The Collection

Slow Food is a global, grassroots movement that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment. As part of our commitment to the movement we have introduced African fusion tapas lunches at Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs ... our Chef comes out to meet our guests and introduces each of the dishes. Lunches may be set on the deck looking out over the majestic view of the valley floor or by the pool. The food is fresh, varied and tasty, and uses locally sourced produce.

Slow food encourages people to eat local, sustainable and healthy food that is good for the environment while cutting down on imported products and therefore reducing our carbon footprint. Slow Food means living an unhurried life, taking time to enjoy simple pleasures, starting at the table and a way of saying no to the rise of fast food and fast life.

The global Slow Food Movement includes The Ark of Taste, which is an international catalogue of endangered heritage foods. The Ark is designed to preserve at-risk foods that are sustainably produced, unique in taste, and part of a distinct ecoregion. In Kenya examples include Ogiek honey, made by one of Kenya’s oldest tribes, living in the Mau Forest and other forests around Mount Elgon. Other examples include Vibere or amasoma, in Tanzania, a type of climbing yam that grows above the ground, though in some varieties, the tubers will grow both on the stem and underground and is not found for sale on the market, but cultivated in relatively low quantities for personal and family consumption and is also believed to have medicinal properties.

We embrace the Slow Food movement as it echoes what we stand for; the origin of the name Elewana is the Swahili word meaning “harmony”, a concept that underpins our company philosophy and influences the way we deliver unforgettable safari experiences. We continually strive to leave as little impact as possible on our surrounding environment, while creating a positive impact on local communities.

Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs 

Located within the 57,000 acre Loisaba Conservancy, Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs offers an ultra-private experience with eight individual, spacious tented rooms with impressive views that reach across the Laikipia Plateau stretching out to Mount Kenya. Service is paramount, with every room assigned an Elewana Guest Ambassador to serve and cater to every guests’ need, as well as a dedicated safari vehicle and a highly qualified Elewana field guide who will accompany guests for the duration of their stay.

We are proud to announce that both Elewana The Manor at Ngorongoro and Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp have been accepted into Virtuoso’s prestigious Sustainability and Adventure Communities.

Industry trends for 2020 show that with climate-change is dominating the headlines and the upcoming 50th anniversary of Earth Day shows that sustainability is top of mind. Travelers are increasingly interested in trips that mean something, and for the long-term, knowing that they are contributing to something sustainable. It is more important than ever for hotels to be environmentally friendly, support local communities and strive to support conservation initiatives, all in all making for a better world around us.

The origin of the name Elewana is the Swahili word meaning “harmony”, a concept that underpins our company philosophy and influences the way we deliver unforgettable safari experiences. We continually strive to leave as little impact as possible on our surrounding environment, while creating a positive impact on local communities through our Land and Life Foundation.

The Land & Life Foundation is Elewana’s commitment to responsible tourism, ensuring future generations can enjoy the wonders of Africa and safari adventure. Land & Life believes that the sustainability of East Africa’s wildlife and habitats depends on four key actions: securing land for conservation, protecting species and their environment, providing tangible benefits to the people who live alongside wildlife, and educating the next generation of conservationists.

Trends also show that “Carpe diem” travel is fuelling the desire to savour as many new destinations and exciting experiences as possible in more authentic ways. While travelers still want to journey in comfort, the new definition of luxury is personalized adventures shared with family and friends.

Elewana Collection offers a range of active and adventurous experiences for all ages, from bush walks across the open savannah or through the indigenous highland forests, horse riding and camel treks to get closer to nature surrounded by wildlife, Cultural visits to meet the local tribe and learn new customs and traditions, get involved in conservation initiatives and find out how cutting edge technology is tracking wildlife and reducing human-wildlife conflict. There is so much to do and see while on safari with The Elewana Collection and at the same time contribute to sustainable tourism.

The Elewana Collection is delighted to announce the new General Manager at Elewana Arusha Coffee; Zimbabwean-born Hazel Gumpo is a seasoned professional with a long and illustrious career spanning 30 years in Hotel Management and Capacity Building. Hazel’s hospitality journey began with a pre-industrial attachment after completing her A-Levels in her homeland Zimbabwe. This led to her undertaking extensive training in Germany for the ensuing years. Her strengths include incisive strategic thinking, creative problem solving and an unmatched zeal for her work. On her return to Zimbabwe, Hazel’s first assignment was in one of Southern Africa’s finest properties.

