encountering the King of the Savannah—an imposing lion whose presence commanded both awe and respect.

This seasoned monarch, bearing the marks of numerous battles, had reigned over his kingdom for more than half a decade. His robust frame and steady, assured gait as he walked alongside our safari vehicle were a testament to his undiminished strength, vitality, and tactical prowess. Despite his age and the toll of his many skirmishes, there was no sign of surrender in his eyes, nor any indication that younger, bolder lions might soon usurp his throne.

 As we watched in silent reverence, he followed his queen, a lioness of grace and poise, to a shaded patch beneath a solitary bush. There, the pair settled together in a moment of serene companionship, the soft breeze of the savannah rustling through the long grasses. The king, ever watchful, seemed to draw strength from the company of his queen, reaffirming his position not through force alone, but through the quiet dignity of his reign. This was a lion who had seen and survived much, and yet, in this fleeting moment, he appeared at peace—both ruler and protector, a symbol of enduring power in the heart of Africa’s wild kingdom in Kenya.