Kenyan Kids On Safari

KKOS Noted In AFRICA GEOGRAPHIC

2011-08-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

Kids On Safari is mentioned in a feature article, “Shivani the Lionheart”, in Africa Geographic (Aug 2011) about the tremendous lion conservation efforts of Shivani Bhalla’s Ewaso Lions project in Northern Kenya where she also furthers the cause of Kenyan Kids on Safari.

“Ewaso Lions has led groups of school children on Safari in Samburu Reserve. For transport Bhalla uses a game vehicle supplied by nearby Sasaab lodge. It’s a successful venture as many youngsters have never seen lions before. Armed with cameras, binoculars and a printer for their pictures (supplied by Kids on Safari) ,the children have a great time.”

Here’s a further note from Shivani:

Dear friends of Ewaso Lions,

I want to share with you the latest issue of Africa Geographic magazine (Aug. 2011) which has a feature article on Ewaso Lions. Science Editor Tim Jackson really captures the threats facing lions in northern Kenya and how our project is working with the community to conserve the big cats. The article describes the challenges of working in this region and why lion conservation is a priority.

You can view the article online on page 54 by clicking on the link below with the password AG (in uppercase).

http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/e81597ee

You can also download a PDF file of the article. Click on the PDF icon at the bottom right-hand corner of your page once you have opened the link.

Africa Geographic is the premiere magazine covering wildlife and environmental issues focused on Africa. Here are some excerpts from our article:

“There are currently about 2,000 lions in Kenya, and about 100 individuals are being lost annually. Few are protected within national reserves (numbers have dropped 30-40 percent in the past 20 years). In the semi-arid north, where Bhalla works in the Westgate Community Conservancy, lions are in even deeper trouble.”

“Managing the Ewaso Lions project in northern Kenya, Shivani Bhalla is indomitable in her quest to involve the community and rally the local Samburu warriors to help save the big cats in their homeland.”

Two Local Children join tourist fanily safari

2011-06-25T02:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Sasaab and their guests, we were able to take 2 Samburu children into the park recently – 25th May 2011. It was a great day, lots of elephants and 3 cheetah too. They had a great time – guests and kids!

2011-06-25T02:00:00.000-07:00

Local Samburu Children Go On Safari with Ewaso Lions

Category: Community, Education, Date: June 24th 2011

By: ewasolions

Shivani Bhalla of Ewasolions.org coordinates KKOS activities there, reporting: "I always love going on game drives. But taking 31 laughing, bouncing, squirming little kids on a game drive is the best. Today we took kids from the local primary school into the park to get up close to wildlife. We piled the kids into two Land Cruisers along with two teachers and Ngila, our Community Officer. Sasaab Lodge graciously lent one of their vehicles.

Samburu kids on their first trip into the park.

The children belong to the Wildlife Club and Scout Club at the local school we support, Lpus Leluai. This school sits on the border of the park, and most of the children live nearby. Despite living next to the park, 28 of the kids today had never been inside Samburu National Reserve! This might sound impossible to some readers, but it’s true. That’s why we think this program – called Kenyan Kids on Safari – is a good one. It gives kids the opportunity to see wildlife safely and enjoyably. It allows them the excitement of a game drive, which most local people don’t get to experience.

I met the kids at Lpus school at 8am and they could hardly control themselves they were so excited. After a short talk on proper game drive etiquette such as staying inside the vehicle and talking quietly, we were off.

Me and the kids from the Wildlife/Scout Club at Lpus Leluai primary school. They are wearing their cool Club outfits!

We had great wildlife sightings. At one spot along the river, we found a fantastic scene of gerenuk, impala, reticulated giraffe, baboons, Beisa oryx, and Grevy’s zebra all browsing together. We also spent time only a few meters away from a family of elephants. Many of the children looked rather worried to be so close to the large animals, but eventually their concern turned to wonder.

All morning long I had been keeping my eye out for one animal in particular: a lion. The sight of a lion would have made the day. And fortunately, sitting in the shade of the river bank, there was Pixie. Later, many of the kids said that seeing the simba was their favorite part.

Watching the lioness Pixie through binoculars.

The sun was harsh and the road was bumpy, and kids are kids. So by 1pm we began to head home and as we approached the school, the kids started singing. A great end to a perfect game drive.

Another great day of ‘Kenyan Kids on Safari’ KKOS supplie telephoto digital camericas, binoculars and printer and supples so the kids can take home samples of their experience

Kenyan Kids? - Now It's Kenyan Teachers on Safari, Thanks to Ewaso Lions & Sasaab Lodge

2011-01-08T00:19:00.000-08:00

Reported by Shivani Bhalla of Ewaso Lions, Northern Kenya coordinator for KKOS
http://www.ewasolions.org/

January 7th 2011: "Ewaso Lions works closely with Lpus Leluai Primary School in Westgate Community Conservancy. We have a number of projects with the school including Simba Stories, Trees Project and more recently the new Simba Library and Wildlife Club. Thanks to donors we have made numerous donations of books, stationary, posters and much more to the school. We have also taken the school children out on many game drives as part of our Kenya Kids on Safari programme."

