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This is such an incredible opportunity! A huge thank you to the moderator for organizing this, and to Jim Walker for joining us, it’s not every day you get to pick the brain of the person who literally wrote the guide.
Thank you, I am happy to here to answer any questions and encourage travel....
Just started this last night and wow—that opening leopard photo is STUNNING. Had to stop and stare for like five minutes before I even read a word 😍
Alexander wrote: "Just started this last night and wow—that opening leopard photo is STUNNING. Had to stop and stare for like five minutes before I even read a word 😍"
Right?! I thought I was the only one who did that! That gaze is so intense.
Okay the Rachel Wolchin quote hit me hard: "If we were meant to stay in one place, we would have roots instead of feet." Already feeling called out for never leaving my hometown 😂
Isabella wrote: "Okay the Rachel Wolchin quote hit me hard: "If we were meant to stay in one place, we would have roots instead of feet." Already feeling called out for never leaving my hometown 😂"
Exactly! That part stood out to me too. Made me immediately want to google flights I can't afford.
Anyone else surprised by how much the book focuses on conservation right from the start? I expected more "look at the pretty animals" and less "rangers are on the front lines." Not complaining though, it's way more interesting than I thought.
Sam wrote: "Anyone else surprised by how much the book focuses on conservation right from the start? I expected more "look at the pretty animals" and less "rangers are on the front lines." Not complaining thou..."
Yes! The shift from big-game hunting to camera safaris is fascinating. I had no idea that history.
The Rachel Wolchin quote on page 9 "If we were meant to stay in one place, we would have roots instead of feet"—I keep thinking about that. I'm 34 and I've never left Ohio. This book is making me feel things 😅
Sarah wrote: "The Rachel Wolchin quote on page 9 "If we were meant to stay in one place, we would have roots instead of feet"—I keep thinking about that. I'm 34 and I've never left Ohio. This book is making me f..."
Wait, the author was 73 on his first safari? And 76 on this one? I'm 58 and thought I missed my window. Page 10 just gave me hope.
As someone who speaks some Arabic, I loved page 11 explaining "safar" becoming "safariya" and then Swahili "safari." Words travel just like people do.
Alexander wrote: "Sarah wrote: "The Rachel Wolchin quote on page 9 "If we were meant to stay in one place, we would have roots instead of feet"—I keep thinking about that. I'm 34 and I've never left Ohio. This book ..."
Right?! "If you can safely climb in and out of the specially designed Land Cruisers, you can safari." That's it. That's the requirement.
Alexander wrote: "Just started this last night and wow—that opening leopard photo is STUNNING. Had to stop and stare for like five minutes before I even read a word 😍" Thank you, that is one of my favorite leopard photos. It was like he was looking directly at me.....
Sam wrote: "Anyone else surprised by how much the book focuses on conservation right from the start? I expected more "look at the pretty animals" and less "rangers are on the front lines." Not complaining thou..."Thank you for these thoughts. Don't get me wrong, I love looking at, and photographing the animals. But, Kenya is much more than that; it is the land, and the people, as well as the wildlife. They have made great strides in fighting poaching and protecting the wildlife.
Jim, you mention avoiding April and May for the long rains, but then you chose January 2025 specifically for being between the short and long rains. Was there a moment on your first trip where weather really affected the experience, or was this just cautious planning?
Page 23 mentions the Kenya ETA processing takes 2-3 days but you recommend applying 45 days before. That seems like a huge buffer did you or someone you know have a close call with visa timing? The anxiety of being ready to fly and missing paperwork is my nightmare 😅
Priya wrote: "Page 23 mentions the Kenya ETA processing takes 2-3 days but you recommend applying 45 days before. That seems like a huge buffer did you or someone you know have a close call with visa timing? The..."
The packing advice on page 24 soft-sided luggage only, weight restrictions strictly enforced, I feel like this is where a lot of first-timers get caught off guard. Was there something you overpacked on your first trip that you left behind the second time?
Page 25 mentions Wilson Airport for bush flights versus driving 5-6 hours. You drove to Amboseli previously and saw "small towns and rural life." For someone debating that choice, what did driving give you that flying doesn't?
Macushla House on page 25 "quiet, home-like guesthouse in the leafy Karen district" sounds perfect after a long flight. Did you choose it specifically for proximity to the Giraffe Center and Sheldrick, or did those become bonuses after?
