Wildlife webcam

This strangely compelling wildlife webcam, provided by National Geographic, is an excellent way to get into the spirit of a Kenya wildlife safari.

The camera is permanently focused on a waterhole, called 'Pete's Pond', right in the heart of Africa. The water attracts myriad wildlife, large and small, with the promise of quenched thirsts and brief respite from the scorching sun. Everything, from elephants to birds, come to drink or wallow in the cool water while the webcam records every single movement - 24 hours a day.

The great thing about this wildlife webcam is its ability to follow and zoom- in on the animals and birds as they drink, bathe and play in the water. If a new animal approaches the waterhole while the webcam is focused on a family of elephants for example, it checks out the newcomer - so we don't miss any action - before returning to its former scene. However, if the newcomer happens to be a leopard or other such rare and elusive safari species, the webcam will remain focused on it - as if it knows, instinctively, what the observer wants to watch. Sometimes a little patience is needed, but the whole experience usually proves very entertaining and great for reducing stress and tension at the end of a hard day.

I discovered Pete's Pond by chance. Just days after returning from Kenya, I was overwhelmed by an urge to return. As this wasn't possible, I was forced to seek alternative remedies and stumbled upon a seemingly insignificant pond in the middle of nowhere. But, as I watched and listened, I was struck by how engaging it was. The previously absorbing debate on the radio was suddenly a source of distraction and irritation. So I turned it off, upped the volume on my PC and emersed myself in the sights and sounds of the savannah. My home was transformed into a microcosm of wildlife in Africa! Moreover, it was happening in real time.

Though established in Botswana, the scene is typical of most African savannahs and can be watched 24 hours a day. Surprisingly, night-time holds as much (if not more) entertainment as the daylight hours and provides viewers and potential safari-goers with a real taste of what is to come! Click here for National Geographic's Pete's Pond