Samantyl Travels

Zigi is in full propellor mode! Every elephant is born with a trunk, but they don’t automatically know to use it. A delightfully clumsy learning curve ensues, as calves come to grips with their trunk — and the 40,000 muscles that make it work. Four-month-old Zigi is a keen student and eager to show off all his hard work! — Zigi is a ‘grandchild’ of our Orphans’ Project: His mother, Zongoloni, was orphaned when she was just a baby herself and raised in our care. Now, she is nurturing her own family in the wild. Meet the 77 known ‘grandchildren’ born to our Orphans’ Project: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/orphans/calves

Mzinga, Muridjo, and Kamili are good friends — but all allegiances are forgotten when precious Kipekee is in the picture. The nannies bump, budge, and body-check each other as they jockey for prime position next to the little girl — and so it goes until they are well into the forest! Note how Kipekee blithely strides on, unfazed by all the adoration. She is very spoiled and enjoys the fuss! — Kipekee is the latest addition to our foster program. Rescued in June, this tiny orphan lost her mother to human-wildlife conflict. She arrived at the Nursery in very rough shape, and it has taken round-the-clock care to nurse her back to health. It has only been two months, but she has already made enormous progress! Support Kipekee’s journey though an adoption: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/orphans/kipekee

This week’s photo spotlight is of three magnificent Grevy’s zebras lined up in a side profile portrait🦓

They are the largest and most threatened of all zebra species. Native to the semi-arid grasslands of Kenya and Ethiopia, these zebras are a true symbol of nature’s artistry.

In these shots, groups of Grevy’s stand gracefully in pattern — their bodies partially overlapping, stripes blending into one another in perfect harmony.
A sight both mesmerizing and calm.

Ol Pejeta conservancy has a program to grow their numbers back in the wild. They are currently hosted in a predator-free conservation area for close monitoring.

Don’t just admire them online!
Come witness and support this conservation effort in person.

For inquiries and reservations, email us on [email protected] or call us on +254 707 187 141
Image credit: / Ol pejeta conservancy.

Want to explore Kenya during a missions/service trip? We can help! Here’s some pictures from a group that just came back. In addition to their service work they got to experience exploring a rainforest, going to Masai Mara, the coast at Diani and the highlights of Nairobi.

Our clients Dave and Jen had an amazing time in Kenya and especially loved their safari experience at Masai Mara. They graciously allowed us to share some of their photos.

Grab your hat, sunscreen, water bottle and of course your camera to capture the beautiful moment and join us for a guided bush walk through the breathtaking landscapes of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where every step uncovers the untamed beauty of Laikipia.

Accompanied by knowledgeable and armed rangers, this immersive walk allows you to slow down and truly connect with the environment.

Perfect for nature lovers or anyone yearning for a peaceful escape into Ol Pejeta's stunning natural environment.

To book your guided bush walk, email [email protected] or call us on +254 707187141
Image credit;

It’s home time for our Nursery herd. By the end of the day, everyone is eager and ready for bed — Talek nearly bowled over the camera! Our Nursery orphans spend the day roaming free in Nairobi National Park under the watchful eyes of their Keepers. ‘Bush school,’ as we call it, teaches the orphans to grow up as wild elephants. Each day brings about new lessons, be it learning the proper way to play with friends, discovering the best greens to eat, or perfecting their mud bathing techniques. Keepers ensure days are structured yet lighthearted, providing orphans with the mental stimulation and gentle discipline they need to flourish. — Raising orphaned elephants is a complex, long-term undertaking — an orphan may be in our care for upwards of a decade before they are ready to reclaim their place in the wild. Learn more about the process, which we have honed over the past half century: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/projects/orphans/raise-an-orphan-elephant

Grace in the grasslands. Meet the elusive serval — a master of stealth and beauty here at Ol Pejeta. Notice its long legs and radar-like ears in action. Video: @rlochiam and @thesafaricottages #OlPejeta #OlPejetaConservancy #Kenya