Hazel has worked as a capacity builder for over 15 years for a Southern African company with international expertise in providing cost-effective, tried and tested hospitality solutions - whose operations are characterized by a tireless quest for quality in every aspect of product and service delivery. Hazel is certified in AHMA Human Resources Management and AHMA Hospitality Training. The Ghana Hotels Association awarded her as the Hotel Trainer of the Year 2015. In recognition of her significant contribution to the industry, she was acknowledged as one of the Top 100 Tourism Personalities in West Africa by the ECOWAS region travel fair, Accra Weizo, in 2017.

Her mission statement is to build people and dreams, and as such is passionate about training and developing young hoteliers. Hazel considers herself privileged to head the Elewana Arusha Lodge team, her vision is to create unforgettable encounters of Africa for visitors entering the northern safari circuit pre and post safari, thereby providing African culinary experiences with cultural encounters from arrival to departure.

Hazel’s passions include interior decoration, creative cooking, hosting and sightseeing. She is the daughter of farmers and delights in being back in a farm environment - working and living on a farm. She is the first born of a family of 5 girls and 1 boy - a symbolic leader from birth. She is not only a strong leader, but a trailblazer who was appointed into a significant managerial role at 22 years, was one of the few female GMs in Ghana and proudly the first female GM at Arusha Coffee lodge. 

Please join us in welcoming Hazel to the Elewana Collection and we wish her success in the new positions at ~Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge.

We encourage families to experience East African, as we believe there is no better place to enjoy a truly memorable safari with one’s family. 

Our many and varied local East African cultures all treasure children, and our activities and wildlife fascinate parents and children alike. Our small boutique properties allow for personalized and flexible mealtimes, and many of our properties also offer accommodation specifically designed for families.

Family accommodation

Providing Exclusive use of vehicle

When booking the Family units at the Kenya or Tanzania properties we provide exclusive use of vehicle for those traveling with children.

Fun for the whole family

Elewana Collection offers a range of activities, such as bush breakfasts, nature walks and game drives in our custom 4x4 vehicles with an elite team of guides. To help you plan your safari, below are the child specific activities at each of the Elewana properties;

Note: Please check when booking, as some of these activities are at an additional cost and need to be arranged in advance.

The Elewana Team is Friendly and Attentive

Every member of the Elewana team wants to ensure each guest  has an exceptional experience, if there is anything we can do to make your stay better (within reason), just ask and we will do everything possible to make it happen from watching the children, so the parents can enjoy a peaceful dinner to cooking the kids favourite meal. We will go out of our way to make it special for the whole family.

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Interesting Facts From Our Reps

This months top tip is from Liz Harper, Elewana Collections Sales Rep in the UK;

We’ve seen some great media coverage for Loisaba over the last few months, and experienced increased interest in the region as a result. Whilst the landscape and wildlife will always be the number one draw for the region, I thought it was worth highlighting all the additional activities available at our three properties in the Conservancy (Elewana Tented Camp, Elewana Star Beds and Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs): from camel and horse safaris to walking and mountain biking, as well as the opportunity to spend time at the Conservancy HQ and better understand the incredible work done by the team and anti-poaching dogs there.

Special Offer

Take Advantage of our Stay 7 Nights and Only Pay for 5 at any of our Bush properties. With so many places to explore and so much to experience, take a little longer and get the most out of your stay with us. With nine unique bush properties in Kenya and four stunning bush properties in Tanzania, each in an iconic location, the choice is yours. Either enjoy the entire 7 nights at one or combine two or three properties, should you want a little variety.

• Valid for bookings made between the 16th January 2020 until 31st May 2020
• Valid for travel between 16th January 2020 and 16th June 2020.

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From Our Partners

By Hannah Campbell

Imagine waking up to find that you had lost your job and your life’s savings all in one night. You’d understandably hate whatever was responsible for your loss, and may even go out of your way to destroy it.

This is how a herder feels when he loses his entire herd of goats to a leopard or other predator attack during the night. As tourists and conservationists, we see these animals as magnificent cats that should be protected from extinction, but to the pastoralist communities that surround Loisaba, they can be a huge risk to their livelihoods.