"Towards the end of term, the teachers and Headmaster of the school, Johnson Lenasalia, asked Ewaso Lions if we could arrange an educational tour for all teachers as an incentive trip. Many of the new teachers had not seen much wildlife before and were keen to learn more. We are also in the process of setting up a Wildlife Club at the school from sale profits of the Simba Stories book. This would be an ideal opportunity to encourage the teachers and get them excited about wildlife which they would share with their students. I also personally wanted to thank them for their fantastic efforts in working together to create a suitable learning environment for the children over the past few years."

"Sasaab Lodge in Westgate Conservancy generously agreed for us to use their vehicle and guide Daniel for the teacher’s safari. Sasaab have been fantastic in promoting Kenya Kids on Safari and we would not be able to do any of this without their support. Thank you Sasaab Lodge and Ali and Tony Allport (the lodge managers) for your continued and much appreciated assistance."

"We set off on the safari at 7:30 am. The teachers were all super excited and enthusiastic about their trip. Daniel and I spoke about everything to do with wildlife in the area and the importance of wildlife in general. It was initially quite strange to be teaching teachers but we all got into it and had a fantastic day. We had some superb elephant sightings and were extremely lucky to spot a lion in the distance as well. The teachers learned about birds too."

Emanuel, excited and a little nervous about being so close to elephants!

William and Karimi see elephants so close up they don't need KKOS binoculars.

KKOS binoculars help to bring the lions closer in view.

Teachers, Daniel and Shivani during the safari in the Sasaab vehicle.

Here are some of the comments from the teachers:

“Personally I feel there is a need to appreciate this great game drive that Ewaso Lions and Sasaab have arranged for us. We learned a lot and will share our knowledge with the children. Paul, Supervisor of Wildlife Club”.

“Thank you very much for the game drive. I enjoyed it very much. Seeing a lion in the wild for the first time was great. Karimi, teacher sponsored by Sasaab“.

"Special thanks to Sasaab Lodge and their guide Daniel, and Todd Cromwell from the Kenya Kids on Safari Programme for donation of cameras and binoculars for the safari."

Ewaso Lions & Sasaab LodgeTake Warriors on Safari, adding another dimension to KKOS

2011-01-07T23:50:00.000-08:00

November 25th 2010: Shivani Bhalla of Ewaso Lions, our Northern Kenya coordinator for KKOS, writes another page in helping local young men as well as kids to participate in wildlife education and conservation

Report by Shivani Bhalla of Ewaso Lions - http://www.ewasolions.org/

"Our warriors from the Warrior Watch programme have now been actively engaged in wildlife conservation since January. They are all doing really well and excited by their roles in conservation. As an incentive and also an evaluation of their wildlife knowledge to date, I arranged a day in Samburu National Reserve for the warriors. This would not have been possible without the generous support of Sasaab Lodge in Westgate Conservancy who lent us their vehicle and guide David for the day."

"The warriors all showed up in camp by 6 am and we all set off into the park. The warriors were equipped with binoculars and digital cameras thanks to our Kenya Kids on Safari programme."

"We had a great day. Moses, the tourism warden for Samburu, gave them all a talk on the reserve, its importance and the wildlife in the area. We then set off on our game drive and saw tons of game; giraffe, kudu, Grevy’s zebra and much more. The warriors were so excited by everything and practiced the names of the animals in English and Swahili."

"We had an incredible elephant sighting with 2 resident families crossing the river right in front of us. The warriors said this was the first time they had been so close to elephants without the elephants charging at them or them running away. Most of them were desperate to see lions too. How could we not? With 7 Samburu warriors in the car, it would be hard not to find them. We found some tracks and sure enough about 10 minutes later, came across 6 lions."

Getting ready for the safari.

Lpuresi excited to see a greater kudu.

Lemeen was thrilled with the KKOS camera and took many photos.

Yesalai and Reria photograph and watch giraffe with KKOS cameras and binoculars.

Lentiyo watching elephants cross the Ewaso Nyiro.

"This was the first time most of the warriors had been into Samburu National Reserve on a game drive, taking photos with KKOS cameras and enjoying their experience as many tourists from around the world come to do. We also dropped in at Save the Elephants where David, the head researcher, gave them a talk on elephants and the importance of their conservation."

"It was a super day. After a goat feast back at the Ewaso Lions Camp in Westgate, the warriors thrilled with their experience, wandered back slowly to their villages, excited by the day’s adventures and wildlife sightings. We hope to have many more warrior safaris in the reserves in the future."

"A special thanks to Paul Funston for accompanying us on this trip and taking some great photos, Sasaab Lodge, and Todd Cromwell from the Kenya Kids on Safari programme for the donation of camera and binoculars."

Governors' Camp Host KKOS Mara Rianda School Children - May 29, 2010

2010-06-18T03:33:00.000-07:00

Colin Smit was away on leave for a while, but on his return he was able to organise another expedition from the local Mara Rianda Primary School on 29th May. As usual they arrived at the camp for sandwiches and a cold drink, a practice session on using the cameras and spent about two and a half hours on the wildlife drive. Instead of a teacher, one of the parents accompanied the children this time. Colin was sure the driver-guides much appreciated a chaperone being sent along to help keep the kids focused and organized in getting the most out of the experience!

