Climbing Mount

The Masai community has been one of the symbols of Kenya. They are the famous colorful people who have managed to hold on to their traditional way of life till present time.

Together with Samburu, the Masai are members of the Nilotic tribal group, both of them cattle herders.

They came from Sudan and occupied the central Kenya, best parts for their huge cattle herds. These herds have been their measure of wealth which usually accumulates to adverse economic consequences. The bigger the herd size, the richer the owner.

Known for their red color clothing, the Masai have a reputation of being fierce warriors, though this has been often exaggerated.

Warrior hood system still continues today accompanied by traditional regalia, unchanged by time. This system is for the young males before they marry. The importance of this is to prepare the young males to be responsible people both for themselves and for their community.

The big responsibility of building the homestead (Manyatta) falls in the hands of the women. They are in charge of taking care of the entire home which includes milking cows, searching for firewood and preparing food for the entire family. Men generally make the tribal decisions and care for the cattle.

The homestead of the Masai consists of several thatched houses and smeared with cow dung on the walls. These houses are built in a circular design one next to the other. The central part is left open for the cattle and goats belonging to that particular village.

Most of the rest of Kenyan people have long forgotten their traditional ways of life. The western way of life slowly deleted the traditions of some of them. The white man brought formal education including modern medicine and this was the exchange price for the age-old customs. While most communities accepted these with open hands, the Masai are yet to open their hands. Despite more than 33 years of self rule, red dress together with traditional rituals are still performed.

For centuries they have continued to believe that all the cattle in the world belong to them and were given to them by Enkai, the God. A fact that has been a source of trouble with other neighboring communities by generating inter-tribal conflicts. The young Masai morans (warrior) job is to protect the cattle of their fathers and to capture those of other communities, because in their folklore God gave them all the cattle.

What has won them the great fame over the decades is their courage. It is true that when they surrounded a marauding lion, they crossed on it and speared it to death. This fearlessness has not been seen in any other community in Kenya. In addition to this braveness, the Masai have won time and again admiration from foreigners visiting the country due to their nomadic way of life, not attachments to possessions, and togetherness banded by the age sets of those who underwent circumcision ritual together. When a young man reached junior elder hood he had the freedom to have sex with the wives of other elders, his comrades, if he so wished.

Likewise, a Masai woman belonged to the entire age-set and sexual jealousy did not exist.

Ornamentation is very important and takes a big part of the Masai tribe. They have very beautiful bead-work that they make for themselves and also sell to tourists. Each age set makes its own pattern.

They have been living side by side with wildlife and sharing pastures. This is changing and at a quick pace as most of the fertile lands has been taken for plantation agriculture.

In the process, the traditional routes for the wildlife have been disrupted, forcing them to be concentrated in particular areas. Due to these plantations, the pasture grounds for the Masai ’s cattle has further discouraged the nomadic way of life. Add on it the introduction of legal rule and government orders to keep distance from the areas gazetted as wildlife sanctuaries. There is little doubt as till when the Masai will remain the ‘famous Masai ‘. They continue to demand grazing rights in the National parks.

The community has its own way of organization whereby the elder men are at the top of the hierarchy, then elder women, morans and finally the girls. Passage from one age set from the moran to young adult is marked by slaughtering of a cow as an offering to the gods.

Tourism has taken its toll too on the way of life of the Masai and Samburu people. The construction of tourist hotels in the Masai land imposed further restrictions to their movement and introduced a different way of life for those working in these resorts. The villages near the lodges do make some income from selling their hand –made crafts that include spears, beadwork and customary dances.

