If we had to do it all over again, I think we would spend at least another day or two walking through the bush and across the plain. The game drive may be more visually rewarding, but the trek rejuvinates the spirit. . . how can you not expect to have a somewhat religious experience following Moses into the great wide open?
We walked about 18-20 km the first day and 12-14 km the second. Along the way, Salaton pointed out the heart of his nature conservancy. The goal of the conservancy is simple: protect the land, protect the Maasai way of life as well as the innocent animals that roam these plains.
After meeting Salaton in February, we believed in his mission and donated an acre of land to the conservancy. We now obviously feel much more strongly about the need to conserve this beautiful piece of earth and will be adding another acre now (thanks to the friends and family that helped with this trip) and will continue to help this cause in the future.
Even though the time out in the middle of nature felt a bit too short, it was a welcome site to see Josef spot us and come tearing across the plain to pick us up. Josef is a Maasai madman. Crazy in the best sense of the word, his good humor and contstant laughing are contagious. He and Salaton do a decent Maasai take on "The Odd Couple," but it is easy to see that they truly enjoy each other. We get to share in this joy when we begin our game drives.
We'll be providing a full Kenya / Tanzania game drive recap once we've finished (we have our last morning out tomorrow before heading to Dar es Salaam) and will hopefully have a connection quick enough to share some pictures.
Thank you for sharing with us this amazing experience. I love the photos and your descriptions. It makes me so happy to know that you are having this adventure and that you're able to offer your services and support in these communities. Keep it coming. Much love to you both! Marimar
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