Beasts from above: Not all African safaris are for hunting African, wildlife

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From tranquil desert lakes and majestic cloud-wreathed peaks, to circling camels and a herd of mighty elephants thundering across Kenyan grasslands; these aerial images reveal the breathtaking beauty of the African landscape and the wildlife that calls it home.

The epic scenes were captured by a photographer high above the ground on board a £65,000 helicopter safari for wealthy wildlife spotters.
From his vantage point in the air, Martin Harvey was able to gain a bird's eye view of the country's awe-inspiring landscape; soaring over Kenya's remote valleys, lakes and craters, and dipping to low to glimpse Cape buffalo and African goats in their natural habitat.

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Wildlife: These camels in the Chalbi Desert in northern Kenya are among the African animals captured from above in these stunning pictures

'Seeing the wilderness of Africa from above is a unique experience, and viewing large numbers of animals from above is awe-inspiring,' said the 57-year-old.
'It's an incredible experience and gives one a completely different perspective than one gets from the ground.
'Taking pictures from the air is also great fun,' he added.
'It's probably much more dangerous driving on Africa's roads.'

Mr Harvey took the photographs while accompanying wildlife enthusiasts on the pricey helicopter safari - one of the more exclusive ways to feast your eyes on the ample scenery Africa has to offer.
'They are very wealthy people who want to enjoy an incredible adventure,' Mr Harvey said.
Lake Turkana, the world's largest desert lake, and an aerial view of a traditional Masai boma are among the many highlights seen from above in the series of images.
You could be forgiven for thinking that the photograph of Lake Turkana, located in Kenya's Great Rift Valley, shows lush fields of grass - but its water is bright green due to the water's extreme levels of alkaline.
In one picture a group of Pokot people, who traditionally herd sheep, are shown investigating the blue helicopter instead.

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2012-9-3 08:18

Epic: An incredible shot of Kenya's Lake Turkana, the world's largest permanent desert lake, which is home to crocodiles and turtles

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2012-9-3 08:18

Africa from above: A herd of goats gather at the Koroli springs in northern Kenya's Chalbi desert

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2012-9-3 08:19

Iconic: The helicopter provided a spectacular view of a herd of African elephants - a member of the group of iconic African animals known as the 'big five'

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2012-9-3 08:19

African life: An aerial photograph of a Masai boma, or enclosure, in Kenya, home to a family of Masai people

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2012-9-3 08:20

Stampede: A herd of Cape buffalo can be seen making its way across the Kenyan grassland in this aerial photograph

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2012-9-3 08:20

Breathtaking: Kenya's Lake Turkana - the world's largest permanent desert lake - was captured from the sky by a photographer in a helicopter

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2012-9-3 08:20

Tranquil: Lake Logipi is a saline, alkaline lake lying in the arid Suguta valley in northern Kenya