I have just returned from a wonderful holiday in Kenya, where I spent some time in the remote mountains of the Northern Frontier with the Samburu people. Here, my guides Simon and Morris were hereditary herbalists, and we had the most wonderful time in the forests discussing how they use certain herbs. Some of the herbs were of the same genus as ours here, and so we were able to share information. They also took us for a long walk to the river edge, where they told us about their cultural heritage, and invited us to ask any questions we liked. I feel that I left behind some dear friends.
Then, off to the Mara, with the Maasai people who showed us how their herds of cattle keep the grass short and sweet for the antelope, who in turn feed the big cats, hyenas, jackals and vultures. On our last night the whole camp was kept awake with roaring of a large pride fighting off three male usurpers. In the morning, the bush was electric with the excitement.
Of course, I had to visit the orphan elephants in Nairobi*, who are just the most delightful creatures. They are bursting with life, love and mischief, and absolutely delight in playing with each other, swinging their trunks around, and slip-sliding in their mud pool.
*I wrote about the orphan elephants in the August 2020 Newsletter, available here.