Africa’s Secret Ingredients
Just before dawn, we heard the musical wake-up call. This time, it was David’s gentle voice that echoed through our tent door. “Jambo, Jambo,” he said, greeting us with the traditional hot tea, coffee and warm biscuits. We turned on our flashlights to help guide him for the sun was not yet awake.
We prepared ourselves for a day of unknown discoveries and met Rowland and David at the dining tent for breakfast. Over a delightful breakfast of fresh fruits and local delicacies, Rowland began to sketch out his thoughts for the day.
We would frequently skip breakfast at the camp to get an early start because, as Rowland would say, “it is an opportunity to dine in the middle of the plains with the members of the great migration.” We shared the morning sunrise with a pride of lions and families of zebras and wildebeest, among many other species. Rowland, who I call a true wilderness chief, would only give us a portion of the recipe for the day. His secret was to surprise us throughout the day with sights and tastes in in his great wilderness home. And it worked.
As each day depended on Rowland’s secret recipe, we would load up the vehicle with plenty of snacks and drinks in the morning. Our first day out for a morning drive became a full 12 hours of discovery in the bush, yet it felt like only a few hours had passed!
A masterful driver, Rowland navigated the unchartered plains with ease while scoping out the area for animals. And with every new site, Rowland taught us how to open our eyes, heart and soul to nature. Every day we were in the bush, we would go out very early to see what the day would bring and at the end of each day, we’d sit by the fire and share stories like kids -- non-stop chatter enhanced with laughter. There was a wonderful rhythm of harmony between the three of us.
On our last day at camp, we packed our vehicle by late morning, then gathered with David and his team in a circle to give thanks for our special time together. With tears rolling down my cheeks, I said goodbye as we shared hugs of joy and gratitude.
It’s time for a new recipe for the day ahead,” said Rowland from the front seat of the car. “Remember,” he said as he looked at us with a huge smile, “I can’t give all of the ingredients away. I want you to be surprised!”
The day did not disappoint. We found ourselves enjoying being present, being silent and, most of all, being off the grid. With no anticipation or expectations of what was ahead, a sudden rain shower was a wonderful blessing rather than an inconvenience. We knew the unusual rainfall would bring so much nourishment to the animals at this time of year.
Our days were filled with highlights: spending our breakfast and lunches in the plains, watching the movements of the animals, the flight of the birds, and the endless dances of the butterflies through tall grass. Quiet moments were spent watching the wildebeest and zebras marching “two-by-two” right in front of our vehicle.
While preparing for our last stop before our flight home, I unwrapped my jar of secret honey and there looked to be only one last teaspoon left. Wow, how did that happen? It was magical to me that there was just enough honey in the jar to last me through the journey. How did Lesse know what the right amount would be? I guess that is another part of the secret recipe I will never know.
For the final time, I scooped out the last spoonful of honey. And as always, a familiar comfort and peace came over me. Its special taste was a reminder of the love and care that blossomed from the very beginning of our trip at the Maasai Village. It is a taste that is as vivid as all of the sights on this great journey.
After several days of being in these surreal moments of time, our journey came to an end. We gathered one last time in a circle with Rowland, and his wonderful colleagues that we met at the other camps -- Msalem, Max, James, Esther, Johnathan, Abraham, Seite, Obeti and Barak. We held hands and gave thanks for our time together on this sacred journey. “We will always have you and this journey etched on our hearts forever,” I said tearily. We climbed into our vehicle to be taken to the local airstrip.
When we arrived home and began to unpack our bags, unearthing some of our collected keepsakes from the journey, my eyes began to fill with tears of joy and peace, I stopped my unpacking and sat down for a moment to close my eyes and reflect upon the memories and faces of our journey.
Several days have gone by since our return and I am still reflecting on our journey. In the early morning hours, I am writing again in my journal and looking at photos from our travels. I find myself at peace knowing that this journey opened my heart to see more. I’ve also started a different routine in my garden.
I find myself looking at things differently. I’m looking up and really seeing what’s around me. I am spending the time be present – to hear the birds and the sounds of the wind in the trees. It is as if I have been retaught to appreciate the joy of newness each day brings.
I choose to share this journey with others in the hopes that it will encourage all of us to take time to reflect and see all of the wonder around us. I also want to encourage us to turn our devices off and be aware of the power of opening our eyes and our hearts to all that surrounds us -- in our comfort zones and far beyond.
