This Week At Angama #150

Growing up I was taught that no experience is wasted if one can learn from it. And I have always made it a habit to pause and reflect on my day or week, or in this case, my year. Since the Mara has made up a big part of my year, it only makes sense that I would draw my lessons from this glorious place.

In the wake of Covid and subsequent social distancing, the vastness and vibrancy of the Mara has shown me that I am never as alone as I think I am and that every now again, a little bit of “me time” is okay.

On the flip side, elephants continue to remind me of the importance of family and community. This week, I was mesmerised by a video shot by one of our safari guides, Alice, of an elephant giving birth.

It's incredibly moving to watch the entire herd rally to offer their support for her and her newborn. What a moving experience to witness this immense display of community - even second hand.

The ever-alert topi offers a masterclass in awareness, not just of surroundings, but of self too. Aptly called the “snitch” of the Mara, many a herbivore owes its life to their ever-vigilant comrade, much to the chagrin of every potential predator.

It’s no secret that the Mara sunrises have captured my heart. Daily, they demanded I pause and contemplate their beauty - a brief little moment of zen that colours my day in the best of ways, and a gentle reminder to take a moment – no matter how short – to appreciate what I have around me.

But perhaps one of the biggest lessons this year came from the Mara herself. I have spent much of the year lamenting my lack of satisfactory cheetah and leopard sightings. And even though the odds never seemed in my favour, I stubbornly held on to the hope that something – anything – could and would happen. And as though to remind me that good things come to those who wait…right at the tail-end of the year, I got to spend the better part of one morning in the company of a cheetah.

This time a year ago, a bohor reedbuck showed how it’s done when it comes to avoiding detection as it concealed itself in the bushes.