Lions of Tsavo
Other teleconference Q&A's
(The first question is for Laurie Belton, our director of Field Management, who did the Lions of Tsavo project in March 2004)
What is it about the Lions of Tsavo expedition that stands out the most to you?
"Being in a private camp meant that we were allowed to roam with wilderness at night, seeing things that people don't see in the normal course of things - servals, caracals, aardvarks and aardwolves..."
What are the accommodations like?
Check out pictures on right.
This is comfortable camping with flush toilets and showers within easy walks of the tents. You sleep on beds and your food is prepared for you.
I like to work hard. Will there be a lot of down time? Are there extra activities?
You'll be in the vehicles doing field work for 8 or so hours per day. If you like extra work, you can always do data entry, but you may want to bring a bird book and binoculars or other books, cards and games, or consider asking the staff for Swahili lessons. One thing you can't do on this expedition is go for walks - you might meet up with ornery critters. If you're the kind of person who needs to burn off extra energy, consider bringing a jump rope.
Did you see lions?
Yes - we were tracking one collared female, Diana. She was hunting with another female. We heard them kill the giraffe and saw them just after it happened. Each of the lionesses had two cubs and over the course of the next several hours, until dawn actually, we watched the 4 very cute cubs feast on the giraffe.
What's the hardest task on the project?
Staying awake! The hours are long and sometimes during the day, sometimes at the odd hours of the night. Also, some volunteers find it hard to sleep in the tents when it's hot, or when it's sunny outside. An eye mask can help with the sun and ear plugs can help you if a team of baboons decides to fight outside your tent, or if your tent mate snores. As for the research tasks, the staff is used to training newbies and they are very patient. The data is important to them, so if you are hearing something confusing and/or would like something repeated, please just ask. They will be happy to oblige.
Is the dust bad? Should I bring a mask?
Masks and bandannas are lightweight and easy to pack if you're sensitive to dust.
What's the best thing to read in order to prepare for the project?
The most crucial step in preparing yourself properly is reading the briefing thoroughly. Volunteers and staff have also really enjoyed reading Lions of Tsavo by Bruce Patterson, a lively account of the history of Tsavo lions and Bruce's study of them.
What did you bring that you wish you hadn't?
Laurie says long pants - you'll normally be in the vehicle and not having to worry about walking in the thorny scrub outside. However, if you're on the project in the austral winter, you may be warmer in long pants, especially at night. Also, long pants protect against the sun.Bruce Patterson's take on this: Laurie was there in the hottest time of year. Long pants are absolutely required for the "summer" (May-Sep) on account of temperature, are necessary in Nairobi year-round, and come in handy whenever it's rained sufficiently hard in Tsavo that bugs pick up.
What's very important?
Sunscreen, especially if you are sensitive. Also, bug repellent if you're going on a team in April, May, Nov. or Dec. Other times of the year are generally pretty arid.
Do people need motion sickness medication for the long drives?
Not unless you're especially sensitive - generally, the driving is done slowly. Again, this is one of those things that's easy to pack and plenty of people find it handy just for the flights.
Is electricity available in the camp?
If you bring the appropriate converter/adaptor, you'll be able to re-charge your equipment somewhere in camp. Electricity is via a generator that is turned on or off according to announced schedule and the camp needs (usually on from 7pm-11pm during dinner and at team arrivals and departures). A headlamp is highly recommended, and an additional flashlight may come in handy as well.
Do we need to bring filters?
No filters are necessary. The camp has a reverse osmosis water filter, but some volunteers prefer to buy refrigerated bottled water from the dining room, where cold soft drinks, beer and wine are also available.
How do we do our laundry?
The camp does volunteer laundry gratis during week 1. During week 2, laundry services are available for a nominal fee or you can hand wash your clothes in the bathroom sink and hang them to dry. With the sunshine and aridity, things tend to dry quickly.
How are Nairobi and Mombasa?
Neither of us have much experience with Mombasa, but it's a destination for folks who like the beach and the experience of the Muslim influence. The Nyali Beach Hotel is a very nice resort hotel: http://www.blockhotelske.com/.
In 2007, the Lions of Tsavo expedition will revert to its original rendezvous, the Fairview Hotel in Nairobi. Nairobi is a big city with a reputation for problems. Most of us avoid it, especially at night. The Fairview, however, is a very pleasant hotel with great security set on a hill just outside the city.
Is there anything needed by the project staff or local villages that we could bring?
Some suggestions for this are: pens, pencils, note pads, kites, Frisbees, footballs, soccer balls for the villagers. CD-Rs and batteries are always needed by the project staff. If you want to leave clothing or equipment behind, it will surely be used and will lighten your load for the ride home.Some suggestions for this are: pens, pencils, note pads, kites, Frisbees, footballs, soccer balls for the villagers. CD-Rs and batteries are always needed by the project staff. If you want to leave clothing or equipment behind, it will surely be used and will lighten your load for the ride home.
What about luggage?
Please only bring soft-sided luggage as it all needs to be crammed into the vehicle. Most folks bring one large piece and a back pack. The Fairview Hotel in Nairobi will store excess luggage in a secure storage area if you are spending a night there before your rendezvous.
Can I take pictures during the expedition?
It's absolutely expected that volunteers will bring their cameras and want to photograph things. Volunteers are expected to be sure to complete the tasks at hand first, but there is generally not anything you're doing that you can't stop after a minute or two to take a picture. Though the animals don't mind your taking their pictures, some people might, so please ask before you take a picture of a person.
I'm a vegan, but prepared to be flexible in such a remote location. Should I bring extra food?
If you can be flexible with eggs and dairy, you will be fine. Most volunteers like to bring snacks for the long drives - sometimes your body is on odd schedules due to jet lag and you may feel more comfortable.
Do I need to bring a fleece?
Some of us bring a fleece everywhere we go - it can get chilly on those long flights to Kenya! That being said, it's mostly in July and August that people complain about being cold, because you are out at night in open vehicles and the wind can leach the heat from your body. A windbreaker is helpful for this.