p.2 #2 · Big Cats of Kenya (Olare Motorogi Conservancy)
codyconway wrote:
Now I know you and I crossed paths. We were with the brother coalition a lot as well and were there for the topi hunt. We were one of 4 vehicles with Off Road Permits on hand that didn’t get ran off by rangers, only to have 50 vehicles pull in front of us and surround the brothers once the topi was down . . . I was the guy with his guide yelling at everyone to get out of our shots per the guide rules that were blatantly ignored for tips from folks with cell phones. The hunt was epic, but the ending left such a bad taste in our mouth we left and didn’t even get to enjoy the feast. ...Show more →
That's interesting, was the hunt you're describing in the evening? I remember one where they caught a young topi at sunset that was quickly stolen by hyena and there were plenty of vehicles there, but the one I described above was just me and one other vehicle.
I wonder if we were in the same place as in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy you are allowed to go off road without permits so there would be no risk of rangers running anyone off. And the most vehicles I think I ever saw at one sighting was maybe 8-10 as it's quite a low density area, by design.
p.2 #3 · Big Cats of Kenya (Olare Motorogi Conservancy)
VKM2F wrote:
That's interesting, was the hunt you're describing in the evening? I remember one where they caught a young topi at sunset that was quickly stolen by hyena and there were plenty of vehicles there, but the one I described above was just me and one other vehicle.
I wonder if we were in the same place as in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy you are allowed to go off road without permits so there would be no risk of rangers running anyone off. And the most vehicles I think I ever saw at one sighting was maybe 8-10 as it's quite a low density area, by design....Show more →
Maybe not? This was the brother coalition that was in the national park and not the conservancy. They hunted a topi group and one had a week old young one with her so she stuck behind when the rest took off and gave way to an easy hunt. This was at sunset and extremely cloudy. Hyena didn’t come in for this kill though, the brothers seemed to have it to themselves, but I’m sure hyena took the baby later that night since it had 0 protection and 0 chance of survival.
p.2 #4 · Big Cats of Kenya (Olare Motorogi Conservancy)
codyconway wrote:
Maybe not? This was the brother coalition that was in the national park and not the conservancy. They hunted a topi group and one had a week old young one with her so she stuck behind when the rest took off and gave way to an easy hunt. This was at sunset and extremely cloudy. Hyena didn’t come in for this kill though, the brothers seemed to have it to themselves, but I’m sure hyena took the baby later that night since it had 0 protection and 0 chance of survival.
Just a coincidence then, as I never left the conservancy. I hear you on the bad actors though, it drives me insane to see irresponsible guides throwing the rule book out the window when a tip is on the line. And also guests who lose all ethics when there's something they really want to see. It gets to the point that I just head in the opposite direction of all the trucks, even if it means missing something! I've had much better experiences in the conservancies. Less people, better guides, etc.
p.2 #10 · Big Cats of Kenya (Olare Motorogi Conservancy)
Outstanding images all around. The various images with the cubs and parents are outstanding, while the action/kill images excellently document the food chain of the plains.
p.2 #11 · Big Cats of Kenya (Olare Motorogi Conservancy)
After doing my 1st Safari in the Masai this summer I am so impressed by your shorts. They are amazing. Beautifully composed with peak action too. An inspiration.
We saw a Hyena pack take done a Buffalo on our trip. No Lions to intervene but by the time we got on the scene the other Buffalos had retreated and a lone elephant seemed like he had tried to intervene but had given up.
The site and the sounds were horrific. The hyenas were grotesquely relentless with their prey. The Buffalo struggled but its back legs were paralyzed and after 10-15 mins (of what seemed like hours) it finally succumbed. It was an amazing opportunity and experience. I had dreamed of a beautiful Nat Geo type Cheetah taking out a Topi like your stunning image. This was something very different but absolutely amazing to see and experience and was everyones highlight of the Safari. I think it even surpassed mosts follow up Gorilla Trek experience.