Many thanks to Colin and all of the wonderful Governors' Camp staff who have become the most consistent Safari Group to give regular support to the Kenyan Kids on Safari program! The local Kenyan kids , their parents, teachers and the entire communmity greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the wildlife in their own backyard's world famous Maasai Mara Reserve, to drive right out amongst the animals with driver-guides who are also skilled naturalists. Bravo to Governor's Camp!

Sylvester Naimodu, above right, is very happy to have seen many elephants and buffalo, and was amazed to get so close to them while learning their habits. All of the kids get instruction in using individual telephoto cameras while on the drive - often their first time to ever take a photo! When they get back some of their best pictures are printed and given to them to take back to show their friends. The cameras and printers are supplied by KKOS.

Sarova Mara Guide Edward tells Kenyan Kids on Safari about the habits of elephants and lions during a game drive in the Maasai Mara Reserve

2010-04-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Tenting Kenyan Kids wake up to early morning game drive at Samburu Intrepids

2010-04-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

Dedicated to all the people who suffered from the March 2010 flooding of the Uaso Nyiro River

2010-03-31T13:21:00.000-07:00

SAMBURU INTREPIDS GIVES LOCAL KIDS FROM KILTIMANY FOOT RACES ALONG THE RIVER BANK, TENTING SING-SONG, AS WELL AS SWIMMING AND GAME DRIVES

Just a few months before the terrible floods in Samburu early March 2010, Kenyan Kids on Safari from Kiltimany were racing along the river banks and joining in sing-song at the first overnite tenting campsite set up by local kids from the area.

March 2010 KKOS Game Drive at Governors' Camp

2010-03-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

GOVERNORS’ CAMP KKOS Game Drive for Mara Rianda School Kids– March 6, 2010

Colin Smit of Governors’ reports:

"The second group of children were taken out on Sat. 6th March. Again, much fun was had by all and the young people were very appreciative.

As yet they have not written the short letters on how they saw their experience, but the headmaster has assured me he shall get the kids on to this. A short note on Mara Rianda Primary School:

The school is situated 100 miles west of Nairobi and 50 miles south of Narok and was started in May 1988. Initially built of mud, the classes are now more permanent thanks to efforts on the part of Governors Camp and The Big Cat Diary.

A borehole was installed in 2005, but lighting equipment is still one of the school’s many needs. There are over 600 hundred pupils at the school, so money is tight! As with many African schools, some children walk up to two hours each way to get to and from school and so funds are being requested for a boarding house (dormitory). An English man, Richard Long, has a taken great interest in the school and has set up a trust for them (The Mara Rianda Charitable Trust). His email address is rlong@richardlong.co.uk. Obviously any small thing people do for them is appreciated."

Governors' Camp Host KKOS Mara Rianda School Children - Jan 20, 2010

2010-03-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

GOVERNORS’ CAMP KKOS Game Drive for Mara Rianda School Kids– Jan 30, 2010

Colin Smit of Governors’ reports:

Kids view lion left foreground.

“Today shall be the first official time we are taking a group of children out on a safari! I am to fetch four of them from the local school (Mara Rianda) at 14:00pm together with the head master of the school. We’ll meet a driver at the camp where we’ll have a soda and some sandwiches before setting out. I’m looking forward to this!

The afternoon 1400 hrs went really well, with the kids having a whole lot of fun and taking something like 450 photos with KKOS cameras! I have sorted through these and made each member of the group a collage using the KKOS printer - with the best ones from their own camera. I have made arrangements to meet the children on Monday again and to organise the next excursion. Attached are some of the best photos. The adult with the children is the school headmaster who accompanied the kids.”

Kids take pictures of other kids viewing wildlife.

They even tracked a cheetah and her cub.

Intrepids Hosts First Tenting-Game Drive for Local Kids in Samburu

2010-03-16T18:14:00.000-07:00

Intrepids Samburu Safari Camp Tenting-Game Drive Safari; December 8-12, 2009

SAMBURU INTREPIDS SAFARI CAMP provided tremendous support to Kenyan Kids on Safari (KKOS) for the first tent camping and cookout experience for local children in the entire region.

During the week-long event, the children won the hearts of hundreds of Intrepids’ tourists as well as the local staff with their singing around the camp-fire, located in a secure, park-like setting just off the entry drive to the camp. No one had to urge the Intrepids’ security staff to pay special attention to the children’s campsite at night, such was the alluring attraction of their joyful singing of African, Christian and American songs.

Intrepids supported the KKOS, Kenyan Kids on Safari, staff with Naturalists Francis and Stephen, and Magdalena from the Young Adventurers Club, plus driver-guide Dom to take them on an exciting game drive each day in one of the well-outfitted tourist safari vehicles. The children quickly learned for the first time how to use the digital telephoto cameras and spotting binoculars provided to Intrepids by KKOS, along with printing equipment to give each participant six prints of their best pictures of friends and wildlife.

KKOS also provided Intrepids with two new four-person Coleman tents for the camping experience, in which the children learned to clear their own campsite and erect the tents.