1. MOUNT KILIMINJARO – TANZANIA
The highest mountain on the African continent, ‘Kili’ measures an astounding 19,340 feet at her highest point. The challenge to climb this majestic mountain has lured many to scale her heights, a demanding but worthwhile ascent by most accounts. Kili, which has five distinct ecological zones, is an extinct volcano.
2. OKAVANGO DELTA – BOTSWANA
The champagne-coloured waterways of this famous floodplain form the basis of a pristine Wetland of International Importance (RAMSAR). With some of the most fantastic birding globally and a wild dog population, the largest inland delta in the world is often called Africa’s most beautiful destination. The region can be explored by land, boat and air. Enjoy the spectacular diversity of flora and fauna species.
3. THE EGYPTIAN PYRAMIDS
Easily the most recognizable of the 7 Wonders of the World, the Egyptian Pyramids have long held fascination for thousands of people. Recent resurgence of interest Egyptology has made trips to this alluring destination more popular than ever. The majority of visitors view the pyramids at Giza. The origins of these majestic structures continue to be a source of lively debate, while the stories of ancient curses and grave robbers delight us all.
4. PONTA DO OURO – MOZAMBIQUE
With around 100 Bottlenose and Spinner dolphins making the sheltered waters of Ponta du Ouro their home, this region is definitely worth visiting. Dive the reefs to 40 metres in depth; they are teeming with a rainbow of marine life. Dolphin dives are a popular while in winter the haunting call of the humpback whale can be heard.
5. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – SOUTH AFRICA
The oldest, most established reserve in Africa, the Kruger boasts an amazing variety of game and bird life throughout its numerous habitats. The fantastic opportunities to view the Big Five draw many visitors to the park, hoping to spot lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and black rhinoceros. Game drives and guided walking trails offer great animal watching opportunities in the African bush.
6. DJEMAA el FNAA SQUARE – MARRAKESH – MOROCCO
A tapestry of colours, smells, sites and wonderful local characters make a visit to this bustling marketplace an unforgettable experience. Be entertained by fortune tellers, street performers and henna women. The Municipal Market sells local fresh produce. Take a ride in a Horse-drawn carriage and enjoy the spectacular sunset. More performers come out in the evening and entertain till midnight. Enjoy the famous local orange juice or mint tea!
7. THE SERENGETI – TANZANIA
The Serengeti National Park, covering 14,763 sq. km, is named ‘endless plains’ in Masai. Here are 35 species of mammals, including wildebeest, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant and giraffe, and over 200 species of birds.
The annual wildebeest migration is possibly the most spectacular natural event in Africa.
8. THE VICTORIA FALLS – ZIMBABWE
From either Zimbabwe or Zambia you can experience the world’s largest sheet of falling water. The spray can be seen up to 30 kilometres away – hence the local name ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – “The smoke that thunders”.
Apart from the spectacular views including permanent rainbows arcing across the face of the falls, one can experience the waters along the river at closer quarters with white water rafting.
9. LAKE MALAWI
The 3rd largest lake in Africa is a tropical paradise. The tranquil waters lap against shores lined with palm, mango, banana and avocado trees. Here you can kayak, while snorkeling offers access to the colourful kaleidoscope of endemic cichlids found at this UNESCO world heritage site.
10. TABLE MOUNTAIN – SOUTH AFRICA
This iconic landmark stands in the centre of the beautiful city of Cape Town.
Climb, or experience the wonders of the revolving cable car. Either way a visit to one of the most recognizable mountains in the world is a must for your trip around the great African continent. And while you’re there, enjoy the wonders of Cape Town -beaches, winelands, Robben Island – each one a ‘Top 10′ in its own right!

Today, the dark rainy clouds continue to hang around Nanyuki town making me wonder why I promised Evans our lead guide on Mt Kenya to include me on his Porters team that will accompany him and a group of Five Trekkers for a 5 day Mt Kenya trek via the Sirimon – Chogoria route.

It’s apparent to me now that the mountain isn’t going to be short of rain any time soon.

But before I ponder this thought further, Evans calls me to inform me that they’re now crossing the Equator which is just a few minutes drive to where we are waiting for them.

On their arrival, I am already in the company of the team’s cook and the other porters all of who reside in this base climbing town of Nanyuki.

As we gather outside the parking lot of the Marina Restaurant, where they normally have their lunch, a safari van honks behind us and on turning, it’s Evans and the climbers.

They disembark from the vehicle and introductions are quickly made. For now all I can hear around the parking lot are the words “Pleased to meet you, pleased to meet you”.

I can clearly see excitement written all over their faces.

Evans leads them to the restaurant to brief them and organize for their lunch. He soon emerges and we all share our duties as who is to get what. Shortly, we all scatter in different directions and to regroup at this very point after an hour.

I head out to the market to get all the fresh farm produce. I have the list at heart and I sing it out as I do my rounds in the market. Eventually my basket is packed to the brim with our requirements for the 5 days.

Time is now slipping away fast and my hunger pains are at it again. I know it’s going to be a tough afternoon so I have to eat all I can lay my mouth on. On my feet, and with all my shopping strapped to my back, my quick tough jaw does it again for me! Luckily I make it back to the parking lot on time.

The parking lot is in a bit of a pandemonium now as everyone is busy consolidating their stuff and check listing everything. Eventually everything is packed into the vehicle for the last drive to the sirimon park gate.