For the conservation of wildlife to be successful, it is vital that the people these species share their habitat with are also committed to their survival, and see a benefit and value to their existence. A new coexistence model known as Baotree was recently trialled here at Loisaba, in partnership with Lion Landscapes. Designed and led by Dimitri Syrris, Baotree aims to provide local communities with a mechanism to actively earn community development goals, through carrying out conservation-based activities, thus engaging in the protection of their environment and their livelihoods. This approach keeps the responsibility for natural resource management firmly within the communities, whilst supporting and catalyzing the development of conservation-based activities.

“It is critical that, for conservation of wildlife and associated biodiversity to be successful, the custodians of existing ecosystems that support the magnitude of biodiversity required for the survival of large carnivores and other mega-fauna can benefit directly from that conservation. Loisaba Conservancy seeks to scale the impact of wildlife, livestock and community coexistence. What is needed is an inclusive approach that will promote diversity and achieve a credible, measurable result.”

– Dimitri Syrris

The model works by assigning conservation tasks known as ‘gigs’ to communities, such as reporting a lion sighting to assist with research and strengthening their boma to help reduce human wildlife conflict. Each of these gigs is rewarded with a conservation currency, “bao-points”, which are then exchanged for a community benefit. The more important the gig for conservation, the more bao-points earned!

During the trail, the following steps were carried out:

• The Baotree concept was presented to the chief, chairman and community members of Koija
• Priority needs were agreed with the community members
• Baotree community volunteers were identified and provided with a unique Baotree ID, registered to their community
• In collaboration with Loisaba Conservancy and Lion Landscapes, the Baotree gigs were designed to support localised conservation efforts
• Baotree printed a list of gigs that the community could complete in order to earn Bao-points (each gig had a specified evidence requirement) – the value of each gig was not shared with the community during this pilot to ensure there was no skew re which gigs were completed
• The Bao-crew reported the gigs via phone call, which were then validated by members of Loisaba staff
• On completion of the Baotree pilot, a community meeting was held to signify the end of the test period, and to discuss implementing the community project goals.

The pilot was a great success, with Koija community earning a total of 2,732 Bao-points after completing 125 gigs. Information from community meetings and a recent survey showed that within these communities, the men would like to see their livestock better protected and the women would like a better understanding of healthcare.

Baotree allowed the installation of 15 predator-proof bomas, along with a five day healthcare training workshop that covered prevention of disease, basic first aid, nutrition and health and the dangers of drug abuse.

Dimitri is currently working on the next steps, with the success of the pilot pushing him forward.  A core focus is on scaling the solution through a technology facilitation platform – where all stakeholders within conservation, communities and the international world will have a positive return on impact.  Dimitri is a strong believer in Baotree and his vision for coexistence to be key in unlocking a new type of digital independence within the African continent.

Staying at Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp, Elewana Loisaba StarBeds and Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs helps ensure Loisaba Conservancy remains a catalyst for conservation, wildlife research and community development. 

Loisaba’s mission is to protect and enhance critical wildlife diversity, abundance and habitat in the landscape, which sits on the western edge of one of Kenya’s most important elephant movement corridors. The profit from Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp, Elewana Loisaba Star Beds and Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs, along with revenue from livestock, brings us closer to achieving our ultimate aim of creating a sustainable conservancy providing protection of endangered species and their habitat, as well as over 300 jobs to the local community.

We are extremely proud of the work done in the Randelin WMA. The WMA (Wildlife Management Areas) concept provides communities with economic benefits and the Tarangire ecosystem is expanded for the wildlife. Protecting these areas are essential to the conservation of our wildlife and working with the communities within Tarangire is the key to its success.

The Tarangire ecosystem in northern Tanzania covers approximately 25,000 square kilometres and is a key habitat for many East African savanna mammal species. The Honeyguide Foundation works with communities in Northern Tanzania, to protect the rich wildlife around them. Working in the Randilen Wildlife Management Area, where Elewana's Tarangire Treetops is situated, the group has supported the community to provide cars for protection teams, supported ranger training, educated the community and contributed to 75% of wildlife protection costs.

Watch video

Come and stay at Elewana Tarangire Treetops and experience this incredible ecosystem for yourself, with its stunning landscape and abundant wildlife. Situated in the Randilen community led Wildlife Management area, guests of Elewana Tarangire Treetops enjoy a secluded and private safari experience. The luxury tree-top rooms, elevated above the ground afford incredible views over the tops of surrounding marula and baobab trees. With a wide private balconies, each are lavishly furnished using natural materials that are blended with contemporary Africana décor, to provide guests with a unique and most memorable safari experience. 

