Past smiling faces, some walked some ran, happy Kenyans, some with heavy load,
We passed them as we drove the Alpha Sud along the black smooth tarmac road.
We turned West pass shanty town Narok, felt the bumps now of the hardened track.
At last, a wilderness stretched before my eye, adventure ahead, now no turning back.
At Sekenani Gate to the Mara, welcomed by a traditional Masai tribesman greeting.
On to Keekorak Lodge to be our base for provisions, our first stop here, just fleeting.
A few yards from the track, first a movement then emerging from the long yellow grass.
It really was, a pride of lions, they crossed our track to take a drink. We watched them pass.
Ten miles on, we crossed the Talek River to leave the park at the gate with the same name.
Found booked campsite Talek 5, just a glade, nothing there, no one now to blame.
A young Masai boy appeared, his language and demands we failed to understand.
He refused our friendship, our food and before he left, he waved that spear, held so tightly in his hand.
Before the sun’s rapid retreat, all dark by seven, we ate our humble dinner.
Just moonlight now, uninterrupted darkness, no house or street lights, not even a glimmer.
Distant symphonic sounds of wildlife, it was difficult to tell how near.
I must admit a feeling of vulnerability, but more excitement than fear.
Woken that first night, my companion pointed to a large shape silhouetted against the sky.
You could keep the alcohol, the cannabis, the purple heart as your thrill. This first wild elephant was my high.
Woke next morning to spend a few adventurous days camped here to explore the Mara.
I’d fallen in love with Africa, since first glance from the plane over the Sahara.