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January 17, 2007 - Masai Mara - Kenya

by Mel Gallegos

We have been Rotarians at work and now we were ready to be Rotarians at play. We left our hotel at 0830 am to Wilson Airport. There we checked in our excess luggage. We were only allowed to bring on 15 kg each (33 lbs.) on our aircraft. This led to a real dilemma, how much does a bottle of wine weigh?

We took-off in a 17 passenger DeHavilland STOL Twin Otter aircraft. The aircraft was full and felt as if our knees were in our chests. We watched as Nairobi vanished into the distance and the African plains unfolded below us. Below, we saw groups of huts surrounding a large, dark circle. Later we learned that these were Maasai villages. After about 45 minutes our aircraft descended and we landed on a dirt runway. We were greeted by staff of the Kichwa Tembo Safari Camp next to the open air hut that served as the terminal for this private airstrip. Our luggage was loaded in a separate truck and our drivers then took us in 2 groups to begin our adventure.

We saw many animals including Topi, Eland, Thompson Gazelle, Warthogs, Cape Buffalo, Giraffe, Water Buck, Cranes and Zebra. We continued on our drive through the area and were treated to seeing 2 young male Lions. We were told that these were part of a pride of lions living in the area. This all occurred before we even checked into our safari camp!

Eventually we made our way over rough roads to our camp where we were checked in and escorted to our tents. Yes, tents!!! These tents were on a concrete slab with 2 layers. One was the mosquito netting and the other was canvas flaps that could be closed for privacy. Our comfortable beds were in a section with a writing desk and cabinets for clothing. Then we also had a separate area for the bathroom, shower and closet. We did have electricity but no plugs that we could use. Of course Philippe needed to have his computer (Can you imagine Philippe without his computer?) Fortunately the front desk had two areas that could be used to charge batteries for the guests.

After lunch we were treated to a discussion of the Maasai tribe and culture by Timothy, a local Maasai warrior.

We learned that the Maasai tribe is made up of several groups over a large area. They are semi-nomadic because of the migration of their cattle. Cows are an essential part of their culture and a basis of each family’s economy. A man is judged by how many cows he owns. Timothy told us that a man could have many wives. The only factor was if he could afford them by buying them with cows. Their villages are made up of family units living in villages with each family having their own entrance to the village. Red is the dominant color of their clothing which is now made form red cotton cloth bought commercially. In the past they would make their own clothing from cows and dye them with red ocher soil. He showed us examples of the speaking stick, which is used when they are meeting and a person wishes to address the group. He would hold this in his right hand as he spoke. Both men and women dress colorfully with beaded necklaces and bracelets as well as using walking sticks with beaded decorations. Timothy also showed us his knife which each Maasai warrior carries to be used for self-defense, work and eating. It was used to cut meat he received at meals times into smaller pieces. He also said that he would have to have his knife re sharpened as it was their belief that if a women saw a warrior’s knife it would become dull.

We were then taken on late afternoon drive where we saw many other animals including Secretary bird, Maribou Stork, Elephant, Impala and several Cheetahs. We watched as a Cheetah tried to complete a hunt by stalking Thompson Gazelle. Unfortunately for our predator the gazelle became aware of his presence and left before he could surprise them and bring one down. He then nonchalantly walked off as if to say, "No big deal, another time."

Our day ended with Maasai dances lead by several warriors. In the end Hey-Jude, Chuck and I joined the warriors in a dance that gave blessings to all present. We had a marvelous dinner and then retired for a good night’s sleep.

All we could think of was to say, "Asante Sana, thank you in Swahili for this opportunity which came to us via our participation in Rotary."