Jim, you mention that Mackay Africa "offered exactly what I was looking for: a chance to create a fully customized, private safari." For readers who might be overwhelmed by options, what was the ONE question you asked that helped you know they were the right fit?
Page 22's Air France warning "chaotic and stressful" Charles de Gaulle, feels very fresh 😂 Have you found a preferred routing since? Asking for a friend who also doesn't want to start their safari stressed.
Mason wrote: "Jim, you mention avoiding April and May for the long rains, but then you chose January 2025 specifically for being between the short and long rains. Was there a moment on your first trip where weat..."Cautious planning... Toward the end of my first trip we were experiencing rains in late afternoon and all night. That is a double edge sword. The afternoon storms made for some dramatic images, but the overnight rains made the dirt roads more difficult to traverse. It certainly did not spoil the trip or the viewing.
Priya wrote: "Page 23 mentions the Kenya ETA processing takes 2-3 days but you recommend applying 45 days before. That seems like a huge buffer did you or someone you know have a close call with visa timing? The..."That is the time frame most tour operators, and the Kenyan government recommend. Just in case there is a paperwork glitch, or a systems problem, it is better to have the extra time. When the ETA is approved the time frame for your visit to Kenya will begin on the day you stated you would be traveling, not on the date you submitted the request. So you would be covered....
Norbert wrote: "Priya wrote: "Page 23 mentions the Kenya ETA processing takes 2-3 days but you recommend applying 45 days before. That seems like a huge buffer did you or someone you know have a close call with vi..."As for the packing, no, I listened to my tour guides recommendations. We were approved for extra baggage on the Bush planes because the guides had requested it for photographers. It must be requested in advance. I did see a couple of people in the small airport taking things out of their bags because they were overweight. These things must be left behind, or sometimes the tour company will store them until you return. Not worth the risk of losing some gear. The small planes will not accept hard case luggage, as they can not cram it in the small storage spaces on the plane.
Sophie wrote: "Page 25 mentions Wilson Airport for bush flights versus driving 5-6 hours. You drove to Amboseli previously and saw "small towns and rural life." For someone debating that choice, what did driving ..." Interesting question! When driving we had a glimpse of everyday life in Kenya with the small villages and markets straddling the highway. Leaving the highway, we were able to experience the varied countryside. My next trip to the Masai Mara I plan to drive. I would love to see the Rift Valley up close and personal. Flying is the way to go if you are on a time limit.
Mia wrote: "Macushla House on page 25 "quiet, home-like guesthouse in the leafy Karen district" sounds perfect after a long flight. Did you choose it specifically for proximity to the Giraffe Center and Sheldr..." Macushla House was chosen by the tour company, Mackay Africa. They use this location for a lot of their clients when they stay in Nairobi for an extra day or two. Not only is it a very nice place to stay with a great chef, but I think they choose it for its close proximity to The Giraffe Center, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Karen Bliss House, and the Nairobi National Park.
Patricia wrote: "Page 22's Air France warning "chaotic and stressful" Charles de Gaulle, feels very fresh 😂 Have you found a preferred routing since? Asking for a friend who also doesn't want to start their safari ..."Also a good question! I found my layover in Amsterdam to quite different. The airport staff was much more friendly and it was much easier to find someone speaking English. Also, the security in the airport was more relaxed than in France. The staff on KLM airlines was much easier to deal with. On my next trip, I am going to see what the cost difference is flying directly from New York to Nairobi, non-stop. That in itself will reduce the stress.
Maeve wrote: "Jim, you mention that Mackay Africa "offered exactly what I was looking for: a chance to create a fully customized, private safari." For readers who might be overwhelmed by options, what was the ON..."Mackay Africa does not own camps, only vehicles and employs their own guides. They did not attempt to focus me on one area, but listened to what I had in mind and made several suggestions. They were willing to tailor the entire trip to just what I had in mind.
Jim, you said the leopard on page 1 was "looking directly at" you. How long did that moment actually last? In my head it's this frozen instant, but I know wildlife photography is 99% waiting and 1% magic.
Thank you for the response about conservation—page 13 mentions ecotourism as "a powerful force not just for travel, but for good." Are there specific conservation organizations you recommend travelers look into, or is that covered later in the book?
Alexander wrote: "Jim, you said the leopard on page 1 was "looking directly at" you. How long did that moment actually last? In my head it's this frozen instant, but I know wildlife photography is 99% waiting and 1%..."The Leopard in the tree was one of those shots that I really wanted to get. When it finally presented itself, we sat in our vehicle watching the tree, and Leopard, for about an hour. The closeup was zoomed in with my 600mm lens. He sat there, relaxing, surveying the countryside for quite awhile.
