REASONS FOR A SAFARI AND WHAT YOU NEED

Safari, in the Swahili language is translated as, 'journey' . 

It's one of those Swahili words that is popular globally, even if one cannot speak the language.

So, you might be reading this and be like, 'Do I really need a safari?'

The answer is yes! yes! and yes!

I personally grew up in the city, my entire life have circled around the city. There are similarities in cities around the world , despite having different cultures. 

You know how this goes-the city is most of the time congested. There is joke among  my friends that we say about Nairobi city. 'Instead of crossing vehicles, you have to watch out for humans'. That is true about Nairobi, especially during rush hour (4 PM-6 PM). 

Anyway, wouldn't be amazing to have an actual adventure in Africa-especially, that which will make your adrenaline rush.  

REASONS FOR SAFARI

                                

•  You deserve a safari. You really deserve to relax outside your busy schedule .

•  Adventure - Let's break the rules a little bit. They say that good things happens to those that wait. But why wait to have adventure?  COVID taught me that  if you have the chance to live in the moment, live in it without an apology.

Our client from Russia on 6 days safari in Kenya, and he got to learn the cultural dance of the Maasai people.

• To bond as a family, friend or make new friends. Moreover, you can use this chance to create new memories.

Our clients from Spain ready to start their 8 days safari in Kenya

•  You know of National Geography ,right?  They have millions if not billions of fans globally. One of the documentaries that they focus on is wild animals and their nature, especially , when they are hunting. So, imagine seeing  a ,'kill' in person instead of on TV!

                                  A roaring lion taken at Maasai Mara National Reserve

•  It's magical. I think even the word, 'magical' is underrated.  Imagine seeing the sunrise , breathing the air from Mama Africa's nostrils, your feet touching Africa's soil while you feel like you are being re-birthed.

Short Safari Story

"Once upon a vacation,they booked a Safari with Bencia Africa Adventure And Safaris'

'Yaaay!, Look at me,I saw Africa's Big 5 in Kenya, courtesy of Bencia.'

'It was supposed to be a private Safari but we had to let the experience be public'

'Here , away in the city, is what I needed!'

'So, this is what's like to experience Adventure in the wilderness with Bencia!'

(A summary of how it went down)

     WHAT TO CARRY DURING A SAFARI

Finally, you've booked your a safari and you can't wait to have your soul snatched by nature.

There are things that tour operators recommend :

• Binoculars-On safaris,  it's possible to see a lion walk right beside the safari vehicles, that include other animals as well. However, you might need binoculars to see other animals that might be afar.

• Insect repellent-- An insect repellent with ,'Deet' is the most effective. 

• Camera- You want to make memories, either with a phone for pictures and videos or an actual camera.

• Both warm and hot clothing- Sure, you're into the wild and its typically expected to be hot. Sometimes, it can be hot during the day and cold at night,,or vice versa.

• Toiletries- Do not forget your toothbrush, hairbrush and a toothpaste. Some hotels provide toothpaste, but it is recommended to carry yours, us in case.

• Sunscreen, sunglasses and sunblock hat-This  will be effective for your skin protection against the sun or UV rays.

• Your smile-Just because you're set to start a safari into the wild, it does not mean that you have to enter the wild without it.  It's a trip and not a frown competition.

Book with us to experience adventure in the wilderness:

Call/Whatsapp :+254 722 917 288

Email :info@benciaafricaadventure.com

booking@benciaafricaadventure.com

Website: www.benciaafricaadventure.com

 

KING OF THE JUNGLE

 

Starting this blog post with the roar of a lion would set the mood soaring.

Lions are part of the Big 5 in Africa. 

Back to the King of the jungle.
When I was growing up, we used to use lions as a symbolism for bravery. In school, we would write,'As brave as a lion'.
In fact, in Africa, that's what they symbolize. Bravery!

Ever wondered why lions are called king of the jungle but they are not the biggest?

As a matter of fact, why aren't elephants not called King of the jungle or better yet, giraffe or Rhino ?
From lions, one can tell that  might does not lie in the size or physical strength but the guts to go for something. That's bravery.

Bravery does not mean that you do not have any fear, it simply mean that, you don't have to bow down to fear.

Lions are motivational beings to humans. Who needs motivational books when you have lions? That's a bad joke. Ha!ha!

 

Male Lion and a Lioness

FUN FACTS ABOUT LIONS

*Their roar can be heard  up-to 8 kilometers or 5 miles away.

* Lions can live between 14-20 years.

* They can eat up-to 6 kilos a day.

* Male lions can grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh up to 330-550 pounds (150-250 kilos), while female lions can grow to a length of 9 feet and weigh up to 390 pounds (120-180 kilos).

  Talk about having a definition of, 'A Big Cat'!

* Female lions/lioness choose a mate based on how long dark the mane of a male lions is. 

