"You want to go to Kenya, Africa on a vacation? WHY???"
Right from start, the six of us had to face a lot of these questions on our choice of travel. To some it just didn't make sense, others were worried while a few applauded our unique choice. Time and again we had to verify, justify & clarify to our families, friends, cousins, colleagues & whomever concerned on why we chose Kenya over all other amazing locations we could have visited.
Today, I'll give you "13 Reasons Why". And maybe a couple more.
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| The spectacular six in one frame |
1. "The story of 'Once upon a time' begins here"
There has never been a doubt that Africa is THE starting point. It is the place that marks the beginning of the most remarkable journey called life. It hides the mysteries of our origin. One way or another, every living thing on this planet has a connection to this place, whether we accept it or not.
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| Breaking Dawn - Amboseli National Park, Kenya |
2. "Reality Check"
Looking for the land of fairy tales, of lovely princesses and dashing knights, of majestic castles & royal palaces? Look elsewhere; 'cause you are looking at the wrong continent. Africa is neither about fantasy nor fancy. It is rustic, unrefined and even cruel at times but every bit as real as the beating heart.
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| The Cradle of Life - Africa Untamed |
3. "Land of Roars & Purrs"
Africa holds the ace title in the Big Cat Bonanza. Kenya and Tanzania together host one of the biggest ecosystems sustaining a jaw dropping variety of flora and fauna. Barring few like the mighty tigers and the elusive jaguars, the cats here come in all shapes and sizes. The 'Nat Geo'-s and 'Discovery'-s of the world owe their bread and butter to this place.
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| His Royal Highness - Masai Mara, Kenya |
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| Chillin' like a Cheetah - Masai Mara, Kenya |
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| Legacy of the lazy leopard - Masai Mara, Kenya |
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| Pocket Rocket -Tsavo cat; smallest of the hunter cats in Masai Mara, Kenya |
4. "The Big Bullies"
Aggression and temper are some characteristics that we normally associate with the carnivora class. The lust for flesh, killer instinct etc etc. Before Kenya, we used to think on the same lines. Today we stand corrected. Being a 'Badass' is in no way related to your diet chart. At the end of the day, it's all about attitude.
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| The Hulk: Cape Buffalo - Masai Mara National Park |
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| Tuskers of Grasslands: African Elephant - Amboseli National Park, Kenya |
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| Highly explosive, handle with care: White Rhino, Amboseli, Kenya |
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| The lady of the Lake, Hippo: Naivasha, Kenya |
5. "Scavenger Hunt"
Once the after-kill party is over, the scavenger army takes charge. They are earth's recycle machines that clean up all the organic garbage. They specialise in stealing limb parts, gouging eyes out & licking bones clean, obliterating all evidence from the crime scene. Leftovers are devoured within minutes with the perfect military discipline based on ranks. They remind us that the jungle rule is above all - even in the concrete jungles.
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| Hyena hangover, Amboseli National Park, Kenya |
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| Family picnic, Jackals at Amboseli National Park, Kenya |
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| Crash landing: Nubian Vulture, Masai Mara, Kenya |
6. "Different Strokes"
Uniqueness is a celebration. There are more than 8.5 million types of species on earth and Africa boasts of a large share in that count. Be it the fastest, biggest or tallest, they all call it their home. Their rareness stands out and is a treat for all animal lovers.
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| Tallest animal on earth, Giraffe - Masai Mara, Kenya |
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| Striped Wonders, Zebra - Nakuru National Park, Kenya |
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| Monkeying around, African baboon - Amboseli National Park, Kenya |
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| Ostrich alert, Amboseli, Kenya |
7. "Marching Millions"
The wildebeest migration is often called the "world cup of wildlife". Over 2 million hoofs march across the Serengeti and Masai Mara every year, following the monsoon and the green lands. It is a mega event beyond description with staggering numbers. They brave the racy rivers and the apex predators and migrate along with their herds in search for food. Nowhere in the world, such mass movement of animals on this epic proportions has ever been witnessed. It needs to be seen to be believed.
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| Wildebeest - Masai Mara, Kenya |
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| Strength in numbers: The Great Migration - Masai Mara, Kenya |
8. "Magnificent Masaai"
They are the natives of this land. Nomads, tribals, animal herders and warriors - all in one, one in all. The jungles are their home, the cattle their livelihood. These spear carrying warriors are as fierce as their goddess Olapa - the moon. They share territory with the big cats and are in no way less powerful than them. But what is most interesting is, that somehow they have mastered the art of peaceful coexistence & mutual respect with the big cats.
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| Standing tall, The Masaai Warrior: Amboseli, Kenya |
9. "Queen of Mountains - Kilimanjaro"
The highest point of Africa is the 3-peaked dormant volcano - Mt. Kilimanjaro. The ice cap on the summit is the crown on the king’s head. Locals call it the Mountain of Light. When the first rays of the sun strike the snow white forehead of this beauty, the white turns to gold and the moment turns ethereal. You are awestruck and daunted at the same time, feeling small, insignificant & humble in front of the majestic “Chander Pahar” (Mountain of the Moon). A marvel to behold in your memories forever.
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| The mountain of light, Mt. Kilimanjaro |
10. "Wandering the woods"
The unadulterated thrill of entering an uncharted territory, where every rustle makes you look back, where the snap of a twig sends shivers down the spine, where you are left with an uneasy feeling of being watched by unseen eyes - that sums up the true safari experience. Behind the thick bushes, beneath the murky waters, across the tall grasslands, atop the towering trees, within the marshy wetlands - the secret world of wildlife is waiting to be unravelled.
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| Lone Survivor, Masai Mara, Kenya |
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| The Great Rift Valley, Kenya |
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| The Ride & the Guide, Mr. Francis: Masai Mara, Kenya |
11. "Lifelines for the living"
The waterways that crisscross the lands are the reasons why life sustains. One of the major attractions are these lifelines that keep Africa wild and untamed. They are the life givers when they run across dry parched lands with its inhabitants and life takers when they flood or harbour deadly predators in their midst. The fierce, the savage , the meek, the aerial, the arboreal, the predator, the prey, the gentle & the giant- all are drawn to its shores alike.
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| The joke was really funny, Hippo: Lake Naivasha, Kenya |
12. "Ambiente Africano"
From 5 star resorts to guest houses, the experience is incomplete without enjoying the flavours of Africa up close and personal. We stayed at resorts, camps and dormitories - all were unique and remarkable in their own way. The warm and friendly people and their smiling “ Jambo” greeting only adds to the charm.
13. "Carnivore Cocktail"
With a platter from chicken, turkey, pork, beef to the exotic ostrich meatballs and crocodile kebabs - this place takes barbecue to a whole new level. A rare experience for the carnivore on top of the food chain - Human.
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| Choose your poison : The Carnivore, Nairobi, Kenya |
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| Traditional welcome drink, the dawa : The Carnivore, Nairobi, Kenya |
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| Grill & Barbeque: The Carnivore, Nairobi, Kenya |
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| What's for Dinner? : The Carnivore, Nairobi, Kenya |
In short, Africa is amazing. And much much more. The photograph sums up exactly how we felt about this out of the world experience.
-- THE END --
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