The children received their first swimming lessons in the camp pool, joined in races along the riverside sand, and gathered for dining in the tourist dining room when it was too rainy to cook outside.

Shivani Bhalla, KKOS coordinator for Northern Kenya, drove over from her Ewaso Lions campsite near Sasaab Safari camp and spent several days assisting with the Samburu Intrepids’ program.

Tony and Ali, Sasaab managers, met Todd and Joanna at Intrepids, discussing their recent success in taking 11 Kenyan children on Safari. Encouraged by the children’s and community response to the program, as well as outspoken enthusiasm of their tourists for taking Kenyan children on safari ,they plan to do this as a regular feature at Sasaab.

Kiltimany Kids Learn to Swim - click to see video

Twenty-one children participated in the camping and safari experience. The children were between the ages of 9 to 15 years old , plus Victor, age four-and a half years, for whom the older kids insisted on taking responsibility. On the last day nine children were picked up at the local school for a late afternoon safari drive in the “stretch” Intrepids’ Land Rover. Each child selected a favorite animal photograph identification tag to hang around their necks.

For all of these local children, this was their first time to see and set up lightweight camping tents, camp and cook out together and, most importantly, their first time to go on a wildlife safari in a real safari vehicle, as visitors from other countries are able to do. All of the children were provided with digital telephoto cameras and binoculars for the duration of their safari which they learned to use for the very first time. At the conclusion of their experience, each child was then provided with some of their own photographs to take home.

Below, are just a few letters that were written by the children following their experiences with KKOS at the Intrepids Safari Camp, Samburu , Kenya:

GROUP ONE - December 8-9, 2009

After orientation the children set up the tents where they will spend the night. Because of rain squalls, the game drive is postponed until the next morning and the kids get swimming lessons in the Intrepids pool in betweenn the heavier rain. It's too wet for a cook-out under the stars, so they have dinner in the lodge with the staff.

SETTING UP THE TENTS
See the video on Youtube by clicking -

The first step is to clear the area of sticks and acacia thorns, making a pile for firewood and preventing puncture of the waterproof floor.

Then, they lay out the tent, drive the corner pegs and raise the tents, inserting the ridge poles.

Finally, all put together, they joyfully gather inside. The camp house keeper came back later and placed mattresses and beding inside fit for a sultan.

Everything stayed nice and dry while they sang and slept through a gusty, rainy night - with the night security staff checking on the area all through the night.

Eunice Imana, “Cheetah”, 9 years old, Girgir Primary School-

“Joanna helped us set up the tents and how to use the cameras. The first day we took lunch in the restaurant because of rain and cooked out the second day. Magdalene taught us some songs in English. We changed clothes and went swimming with Joanna.

The next morning we went on a game drive and saw dik dik, olive baboons, reticulated giraffe, elephants, gerenuk, and beisa oryx. I am so happy because I have learned much in this life experience.

Joseph Lesampowa, “ Lion”, 14 years old, Kipsing Academy – “It was Tuesday when we were told we were going to meet Todd and Joanna, sponsors of Kenyan Kids on Safari. We all rushed into the school bathroom to prepare for the journey, making ourselves spic-and-span like a new pin.

Once at the Intrepids’ campsite, we all gather, as the Englishman says – ‘Unity and Strength’ – to put up our camp tents. They give each of us a special picture of the animal you like for identification. After spending time in the tents singing and then swimming, we go to a talk by Mr. Francis about our Samburu culture which we all understand about them.

As we now note ‘early to bed and early to rise’, we go to bed in our tents and sleep perfectly – only to be awakened by a gentle ‘mambo’ at the tent flaps at 6 am with juice and cookies for our first wildlife game drive in a regular tourist safari vehicle. In the Samburu Reserve we saw dik dik, giraffe, baboon,oryx, impala, elephant and gazelle. It was my important day. I will never forget!

James Lowakutuk Ntoopai, “ Giraffe”, 12 years old, Kipsing Primary School

–“On Wednesday, we all met at school and were picked up to go on the game drive. We went for lunch at the camp and were told on our way to choose our favorite animal . I like the giraffe so I chose the giraffe. We got a picture of the animal to put around our neck. The next day I saw two young giraffes necking in play fighting.

After we were given the animal pictures, we got to meet Todd and Joanna. They told us that they have a program that Kenya kids get to on safari. Together with them, we went to camp where we made a tent together. We collected all of the fallen branches, sticks and dry grass to make a fire to cook and stay warm.

Todd showed us how to use the camera to take pictures on the game drive, but the rain fell.

After the rain, Joanna taught us how to swim in the Intrepid’sswimming pool. Then we we tried to go on a game drive, but too much rain. We came back, had supper, joined in some sing-song and went to sleep in our tents. On the game drive next morning we saw animals like dik-dik, impala, birds, giraffes and elephants.”

Bryan Makanga, “ Elephant” , 7 years old, Happy Times School in Nairobi –

“When we were at the game camp, Joanna taught us how to build the tents. After the rain started, we went into the tent. Then we had supper and went back for sleeping. It was early in the morning. when we were told to wake up for the game drive. We went to wash up and went out to the safari vehicle. Joanna gave us cameras to use.
A few kilometers from the camp, we saw dik-dik, olive baboons, reticulated giraffe, impalas , gerenuk and beisa oryxs. After the game drive, we went back to the camp with a lot of happiness.”