Sam wrote: "Thank you for the response about conservation—page 13 mentions ecotourism as "a powerful force not just for travel, but for good." Are there specific conservation organizations you recommend travel..."There are quite a few reliable conservation organizations in Kenya and East Africa. Two organizations that I personally support are the Mara Elephant Project and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. They are both very active in preserving and aiding wildlife, and working with local natives and villages. Another worthy organization is the Pangolin Project, which is working to save Pangolins and the Giant Pangolin in Kenya.
Hey safari dreamers! 👋 Sarah Kat here, your admin and fellow Ohio-stayer-who's-now-obsessed-with-leopards. It's been a few days and I can hear the savanna winds getting lonely without us!
Let's not let this magic fade. We've got Jim Walker—the man who wrote THE guide while actually living it at 73 and 76—right here in our thread. The man who waited an hour for a leopard to look his way and then captured our breath along with that photo.
So tonight? We're going DEEP. I want stories, I want dreams, I want the moment you realized "oh, this isn't just a travel book this is a why-haven't-I-done-this-yet book."
Drop your moment below. And Jim, if you're watching (I know you are, you dedicated soul) we've got fresh questions coming your way that I think will make every early morning edit, every gear headache, and every "is this even worth it?" doubt disappear.
Who's ready to roar? 🐆✨
Jim, the Sheldrick Orphanage on page 42—baby elephants fed human baby formula? I actually laughed out loud. Who knew elephants and babies had so much in common 😂 Did you get weird looks buying formula at the store before the trip, or do they just... have elephant-sized bottles ready?
Isabella wrote: "Jim, the Sheldrick Orphanage on page 42—baby elephants fed human baby formula? I actually laughed out loud. Who knew elephants and babies had so much in common 😂 Did you get weird looks buying form..."
"Did you get weird looks buying formula..."
I'm stuck on the mud bath. Page 43: "I swear I could hear her laugh." Jim, you got sprayed by a baby elephant and you're telling us to bring a poncho? Sir, you are a better person than me. I'd be filing a complaint with the manager. 😂
Mary, I'd pay extra for the mud bath. Spa treatment from a baby elephant? Sign me up.
But real talk—Jim, page 45: Nairobi National Park is the only national park inside a city limits? Lions with a skyline backdrop? That's wild. Did it feel surreal or did you forget you were near a city?
Alexander, right?? And then page 46—Ololo Safari Lodge with the swaying wire footbridge over the river. I'm terrified of heights. Jim, was it as rickety as it sounds or am I being dramatic?
Sam, you're being dramatic 😂 But Jim, page 47: Kirk's Dik-dik—25 inches tall and named after its own alarm sound? "Dik-dik"? Who named this animal, a toddler? I love it.
Priya, I thought the same thing! But page 48 got me, the White vs. Black Rhino distinction. Not color, but lip shape? White = wide lips for grazing, Black = pointed lip for browsing. I feel like I've been lied to my whole life. Jim, did your guide Sammy quiz you on this or did you already know?
Isabella wrote: "Jim, the Sheldrick Orphanage on page 42—baby elephants fed human baby formula? I actually laughed out loud. Who knew elephants and babies had so much in common 😂 Did you get weird looks buying form..."They have elephant sized bottles ready. Viewers do not actually get to feed the elephants, but observe the organized chaos up close and personal. I believe each baby goes through about 4 to 6 elephant sized bottles a day. Quite a sight!!!
Mary wrote: "Isabella wrote: "Jim, the Sheldrick Orphanage on page 42—baby elephants fed human baby formula? I actually laughed out loud. Who knew elephants and babies had so much in common 😂 Did you get weird ..."No, the antics of the baby elephants is all part of the experience. The little mud bath I had was all part of the fun. They are like small children showing off for the crowd. Hope to do it again the next time I am in Kenya.
Alexander wrote: "Mary, I'd pay extra for the mud bath. Spa treatment from a baby elephant? Sign me up.
But real talk—Jim, page 45: Nairobi National Park is the only national park inside a city limits? Lions with a..."It was a little surreal. Photographing a Rhino with a city skyline in the background is unique.
