Today we had a late start. We will do an all-day game drive, have a bush lunch, and stop at the Kenyan-Tanzanian border post for group pictures.
The T/K post is the border between the two countries. Here is our group with our driver/guides.
River walk with rangers to see hippos and crocks.
Bush lunch.
Arrived at the beautiful Mara Serena.
View from our rooms.
“What is the best way to help people in need” was the topic of discussion today.
Evening camp fire with local African musician.
Blog from Celina and Ali:
How would you feel if you were married at 13 years old and had children shortly after? In the Maasai culture this is the reality for many young women. Yesterday we visited two schools, a medical clinic and a Maasai village where we had the chance to interact with some of these girls and other members of the Maasai tribe. The two schools had constructed dormitories for girls in order to help keep them in school. Some of them come from very far away, up to 30km so living at school is very beneficial for them. The dormitories also allow them to focus on their studies because at home they would have many chores to do that would take up much of their time. However they are still responsible for some tasks such as laundry and cleaning of the dormitory. Keeping these young girls in school allows them to pursue a future goal beyond marriage and motherhood. At the first school some of the students were involved in an epic volleyball match along with some Kenyan students. We quickly decided to make mixed team after tying to play Canadians against Kenyans because the Kenyan’s skills greatly surpassed ours. Later that day we visited the Sopa Clinic. It was very small and the wooden parts of the structure were being eaten by termites. The clinic receives many patients each day, Tuesday is the busiest day because it is market day. On market day they will see around 100 patients with only one doctor. The most common illness that they treat is malaria, which is found in more than half the patients. While we were there they were treating a 6 year old and a new born, both with malaria. After a short visit we left the clinic and moved onto a Maasai village. We were able to observe traditional dances and a jumping contest. We were able to walk through the village and even enter some homes. At the end of our tour we were given the opportunity to support their village by buying some of their traditional crafts. The next couple of days will be a chance to relax a bit and go on some safaris.
