Meet Fred, the proud leader of a troop of baboons in Amboseli National Park, Kenya. Fred was the aggressor in what could have been a senseless attack over a banana.
Our day trip, Safari began early in the morning and had been fruitful and enjoyable. Mt. Kilimanjaro's peak was visible before the clouds came in and we observed and pictured every lovely animal we could spot and there were many.
The Encounter.
It is our policy to always have snacks and refreshments on our Safari, so out of the comfort of the Land Cruiser, we enjoyed some fresh fruit. We just happened to have stopped right in front of Fred's troop and got to watch the young ones play and a bit of sneaky mating action waay in the back.
We all peeled our bananas and tucked in. That's when I spotted Fred, zoommed in and started snapping. He got closer and as he got closer, I zoomed out, until eventually there was no more room to unzoom. Before I knew it, like a cartoon, I was second guessing the decision to eat bananas in front of a monkey and the panic set in. Fortunately our amazing guide, was quick to pull out the 1 inch metal pipe he apparently keeps in the dashboard, just in case. It must be Maasai wisdom, for which I am grateful.
Fred taunted us with a few more steps, I had my camera down, ready to protect my face, our guide banged the pipe on the car door, waved the pipe at him and made a loud deep noise and thankfully Fred relented, choosing to sit down and watch us watch him.
This was a good reminder that we were in the territory of wildlife. Although we were not careless, things can go wrong, so follow the rules, stay in your tour vehicles, while on Safari (the journey) and respect the knowledge and wisdom of the guides, they are professionals, with a genuine concern for your safety, just as much as your enjoyment of the Safari experience.
How to book your own Safari.
What you want is an organised, thoughtful and smoothly executed experience. Many a company will have you on the road for hours, trying to get you to travel all across our beautiful country.
Enquire about our Rift Valley Circuit, Southern Kenya Circuit, Kenya / Tanzania Safari Experience and our Beach & Safari Offer, perfect for December.
Contact us directly; call, text, WhatsApp +254792656774 Email victoria@visitnamanga.com for a Safari with a personal touch.
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