Daniela Peter, “ Impala” , 12 years old, Girgir Primary School, from Archers Post near the other end of the reserve –

“I live in a town known as Archers Post, and I am a real Kenyan. Yesterday we were taught by Todd and Joanna how to swim and make our tents. After that we were taught by Magdalena how to sing some songs. We were to go on the game drive but the rain started so we had to go very early the next morning. We had supper at night and then the girls went to one tent and the boys went to the other tent.

On the game drive, I saw a lot of giraffe and zebra. The zebra is a beautiful animal because it has stripes colored in white and black.”

In addition to wildlife, the kids took great pictures of each other and the staff. Here's Daniela's potrait of Intrepids' Naturalist Francis, with todd to left in the background.

Victor Kariuki Kamau, “ Yellow Throated Sand Grouse”. Victor is 4 1/2 years old, from Kirinyange District, son of the Intrepids gift shop manager –

“I saw new animals for me as mongoose (left), giraffe, elephant, and monkey.”

Sindi Imana, "Leopard", 12 year old, class 6, Muslim Primary School -

"At Intrepids we met Joanna and Todd with Kenyan Kids on Safari. They taught us how to set up tents in a clearing by the camp entry and how to use cameras in a meeting at the lodge when it began to rain. So we went swimming instead of the afternoon game drive, which would be the next morning.

After dinner inside the lodge dining room, we went back to the tents which had been made up with mattresses and bedding. We sang many songs together in the tents and told stories before going to sleep very comfortably.

After a wash-up in the early morning, we go for our first game drive ever in an Intrepids safari vehicle. Our drive was so enjoyable because we have seen many animals - giraffe, dik-dik, impala, beisa oryx, elephants and baboons."

Samburu Intrepids-KKOS – GROUP TWO - December 10-11, 2009

Kiltamany Primary School – All of this group of children are from Kiltamany Primary School. Kiltimany consists of five tribal Samburu manyattas, each surrounded by fences made of thorny acacia tree branches, and having a combined population of about 1500 people plus numerous livestock running free or housed in a boma or kraal for protection at night. There is no electricity or solar panels, no sewer or water system, no phone service, no transportation, etc. Water is drawn from the nearby river and the nearest town of Isolo is two hours drive or a two-day walk.

Mpaasin Lenlos , favorite animal – Lion, 15 year old

“ I have gone to Samburu Intrepids, and we have seen many things – camping, swimming and wildlife. Todd and Joanna showed us how to use the cameras. It was not as hard to learn to use as I thought.

Afternoon time we went for game drive. We see many animals such as Grevy Zebra, Giraffe, dik-dik and Impalas. The next morning we went again on game drive and saw many more animals. I was very happy.”

Albert Lekoitip, favorite animal – Leopard, 15 year old

“I have just visited Samburu National Park to see the wild animals. Before starting to the Park, I came to Intrepids lodge to practice using the cameras provided by Kenyan Kids on Safari. All of us start knowing how to use them by taking pictures of each other.

Driving through the Park I see many wild animals like giraffe, antelope, gerunuk, and buffalo. Returning to Intrepids, the Naturalist Francis explained to us about the five major animals in Samburu – Grevy zebra, gerunuk, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, and Beisa oryx.

Following dinner at the lodge, we went to our tents and slept very well. Early in the morning we drove to Buffalo Springs National Park where I saw buffalo grazing and many other animals. I was ready for the great breakfast at Intrepids when I returned.”

Raphael doesn't get to see a leopard, but the charming Dik-Dik are everywhere

Raphael, favorite animal – Elephant, 13 year old

“I have just seen the Big Five animals in the Samburu Game Reserve - Grevy zebra, gerunuk, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, and Beisa oryx. Then we see some small animals like the Secretary bird and dik-diks. After eating at Intrepids with lots of juice and many fruits, we are shown the computer by Francis and then sleep in our tents..”

Anjello, favorite animal – Cheetah, 15 year old

“Yesterday I joined the Kids on Safari at Intrepids and saw things I hadn’t known since my parents born me. I have never been to Samburu National Reserve, though I live right beside it. Before going there, Todd taught me how to use the camera, including the telephoto to bing the image nearer. It was wonderful to go in the game drive car like a tourist to watch the animals. When we are in the park, we saw impala, gravy zebra, and young giraffe play fighting each other by slamming their necks together.

After finishing dinner, we went to the tents, which was wonderful since it was my first time sleeping in tents. I slept very well and full of joy. Early the next morning we went to Buffalo Springs National Reserve and saw many buffalo and impala, coming back to the lodge for breakfast with a lot of happiness.”

Anjello didn't capture a cheetah, but a Martial Eagle

Linah, favorite animal – Giraffe, 12 year old

“After seeing many different animals in the park, Francis told us all about them. Dinner was very special and different from what we eat at home. Sleeping in the tent was really nice.”