It’s already heading past One thirty and Evans dashes to check whether they are done with lunch. He emerges shortly with them and shows them to the vehicle. They climb enthusiastically knowing that very soon they will begin their dream trek on Mount Kenya.

As we speed towards the mountain, their anticipation is unmistakable! And within 45 minutes we are right in front of the Sirimon park gate.

We all climb down the vehicle and unload everything with speed.

As Evans clears with the park gate, we are busy sharing out the luggage, an exercise that I must admit is done with its share of complaints.

Eventually, I end up with a 35 Lbs luggage even after having played all my tricks! …..this job is not for the faint hearted!

Before long Evans and the climbers disappear into the forest with their day packs strapped to their backs. No worries as we will definitely catch up and overtake them soon.

I mount up my back pack and blast off the gate with the other porters hot on heels towards the forest. As a matter of fact, there is little comfort in knowing that we won’t be anywhere near home until after 3 grueling hours.

For us the catch is to hit camp long enough before the climbers, a task we’ve religiously accomplished over the years.

We push our way up the forest blasting past the bamboo and passing our guide and the trekkers on the way.

As we hit the higher elevations, conversation amongst us dies out as tackling the steep gradients is energy sapping. Every iota of energy here counts.

Unrelenting in our push, we tackle every successive hill sweating like pigs till we approach the home stretch. As we emerge from the sharp climb and negotiate a corner, it’s a big sigh of relief as we sight the roof of the Old Moses Camp. This rekindles conversation between us as our new found energy pushes us up the last hill to the camp getting there on time.

We quickly change our sweat drenched garments and gather in the kitchen to prepare hot water for the climbers to make drinks once they arrive. We then settle for a cup of black tea before plans for dinner gets underway.

We are really grateful to the mountain Gods as we didn’t taste the rains today……the mountain can be very unforgiving sometimes.

From the camp, we check out the trail below from time to time to see whether Evans and the climbers are approaching. As they eventually approach, we set the drinks on the dinning table awaiting them.

We immediately start preparing dinner as it’s our practice to serve it at 6.30 P.M. After serving dinner we prepare our own food and go to bed early knowing that today was just but a child’s play compared to what we face tomorrow.

See you tomorrow when we embark on our 2nd day

Thousands of viewers were glued to their TV screens to watch the celebrities take up the challenge of Mount Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief 2009. Famous names such as Gary Barlow, Fearne Cotton, Chris Moyles and Cheryl Cole battled against the elements and altitude sickness to raise money for children in Africa and the UK. As they climbed, viewers saw the rugged beauty and stunning views of Tanzania that took the breath away, combined with friendly banter and aching limbs of the celebrities. In addition, viewers also saw their struggle and strife but also the elation and pride that reaching the top brought for them. If you are considering the challenge yourself, then it is important to remember that there are multiple ways up Mount Kilimanjaro, with differing levels of difficulty and time spans. Of course, the climb is a tough one but reaching the top will ultimately prove the highlight of your visit here. If, however, Kilimanjaro seems a little high for your liking, hop across to Kenya and try your hand with the smaller Mount Kenya instead. With magnificent views and even a glacier or two, Mount Kenya should not be overlooked. Another somewhat undulating landscape is Kenya’s Rift Valley, also known as Hell’s Kitchen, where cliffs and gorges have been formed by the winds whipping across the pink sandstone. After years of gentle erosion, a magnificent landscape of peaks and troughs now stands proud and features in its very own folk legend. If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on flat ground then try a visit to Kenya’s Amboseli game reserve, where the imposing figure of Mount Kilimanjaro overlooks the park with its snow-topped summit. The reserve is famed for its contrasting terrain, dry and dusty interspersed with wet swamplands, which make it a haven for many animal species. It is also hailed as being the best place in Africa to get up close to elephants. Haller Park in Mombasa is great for seeing two of Africa’s animal celebrities; Owen the hippo and Mzee the giant tortoise have a very special relationship. Even though Mzee is over a century old, the male tortoise adopted the young orphaned hippo who was found stranded out at sea. After a year together, the young hippo is now the largest of the pair, but still dotes on the old tortoise who seems quite content to play the parent. Haller Park is built within the remains of an old quarry and is home to a vast array of animals, reptiles, insects and botanical gardens. Comic Relief has once again opened our eyes to this magical part of the world, and will prove an inspiration for many to further explore Kenya holidays and everything it has to offer.