Encasing an impressive baobab tree, the spacious and tranquil reception, lounge and dining room overlook the swimming pool and a waterhole that sees a steady flow of wild animal visitors. As the camp is located in the WMA, activities such as bush walks and night game drives are possible, which are not permitted in many other areas. Bush walks allow guests to get “up close and personal” with nature, and experience the bush to a more intimate degree. Alternatively, a night game drive with the option to go off road, in the African bush affords the opportunity to see an array of creatures who prefer the cover of darkness, the African bush hosts a different assortment of creatures after the sun goes down.

In The Community

Every 20th of February at Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond, Zanzibar celebrates Turtle release day, a special event organized by the local community collaborating with tour operators, diving centers and hotels around Zanzibar.

This year the program was opened by invited guest of honour Hon. Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo (Minister for Tourism, Information & Heritage) and followed by community entertainments groups including music dancing, acrobatic shows, traditional drumming to make the day fun. Finally the speech from the guest of honour, in which he insisted the importance of other villages of Zanzibar to conserve turtles for the benefits Tourism of Zanzibar. This year 100 turtles were released back into the ocean.

The volunteers and locals put tags on a number of turtles which are to be released. The boat leaves from Mnarani aquarium, which depends on the tides, where big turtles are released just outside the reef and the baby turtles released from Kendwa beach, then the boats return back to Mnarani Aquarium.

Mnarani, meaning 'place of the lighthouse' in Swahili, is located at the northern tip of Zanzibar Island in the small village of Nungwi near the lighthouse that marks this landmark. The pond is actually a large, natural tidal pool in the coral rock behind the beach. It was originally set up to rehabilitate and study marine turtles that had been caught in fishing nets, and the project developed to ensure that local baby turtles were also protected.  

Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar - Nungwi 

Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar is the ultimate romantic destination, the perfect place to enjoy the harmony of the ocean and spend time with the one you love. Set in a picturesque tropical garden with its secluded beachfront, the luxurious Pavilion suites embrace wide-arched glassless windows affording spectacular views over the Indian Ocean.

Each villa has its own private plunge pool and is tended to by its own Guest Ambassador. Kilindi's 'open-to-nature' approach provides the true essence to any stay and crafts a private, intimate and 'barefoot' appeal that so many crave. Explore the hidden secrets of the island or relax in the infinity pool watching the dhows head out to sea, with a gentle breeze in their sail.

There is a delightful spa offering an extensive array of treatments to satisfy you from head to toe, the spa combines African natural ingredients with both modern and traditional methods in the art of beauty, offering the ultimate in pampering.

Guests can enjoy day boat trips, scuba and snorkelling to get a glimpse of the dolphins, copious fish and vivid corals that thrive in Zanzibar’s waters. Stone Town is a UNESCO world heritage site, and a place where history still lives. The stone buildings, meandering alleyways, and markets still existing as they have done for centuries make for a fascinating day of exploring.

On the 8th February the Scottish Maasai Power Walk, which started at Elewana Tortilis Camp and ended at Esiteti Primary School, achieved their goal to raise money for the installation of solar power in the new library.  The General Managers of the camp were accompanied by Kris Smith & Kirsty Nicol, Barry, Judy & Rachel McGonigle, Guests and Staff plus a number of Maasai from the local community, who all power walked a distance of 10km through the Amboseli wilderness.

In many remote areas of Kenya, such as Amboseli, access to electricity is unavailable or too costly to use. According to The Energy Progress Report that was released by the World Bank, access to electricity among the rural population increased from 7.17% in 2010 to 48.39% in the period reviewed but this still leaves many without access to electricity. Many rural households still depend on kerosene for lanterns and firewood for cooking. 

With climate-change dominating the headlines and the demand for Countries and Industries to adopt better sustainable energy solutions, Kenya has committed to reducing its carbon dioxide emissions by 30 per cent by 2030. Decreasing the use of diesel and petrol machines and easing pressure on forests by using less charcoal, the solar power systems are a major intervention that not only alleviate the problems faced by communities, but also play a big role in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change in Kenya.

The first day I arrived at Shanga in October 2017 I knew I had found a new place to call home. There are many reasons, but the main one was hearing the rhythms of weaving looms. 

A swish and a swish, click clack, a swish and a swish, click clack.

Shanga has a very talented weaving team ready to try new designs when time allows, but there was one restriction to potential designs being the number of shafts on their looms. The shafts on a loom hold small wires called heddles that the threads (warp) are passed through that then determine what the finished pattern looks like. The more shafts the more pattern options.

