A Taste of a Kenya Walking Safari

I ran across this article and thought I'd share it with my readers. It was originally written by Janelle Cook

The Thrill of a Safari by Janelle Cook of Africa Answers.

As we trekked, enjoying our walking safari, we joked about how we had been advised to wear only beige and olive colored clothing so as not to alert the wildlife of our presence, while our Maasai guide wore brilliant crimson and red, and sparkling metallic jewelry. We'd be lucky to see a warthog with this much bling out in front.

The guide abruptly stopped and signaled the rest of us to do likewise. What? A lone buffalo had appeared over a ridge 50 feet away. Oh. No. For days we had heard that the most dangerous animal in Africa is not the lion, nor the crocodile, nor the rhino, but a lone buffalo. Nicknamed ‘Retired Generals' these buffalo have been forced from the herd by younger buffalo. Alone, they become insecure and aggressive, going on the attack without warning. Once in charge mode, there is no diversion, only a bullet can stop them. What to do? No tall trees to climb, no deep ditches to dive in. The guide raised his rifle while motioning us to retreat quietly. Gored by one of the Big Five in Kenya; what an epitaph. 60 feet…65 feet, we inched away, exchanging looks, our tension palpable.

Behind, a flock of birds flew out of a bush, startling us. We clamped hands over our mouths, suppressing shouts and nervous laughter. Busted. The General now knew we were there. He raised his nose and sniffed the wind. He peered toward us myopically. The stand-off seemed interminable. He became bigger, and bigger. Huh? He grew another head, then another, then another. Oh! Yes! He was not alone; his herd had been behind the ridge and now emerged behind him, one by beautiful one.

Were you afraid, we asked our guide, later. Yes, he said, very afraid; but not for you who wear the colors the buffalo cannot see. I was afraid I might not be a good enough shot when the General came for me.

Janelle Cook is a Product Contractor at Africa Answers, a division of Down Under Answers, and recently participated in a familiarization trip to Kenya.