Linah got this great picture of giraffes "necking", slamming their necks against each other in practice fighting.

Chari Lengamunyak, favorite animal – Zebra, 12 year old

“I came to Intrepids to learn about wild animals and how to take pictures of them or just enjoy watching them for their beautiful color, the difference between male and female and what they use to feed the young ones. I enjoyed the game drive very much and learned many things.”

Chari likes zebras, but the beisa oryx also has contrasting markings.

KKOS Dedicates Sekanani Student's Zebra Picture to James S. Sindiyo, Chief Park Warden, Maasai Mara Reserve

2010-03-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

"Please continue to involve many local children in this program (Kenyan Kids on Safari), because it is very important for them to know the goodness of their land." - Jane Kiok, age 12, Sekenani Primary School, Narok.

KKOS dedicates Jane Kiok's great picture of a Zebra family to Chief Park Warden, JAMES S. SINDIYO for helping local kids discover the wonders of the Maasai Mara Reserve.

Sarova Mara Game Camp Hosts Kenyan Kids on Safari - Dec.14-20, 2009

2010-03-11T19:33:00.000-08:00

Park Ranger family kid photo - Fred (8 yrs) takes one of his first ever pictures of Kennedy (12 yrs) taking a picture of Fred's favorite animal - Simba!

SUCCESS PROMOTES SPRING PROGRAM: The 2009 Kenyan Kids on Safari (KKOS) at Sarova Mara Game Camp for 18 kids was such a success that Sarova is already working on a Spring 2010 program for at least 21 kids in the age range of 13 to 15 years old in the 7th to 8th grade of upper primary schools. This is the critical time for children to make the commitment to continuing higher education to support a challenging career.

An informal Sarova survey has already shown positive support for sponsoring Kenyan school children at the game camp for one to three days during the April "Green Season" which coincides with the schools' Spring Break.

The selection criteria would be directed toward needy children who couldn't afford to go on a game safari without financial support and who had never been on safari before. Academic criteria would reach beyond just those with the highest grades to identify kids who have a passion for their studies, showing exceptional character, determination and perseverance.

Above: Faith, Todd and Peter discuss plans for KKOS. Right: Joanna Cromwell, KKOS Director - Her endless enthusiasm kept things going for the kids 16 hours a day!!

To prepare for the Spring program, Joanna and Todd Cromwell, founders and directors of KKOS, met with Sarova's key headquarters staff Faith Mbaya-Kibue, and Peter Waweru. They were the guiding force in organizing the December 2009 KKOS program at the Sarova Mara Game Camp with Manager Francis Msengeti.

Wilson Lolpapit, KKOS Mara Coordinator, Kenya Wildlife Service, Silver Guide

The kids showed special appreciation for Sarova staff in their summary letters of the KKOS experience, noting the exceptional warmth, educational and organizational support given by the Sarova staff. This started with the management of Francis, James, Eli, front desk coordination of Geoffrey, catering support of Catherine and Peter, and Sarova's very talented driver/guides Moses, Edward and Anthony who enhanced the naturalist efforts of Wilson Lolpapit, KKOS Mara coordinator.

KKOS is producing some short educational films taken during the drives with Edward and Wilson holding the children in rapt attention with information about the wildlife they were seeing. Doctor Marcus and his assistant Robert made learning about hygiene seem like fun.

KKOS SAROVA MARA DEC 2009 SEKENANI PRIMARY
Teacher–David Pesi
On Monday Dec 14, 2009 10 Sekenani Primary School kids came to Sarova for orientation on viewing and understanding wildlife during a game drive, how to use binoculars to locate the game and digital telephoto cameras to capture key experiences as well as photos of friends.

It is always amazing how quickly young minds learn to use a telephoto camera to get quality pictures of wildlife. We warned them not to "see" everything through the eye of a camera. First time camera users are often so entranced with photos they miss understanding what they are seeing, rather than just letting some scenes replay in their memory. Binoculars also help divert kids from over usage of the cameras.

Sarova put on a fabulous Saturday finale for the kids at the camp conference center by the private lake.

KKOS staff gave each kid 6 of their best pictures when all got back together on Saturday after going on separate drives of 5 kids each not to overcrowd the Sarova Safari vehicle. Some of the children walked several kilometers from remote villages to meet the Sarova pick-up safari car or lorry at Sekenani school.

SEKENANI PRIMARY SCHOOL SAROVA KKOS GAME DRIVE
First Group - Monday 12-14-09
Driver/Guides: Sarova–Antonio, KKOS–Wilson

Peter Nairuko, favorite animal - elephant, age 17, grade 7, Sekenani Primary School

"Thank you my friends from the USA. I appreciate the safari because it is very helpful to us, our school and community. I chose the elephant as my favorite animal because it is a very large and wise animal."

Inseparable 17 year olds, Peter and Lenard found joy in every new thing they learned, like when KKOS founder Todd Cromwell showed how to use the telephoto lens to get close up photos of friends and animals

Lenard Musanka, favorite animal-buffalo, age 17, grade 8, Sekenani Primary School

"The visitors from a far place to our community realized that many of the local children have never gone on a safari. So they started a new project (Kenyan Kids on Safari) to help local children learn more about their own community. We went on a safari in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. We were very happy because we have never been on a safari like that. It was our first time inside the Reserve, where we saw many different kinds of wild animals."

