How to Feed a Safari Dream
Ingredients:
A childhood fascination with African wildlife
Years of African wildlife TV shows, documentaries and tickets to The Lion King x3
1 international plane ticket to Kenya
1 reliable travel company
7 Friends to join you
2 or more open safari vehicles – preferably Toyota Land Cruiser
4 experienced Maasai guides
1 go-away bird
1 fleece lined rain poncho
1 rainstorm
1 Pride of 20 Lions
1 flashlight
A level head
1 tow rope
1 mindfulness breathing practice
2 or more gin and tonics
Method
Feed the dream of Africa with books, TV shows, National Geographic images and at least 3 trips to see The Lion King. It might take 50 years. Don’t give up, you’re never too old for Africa. Use your savings or get a job that pays for a business class air ticket to Nairobi, Kenya. It is a long flight you’ll appreciate the comfort.
Go for as long as you can afford. Book with a reliable company. Check out the vehicles – you want an open truck, preferably the Toyota Land Cruiser.
Do not waste time in Nairobi – go directly to wilderness areas renowned for wildlife. Befriend your Maasai guides. Your dream of being with African wildlife matches theirs.
Listen to the nasal wakeup call of the Go Away Birds g’wa-ay, g’way-ay. It is not hostile; they want you up early for the best game drive opportunities. Go on every game drive. You won’t be sorry. If it rains, don’t fret. Put on the fleece lined rain poncho.
If you find a big pride of lions at the end of the day – stay, watch, wonder. You are living the dream. Lions are so cool.
If your friends get stuck in the mud stay calm. It might take a long time to get out.
The sun might go down. Use your flashlight from time to time to know where the lions are. Don’t shine the light in the lions’ eyes. It is unkind.
Accept help. Other trucks might have to block a view of a driver getting out to fix a tow rope to your Land Cruiser. Practice mindfulness - breathe in breathe out.
If the lions get restless with the noise of spinning wheels in the growing darkness, breathe in breathe out. If the stuck truck gets hauled out of the sinkhole send up a prayer of thanks. If it slides into another hole, check the lions. Remember your level head.
When you get safely back to the lodge breathe in breathe out. Have a gin and tonic or two … Your safari dream is thriving.