Resident bulls at the oL Donyo Lodge waterhole

Dry grassland in the Mbirikani group ranch means more wildlife is visiting the ol Donyo Lodge waterhole, making for wonderful sightings from the log viewing hide. The resident bull elephants – One Ton, Torn Ear, Ozzie, Pug, Jagged, Kali and Tom – daily dominate the waterhole, their combined massive bulks making it tough going for smaller creatures who have to wait their turn patiently on the sidelines.

Increasing numbers of giraffe are lurking around the lodge, thanks to the Acacia tortilis that have come into seed. The seed pods are highly nutritious and as the giraffe browse among the tree-tops they also take the chance to sneak into the waterhole when the ellephants have ambled off. But their long necks and legs make for rather unbalanced and vulnerable drinking postures. So these elegant giants have developed a smart  watering system: one ducks down for a drink while the other keeps a lofty eye out for any predators.

Taking turns to drink and spot danger

Moving out onto the plains….

…migrant herds of zebra, wildebeest and other plains game from Amboseli Park are strolling steadily into the Chyulu Hills area in search of untouched stretches of grass. This is a common occurrence at this time of year as the grazing grows thin in other regions and before the short rains of October bring anticipated new growth.

The eland, however, have chosen to take a route through the Miti Moja watering hole, possibly to avoid competition with the elephant boys at the lodge’s waterhole.

Eland on the trek

And naturally, in the wake of the herbivores there follows the hunters.

Lion taking a rest near the lodge

Two handsome lion brothers called Kasayo and Lormanie have taken to prowling the lodge perimeter at night, roaring with mighty regularity. And just to make sure we understand their territorial claims on the Lodge, they occasionally walk around the managers’ houses as evidenced by fresh lion tracks seen on the walkways in the morning.

And finally, the ostrich are once again courting.

A good number of ostrich couples have been spotted by the airstrip and in the Elmau Hills area. It’s the breeding season and nests of gigantic, cream-coloured egss can be spied in the grasslands. Others of the big birds are still a-courting: the male ostriches turn blush pink on their necks and legs which together with their beautiful black wings with white tips makes for a winning attire to attract a lady ostrich.