Peter didn't get his lion but a rare photo of a black rhino. Lenard got a photo of his favorite - the buffalo!

"This is one of the greatest attractions in all of Africa where wildlife can be seen in its natural habitat in game reserves. Of greatest interest to tourists are elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalos, which they call “the Big Five”. The Maasai Mara is famous for its rich and diverse wildlife, where the annual wildebeest migration is one of the Seven Wonders of the World."

Naserian Juliet Lenjir, favorite animal-lion, age 14, grade 6, Sekenani Primary School

"I had a very wonderful and prosperous day at Sarova Mara Camp with my fellow pupils. At first, I enjoyed traveling to the camp in a lorry, but best was going on safari in a land cruiser. We tasted a variety of foods which we ate very much and drank some beverages like tea, milk and soda until my stomach almost burst!"

"After eating, we went to the Park and everyone was given a camera to take photos of each other and the animals. We were also told to choose our favorite animal. As you knew before, I always like lions, and the lion became my first priority, since I was interested in its bravery and strength. So I was lucky to get this picture of my lion!
After we came back from the park, we walked around the camp, ate supper and returned the cameras to get our best pictures back on Saturday. We did all this and came back home at 9:30pm."This was a day of days for me!"

Johnathan Karia, favorite animal-leopard, age 13, Grade 5, Sekenani Primary School

"We have gone to the Sarova Mara Game Camp where our friends from abroad(Kenyan Kids on Safari) were able to get some local kids into the Maasai Mara Game Park. I was lucky to join the group of 10 kids from our school.

"My friend, let me tell you that it was wonderful and enjoyable! Can you imagine that we got to see ALL of the Big Five in one game drive? We saw elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, lions, monkeys, ostrich and leopard – which is my best and favorite animal. Let me explain why I particularly like leopards, simply because it is a very smart animal and very quiet. It doesn’t want noise and so on, which is why it is my favorite wild animal."

Hellen Kiok, favorite animal-rhino, age 13, grade 5, Sekenani Primary School

"I am very proud to have been selected to go to the game park and see so many wild animals. My thanks to all the helpful people with Sarova and the kids’ program (Kenyan Kids on Safari)."

Hellen took this beautiful picture of a male weaver bird showing off the "real estate" nest he built, hoping it will be good enough to attract a mate.

ALMOST ALL OF THE PICTURES SHOWN HERE, BOTH OF WILDLIFE AND PEOPLE, WERE TAKEN BY THE KIDS. MOST OF THEM HAD NEVER USED A CAMERA BEFORE AND ONLY HAD A BRIEF INSTRUCTION BEFORE GOING ON THEIR FIRST GAME CAMP SAFARI!

SEKENANI PRIMARY SCHOOL SAROVA KKOS GAME DRIVE
Second Group - Tuesday 12-15-09
Driver/Guides: Sarova–Edward, KKOS–Wilson

Sarova Mara Game Camp guide, Edward, kept the kids in rapt attention with information about the wildlife they were seeing.

Edwar Rumpe Kiu, favorite animal-zebra, age 17, Grade 6, Sekenani Primary School >

Getting into step for the Safari, Rumpe with tie (left) and Felix dance across the Sarova Mara Fish Lake bridge to the orientation in the conference room.

"I thank God for giving me this time…because I was among those who went on Safari in the Maasai Mara Game Park. For sure that day I was as happy as alack those who pass to the Sahara desert and are given a drop of water, and every dog has its day. Although I don’t forget other people who helped me at Sarova , e.g. the driver, the watchman and the guide Wilson Lolpapit from Kenyan Kids on Safari who explained the many animals I saw, like lions and zebras."

Rumpe managed a very challenging photo of birds in flight.

Jane Kiok, favorite animal-lion, age 12, Grade 5, Sekenani Primary School

"When we arrived at the Sarova Mara Game Camp, we had something to eat and then were taken to the conference center across the lake to be taught how to use the cameras. We really enjoyed taking pictures of each other. After some time, the first group were taken on a game drive with the cameras. The next day I was part of the second group taken on a game drive in the Maasai Mara Game Park which was very rewarding experience.

Jane gets a head-on shot of her favorite - Simba!

"Please continue to involve many local school children in this program (Kenyan Kids on Safari), because it is very important for the students to know the goodness of their land. On Saturday, we were very happy to receive some of our best pictures to share with our friends, family and other students."

Irene Nkuito, favorite animal-leopard, age 16, Grade 5, Sekenani Primary School

"One day a guide from Sarova Mara Game Camp came to our school and took 10 pupils, five girls and five boys to see the wildlife at the Maasai Mara Game Park, and I was one of them. We enjoyed our safari because many of the community haven’t been able to take their children to the nearby Park. So many of us do not know our own country, and we thank you(Sarova and KKOS) for your good work. I was especially happy to see a leopard!"

Irene didn't get the rare chance to see her favoite,the leopard, but did get a great photo of the "clean-up crew".

