Game Reserves in Kenya: Amboseli National Park

The Maasai are a nomadic people whose skill at surviving in the African bush is legendary.

After days of careful planning, the skilled Maasai warrior rises early before dawn. Only the bravest warrior undertakes a solo hunt to demonstrate his skill and courage in front of his peers. He sets off on his journey before the women awake and sneaks out of the village on his lone quest to find a lion's footprints.

Warriors respect the life-bearing females and hunt only the males. Across the dry lakebed of the Amboseli basin the sun's burning rays create a curtain of reflection. The warrior digs the bottom of his spear in the ground to steady himself, and raises one hand to his eyes to shield them from the sun. From his vantage point behind a rock he squints through the haze, unsure if he sees a lion or if it is a mirage.

Eager for the glory that will ensure him respect from the tribe for the rest of his life, the warrior presses on in search of the lion. He crosses the plains (now part of the Game Reserves Kenya), and enters deep into the forest.

Finally behind a termite mound he spies his prey. The Maasai summons his courage. He knows he must instill anger in the lion. He begins the hunt by shaking rattle bells to attract the lion's attention. As he faces the lion his heart is pounding. A thousand thoughts run quickly through his mind until he regains his focus and stands his ground. This lion has a fine mane. He will be proud to hand it to the women of the tribe, along with the tail, so that they can bead it and present it to him to keep as a trophy.

In the background the snowy peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro is aflame with the glow of the setting sun. It has been a long day. Our Maasai warrior does not want to go home empty handed. Summoning his courage and with a mighty roar that could equal that of the lion itself, he releases his spear with perfect control. The Maasai warrior will return to his tribe tonight with his head held high.

In the past, solo lion hunts were demonstrations of great bravery that were necessary to control the number of lions in areas where Maasai lived. These days, lions are mostly hunted by groups of warriors. You can learn more about Amboseli National Park, other Game Reserves Kenya, the rich variety of African mammals and birds, the Maasai traditions and rich warrior heritage at http://www.my-kenya-guide.com/game-reserves-in-kenya.html

Maggie Nguyo is a Kenyan who is well versed with most Kenya travel aspects. She is also the editor of http://www.my-kenya-guide.com, a website that is invaluable to travellers to Kenya. Written in a simple and personal manner, this website gives you insights and tips to help you to plan for your most memorable holiday in Kenya.

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