Nature "Walk" with the Masai

June 27th
Being prepared for a $US27 entrance fee to Lake Nakuru National Park (Lonely Planet guide) we were surprised and put off by the new $60 apiece price. That’s for driving around in your own car, no map, no guide, no pamphlet. We see the animals everyday with binoculars from the veranda so decided to drive on to Hell’s Gate Park, an hour or so away. I was dressed for a “sit in your car” park – not the active one. We drove through Hell’s Gate and were rewarded for our effort by seeing 7 giraffes together – quite a rare spotting. We passed the “kids” college age, on their bikes but didn’t feel bad with me in my long skirt and Evans with a bum arm and leg from a motorcycle accident 6 years ago. Seeing the crowds of grazing zebras, giraffes, warthogs, and gazelles up close and personal we were delighted. Following the arrows here and there we ended up at the gorge where you could hire a guide for a walk. We all went, Roberto, me in long skirt and Mary Jane shoes and Evans with his one useful arm and leg. One arm is “dead” and one leg doesn’t bend very far. Hakuna matata. Oh silly me. I thought it would be a rocky path US Forest Service, Sedona style. Oh no. It was a more challenging rocky descent than anything I’ve ever done. Climbing out wasn’t so bad maybe because I had mastered the quick skirt-hike technique. I laughed the whole way and even now laugh thinking of it. Evans says he never would have gone had he known. I’m glad neither of us did as I may have stayed back with him. I don’t remember the words climb, ascent, descent ever being used, but gorge could have been a clue. Our guide was sent from Heaven. ____________ is a Masai who loves his job sharing nature with people. He knew just where the hands, left foot, right foot need to go to make it a successful “hike”. It was gorgeous, magical spot and he was the perfect guide.
A young visiting Frenchman is living with the Masai for 3 months and will return for 6 more. Their mutual admiration is very tender to see. He sleeps in the caves at night when they go out. Ever wonder why the Masai paint themselves red? It’s not for the cats – their friends. The 2 animals feared are the elephant and buffalo or rhino. (need better notes!) The ocre mud hides the human scent. The leopard is a protector animal unlike the jaguar in America. She will follow along side and alert you to danger! I think the Masai offer a 3 day experience which I would love to do.