James Lempoyio, favorite animal-rhino, age 16, Grade 7, Sekenani Primary School

"I am very glad to take this golden opportunity to tell you about a safari we took to the Maasai Mara Reserve. We started our game drive after lunch at the Sarova Mara Game Camp at 1:30 pm in between the tourist drive times, so we were often the only car visiting the wildlife in an area of the reserve. We saw many wild animals such as zebra, buffalo, antelope and some birds, e.g. weaver bird, ox-pecker, etc. We really enjoyed it."

James views weaver birds building nests to attract mates

Felix Sadera, favorite animal-cheetah, age 16, Grade 8, Sekenani Primary School

"We have enjoyed our safari to the Maasai Mara Game Park, simply because in our area many of the community haven’t had a chance to take their children to the park. Really, we have seen so many wild animals we have never seen before. We appreciate very much this project (Kenyan Kids on Safari). We take back to our community that we have enjoyed our safari!"

Felix took some great wildlife pictures, but we would be overlooking a big aspect of the safari if we didn’t show some of the exuberant pictures of friends, which many kids never had a chance to take before in their lives. Felix took the lively photo of James shown here as well as the portrait of James running in his account above.

GAME RANGER CHILDREN SAROVA KKOS GAME DRIVE

Wednesday 12-16-09

Driver/Guides: Sarova – Moses, KKOS – Wilson

Frederick, favorite animal-lion, age 8, Grade 4

“It was a good game drive, on which I saw zebra, lion and many more. I thank Moses, Wilson, Sarova and the project (Kenyan Kids on Safari) to see and learn about so many wild animals”.

Margaret, favorite animal-cheetah, age 14, Grade 8, Kuntai Primary School, Narok

“This week on Monday we visited the Maasai Mara Game Reserve with the help of Sarova Mara Game Camp and Kenyan Kids on Safari. It was a very enjoyable game drive. On the drive we learned many things that we did not know before. We saw many wild animals and learned their behavior and how to protect themselves when in danger from the Sarova and KKOS guides.”

Kennedy, favorite animal-rhino, age 12, Grade 6, Sekenani Primary School

With his passion for the black rhino, Kennedy wrote an entire page in his beautiful architectural script on what he had learned about this highly endangered animal. He did not list the source of the information, but we felt that his studies should nevertheless be appreciated. KKOS founder Todd Cromwell previously had the opportunity to see what some local Kenyan conservationists are doing to protect and regenerate the specie, such as the Lewa Conservancy on the Liakipia Plateau.

Not quite the rhino he had hoped for, but a stunning giraffe

Carolyne, favorite animal-leopard, age 16, Form 2, St. Mary’s Secondary School, Narok

“It gives me great happiness to tell you that on the 16th of December 2009 we went to Sarova Mara Game Camp and the greatest fun was that we went to the game park and saw many wild animals. I was happy because I have never seen these animals. We enjoyed being in such an environment as Sarova Lodge. It was very clean and even I admired to stay there. The staff are very kind, welcoming us warmly. I just want to thank them and urge them to continue the program (Kenyan Kids on Safari) with the same spirit. I enjoyed the lesson about how to be clean and disciplined.”

SAROVA MARA STAFF CHILDREN KKOS GAME DRIVE

Thursday 12-17-09

Driver/Guides: Sarova – Antonio, KKOS – Wilson

Nashipae Simpai, favorite animal-cheetah, age 10, Grade 3, Sekenani Primary School

"On this holiday we are taken on a trip to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It is a wonderful first trip in the game reserve. Although I live next to it, I have never been in the reserve and don’t even know anywhere there. On the 15th December 2009 we went to Sarova Mara Camp, ate lunch and got into the car for the game park to see all kinds of animals. After returning, we explore the camp grounds, eat supper then go home in the car."

Stephen James, favorite animal-rhino, age 16,
Form 2, St. Mathias High School, Kitui

Stephen really mastered the telephoto lens to get this eagle

"I am physically fit and academically studying hard to achieve my dreams. … I really felt very happy when Kenyan Kids on Safari and Sarova Mara welcomed me to join a game drive. So many holidays I have been coming to Sarova Mara, but have not gotten any chance of going on a game drive. This is the holiday which will remain an episode to linger in my mind for a long period. I felt as happy as a king while we were on the game drive because I saw so many animals for the first time -- lions, giraffes, elephants, rhinos and many others."

Peter Kasee, favorite animal-zebra, age 17, Grade 8,

"When I went on the game drive, I saw lions, zebras and many other wild animals. This game drive is very good. Tony, I DID IT!"

The Topi upstages all hope of Peter getting his favorite , a zebra!

Tony James, favorite animal-lion, age 10, Grade 5, Kitui

"Surprise Game Drive – It was a very good day I have ever had before. I had come to the Mara many times before, but I didn’t get a chance to go on any game drive in the Reserve.I saw on the safari lion, giraffe, elephant, ostrich and so many other wild animals. It was a very good day that I will not forget."

Neither will anyone else in the car ever forget that this 10 year old boy on his first safari was the first to spot the lionesses down in a deep gully even before the two top guides with the kids!