People at Amboseli National Park

We saw not only animals at the park, but also many interesting people. We went on a nature hike while at the lodge. We were led by a naturalist and protected by a Masaai carrying a spear, bejeweled with lots of beadwork and wearing the traditional sandals soled with automobile tires (waste not, want not). We already knew about the Big Five of Africa (lion, leopard, rhino, African buffalo, and elephant). However the naturalist told us how the Big Five were picked (We wondered why the larger giraffe and hippo were not included in lieu of the smaller cats). We were told that game hunters had named the Big Five because of the dangers they posed to the hunters. We also learned that there are a Little Five: Ant lion, Leopard tortoise, rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver bird, ...oops, sorry, I can't remember the last one, but it must be some miniature elephant. Very interesting. Did you know that weaver birds only build their nests on the west side of trees? Or that elephants walk on their toes? Or that hyenas can run for several hours and are dogged about chasing down their dinner? Or that the hyenas eat their prey from the back legs, while they are still alive?

By the way, our guide's name was Elijah. He said to say to our grandson Elijah for him.


In the previous picture, you saw a Maasai man who protected us on our hike. This is a picture of a Masaai woman. Talented is the woman who can balance the groceries on her head, carry a baby in a sling with a toddler in tow!

Amboseli National Park is situated in Maasailand. The park is surrounded by villages of Maasai people who live a very primitive lifestyle. They are nomadic herdsmen who value cattle above all else. They believe that back in time when the earth and sky split, the rain god gave them all the cattle for safekeeping. They have successfully conserved their ethnic identity and continue to wear striking body decorations. These young men are not wearing the characteristic red checked shuka, as was our protector on the hike.