Days 4 & 5: From Safari's Majesty to Heartfelt Farewells

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After such a wonderful time on the last few days, the final stretch of the Kilgoris Localisation Tour dawned, bringing with it a mix of exhilaration and a touch of wistfulness. The bonds forged over the previous days were strong, and the "Mimi ni... Wewe ni.... Sisi ni...." ("I am.... You are... We are....") slogan had become an unspoken mantra, guiding our interactions and underscoring our shared purpose.

Day 4: Awakening Before Dawn—Safari in the Maasai Mara

The fourth day began before the first hint of sunlight. A 4:30 AM departure meant bleary eyes and hushed voices as we gathered, fuelled by coffee and anticipation. Today was Safari Day—a chance to witness the natural wonders of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a name synonymous with African wildlife.

As our vehicles rumbled along the dark roads, John, one of our favourite drivers, shared some fascinating facts about the Mara. "Did you know that the Maasai Mara ecosystem supports one of the highest densities of wildlife populations in Africa?" he whispered, his voice filled with awe and familiarity. "It's a critical area for conservation, and understanding its challenges is crucial."

By the time we reached the reserve's gates, the sky was beginning to lighten, painting the horizon with hues of orange and pink. Our guides, seasoned experts in Mara's ways, briefed us on the day's plan: We would explore the Mara River, the?Mara Triangle, and other prime wildlife-viewing areas, hoping to catch a glimpse of the famed?Big Five:?lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.

Encounters in the Wild

The morning game drive was truly enchanting. We spotted herds of zebras grazing peacefully, giraffes gracefully reaching for acacia leaves, and elephants lumbering across the plains with their young. Our guides shared their vast knowledge of animal behaviour and the intricate balance of the ecosystem.

As we approached the Mara River, anticipation grew. This is the site of the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras crossed the river in search of greener pastures. Although we weren't there during the peak migration season, the river teemed with life, including crocodiles basking lazily on the banks and hippos wallowing in the shallows.

Kennedy Okongo Odhiambo , always keen to learn about inclusivity, asked our guide about the challenges faced by disabled individuals who wanted to experience the Mara. The guide acknowledged that accessibility was an ongoing issue but highlighted efforts to make the park more inclusive.

The Thrill of the Big Five

After a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery, we continued our game drive. The afternoon brought even more excitement as we finally encountered the elusive Big Five.

• A lion with a magnificent thick mane lounged under the shade of a tree, seemingly unconcerned by our presence.

• Missed out on the leopard but saw a solitary cheetah, camouflaged against the branches of a tree, and observed us with its piercing gaze.

• A herd of elephants, including several adorable calves, crossed our path, giving us a close-up view of these gentle giants.

• Unfortunately, no pair of rhinos to add to a rare and precious sight grazed in the distance.

• And finally, a herd of buffaloes, their massive bodies casting long shadows in the afternoon sun.

Pablo Murunga , who had been relatively quiet throughout the trip, was visibly moved by the experience. "It's humbling to witness such raw power and beauty," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "It reminds you of the importance of conservation and protecting these incredible creatures."

Returning to Kilgoris: Reflections on the Mara

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to Kilgoris, our minds filled with the images of the day. The vastness of the Mara, the diversity of its wildlife, and the sheer majesty of nature had left an indelible mark on us all.

Back at South West Hotel, the atmosphere was relaxed and convivial. After a quick freshening up, we gathered for dinner under the bonfire, the crackling flames casting gleeful dancing shadows on our faces.

Deborah, ever so deep, recounted her favourite moments from the safari. "I was particularly struck by the resilience of the animals," she said. "They face so many challenges—drought, predators, habitat loss—yet they persevere. It's a lesson for us all."

Day 5: Saying Goodbye—Reflections and Departures

The final day of the Kilgoris Localisation Tour arrived too quickly. After a final breakfast at the hotel, we prepared for our departure back to Nairobi. The mood was bittersweet—we were eager to return home to our families and responsibilities, but we were also reluctant to leave behind the community we had come to know and the bonds we had forged.

Before leaving, we gathered for a final debriefing session. Each participant shared their reflections on the tour, what they had learnt, and how they planned to apply their experiences in their own lives.

Wycliffe Guguni spoke about the importance of listening to local voices and empowering communities from within. Brightstar emphasised the need for inclusivity and creating opportunities for all, regardless of their abilities. Ashley Brigham highlighted the value of cultural exchange and building bridges between different worlds.

A Gift that Kept Giving

As we drove back to Nairobi, I had time to reflect on the entire experience. The Kilgoris Localisation Tour had been more than just a trip; it had been a transformative journey that had challenged my assumptions, broadened my perspectives, and deepened my understanding of community engagement and sustainable development.

I thought about the words of David Lemiso, the Executive Director of The Kilgoris Project, who had said, "Mimi ni... Wewe ni.... Sisi ni...." ("I am... You are... We are..."). These words encapsulated the spirit of the tour—a recognition of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to create a better world.

The Kilgoris Project’s efforts to provide education, empowerment, and opportunities in the region were truly inspiring. Seeing the dedication and passion of the teachers, the resilience and hope of the students, and the commitment of the community members left a lasting impact on me.

Arrival in Nairobi: A Promise to Return

By mid-afternoon, we arrived back in Nairobi, weary but filled with a renewed sense of purpose. As we said our goodbyes and parted ways, there was an unspoken promise to stay connected and to continue supporting the work of The Kilgoris Project.

In conclusion, the Kilgoris Localisation Tour was a remarkable journey that combined adventure, cultural immersion, and community engagement. It was an opportunity to witness firsthand the challenges and triumphs of a community striving for a better future and to connect with individuals who are making a real difference. It reinforced the idea that by building bridges and fostering collaboration, we can indeed create a more just and sustainable world for all.

Call to Action

Inspired by our journey? You can support The Kilgoris Project and help them continue their vital work.

• Donate: Contribute to their programs and initiatives.
• Partner: Collaborate on projects that align with their mission.
• Share this article and raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities in Kilgoris.

Let's work together to empower communities, promote sustainable development, and create a world where "Mimi ni... Wewe ni.... Sisi ni...." becomes a reality for all. Please also consider domestic partnerships and fundraising at a grassroots and community-centric level to benefit all those around you.

Lets Create Africa (LCA) networks support domestic partnerships focused on fundraising to uplift marginalised voices everywhere, starting right here at home in Africa! If this is an impact journey you'd like to participate in, let us know by joining LCAGo's WhatsApp Localisation group for more opportunities, updates, and community.

Let us embrace the spirit of collaboration, leverage our diverse skills and experiences, and work together to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Stay tuned as this journey continues…

Carol Ng'ang'a East Africa Philanthropy Network-EAPN Caren McNelly McCormack, CFRE Lynda Ouma, MPRSK Riziki Source Catherine Irura, MSc, LL.B Deborah Odenyi Dawit Taddele Dessie Emily Kigume Donald Lobo Sally Njogu James Wariero Kevin L. Brown Ngwing Kimani Lilian Kibagendi GlobalGiving Lets Create Africa (LCA) The Kilgoris Project John McNelly

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