In May 2019 we were approached by Nord, the founder of The Watoto Foundation, to see if we would like a new loom. A master carpenter from Holland, Ben van Tiel  was coming to their workshop to do some training and they were looking for a project. With no hesitation and a very big “yes please”, the project took flight. Ben, our weaving team and I discussed loom designs, sizes, prepared wishlists and requested a loom with 8-shaft.

Over the next few months the design was perfected and the construction commenced. Under Ben’s expert and watchful eyes our Jackson and Jeremiah with the team from the Watoto Foundation built our new loom. Jeremiah already a skilled carpenter learnt new techniques and perfected some old ones while Jackson who had never used a hammer before, learnt skills to take him into another career if he ever chooses.

The day arrived for it to be delivered. When the truck arrived, it just looked like a load of timber. Slowly it was assembled with care, every piece interlocking perfectly until it became our beautiful new loom. What stands now in our workshop is a work of art that will outlive all of us.

We are now trying out different designs using all 8 shafts in between producing orders for double bed blankets. Unfortunately we can’t play all the time.

We would like to thank Nord, Ben, all the team at the Watoto Foundation and a donor who covered the cost for all the materials. When I sit at the loom with Maliki, who makes this loom sing, I am reminded how positive collaboration can be and how lucky we are to have been part of this one.

Sarah Weston, one of Elewana’s regular customers, recently sent three complete football kits from the UK to the remote communities that border our lodge at Loisaba Conservancy. She was amazed that they were received with such enthusiasm – not just because they could be used to play sport but because they gave young people the opportunity to train together, discuss their problems, and also to compete against other teams.

“I wondered how I might be able to send more without incurring the high cost of freight. I came up with the idea of Ailsa’s Suitcase, a plan to use second hand suitcases to carry donated clothes and educational materials which could be carried as extra luggage by passengers to Kenya. Whilst I could organise everything in the UK I needed help with logistics in Kenya itself. I was thrilled when Elewana and its affiliated charity Land and Life Foundation agreed not only to pick up the suitcases from the international airport in Nairobi but to distribute the suitcases as part of their supply chain to the lodges; suddenly there was no limit on the number of cases I could send.”

Since starting the project, Sarah has been helped by some very helpful people – several willing to hand-sew children’s clothing, and an expert web-designer – as well as those that have already donated their old suitcases and second hand clothes.

“Now we are just waiting for our first passengers to take an extra suitcase to Kenya. Everything is above board and comes with the appropriate paperwork and travellers are welcome to check the contents before they go. All they need to do is to carry the suitcase from their car to check in, and then from baggage reclaim to the Elewana driver that will be waiting for them when they arrive. What could be simpler than that?”

“For people going on safari, this is a great way to use up their baggage allowance in order to benefit remote communities in Kenya.”  

Ailsa’s Suitcase – committed to sending clothing and educational supplies to remote communities in Kenya.

www.ailsas-suitcase.co.uk

Please feel free to contact us.

Sarah Weston
Mob: +44 7871 252954
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SkySafari

An African safari adventure is an experience that will live with you long after you’ve left this magical continent. Let SkySafari guide you on this unforgettable journey of discovery and exploration, with care and indulgence. We will take care of all the details so you can savour every moment of this life-changing experience.

In today’s world, time is one of our most precious resources. With this in mind, SkySafari crafts an African safari adventure into an indulgent and convenient experience of a lifetime. SkySafari is designed specifically to make it simple for you to book and enjoy an African safari holiday to Kenya and Tanzania, leaving you with time to relax and watch the never-ending circle of life unwind against the backdrop of East Africa’s iconic parks and timeless landscapes.

Guests enjoy the comforts of personalised service, luxurious accommodation, and authentic African safari experiences, while being transported in supreme comfort, safety and convenience. SkySafari has its own small fleet of Executive-Class Cessnas. The planes have custom-designed interiors, replete with bespoke white leather seating and mahogany embellishments, air conditioning vents, and plenty of space to stretch out. Our planes undergo rigorous and regular safety maintenance, meeting the highest international standards. Each plane hosts 9 seats, including one next to your SkySafari pilot.