Sam wrote: "Alexander, right?? And then page 46—Ololo Safari Lodge with the swaying wire footbridge over the river. I'm terrified of heights. Jim, was it as rickety as it sounds or am I being dramatic?"I understand the fear of heights. The bridge is sound and of modern construction. Not rickety at all. Very safe, and if you fix your focus on the other side you will be better off. The river is not that far down, so it is not a huge chasm.
Priya wrote: "Sam, you're being dramatic 😂 But Jim, page 47: Kirk's Dik-dik—25 inches tall and named after its own alarm sound? "Dik-dik"? Who named this animal, a toddler? I love it."Dik-diks get their name from the distinct, high-pitched whistling alarm sound they make—sounding like "zik-zik" or "dik-dik"—when they are frightened or startled. This onomatopoeic name is primarily derived from the sound females make, often produced through their snouts to alert other animals to predators. Some specific species, like Kirk’s dik-dik, are named after Sir John Kirk, a 19th-century Scottish naturalist, in addition to the sound they make.
Norbert wrote: "Priya, I thought the same thing! But page 48 got me, the White vs. Black Rhino distinction. Not color, but lip shape? White = wide lips for grazing, Black = pointed lip for browsing. I feel like I'..."I had been told that before this trip. It seems that early explorers and hunters mistranslated "Wyd" vs. White: The name comes from the Afrikaans word "wyd" (or weit), meaning "wide," which describes the animal's large, flat, square-shaped mouth. Early English settlers in South Africa misinterpreted wyd for the English word "white". Both species are actually grey, but the white rhino has a lighter grey skin color than the black rhino. So, the Black Rhino was actually named that to differentiate it from the "White" Rhino.
Sarah wrote: "Hey safari dreamers! 👋 Sarah Kat here, your admin and fellow Ohio-stayer-who's-now-obsessed-with-leopards. It's been a few days and I can hear the savanna winds getting lonely without us!
Let's no..."Sarah, thank you for the kind words. Yes, I stand at the ready to answer any and all queries. Not only about the book, but safari and wildlife questions as well photography questions. I am looking forward to going back again at age 78. You are never too old, or too young, to greet new experiences.
Hey Safari Dreamers! 🐆✨
Okay, I can hear the crickets from here. It's been SIX DAYS since our last roar, and I refuse to let this savanna go silent on my watch.
Jim Walker, the man who wrote THE guide while actually living it at 73 and 76—is still right here, ready to talk. So tonight? We're going DEEP into the Mara. No more surface-level questions. I want the moments that made Jim feel things.
New rule for tonight: Every question must come from a specific page. No vague "how was it" energy. I want receipts. 📖
I'll start:
Jim, page 50: You wrote that flying into the Maasai Mara alone, watching "the patchwork of Kenya's highlands slowly give way to the golden grasslands," gave you "strange, peaceful solitude." But then you land and immediately buy a Maasai blanket from a woman at the airstrip. Was that solitude already fading, or did that single gesture, supporting her craft, make the moment more yours?
Who's next? Drop your page-numbered questions below. Let's make him feel every 2AM edit was worth it. 🔥
Sarah, I'm SO in. And yes, I have receipts.
Jim, page 51: You said your photographic bucket list still had one empty box: "a Leopard in a tree." You missed it on your first trip. Then on day ONE back in the Mara, you nail Leopard, Cheetah, Lion, AND Hippopotamus before dinner.
My question: When you finally checked that leopard box, was it the photograph that satisfied you, or the proof that patience outlasts luck? Because at 76, waiting another three years for a do-over isn't just patience. That's faith.
Also page 52, those tent photos? The staff rolling up the sides in the morning, zipping them down at night? That detail alone sold me on camp life more than any luxury lodge ever could.
Alexander, that patience vs. luck thing hit me hard too.
But Jim, I need to know about page 53: "It's something else to drift off to sleep with the sounds of lions, hyenas, or hippos echoing through the night a truly 'Out of Africa' experience."
Real talk: Did you actually SLEEP? 😂 Or was every rustle outside your tent a full cardiac event? Because I would be lying there at 2AM convinced a hyena was conducting a full inventory of my tent flaps. You make it sound romantic. I need to know if your 76-year-old heart was as calm as your prose.
Also, page 54, that staff photo with Sammy and the Mara Olapa team. You look... happy. Not "I got the shot" happy. "I found my people" happy. Was that moment staged, or did someone just shout "group photo" and you all piled in? I need that story.
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This is such an incredible opportunity! A huge thank you to the moderator for organizing this, and to Jim Walker for joining us, it’s not every day you get to pick the brain of the person who literally wrote the guide.
