Whatever the arena, whenever weighing up an adversary, there is much to contemplate: speed, size, number, hunger and risk. When it goes awry it can be disastrous but also spectacular.
For many months now Kicheche has been inundated with constant messages from people utterly thrilled to be back on 'home soil'. Some have counted down the days from many days out and most are not shy on expressing their emotions upon arrival.
Laura and Dan visited all three Mara Conservancies and were kind enough to showcase some images. These two may be close to having a plaque etched for them but they are utterly cognisant that it is the four legged fauna that are really the stars. I'll therefore let them do the talking, you pick your favourite.
Meet Renee Doyle. Finally, after too many years of incarceration she arrives 'home' .... her words: "Visiting Kicheche Bush Camp never short-changes - after 3 long years locked up in Australia, it was a thrill to be back visiting friends, two legged and four, getting a long-awaited bush fix!
There are countless ways to gauge a safari with no defining or burnished template. However, cats are rarely far from the top table. This week's Spot is curated from a burgeoning and brilliant portfolio from a favourite daughter of Kicheche: Charlotte Rhodes.
The one factor that really upgrades a wildlife encounter is action and when this involves two of the major signature species in confrontation it hardens the currency somewhat. Meet the Crosslands, first-time Kichechians out early (obvs) with Peter Njapit and they came across the fabled Marsh Lions in the heart of Mara North Conservancy, rather than their normal Reserve turf. This was an extended bout with the lionesses doing most of the work (sound familiar?).
In sports gnus this week we are delighted to report that our squad is tearing down the wings and up the centre, poised, panting on the edge of the danger area, waiting for the perfect cross. They show a clean pair of heels to most of the opposition and emerge victorious at the end.
Sandra Barrett was determined to take her Kicheche safari and although she has had a frustrating wait (three cancellations), it seems her timing was impeccable for her fourth time lucky.
You know the scene, you are driving quietly with eyes peeled and the radio crackles with an excited gasp from a Motorola Maa missive. The critical word of the hurried translation is 'cubs'. Few things increase the pulse of any Kichechian than this simple four letter word.
The Martens have travelled to Kicheche so many times (critically bounteously in the last two years) that they are almost part of the furniture. With a pair of gorgeous girls, they clearly feel completely at home in the bush and particularly at the eponymously named Kicheche camp there. James Nampaso is like a brother and uncle all in one, but even he was not prepared for their frankly ridiculous game drives.
