Into the Wild #19

By Adam Bannister

We don't want to tempt fate, but is it possible that maybe, just maybe, the luck and fortunes of the Lemek Pride have taken a turn for the better? Over the last year this pride has been plagued with bad luck when it comes to raising cubs. Every time they have had cubs the resident males have killed them. About six weeks ago three cubs were born (click here to see photographs of them at approximately 10 days old), and these cubs appear to be healthy and well, and most crucially they have been introduced to all the males without incident. Their mother has understandably been incredibly secretive and has kept them hidden in the densely vegetated drainage lines, until the last few days when she seems to now be a little more confident with them. We all hope that this latest litter may make it - time will tell.

With regards to male lion dynamics we are really concerned that the four Sankai Males may have "lost" a male. Lerai has not been seen for a few weeks now. This coalition once numbered five, and was considered one of the strongest in the Mara. However, they lost a battle with the Lemek Males, and in the process were reduced to four. The fact that they may now only number three really stacks the odds against them in their hopes to carry on

The Lemek Males on the other hand continue to look strong, pushing slowly further and further north - restricting the Sankai Males to the most northern extremity of the Maasai Mara ecosystem.

There is a lot of talk at the moment about Kisaru and as to whether she is indeed always well fed, or is on the verge of having cubs. We had assumed, after watching her mate in December, that she was set to deliver cubs in mid March. When March came and went we felt saddened that she must have lost the litter. However, there is renewed excitement among the guides that she may still be pregnant! She is without a doubt one of the super-cheetahs of the Mara and we hope that a new set of cubs is on the way.

During the drier months the vast majority of the Elephants head south into the wetter Mara Triangle. Now that the rains have come, and the grasses are a vibrant, and nutritious green, we are delighted to welcome their return to our nearby plains. There is something very special about spending time with a family of relaxed Elephants moving through the short grasses.

Enonkishu, the conservancy in which we are located, is an absolute gem. A landscape dotted with hidden secrets, a mosaic of micro-habitats and some of the prettiest scenes in the Mara. As a lodge, and a company, we are doing everything in our power to protect, and conserve, this magnificent conservancy. We are fortunate to still have some of the most crucial forest fragments and we work in partnership with the neighbouring communities to keep these habitats intact.

Iconic Balanites trees dot the horizon, and massive expansive grasslands allow for the perfect habitat for so many charismatic creatures. The skies are large, the clouds dramatic, the light breathtaking, and the air clean and alive.

There is something special about a safari in this part of the Mara. There is a sense of freedom that accompanies a refreshing sense of purpose and reason. We are committed to securing and expanding biodiversity and securing livelihoods. We invite you to come visit us - have the holiday of a lifetime, experience the magic, and make a contribution to the preservation of this magnificent land.

A trip to House in the Wild has so many layers; breathtaking landscapes, amazing wildlife, the opportunity to immerse yourselves in the community projects, sharing quality time with friends and with family, delicious food, sundowners and much more...

It is fun, relaxing, rejuvenating and inspiring.