The Explorer Newsletter December 2011

National Geographic & Wildlife Explorer
 
Wildlife Explorer has had a long history of working with National Geographic, in particular with the magazine as well as with its natural history film division, so when Nick Nichols-resident photographer for the magazine got in touch, we were naturally excited.

Now that filming has gotten under way and the first location up on the Mara River has been completed all the reports are the initial filming was a complete success.

The 40-page article is focusing on Lions, primarily in the Serengeti eco-system-a subject that is obviously close to our hearts and one that is in dire need of further research. All the indicators are that Lion populations are on the brink of being an endangered species.

Nick’s article will no doubt highlight popular thinking on the areas main predator and hopefully shed some light, with help from Dr Craig Packer, where the Lion population future is in Tanzania National Parks.

Nick has been enjoying exclusive use of one of Wildlife Explorers Mobile Tented Camps.

Please click on this link for more information on the Luxury Mobile Tented Camps Exclusive to Wildlife Explorer:

http://www.wildlife-explorer.com/pages/camps/mobile.php

Wildlife Explorer on Facebook!

Social networking has fast become an important part of communications between many elements of people’s lives. To contact Hannah and Jamie we now constantly use Facebook as the main communication tool for quick messaging, sharing photos as well as sharing family news and updating company profiles.

Wildlife Explorer now has its own page so please feel free to comment, like and share some of the wonderful experiences you have all had with your guides, camp crew and Marianne, Kim and I.

https://www.facebook.com/Wildlife.Explorer

Wilderness and Mobile Camp-update

Recently we invited our friend Jeremy Stephenson, to visit the Alamana Wilderness Camp and the Mwituni Serengeti Mobile Camp to photograph the new interior furnishings and fabrics selected for the season opening in December.

Jeremy’s imaginative photography has complimented the new look for the interiors as well as forcing Marianne, Kim and I to set some style direction on where we wanted the two camps to head, giving each its own identity but at the same time keeping the ethos simple.

Like the Mwituni Serengeti Camp, the Alamana & Osunyai camps benefit from new accommodation tents this season with more emphasis on privacy, user friendliness and adapted to cope with the differing seasons each camp experiences. Images will be posted in a few weeks when we get them on site and iron out any wrinkles so to speak!

http://www.wildlife-explorer.com/gallery/

Osunyai-End of season review

Since the move into Tarangire National Park, we have received nothing but praise for the new location. The site, close to the southern end of the Silale wetland provides a wonderfully private location with easy access to the game rich areas of Tarangire.

National Parks have been a joy to work with, allowing us the flexibility to establish new fly campsites and late drives to enter the camp after dark, all adding to the wilderness experience.

Game viewing has been exceptional-the last spectacular sighting before the end of season being a herd of 20 Oryx in front of camp!

For more info on Osunyai please visit:

http://www.wildlife-explorer.com/pages/destinations/osunyai.php

North Africa highlights

The recent expedition to Egypt with Jo, 14 friends and myself, turned out to be a huge success. Amidst slight concern that the political upheaval might result in postponing the journey, we ventured out regardless to arrive into Cairo.

There were so many highlights it’s hard to list them all but here’s a few: being the only ones inside the Great Pyramid of Cheops, laughter every minute of every waking hour, steaming peacefully down and up the River Nile, Kom Ombo, the Egyptian people, sunsets and sunrises over pyramids, rivers and temples. And so it goes on.

Egypt remains such a unique country, her temples and geography simply stunning and our experience of its peoples rich, rewarding and unthreatening.

With the northern most countries of Africa holding a special place in my heart, I was excited to recently re-visit Morocco.
Another of my favourites, Morocco has always spanned an interesting chasm between Arabia and Europe. The combination of ancient desert tribes with bustling medinas, stunning landscapes, mountains and coastlines, create an extremely intriguing mix.

Having returned from the Atlas Mountains, the Medina at Marrakech and sampled the hospitality of the Moroccan people I am inspired to put together a journey through Morocco in the not so distant future.

Please e.mail me for further details: gary@wildlife-explorer.com      

News from Kellybeare:

As usual, it’s full on here at Kellybeare.

Jo has resumed her love of teaching with a nearby local school. In addition she is also donating her time at Hunter’s school. She has moved into the position of head financial girl to provide much needed continuity for the company finances-a huge help to me.

The kids are all good. Hannah is now happily living in York working for a creative agency-loving the new challenges and excited about her first apartment in the city centre.
Jamie has started at Reading University reading Psychology. She has revamped her music life and has started a blog on youtube for anyone to check out her music.
Hunter is, as always loving his school. I watched him playing full back in a rugby match yesterday and was impressed at how full on he is when playing, but perhaps his greatest achievement is being selected to train for the Devon Cricket Squad.

As for me……… ‘my bags are packed, I’m ready to go…’ Next week its back to TZ for a 4 month season with pretty much back to back safaris and fun time in the bush!

With warm wishes, Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Festive Season to you all!

Gary & Jo and all of us at Wildlife Explorer.