the floods are over…
As many of you will know, Kenya has faced a recent spate of damaging floods, which have extended to the Masai Mara. Being a hilltop Conservancy away from the rivers spared us the effects at Mara Bushtops, but many camps and individuals were badly affected. It is with great relief that we can report that the waters have now receded and things are returning to normal.
Blessedly, the local impact has not been as bad as feared. As the Talek river broke its banks, we saw two giraffe and one topi caught and killed by the floodwaters; however, other areas were far less affected and we believe that most wildlife escaped the deluge. None of the bridges were washed away on the greater Mara side, whilst the one damaged bridge at Talek gate has been repaired. Only the Mara bridge connecting Keekorok Road to Serena has been washed away, but we can still use an alternative route (the Mara Rianta bridge).
With water levels now almost back to normal, all areas have reopened. Some roads within the Mara National Park are damaged, but all are passable.
Whether the rains were a one-off or a result of climate change is hard to know. Either way, we feel very lucky to have escaped intact and our hearts go out to all those less fortunate.
Feeding the 700
On a much happier note, most schools countrywide have reopened – including one very special to us at Mara Bushtops. We have a long and proud history of supporting Nkoilale school with everything from facilities to water to pupil sponsorships, but one very kind guest has added an extremely generous and special new donation, making possible a lunchtime programme for more than 700 day pupils who might otherwise not be able to eat a proper meal. This feeding programme has now started and will continue for the foreseeable future. It’s a really heartwarming development and everyone at the school is so appreciative
huge success …. have you visited our Webcam?
If you have yet to discover the wonders of life in the African bush, why not join the virtual visitors to the most spectacular part of our Conservancy. Click on the link below to see a live feed of the Mara Bushtops salt lick with the camp in the background.
What do you do when an innovation proves popular? You make it even better –a great example being our new webcam at the Mara Bushtops salt lick. If you’ve not yet heard about it, this safe link takes you right up close, in the next best thing to a personal visit.
Since launch many now regularly ‘visit’ us vitually to enjoy a ringside seat of the visitors including elephants, giraffes and masses of antelopes, warthogs etc (even night-visiting hippo!). The enhancement is that the feed now incorporates sound, making the armchair safari experience even more enticing.
