Makalia River Hits Rock Bottom

The Makalia River rises in the Eastern Mau escarpment and flows east, and then north, into the southern end of Lake Nakuru. It is a key water source, together with Rivers Njoro and Nderit that drain into the lake from the Mau. En route, it drops into the Lake Nakuru basin via the scenic Makalia Falls, a popular tourist site in the Lake Nakuru National Park. The permanent flows of the river have traditionally guaranteed a great viewing experience for visitors, with the roaring falls providing accompaniment to birdsong, the bark of baboons and other wildlife sounds.


But dark clouds of uncertainty hang over the future of the Makalia River. In recent years, it has dried up on various occasions, as a visit to the falls over Easter 2011 revealed.

Waterfall - no more

Downstream - dry river bed

It is clear that efforts to rehabilitate the Mau need to be stepped up, urgently, to protect the river and the Lake that depends on it...

Baboon In Chief

Jungle Throne - King Surveys Domain

A full-grown male olive baboon (Papio cynocephalus anubis) is a fascinating creature. It stalks through its habitat with purpose, King of all it surveys and unafraid of man or beast. Its long snout holds powerful jaws and long, wickedly sharp canine teeth. Its barrel-like chest suggests real power, and its long arms are as adept at climbing as they are at snatching food from the unwary tourist.

I came face to face with this magnificent specimen, the dominant male of the troop, at the aptly named Baboon Cliffs view point in Lake Nakuru National Park. The shaggy beast engaged me in a brief staring contest. Realising that I had nothing to offer, it quickly lost interest and calmly resumed its survey of the picnic site, searching for unguarded food items.


Baboons are interesting animals to observe but also genuinely dangerous if not treated with the respect due any wild animal. They are age and gender sensitive: they will confront women and children without hesitation, but will usually keep a respectful distance from adult men. Interestingly, they can distinguish gender regardless of clothes worn!

Baboon Viewing Tips:

• Observe them at a respectful distance
• Do not offer food under any circumstances
• Do not leave food items unattended
• Never leave your car unattended with doors or windows open

Pelican Brief

great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)

Pelican takes to the sky in Lake Nakuru National Park