Thank you, I am happy to here to answer any questions and encourage travel....
Just started this last night and wow—that opening leopard photo is STUNNING. Had to stop and stare for like five minutes before I even read a word 😍
Alexander wrote: "Just started this last night and wow—that opening leopard photo is STUNNING. Had to stop and stare for like five minutes before I even read a word 😍"Right?! I thought I was the only one who did that! That gaze is so intense.
Okay the Rachel Wolchin quote hit me hard: "If we were meant to stay in one place, we would have roots instead of feet." Already feeling called out for never leaving my hometown 😂
Isabella wrote: "Okay the Rachel Wolchin quote hit me hard: "If we were meant to stay in one place, we would have roots instead of feet." Already feeling called out for never leaving my hometown 😂"Exactly! That part stood out to me too. Made me immediately want to google flights I can't afford.
Anyone else surprised by how much the book focuses on conservation right from the start? I expected more "look at the pretty animals" and less "rangers are on the front lines." Not complaining though, it's way more interesting than I thought.
Sam wrote: "Anyone else surprised by how much the book focuses on conservation right from the start? I expected more "look at the pretty animals" and less "rangers are on the front lines." Not complaining thou..."Yes! The shift from big-game hunting to camera safaris is fascinating. I had no idea that history.
The Rachel Wolchin quote on page 9 "If we were meant to stay in one place, we would have roots instead of feet"—I keep thinking about that. I'm 34 and I've never left Ohio. This book is making me feel things 😅
Sarah wrote: "The Rachel Wolchin quote on page 9 "If we were meant to stay in one place, we would have roots instead of feet"—I keep thinking about that. I'm 34 and I've never left Ohio. This book is making me f..."Wait, the author was 73 on his first safari? And 76 on this one? I'm 58 and thought I missed my window. Page 10 just gave me hope.
As someone who speaks some Arabic, I loved page 11 explaining "safar" becoming "safariya" and then Swahili "safari." Words travel just like people do.
Alexander wrote: "Sarah wrote: "The Rachel Wolchin quote on page 9 "If we were meant to stay in one place, we would have roots instead of feet"—I keep thinking about that. I'm 34 and I've never left Ohio. This book ..."Right?! "If you can safely climb in and out of the specially designed Land Cruisers, you can safari." That's it. That's the requirement.
Alexander wrote: "Just started this last night and wow—that opening leopard photo is STUNNING. Had to stop and stare for like five minutes before I even read a word 😍" Thank you, that is one of my favorite leopard photos. It was like he was looking directly at me.....
Sam wrote: "Anyone else surprised by how much the book focuses on conservation right from the start? I expected more "look at the pretty animals" and less "rangers are on the front lines." Not complaining thou..."Thank you for these thoughts. Don't get me wrong, I love looking at, and photographing the animals. But, Kenya is much more than that; it is the land, and the people, as well as the wildlife. They have made great strides in fighting poaching and protecting the wildlife.
Jim, you mention avoiding April and May for the long rains, but then you chose January 2025 specifically for being between the short and long rains. Was there a moment on your first trip where weather really affected the experience, or was this just cautious planning?
Page 23 mentions the Kenya ETA processing takes 2-3 days but you recommend applying 45 days before. That seems like a huge buffer did you or someone you know have a close call with visa timing? The anxiety of being ready to fly and missing paperwork is my nightmare 😅
Priya wrote: "Page 23 mentions the Kenya ETA processing takes 2-3 days but you recommend applying 45 days before. That seems like a huge buffer did you or someone you know have a close call with visa timing? The..."The packing advice on page 24 soft-sided luggage only, weight restrictions strictly enforced, I feel like this is where a lot of first-timers get caught off guard. Was there something you overpacked on your first trip that you left behind the second time?
Page 25 mentions Wilson Airport for bush flights versus driving 5-6 hours. You drove to Amboseli previously and saw "small towns and rural life." For someone debating that choice, what did driving give you that flying doesn't?
Macushla House on page 25 "quiet, home-like guesthouse in the leafy Karen district" sounds perfect after a long flight. Did you choose it specifically for proximity to the Giraffe Center and Sheldrick, or did those become bonuses after?
Jim, you mention that Mackay Africa "offered exactly what I was looking for: a chance to create a fully customized, private safari." For readers who might be overwhelmed by options, what was the ONE question you asked that helped you know they were the right fit?
