Maasai Lodge - where the men are men and I wasn't

Maasai: Brave men and women indeed

Looking across the National Park

This past week I was at Maasai Lodge located about a half hour drive outside Nairobi and smack dab in the middle of the National Park. It's a popular place for conventions and training sessions and in fact the reason for my visit. MSF had brought together a number of members of our Lab team for advanced procedural training. I was there to meet some of the people and learn more about this group and their work with our organization.

I was early. In fact I was about 2 hours early so contented myself for the first half hour with looking around the gated facility. It's the size of a football field with grouping of tucols, restaurants and National Park viewing spots. Above is a spot above the river where Crocs, hippos and other fricken cool animals are hanging out. In the distance you can make out the odd Giraffe and Buffalo....maybe not. You'll have to take my word for it.

Meet the Rats on Steroids....nice rat, nice rat. You can see I pissed him off. What are you looking at he says.

There's these "little" guys all over the place. Some kind of rat on enough growth hormones to impress Lance Armstrong. The size of a large cat, they have absolutely no fear of people and in fact I thought this guy was getting ready to attack when I took his picture.

With some time to spend - I went to the gate of Maasai Lodge where the Maasai guards are diligently ensuring the guest's safety. "Can I go out" I asked. "No" was the reply. "Why" I asked. "Not safe for you....." How about if you come with me I asked expecting another solemn no. "Ok" said the guard to my surprise.

As we walked along I marveled at the sweet smell, the warm sun on my face and the beauty of this wild place. Grass, sand and small bushes interspersed with bright flowers going into the distance seemingly forever.   So why is it dangerous I asked not seeing any immediate threats. Lions he said stoically...Oh the odd one passes through I inquired?  NO! - many many lions here. Hmmmm

"And if we see a lion - what do we do" ?  I asked. You remember that you are part of the land and walk past with confidence.  I felt like peeing myself.

Look at that he says suddenly. A hyena.... Where I asked excitedly looking into the distance. Right there he pointed with annoyance to the hyena 20 ft away. Surprised at the size and the closeness I said the first really smart thing came to my mind. Is it a real one. Forever I will remember him turning and looking at me like I was the biggest idiot in the world. Ahhhhh - I guess it is.....

Me with Maasai to the right and other MSF team members about.

Later I joined the team for dinner chat and performance of Maasi dancing and song. It was very complicated in both the movement and layered a capella sounds. The traditional drink tasted like honey sweetened buttermilk to me. Refreshing and both sour and sweet at the same time. Delicious.

During dinner somehow a buffalo and giraffe wandered into the bar-b-que area located a distance from the main lodge. The Maasai in attendance quickly moved into position to protect us from the Buffalo which I learned is the most dangerous of all the "Big 5". He just continued to eat grass though no more than 20 ft from where we had were sitting and drinking. He continued to eat and so did we. Just proves what we all know. Everyone loves a good Bar-b-que.

Goats stacked 3 or 4 layers deep

It may be a bit hard to see but this lorry has 3 or 4 layers of canvass "shelves"packed with goats. And yes they are probably going to that big grazing area in the sky but why don't they don't jump off I wondered. It appeared to really be enjoying the ride. Several were obviously smiling at one another as if to say. "Great tour - I really must make sure to update trip advisor". Great value.....


Thanks for reading. L