We awaken before dawn to the morning chorus of birds, and are soon out in the reserve doing just what we came to Africa to do - find, photograph, observe and learn about the plants and wildlife of this dynamic savanna ecosystem. Our objective is to gain an understanding of the conditions and adaptations that permit specific groups of organisms to thrive in this environment. Afternoon discussions focus on the diversity of the plant and animal communities found here, and some very important relationships between the land and the Maasai people. Maasai life revolves around their herds of cattle and other livestock. Their diet consists of milk, meat and blood.
Hides provide clothing, containers, mattresses for their bedding and sandals for their feet.
Cow dung is used to plaster the walls of their loaf shaped homes and cattle are used to pay fines, establish marriage bonds and as sacrifices to their god Enkai. Overnights, Mara River Camp. Our morning game drive gives us a final opportunity to spend time with the wild herds of this special area. Here we board a bus and travel inland to the Taita Discovery Center located on the Taita-Rukinga Conservancy. Be prepared for serious, though not mandatory, games of soccer and volleyball.