Kenya Tourism Board - Evans Ogeto

Back into the wild-Nairobi National Park

ByEvans Ogeto March 22, 2023 2 Documentary / Travel

The stunning sunset views of Nairobi National Park have been beckoning me for what feels like an eternity. Finally, I’ve made a triumphant comeback to my beloved park after a long hiatus due to logistical constraints and financial burdens. Despite the hefty fee of at least Ksh 700 including the cost of your vehicle, I am overjoyed to be able to immerse myself in the wild side of Nairobi once again.

Hyena Dam, one of the most reliable dams in the park.

But, unfortunately, my recent trips have been plagued by a heavy stench of dying animals, particularly the buffaloes that roam the park in abundance. Kenya has been experiencing a severe drought, with little to no rainfall until just last week. The lack of water has taken a severe toll on the park’s wildlife, and it’s a heart-wrenching sight to see these majestic creatures struggling to survive.

I witnesses this buffalo fall and thereafter it was a struggle to survive. It did not make it.

I’m sure you’ve seen the calls to support Nairobi National Park, and I implore you to heed them. The park is in dire need of our help, and every little contribution counts. In the past two weeks, I’ve been privileged to witness breathtaking views of wildlife and landscapes, but also the harsh realities of the brutal food chain. Recently, we bore witness to the unprecedented sight of lions taking down five buffaloes in rapid succession. It’s hard to fathom that so many of these creatures could be turned into mere sustenance in such a short span of time.

How can you support

It’s clear that the buffaloes are struggling, and we can’t sit idly by and watch them suffer. That’s why I urge you to support the Friends of Nairobi National Park (FONNAP) https://fonnap.org by contributing towards the provision of water bousers to fill the park’s dams and hay to feed the wildlife. Your contribution, no matter how small, will make a world of difference.

As I look forward to sharing more of my adventures in the park with you, I implore you to join me in supporting this worthy cause. Let’s do our part to ensure that Nairobi National Park’s wildlife thrives and continues to be a beacon of hope for generations to come.

My pictures so far

Once again, it feels great to be back. Here are some of the best images so far that I captured recently.

How about this for my very first click, early morning catches the worm kind of vibe. I love it!

What a welcome back, just less than a kilometre into the park and I met her having breakfast

Food is in abundance for them, they are all over now as they clear the carcasses

We accepted fate! The Railways is now part of our landscape now, we are working around our problems

The hay that you have been sending so far is keeping them alive. Thank you!

Later this week, I’m going in purely for birding and photography.

If you wish to join me on one of my trips, you are welcome to just hit me up. My Instagram and Twitter are right on my website, I will be happy to show you around.

Happy to be back writing about my adventures, 2023 will see more stories coming your way. Inshallah.

Stay blessed.

Conserving Mt. Kenya through Photography

ByEvans Ogeto August 31, 2022 6 Documentary / Photo Exhibition / Photography for social change

Finally happy to share some good news here.

2022 has been great so far and I look forward to sharing more this year.

In May 2022 Mt. Kenya came calling again, this time round I was up there documenting the journey of CS. Najib Balala Cabinet Secretary, Tourism and Wildlife as he led a group of the corporate partners who were willing to support and contribute towards making Mt. Kenya a better hiking destination.

I got really excited when this brief came in, I felt like I was ready for it. Forget about shooting but you must be aware that Mt. Kenya is 4,985m above sea level, it is not a place you walk up and come back with else, you must prepare with prior hikes. It was impromptu but I was happy. We had one pre hike, coupled with my football endavours, I felt I was more than ready. I was there less than 1 year ago.

One of the most important lessons I learned from https://outdoorer.ke about mountain climbing is patience. This is the weapon I need in everything with regards to preparing for the hike, acclimatising and the actual climb. I’m actually a slow climber, that way I give my body time to adapt.

Off we went and it took us 5 days.

I will now share a few pictures of our journey.

We left Nairobi and spent the first night at the camp right at Chogoria gate. We enjoyed some sunshine during the day but the night was as cold as we expected. Just. what we needed because the next 5 nights we’re going to get even more colder.

DAY 1

The next morning off we went, the hike was officially flagged off.

We spent the night at a special camp just 4 kilometres from the Chogoria Gate to give everyone time to acclimitize.

DAY 2

The next morning we were up by 6am, took breakfast and at 7.00am ready to hit the trails. Plan was to be at Lake Ellis for the afternoon

Beautiful trails here and if you are strong enough you will get to see Nithi Falls.

You can actually drive up Lake Ellis, you just need to have a good 4×4 car. Lake Ellis offers day hiker’s great opportunities. You can actually drive from Nairobi to Ellis, camp for a night or two and come back to the city.

Destination Lake Ellis. Everyone so tired.

Was lucky, someone snapped a photo of me at Lake Ellis

Later that afternoon we went out to fish.

Mr. Njihia, C.E.O Sahihi Builders trying his luck with the fish.

We had our oxygen levels checked every evening

DAY 3

Heading to our new destination Lake Michaelson

These are the most hardworking individuals I have met. You will leave them at the camp, they will pack all your things including the tents, they will walk past you and set up the next camp you are heading. By the time you get to the next camp you will find everything ready including the food. Mountain porters are the most amazing and hardworking people ever.

Sitted CS Najib Balala (left) and DG KWS Brig. (Rtd) John Waweru having a break

The whole team. From LEFT Mpesa’s Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, CS Najib Balala, VISA’s Eva Ngigi, KWS DG Brigadier (retired) John Waweru, Sahihi Builder’s MD Njoroge Njihia(second from right), Thorn Muli (far right)

Njihia promised us fish and Lake Michaelson’s fish were friendly

DG Waweru needed rescue. He could not continue

We spent the last night here, Simba Tarn just below the summit point Lenana. The next morning we were up by 2.00am and ready for the summit.

DAY 4

While having dinner at Lake Michaelson. CS ordered that we must hold an exhibition featuring the best images we have. The exhibition was slated towards end of July in Nairobi.

The exhibition aims to showcase the Mountain and everyone will be allowed to buy the pictures. The funds raised from the sale of the pictures will go towards improving the trails and the hiker’s experience as well as help with the conservation efforts within the eco system of Mt Kenya.

On 28th July 2022, the ministry of Tourism & Wildlife launched The Mt. Kenya Photo Exhibition at National Museum of Kenya.

Photos by Francis Kiguta and Paragon Timelapse

From left Nesh-the drone guy, myself and Director Ogega of Frinant Pictures. Picture by Francis Kiguta

Posing for a photo with Ms Wausi Walya, Head of PR & Corporate Communications, Kenya Tourism Board.
Picture by Francis Kiguta

I would like to personally invite you to check out the exhibition which is currently running until 2nd Sep 2022 at the Kenya National Museum. Buy a print or two to support our dream to make Mt. Kenya a perfect hiking location.

See you next time. Stay blessed.

More to come!

Tag : Kenya Tourism Board

Back into the wild-Nairobi National Park

Conserving Mt. Kenya through Photography