Kenya Once More: Tortilis

Unfortunately with the sun rising behind it's never a particularly clear view but it was nice to wake to see something of Mount Kilimanjaro as so often it's covered with cloud.

Just outside the camp gates (Tortilis is one of the few fenced camps we visit) lives a family of Bat Eared Foxes, usually nocturnal and very skittish - horrible picture though.

White-backed Vulture

Another nice view of Mount Kilimanjaro

And a very handsome giraffe.

These elephants were making their usual early morning stroll to a nearby waterhole and have a quick munch on the way.

I was really surprised when Simon said we could get down from the truck to take a few pictures, as long as we didn't move away from it. Not sure if I prefer the straight out of camera dark shot.

Or the processed one

Light levels were still very low when we found this hyena den. The cubs are born with black or dark brown fur, primarily for camouflage, allowing them to blend into the shadows of the underground dens. This dark, scruffy coat keeps them safe in their first few weeks of life, with the black fur gradually fading and spots appearing around 2-3 months.

I didn't notice when I was taking this shot that Mum was having a pee or that the cub was watching intently, licking its lips!

Almost cute.

I can't pass by a Superb Starling.

I'm not quite sure what it was doing here.

Lovely lighting on this giraffe - can you spot the oxpecker?

And I wonder what this lump on its side is.

Another time when I really should have flipped to video. This Grant's Gazelle is "pronking" or "stotting" ie. jumping with all 4 legs in the air, usually held straight. It's thought they do this to show predators that they are fit, energetic and difficult to catch but may also indicate breeding prowess.

I've stitched a few still images together to give you a better idea.

I also can't pass a zebra.

Or a Little Bee Eater

A couple more elephants as we drove around.

This youngster's mum must have been lurking in the bushes behind.

First sighting this trip of my all time favourite bird and Kenya's national bird - the glorious Lilac Breasted Roller.

Which treated us to a beautiful display of hovering several feet above the ground - something we've not witnessed before (shame it had its back to us though).

Grant's gazelle licking her fawn.

Secretary Bird

I think the wind must have been blowing strongly from behind in this shot.

I'm so lucky this morning another favourite, the Grey Crowned Crane which is the national bird of neighbouring Uganda.

This could almost be sand with the sea behind.

We then stopped for a surprise bush breakfast (not a surprise for us as we've done one each time) which the first timers enjoyed. Unfortunately our favourite waiter Chris wasn't here this morning so we couldn't do an update photo (taken 2018 and 2022 before)