Page 22's Air France warning "chaotic and stressful" Charles de Gaulle, feels very fresh 😂 Have you found a preferred routing since? Asking for a friend who also doesn't want to start their safari stressed.
Mason wrote: "Jim, you mention avoiding April and May for the long rains, but then you chose January 2025 specifically for being between the short and long rains. Was there a moment on your first trip where weat..."Cautious planning... Toward the end of my first trip we were experiencing rains in late afternoon and all night. That is a double edge sword. The afternoon storms made for some dramatic images, but the overnight rains made the dirt roads more difficult to traverse. It certainly did not spoil the trip or the viewing.
Priya wrote: "Page 23 mentions the Kenya ETA processing takes 2-3 days but you recommend applying 45 days before. That seems like a huge buffer did you or someone you know have a close call with visa timing? The..."That is the time frame most tour operators, and the Kenyan government recommend. Just in case there is a paperwork glitch, or a systems problem, it is better to have the extra time. When the ETA is approved the time frame for your visit to Kenya will begin on the day you stated you would be traveling, not on the date you submitted the request. So you would be covered....
Norbert wrote: "Priya wrote: "Page 23 mentions the Kenya ETA processing takes 2-3 days but you recommend applying 45 days before. That seems like a huge buffer did you or someone you know have a close call with vi..."As for the packing, no, I listened to my tour guides recommendations. We were approved for extra baggage on the Bush planes because the guides had requested it for photographers. It must be requested in advance. I did see a couple of people in the small airport taking things out of their bags because they were overweight. These things must be left behind, or sometimes the tour company will store them until you return. Not worth the risk of losing some gear. The small planes will not accept hard case luggage, as they can not cram it in the small storage spaces on the plane.
Sophie wrote: "Page 25 mentions Wilson Airport for bush flights versus driving 5-6 hours. You drove to Amboseli previously and saw "small towns and rural life." For someone debating that choice, what did driving ..." Interesting question! When driving we had a glimpse of everyday life in Kenya with the small villages and markets straddling the highway. Leaving the highway, we were able to experience the varied countryside. My next trip to the Masai Mara I plan to drive. I would love to see the Rift Valley up close and personal. Flying is the way to go if you are on a time limit.
Mia wrote: "Macushla House on page 25 "quiet, home-like guesthouse in the leafy Karen district" sounds perfect after a long flight. Did you choose it specifically for proximity to the Giraffe Center and Sheldr..." Macushla House was chosen by the tour company, Mackay Africa. They use this location for a lot of their clients when they stay in Nairobi for an extra day or two. Not only is it a very nice place to stay with a great chef, but I think they choose it for its close proximity to The Giraffe Center, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Karen Bliss House, and the Nairobi National Park.
Patricia wrote: "Page 22's Air France warning "chaotic and stressful" Charles de Gaulle, feels very fresh 😂 Have you found a preferred routing since? Asking for a friend who also doesn't want to start their safari ..."Also a good question! I found my layover in Amsterdam to quite different. The airport staff was much more friendly and it was much easier to find someone speaking English. Also, the security in the airport was more relaxed than in France. The staff on KLM airlines was much easier to deal with. On my next trip, I am going to see what the cost difference is flying directly from New York to Nairobi, non-stop. That in itself will reduce the stress.
Maeve wrote: "Jim, you mention that Mackay Africa "offered exactly what I was looking for: a chance to create a fully customized, private safari." For readers who might be overwhelmed by options, what was the ON..."Mackay Africa does not own camps, only vehicles and employs their own guides. They did not attempt to focus me on one area, but listened to what I had in mind and made several suggestions. They were willing to tailor the entire trip to just what I had in mind.
Jim, you said the leopard on page 1 was "looking directly at" you. How long did that moment actually last? In my head it's this frozen instant, but I know wildlife photography is 99% waiting and 1% magic.
Thank you for the response about conservation—page 13 mentions ecotourism as "a powerful force not just for travel, but for good." Are there specific conservation organizations you recommend travelers look into, or is that covered later in the book?
Alexander wrote: "Jim, you said the leopard on page 1 was "looking directly at" you. How long did that moment actually last? In my head it's this frozen instant, but I know wildlife photography is 99% waiting and 1%..."The Leopard in the tree was one of those shots that I really wanted to get. When it finally presented itself, we sat in our vehicle watching the tree, and Leopard, for about an hour. The closeup was zoomed in with my 600mm lens. He sat there, relaxing, surveying the countryside for quite awhile.
