NIC OL E S CH A CH T ER ' 2 7 remarked,
"Something that really stood out to me
was when we first got to the Maasai
Mara and got in the safari car and
headed to camp. I was in shock at the
variety of animals and the landscape."
As stunning as the landscape was, we
quickly learned that the Maasai community
members are what make it truly special.
The Maasai's nomadic herding lifestyle
preserves the grassland ecosystem that
allowed us to see all of the big five: lion,
leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo.
The constant grazing and moving of their
prized cattle keep the grasslands healthy
and allow for the trophic cascades that feed
everything from the smallest Tompson's
gazelle to the mightiest bull elephant.
Young warriors prove their manhood by
leaving their families at young ages to
graze their cattle in mobile paddocks
called bomas. Sleeping three or four to a
single tiny tent made of scraps of plastic,
these young men spend years on end with
the cattle. They learn how to live with the
land and as a result preserve its beauty.
The knowledge and friendship that our
Maasai guides shared with us during
our travels was the true gift from this
travel experience. John and Gladys were
particular favorites of the students.
When it was time to say goodbye there
were not many dry eyes. We wept out of
sadness for leaving our newfound friends.
We wept out of joy for the experiences
that we will always hold in our hearts.
"The guides who we now call friends,
imparted their wisdom and knowledge
and allowed us to be part of their
world," said MR S . A NDR E A FR E S C O,
who co-lead the travel experience.
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