Hello Mirushaa,
Eco tourism is the only way forward with companies and political powers that are able to implement and control our wildife in order to protect the future of what we still have left. The above questions have been answered well and I agree with what has ben stated.
Some time back - I wrote an article about the changes in the Kimana Amboseli area on how felt when I was sentthere to work on a project... this little story will give you a basic idea.
Kindly note - the article has a copyright; feel free to use however all references must be related to (C) - Bushdrums.com
Amboseli & Kimana
A “moment”, before driving towards an open zoo....
Like curtains slowly drawn, the cool evening winds gradually separated the fluffed cotton clouds, presenting crystal white glaziers and a smooth snow caped mountain joined to a variety of shaded green forests of its piedmonts.
The sun’s rays where reflecting off the cumulus nimbus clouds increasing the angel of brightness which lit the most magnificent backdrop of Africa dominating the vast plains of Amboseli and Serengeti, Kilimanjaro emerged.
I stood, arms crossed, shoulders and head out of the open hatched roof of our 4 x 4 van leaning against the cold metal frame as I had done many times since my youth, however this time it felt different, it was different.
Nicholas cut the diesel engine whilst the crunch of the van’s rubber tyres displacing sharp small fragments of rocks echoed across the plains; we slowly rolled to a halt.
I soaked in the silence that only the African bush can provide and gradually changed the direction of my gaze towards her stare.
Her fine and silken hair, the colour of brown autumn oak leaves was drawn rigorously back exposing a slim white long neck yet to be caressed by the sun.
Her eyes were brown, steady and serious. Near the corner of each eye, her cheeks were shot with freckles of tawny brown and gold, their colour intensified by the extreme rays of the mid afternoon tropical sun which had lashed out on her exposed skin.
She stood there dreamingly and content looking out towards the swamps and clusters of dried long grass that had survived another rainless season. She lifted her right hand and elegantly pointed with her index finger towards the edge of the grass timidly noticing my gaze, understanding that we were sharing the same moment.
Lying on one side with its monstrous yet graceful legs crossed, exposing the wheat yellow and white colour of its bloated belly, this magnificent animal was enjoying the final hour of the day soaking up the warmth from the sun baked sand. His tail oddly twitched in annoyance sensing our presence.
On my left, appearing from the inside of the van, five large extended manicured fingers gripped the metal frame pulling himself up from his seat, his bulky tensed muscular forearm aiding in lifting two defined shoulders and a powerful frame. Erwin, a young bright professor full of energy and ideas instantly understood the moment and quietly leaned back to enjoy and feast on this spectacle created by nature. A poetic dream that attracts all religions and colours from various parts of the globe to catch a glimpse of this lustrous beauty that for now is still possible to experience.
“I wonder if they were brought here?” a voice below with a hint of on a American accent, gently whispered perhaps not to disturb the splendid animal that was resting 15 meters away, however more for containing the silent tranquil atmosphere that had been subconsciously created amongst our selves.
“I heard that there were no more lions in Amboseli a number of years back, maybe they have been re introduced in the park!” Erwin answered without an indication of surprise to the question. He, Isabel and Randy, all three extremely aware of the future had come down this road before and were showing me the drastic consequences that had occurred over the resent years in these local areas.
The lion lifted his head, supported by its muscular broad powerful neck covered by a long coppery brown sun bleached mane, stared passed our position into the vast expanse in the distance.
Following his gaze, I thought I spotted a dust devil, a miniature twister renowned in these areas however to my absolute disappointment I counted seven four wheel drive vehicles hastily making their way towards us lifting the dust as they advanced. The bush drums were sounding and all drivers knew where the main attraction of the park was hiding. An increase in tips and backhanders from his eager passengers, if he can produce the King of the Jungle before sun set.
“Just as well that the manager of the lodge mentioned that this current tourist period is low season! In high season they would have over 120 vehicles roaming around 20 x 20 kilometres of national park; perhaps it will be called Amboseli open zoo in the future!” I sarcastically thought to myself.
“Shall we move on?” commanded Randy from below.
“Nicholas, twende!” I reaped in Swahili. “Let’s move on…..” asking him to proceed with our journey towards Ol Tukai lodge however personally implying that we must progress and attempt to make a difference if we do not desire for such spectacular and memorable “moments” to vanish……