Sam wrote: "Thank you for the response about conservation—page 13 mentions ecotourism as "a powerful force not just for travel, but for good." Are there specific conservation organizations you recommend travel..."There are quite a few reliable conservation organizations in Kenya and East Africa. Two organizations that I personally support are the Mara Elephant Project and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. They are both very active in preserving and aiding wildlife, and working with local natives and villages. Another worthy organization is the Pangolin Project, which is working to save Pangolins and the Giant Pangolin in Kenya.
Hey safari dreamers! 👋 Sarah Kat here, your admin and fellow Ohio-stayer-who's-now-obsessed-with-leopards. It's been a few days and I can hear the savanna winds getting lonely without us!Let's not let this magic fade. We've got Jim Walker—the man who wrote THE guide while actually living it at 73 and 76—right here in our thread. The man who waited an hour for a leopard to look his way and then captured our breath along with that photo.
So tonight? We're going DEEP. I want stories, I want dreams, I want the moment you realized "oh, this isn't just a travel book this is a why-haven't-I-done-this-yet book."
Drop your moment below. And Jim, if you're watching (I know you are, you dedicated soul) we've got fresh questions coming your way that I think will make every early morning edit, every gear headache, and every "is this even worth it?" doubt disappear.
Who's ready to roar? 🐆✨
Jim, the Sheldrick Orphanage on page 42—baby elephants fed human baby formula? I actually laughed out loud. Who knew elephants and babies had so much in common 😂 Did you get weird looks buying formula at the store before the trip, or do they just... have elephant-sized bottles ready?
Isabella wrote: "Jim, the Sheldrick Orphanage on page 42—baby elephants fed human baby formula? I actually laughed out loud. Who knew elephants and babies had so much in common 😂 Did you get weird looks buying form...""Did you get weird looks buying formula..."
I'm stuck on the mud bath. Page 43: "I swear I could hear her laugh." Jim, you got sprayed by a baby elephant and you're telling us to bring a poncho? Sir, you are a better person than me. I'd be filing a complaint with the manager. 😂
Mary, I'd pay extra for the mud bath. Spa treatment from a baby elephant? Sign me up.But real talk—Jim, page 45: Nairobi National Park is the only national park inside a city limits? Lions with a skyline backdrop? That's wild. Did it feel surreal or did you forget you were near a city?
Alexander, right?? And then page 46—Ololo Safari Lodge with the swaying wire footbridge over the river. I'm terrified of heights. Jim, was it as rickety as it sounds or am I being dramatic?
Sam, you're being dramatic 😂 But Jim, page 47: Kirk's Dik-dik—25 inches tall and named after its own alarm sound? "Dik-dik"? Who named this animal, a toddler? I love it.
Priya, I thought the same thing! But page 48 got me, the White vs. Black Rhino distinction. Not color, but lip shape? White = wide lips for grazing, Black = pointed lip for browsing. I feel like I've been lied to my whole life. Jim, did your guide Sammy quiz you on this or did you already know?
Isabella wrote: "Jim, the Sheldrick Orphanage on page 42—baby elephants fed human baby formula? I actually laughed out loud. Who knew elephants and babies had so much in common 😂 Did you get weird looks buying form..."They have elephant sized bottles ready. Viewers do not actually get to feed the elephants, but observe the organized chaos up close and personal. I believe each baby goes through about 4 to 6 elephant sized bottles a day. Quite a sight!!!
Mary wrote: "Isabella wrote: "Jim, the Sheldrick Orphanage on page 42—baby elephants fed human baby formula? I actually laughed out loud. Who knew elephants and babies had so much in common 😂 Did you get weird ..."No, the antics of the baby elephants is all part of the experience. The little mud bath I had was all part of the fun. They are like small children showing off for the crowd. Hope to do it again the next time I am in Kenya.
Alexander wrote: "Mary, I'd pay extra for the mud bath. Spa treatment from a baby elephant? Sign me up.But real talk—Jim, page 45: Nairobi National Park is the only national park inside a city limits? Lions with a..."It was a little surreal. Photographing a Rhino with a city skyline in the background is unique.
Sam wrote: "Alexander, right?? And then page 46—Ololo Safari Lodge with the swaying wire footbridge over the river. I'm terrified of heights. Jim, was it as rickety as it sounds or am I being dramatic?"I understand the fear of heights. The bridge is sound and of modern construction. Not rickety at all. Very safe, and if you fix your focus on the other side you will be better off. The river is not that far down, so it is not a huge chasm.