SkySafari offers a choice of luxury itineraries, each weaving together a unique blend of the highlights of Kenya and Tanzania’s wildlife areas, while staying in the exquisite accommodations of the Elewana Collection. From the Kenya Connoisseur, which offers a magical 8-day safari with more than a hint of adventure - from the rugged and beautiful wilds of Meru, to the rolling plains of Loisaba and its offering of exciting safari activities, to the spectacle of nature’s greatest theatre, the Masai Mara. Alternatively the allure of the Kenya Classic captures the true essence of the country, as you marvel at Amboseli’s famed elephants; lose yourself in the Hollywood romance of Meru, and be awed by the finest wildlife viewing in the world in the Masai Mara. If you are looking for the very best of Tanzania’s safari destinations, this classic 8-day journey takes you through the baobab and elephant dotted landscape of Tarangire, to the breath-taking Eden that is the Ngorongoro Crater, finishing in the world-renowned Serengeti, with its endless horizons and abundant wildlife.

On the SkySafari guests will be treated to unrivalled experiences from game drives in the Elewana custom-designed quality fleet of safari vehicles offering unparalleled viewing opportunities with fixtures and amenities providing excellent comfort and safety. Photographers will find platforms and bean bags to suit their needs. Each vehicle is driven by a world-class safari guide, each are highly-qualified and intimately knowledgeable about their area, many having grown up in the areas that they work. All possess a keen ability to communicate their passion for East Africa’s wildlife, people and landscapes to guests from all nationalities, ages and backgrounds. Other activities include bush meals in the wilderness, offering unique settings to marvel at the landscape around while enjoying a delicious meal to tantalise your senses and sundowners in Africa’s best spots to watch the last rays of golden light touch the savannah with your favourite drink in hand, listening to the sounds of the bush. 

One of the best ways to explore the local area is on foot, where you will be accompanied by a professional walking Safari Guide whose knowledge of local flora, fauna, culture and history is unmatched. Follow the spoor of a herd of impala or track a porcupine, identify a specific bird sound or the tell-tell signs that animals are close by. Savour the sweet smell of a local flower or learn the benefits that an indigenous bush has to the nomadic Maasai. There is no telling what you may see but it will certainly leave you with an experience you will never forget. 

The activities have been carefully built into the different SkySafari itineraries so guests can experience the very best at each destination and immerse themselves in an unforgettable journey that will stay with them for a lifetime.

Elewana Discovery

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Media

The amazing, iconic, magnificent male Tim died on Wednesday the 5th of February. He was 51 years old. It was a tragedy for so many. First, for his elephant buddies who adored him, followed him and learned from him. Then for all the rest of us who cared about him: for Kenya, the Kenya Wildlife Service and Amboseli National Park, all of which profited from the tourists who came to see Tim; for all the conservation organizations that worked so hard to keep him safe; for the local community who knew Tim well because he spent the majority of his time outside the Park on community land. Finally, his passing was a loss to the whole world, because he was a rare, spectacular specimen of a male elephant with his tall stature and his huge sweeping tusks. 

The KWS vet came and did a post-mortem and concluded that Tim died of a twisted gut. Fifty one is not very old for an elephant. He might have lived another 10 years. It's hard to even imagine what his tusks would have looked like. The largest tusks ever recorded, 224 and 226 lbs., they came from an elephant who lived on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro in the late 19th century. That would make the bull part of the Amboseli population. We believe his genes have been passed down to the current population. Tim's tusks weighed 160 and 134 lbs.  

Tim was much loved and respected by the males with whom he shared his range. While some males become less sociable as they get older, Tim was always tolerant and friendly with males of all ages and we rarely saw him on his own. Tim was also much appreciated by the females in Amboseli. They always greeted him warmly when he came to test them to see if one was ready to mate. If a female was in oestrus he was especially gentle with her unlike some of the other bulls. We are sure that's one of the reasons he was so popular, because females were relaxed and able to stay with their families throughout the mating period, instead of being chased and separated. Without DNA analysis we're not sure how many offspring he has, but it has to be a good number. His legacy will live on, but we will miss him terribly.

Tim's Life (1969-2020) by the Amboseli Trust for Elephants
Cynthia Moss
Director

'Blessing Rain' by Paolo Torchio

Paolo described the moment: "I spotted the leopard in a perfect scenario, with dead trees, green grass, and perfect backlight from the sun. The weather was fast changing, and suddenly a powerful downpour started without warning. Once in a lifetime... the cloud did not cover the sun, and the magic combination of golden drops of rain gave to the situation this unrepeatable atmosphere."