ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

As we are all aware, safari hunting was band in the African country of Kenya in 1977, including trophy, sports and subsistence game hunting. Since the hunting ban, some reliable sources estimate that animal populations have reduced by as much as 60% to 70%, due to poaching, habitat loss and livestock encroachment.

As active conservations, we all understand the long terms benefits of ethical and sustainable big game hunting, so we need not have that discussion.

We at Game Hunting Safaris decided to visit the country and a couple of game reserves, while trying our hand at some game fishing. We flew directly into the capital city of Nairobi, overnighted and took a local flight to Diani Beach.

While we managed to catch a few “small Bonito”, unfortunately our charter boat ran into some last-minute engine problems, so big game fishing ended abruptly.

We then decided to head out by road from Diani Beach to Tsavo region. Not only the international hunting community know of the famous tales of the “Man Eaters of Tsavo”, written by John Henry Paterson, who also killed the Lions. It is estimated that during a nine- month window, the Lions hunted and killed more than 120 people working on building the bridge over the Tsavo River.

The original train station, while remaining, has sadly been left to fall into a state of disrepair. It would be fantastic if the original managers residence, along with the train station and office could be developed into a museum, or restaurant or similar facility, thus maintaining these famous buildings for future generations to enjoy.

Contrary to the movie, “The Ghost and the Darkness” which was produced in 1996 featuring Michael Douglas, the Lions were in fact “mane less Lions”. These Lions can be viewed in the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

Since we were in the area, we ventured through to the Tsavo National Park (divided into East and West), which is 5300 square miles. There are plenty of Elephant in the reserve, in fact more than 12400 doing extensive damage to the habitat. We also saw a variety of plains game antelope including Lessor Kudu, Gazelle and Gerenuk.

It is estimated that less than 30 “big tuskers” i.e. Elephant with a single tusk weighing more than 100 pounds are left in Tsavo. These Elephant are well protected.

However, there were many Elephants in the 65-to-75-pound range. Why Kenya does not offer a few “Elephant hunting safaris” and target of few of these bulls, is a question that was asked repeatedly. A handful of well managed hunting safaris could generate a fortune in conservation.

Be that as it may, if you are travelling to hunt in Africa, and have a few extra days, an African safari to Kenya to witness the great migration, see “big tuskers”, or partake in a game fishing safari and water sports, is worth the time and effort.