Slowly, but hopefully surely, we are beginning to get some rain here on Soysambu. Yesterday we got 5ml, the day before that 3ml and from the thunderstorm that rolled through here this afternoon we are hoping to have got around 10ml.This rain is so desperately needed, particularly in the centre of the 48,000 acre property which seems to be in a rain shadow. We often sit here and watch the rain clouds drifting over the northern and southern ends of Soysambu, but all to often the centre is left dry. Grass coverage here is long gone and when the winds come the dust picks up. Below is a picture I took on 29th September of a dust storm blowing across the plains infront of the main house and Conservancy office.
On a clear day this picture would show the end of the Lake Elmenteita and the nose. Through the dust it is near impossible to make out the trees on the other side of the plain, about 3km away. The dust has come from the eastern side of the lake, the opposite side to the Soysambu boundary, from a town called Kikopey, where thousands and thousands (no exageration) of local pastrolist’s cattle, sheep and goats are decimating the land everyday (pictured below). There is nothing left there. Nothing. I drove past recently and saw the desperate site of a skeletal goat pulling up the grass roots in an attempt to get something to eat. It is a sad state of affairs there.
Luckily the cattle grazing on Soysambu has been much better managed and the damage far less. This can only keep up for so long though and unfortunately if we dont get decent amounts of rain soon cattle and wildlife will start dying of starvation, a situation already occurring over the fence in Lake Nakuru National Park.Below are some pictures I took this afternoon, both from the roughly same place as the dust picture above (see the difference). The first picture I took just as the storm was easing and there was an amazing amount of water lying around, made extra visible by the lack of grass cover.
This second picture was taken about half an hour later and shows just how thirsty the soil is- most of the water has soaked in already, and a herd of the beautiful Boran cattle are wandering across.
We are all hoping that this steady rain continues and that in a few days time we will begin to see a green tinge returning to the land.
-Kate
I am sure you are all so happy to see the rain! I hope the blessing continue!
Hey Kate,
I am from Greenville, South Carolina and I happened upon your blog and have enjoyed reading. My son Merritt arrived there today (Oct. 17th) with Africa Asia Venture(AV). There is seven plus in his group and he plans to be there about four or five weeks before they move to another project in Kenya. He plans to work three different projects with AV in Kenya over the next six months. Just thougt it would be awesome if the two of you ran into each other. Would love to hear from you about your research.
Best of luck to you!
Amanda Wilson
Kate, enjoy reading your blog. Our son, Merritt, from the USA is currently on the Soysambu Conservancy. He is working with of group students through the organization Africa/Asia Venture out of the UK. They will be on the conservation for several weeks before moving onto another project in Kenya. He has been sharing how amazing and beautiful it is. We will continue to track your progress via your website.
Hi Amanda!
Yes I met Merit and the other 6 volunteers this morning. They seem to have settled into their campsite (beautiful location with giraffe and zebra all around!). Looking forward to working with the AV volunteers on some of their projects over the next week, lots to be done!
-Kate
I am so glad to hear it is finally raining! That truly is wonderful news. I wish I could see it when it’s not a dustbowl. Is the lake filling up again?
Yes! There is some water in the lake!! The flamingos have spread out as the Elmenteita Puddle growns! Give me a day or so and I will get a pic of the green tinge that is taking over the land! Puddles galore, it is glorious!!