There is a study that says that the origin of humans is in Africa. However debatable that statement is, as one steps into Kenya, there is a feeling that one has landed in Eden. Anyone who has read Phantom will understand the reference. A strange feeling of harmony amongst all beings and Nature ruling how the entire land works, is driven home
As we got past the cities and civilisation, the landscape drastically changes from that governed by humans to governed by elements. A warm breeze welcomes us as we are about to enter the land of the Masai tribe. It does immediately feel sacred. We have already started spotting Thomson’s gazelles, Grant’s Gazelles and an odd Topi all around us. As we near the park, we start discussing giraffes since we thought we saw a resort having installed giraffes as some sort of a mascot. Soon becomes evident, as they start moving, the glory of Masai Mara!
Just short of screaming (we had enough guidance from our guide/driver to respect their space and to understand that we are the visitors here), we were allowed to stand there looking completely transported. No amount of watching Discovery or National Geographic Channel prepares one for what Masai Mara has to offer.
For those of us who have devoured everything that was ever put out on TV and have watched a thousand reruns on any of these channels, we might assume that when we witness it first hand, we will just feel like there is another program running. Naha!! What it really feels like is.. How insignificant we humans are and how we take everything for granted. There is a delicate balance at play and as you take in what the wildebeests do, or how the zebras use their stripes, how beautifully the carnivores camouflage themselves, the colours on display, solo trees offering refuge from heat and providing nesting grounds for vultures. Every blade of grass has a purpose, a role to play on the stage of life.
Mara defines the border between Kenya and Tanzania and she breathes life wherever she flows. When one witnesses the borders drawn by nature, there is respect. There is rhythm in defining these borders. Where the grassland borders with the river, we find hippos sunbathing. Where the grassland borders with shrubs, we see lions resting. Where the tree tops border with the air surrounding them, we see vultures nesting. Unlike borders drawn by humans — bereft of life, these natural borders are teeming with life.
The Maasai Shuka, though made of colours that are very vibrant seems to blend in with the environment. The tribe does wear them with elan and it indeed breaks the pattern of the African grasslands.
As we took in all this, we waited with bated breath for “The Crossing”. An event that is much awaited by both the predator and prey is a visual treat for spectators. The fact that this has no timing and can happen at any given point during the season, makes the wait all the more worthwhile. The calm before a storm is the right explanation for the wait. Change is afoot and of that every being is aware. The spectators however are left spellbound as the Zebras initiate the crossing and then the wildebeests pour through heralding the changing season and reminding us of cyclical life.
As we leave starry eyed towards Amboseli, the majestic Kilimanjaro offers a backdrop of change in stillness. the ever changing cloud formations brings out the child in all of us. The African elephant with Kilimanjaro for a backdrop is every photographer’s dream.
The circle of life that plays in The Lion King, is a fitting tribute for what Africa has to offer. It continually plays on in our minds as we wind our trip to a land where Nature rules!