* Lioness raise cubs together.

*Lion cubs are vocal at birth,but will not begin to roar until about one year old.

* Lions do not live in the jungle buy in the Savannah. I know it contradicts the title,'King of the Jungle',,but the reality is that they really don't love in the jungle.

* They are nocturnal. They have a clear vision at night.

* They rub heads with each other as a sign of leaving, 'family scent'. or to say greet each other.

* In the Swahili language, Lion is translated as, 'Simba'.- You have probably watched Disney's animation called, 'The Lion King'. One of the man characters is,'Simba', who is a lion. I know, what are the odds!

* Lions live in groups called, 'Pride'. The pride can be up-to 30 members.

*Gestation period is 110 days and give birth to either one to six cubs at once.

 

MY CONFESSION

Last week, I told my colleagues that one of my dreams is to pet a cheetah, dolphin and an elephant.

They looked at me like I was from Wakanda.

In another world, I would definitely pet them.

Of course, they laughed and one of them asked, 'why?'

I figured that I should dedicate a blog on why I thought like that. To be honest, my love for animals compelled me to have such thoughts.

1. Cheetah

Cheetah

When it comes to animals, cats are my first love. I've had 8 cats in my life so far. The last 4 were a family. 

The first 4 died and I gave the last 4 cats out for adoption during COVID. 

Growing up, my dad was and still an avid fan of Nat Geo (National Geographic) and Londolozi documentaries. Anything wild animals being in the wild, fascinated him. Perhaps that's where the thoughts of being with cheetahs fascinates me.

Compared to the rest of big cats, cheetahs are the only wild cats that doesn't roar. They meow and purr like house cats.

You know what fascinates me the most? Their eyes. 

They have beautiful eyes. Those tear-marks always makes me want to snuggle with them. 

Their eyes are inbuilt sunglasses, meaning their eyes helps them against the sun. Unlike their cousins-Lions, they are not nocturnal- they hunt during the day.

2. Dolphins

When I learned that dolphins can notice when a human is drowning and will not hesitate to save them, it melted my cold soul. Get it! Melt and cold soul. Anyway , that's a lame joke.

In another world, I'd have a dolphin in my swimming pool, inside my future home.

Yes, in Kenya, we have dolphins. 

Apart from Maasai Mara, my favorite place is Kisite Marine National park.

Kisite Marine National park, is the second most famous marine park in the world, after the Australian Marine Park. Explore 30 kilometers, bearreeffs, coral reefs and different types of marine fishes. 

3. An Elephant

I confess that I started to have a fantasy on elephants last month.

Growing up, I never thought of elephants as cute or warm. I always had a negative image of them.

It is when I started to educate myself on elephants ,that I realized that they are very much misunderstood.

There's an old saying that says,' Elephants never forgets'.

Turns out, there's truth in that adage.

                    Elephants having a walk in Amboseli National Park

Elephants never forgets and their ability works both as an advantage and a disadvantage.  

One of the disadvantage is that they can get PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) . That crushed me. 

Humans aren't the only ones that can be traumatized. Their emotional intelligence is enough to make them traumatized. I know!---that's sad. 

Apart from humans, elephants are the only animals that understands death, in the sense that they'd hold a burial 'service'. In some instances, they even drag an elephant's bones along with them.

Believe it  or not, elephants sees humans the same way we see puppies. Cute and adorable! 

So, why do they attack humans?-You might ask yourself.

Remember how we've talked about elephants never forgetting? Elephants gets killed by poachers for their tusks. Elephants that are in the wild are aware of this and if  an elephants have been shot by a human once, they'll be aggressive when they see humans around them.

So, my conclusion?

Animals being animals and not humans, doesn't really mean that they are less deserving of love, affection and respect.

In another world, in my imagination, I have time traveled into the future and I live with a cheetah, dolphin and an elephant. 

That doesn't mean that you should jump out of your vehicle and want to snuggle a leopard or buffalo. Please don't do that. I repeat, do not get out of your vehicle in the middle of a forest. 

Have you ever been to any game reserve? I'd recommend Maasai Mara National Reserve, for the first-time safari. There's a reason why wild animals gets documented in Maasai Mara. more than any other park or reserve globally.

Yeah-sure, there are other reserves and parks as well, but Mara!  Whew!-That place is the definition of  ,'Animal Kingdom'. 

You know what! I can write a novel and have written about my visit to Mara in one of my blog posts:

 https://adventurewithbenciaafrica.blogspot.com/2022/07/my-travel-diary-to-maasai-mara-part1.html

I've been to Maasai Mara countless times and it always leaves me breathless on every single visit. 

Words won't do any justice,you have to experience it.  

At Bencia Africa Adventure And Safaris, we  can make it happen,,both safaris in the wild and Mombasa (Marine).