On the trail with photographer Robyn Preston
By Jamie Joseph / Editor
Not everyone can go to Africa, but some that do never really leave. Like New Zealander Robyn Preston who has over these past couple years expanded her photography hobby into a fully fledged tourism business where she now shares her passion for the wild with visitors from around the world. Robyn has traveled to at least 10 different African countries, and she now spends the majority of her time in Kenya. She is already booked up for most of the year, but still has some spaces for August and September.
Robyn’s photographs are in demand by some of the biggest media publications on the planet, and so we at Saving the Wild are always extremely grateful for Robyn’s generosity in sharing her images with us, which accompany many of our stories.
We will only protect the things we love, and it’s important to share all of Africa’s wild, because everything is connected, and through storytelling we can all play a supporting role in this theatre of unscripted beauty.
On the trail with photographer Robyn Preston, in her own words…
I prefer to not race off from one place to the next when viewing an animal, but rather to sit and spend quality time for as long as it takes. My inspiration comes from doing this. That’s the secret to an awesome experience.
I am now combining my passion for wildlife photography with sharing what I see and do with others from around the world. It’s a pleasure to write personalised itineraries that showcase Kenya’s beauty.
Follow Robyn’s journey on Facebook.
It was a family affair when this baby became stuck in the mud. His little fat legs weren’t able to budge him. The rumbling, comforting and encouragement came from those in front. The extra push with the help of a trunk and foot was needed to get him out. And that came from the rear. Consolidation saved what could have been an unfortunate circumstance. No harm done though…apart from maybe bruised pride.
He was in pain and barely able to move. Evidence of a nasty fight, with most likely a rival male, were evident on his body. His mane laced with blood and puncture wounds in his skin. She was on heat and looking for attention but it wasn’t forthcoming. Not for want of trying, just not within his capabilities as a result of his injuries. They both made it to a close waterhole for a drink. It was as if she sensed that his pain was high and kept by his side. She leant forward and gave an endearing touch of the muzzle to show her support. A short time later she made a feeble attempt at a kill. Her lack of skills at hiding herself let her down and no meal was had. Unless she improved, he would most likely starve. I didn’t see them again so not sure if he survived. Lessons of the wild.
After surviving the race down the opposite bank, crossing the river avoiding crocs, then scrambling up the other side, a good shake removes excess water before joining the line to greener pastures. In only a matter of months, this spectacle will again return to the Mara. And I will be waiting yet again to witness one of earths great wonders.
If there’s anything you don’t want to get in the way of, it’s two angry hippos. They are aggressive and quick tempered and don’t stand any nonsense, even from their own.
This little guy was a bit shy about having someone watch him. A quick look sideways to make sure Mum was being attentive, reassured him.
When I was doing my volunteer program in the Naboisho Conservancy of the Mara ecosystem, every Friday we would visit a local school. On this particular day, the students were practising for a combined school music festival. We were honoured to be able to sit in as they sang and danced, their beautiful voices resonating within the concrete walls of the classroom. The bright red shukas they wore, adorned with their maasai jewels, touched off a remarkable and unforgettable visit.
One of Kenya’s tourist attractions is a visit to a Maasai village. Here you will be greeted traditionally before being shown how they do things. Here a Maasai shows how they start fire using dry straw and rubbing sticks together. Gentle blowing ignites the flame.
I can’t resist another Golden Boy image. Here the elusive leopard is feasting on a freshly killed wildebeest calf. Just in case there’s a threat to his breakfast, he still keeps a wary watch on his surroundings. Bearing in mind his bulky stature though, I doubt anything would dare tangle with him.
Two male buffaloes rest up and chew the cud as the morning sun warms up the dew on the grasses and the mist begins to clear. Spotted during a game drive in Nairobi National Park.
Three of ten cute little wild dog pups greet a pack member who had just returned from a kill. Regurgitating meat is part and parcel of a kill and these little guys were hopeful, and successful, that a meal was forthcoming.
RIP Karanja…..a mighty specimen has fallen. Karanja was the oldest of the black rhino who made the Maasai Mara home. He has died of natural causes at a grand old age of around 44. It was always a privilege to see and photograph this handsome old guy. May he rest in peace.
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