The truth is, I wasnt in any kind of immediate danger.
But navigating the rugged African bush by foot isnt for the faint of heart, either.
A bit closer, he knelt down to scoop up sand into his palm.
Photo: Jack Swynnerton
You see what direction this is moving in?
he asked as it fell to the earth.
It was blowing in the direction we didnt want.
Photo: Jack Swynnerton
Instead, we observed the critically endangered species from a distance.
In northern Kenya, thissort of experiencethat pairs thrill-seeking adventure with conservation efforts is beginning to take center stage.
There is no safari business without the regenerative side, Tanya Carr-Hartley tells me.
Photo: Scott Ramsay
A born and raised Kenyan, she co-foundedThe Safari Collectionwith her husband Mikey in 2009.
Within their portfolio of luxury lodges isSasaab, a tented camp in the Samburu wilderness.
Only 12 properties worldwide have achieved this certification thus far.
Photo: Scott Ramsay
It was my first time coming to Kenya.
My first aerial wildlife sighting.
It was a Grevys zebra, one of Samburus Special 5 that are found only in Kenyas northern landscapes.
Photo: Stevie Mann
Among the other four are the reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk antelope, and beisa oryx.
Walking through the Swahili-style wooden entrance to Sasaab is like stumbling upon a jewel box in the desert.
The open-air property sits above the Ewaso Nyiro River, where herds of elephants frequently come to bathe.
Photo: Jack Swynnerton
This is also where some of the oldest rocks in the area can be found.
The next morning we set off in our open-sided safari vehicle before dawn in search of adventure.
Its like a Christmas tree of monkeys, Daudi says with a smile.
Photo: Jack Swynnerton
We have very bad draughts, so the women go down to the river to ask for rain.
You dont fully understand it until youre passionate about it, Tanya explains.
Her nose scrunches a bit.
Photo: Jack Swynnerton
I think regenerative can be a buzzword.
Everybodys green, everybodys sustainable, everybodys regenerative, everybodys net positive.
In other words, a lot of aspects of sustainability are messy.
Its not straightforward, its not black and white.
Within the 32,000-acre Borana Conservancy, regeneration takes its form inblack rhino conservationas well as community support.
You must do right by the people whose land you are cohabiting on, he adds.
The Lengishu property itself is resplendent.
As the plane takes off, I squint my eyes searching for a farewell Grevys zebra.
