Safaris with a difference

spectacular landscapes and exciting wildlife is part of your safari experience

Growing up on a farm in the Isle of Man gave me a love of nature from childhood and along with an artistic ability, this eventually led me to a new career as a wildlife artist a few years ago.

I have been travelling to Africa regularly for the past 18 years and during that time there have been many memorable experiences, some of which have led to successful paintings. From the very first time I set foot on that continent it has been the inspiration for most of my work.  As I say in the introduction to the illustrated talk “A Brush with Africa” it is a huge continent of great diversity and contrast from the habitat and wildlife to it’s people.

During my visits I have explored most of Kenya’s reserves from Samburu to the Masai Mara and in Tanzania how can one forget the unique natural caldera that is the Ngorongoro Crater.   To see the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti and the Mara is to witness one of natures great events. Perhaps for me the remote wilderness of the Selous in Tanzania and the Okavango Delta of Botswana are the jewels in the crown. One never tires of seeing the same animals because you never know when something special will happen before your eyes.   To witness lions hunting and marvel at the speed of a cheetah in full flight. To see the strange sight of a Tawny eagle plucking feathers from an egret high up in a tree or to watch as African Wild dogs return from hunting to feed the pups at the den, these are privileges indeed. One of the most unforgettable experiences took place in Botswana, when we came across a pair of mating leopards, so oblivious to our presence that we watched them for over an hour. Normally so secretive, it was highly unusual to find them within a large open area of grassland and this became the painting ‘Burnt Ebony’s Bride’.

It is my intention to organise some “Safari’s with a Difference” in the near future, having successfully done this some 10 years ago with the late Simon Combes, so if you are interested to receive details, lodge your interest by email at info@ruthbakerwalton.com