Priya wrote: "Sam, you're being dramatic 😂 But Jim, page 47: Kirk's Dik-dik—25 inches tall and named after its own alarm sound? "Dik-dik"? Who named this animal, a toddler? I love it."Dik-diks get their name from the distinct, high-pitched whistling alarm sound they make—sounding like "zik-zik" or "dik-dik"—when they are frightened or startled. This onomatopoeic name is primarily derived from the sound females make, often produced through their snouts to alert other animals to predators. Some specific species, like Kirk’s dik-dik, are named after Sir John Kirk, a 19th-century Scottish naturalist, in addition to the sound they make.
Norbert wrote: "Priya, I thought the same thing! But page 48 got me, the White vs. Black Rhino distinction. Not color, but lip shape? White = wide lips for grazing, Black = pointed lip for browsing. I feel like I'..."I had been told that before this trip. It seems that early explorers and hunters mistranslated "Wyd" vs. White: The name comes from the Afrikaans word "wyd" (or weit), meaning "wide," which describes the animal's large, flat, square-shaped mouth. Early English settlers in South Africa misinterpreted wyd for the English word "white". Both species are actually grey, but the white rhino has a lighter grey skin color than the black rhino. So, the Black Rhino was actually named that to differentiate it from the "White" Rhino.
Sarah wrote: "Hey safari dreamers! 👋 Sarah Kat here, your admin and fellow Ohio-stayer-who's-now-obsessed-with-leopards. It's been a few days and I can hear the savanna winds getting lonely without us!Let's no..."Sarah, thank you for the kind words. Yes, I stand at the ready to answer any and all queries. Not only about the book, but safari and wildlife questions as well photography questions. I am looking forward to going back again at age 78. You are never too old, or too young, to greet new experiences.
Hey Safari Dreamers! 🐆✨Okay, I can hear the crickets from here. It's been SIX DAYS since our last roar, and I refuse to let this savanna go silent on my watch.
Jim Walker, the man who wrote THE guide while actually living it at 73 and 76—is still right here, ready to talk. So tonight? We're going DEEP into the Mara. No more surface-level questions. I want the moments that made Jim feel things.
New rule for tonight: Every question must come from a specific page. No vague "how was it" energy. I want receipts. 📖
I'll start:
Jim, page 50: You wrote that flying into the Maasai Mara alone, watching "the patchwork of Kenya's highlands slowly give way to the golden grasslands," gave you "strange, peaceful solitude." But then you land and immediately buy a Maasai blanket from a woman at the airstrip. Was that solitude already fading, or did that single gesture, supporting her craft, make the moment more yours?
Who's next? Drop your page-numbered questions below. Let's make him feel every 2AM edit was worth it. 🔥
Sarah, I'm SO in. And yes, I have receipts.Jim, page 51: You said your photographic bucket list still had one empty box: "a Leopard in a tree." You missed it on your first trip. Then on day ONE back in the Mara, you nail Leopard, Cheetah, Lion, AND Hippopotamus before dinner.
My question: When you finally checked that leopard box, was it the photograph that satisfied you, or the proof that patience outlasts luck? Because at 76, waiting another three years for a do-over isn't just patience. That's faith.
Also page 52, those tent photos? The staff rolling up the sides in the morning, zipping them down at night? That detail alone sold me on camp life more than any luxury lodge ever could.
Alexander, that patience vs. luck thing hit me hard too.But Jim, I need to know about page 53: "It's something else to drift off to sleep with the sounds of lions, hyenas, or hippos echoing through the night a truly 'Out of Africa' experience."
Real talk: Did you actually SLEEP? 😂 Or was every rustle outside your tent a full cardiac event? Because I would be lying there at 2AM convinced a hyena was conducting a full inventory of my tent flaps. You make it sound romantic. I need to know if your 76-year-old heart was as calm as your prose.
Also, page 54, that staff photo with Sammy and the Mara Olapa team. You look... happy. Not "I got the shot" happy. "I found my people" happy. Was that moment staged, or did someone just shout "group photo" and you all piled in? I need that story.
The author is joining us specifically to answer your questions and discuss the creative process behind the book. Let’s make this a productive and engaging conversation.
Book: Kenya Safari: A Guide for the First-Time Visitor
Author: Jim Walker
Action: Post your questions below!
Looking forward to your insights!