Tim Lewthwaite reports from Sweetwaters wildlife reserve near the foothills of Mount Kenya where he has been travelling in search of the country’s diverse and beautiful wildlife.
A black rhino and calf in Kenya. Copyright Tim Lewthwaite.
“A species that has long fascinated me is the black rhino, but in several trips to Africa I have only ever had fleeting glimpses of this elusive and shy animal. That changed as we went on an early morning game drive and came across a mother with her young calf. All rhino species are coming under a growing threat of poaching due to the mistaken belief in several Asian countries that their horns have medicinal value – as poaching soars, every encounter with these animals is something to be treasured.”
A cheetah on the prowl. Copyright Tim Lewthwaite.
“As if the rhino wasn’t enough, we later came across a cheetah. Like most big cats on safari, they tend to find you more than you find them. Cheetahs are well known as the fastest animals on land and mainly eat gazelles, impalas and other smaller hoofed animals. Needless to say, I was thrilled when this cat found me.”
Tim is traveling with AZA Commercial Member Classic Escapes. Be sure to visit the Animals Inc. website to view photos of his experiences in Kenya and to learn more about actions you can take to help protect the species that live there.
