Grosse Elefanten mit grossem.... Herz.

Our first game drive day in Amboseli started with an hour delay. We were also picked up last, which could only mean one thing: we're sitting in the back of the safari car again with the worst view. But that didn't happen - thanks to collectivism! The Chinese ladies gave us the best seats because we had to sit in the back during the long drive the day before.

The game drives in Amboseli Park were much calmer than in Masai Mara. There are fewer different animals to see, but you have much more time to observe them closely - sometimes from very close. For example, there were many baboons sitting by the roadside. Some tourists even have them jump on top of their car. That's when the guides come out with heavy weapons: they chase the 'wild beasts' away with slingshots.

We also saw hundreds of zebras, antelopes, wildebeests, some hyenas and hippos, many different birds, and above all hundreds of elephants in large herds. They even walked right in front of our car once - it's incredible to see these huge animals up close. Just like the animals, their extremities are also very large, or in other words: the masculinity of the elephants impressed us (see photo).
On the last day, we even got to observe a cheetah and a lion family with two playful cubs. A fantastic end to the safari!

The camp was also magical. The food was great, the owner incredibly nice, and the atmosphere wonderful. The view of Mount Kilimanjaro and the camp visitors (three giraffes and an antelope) passing by curiously is unbeatable. We spent the evenings by the campfire with Chinese soup (brought by the Chinese ladies in our group) and a Maasai who works in the camp. Not everyone has the chance to discuss climate change or Kenyan politics with a Maasai. The rising heat and inflation affect everyone. The Maasai also worry about their culture. For example, all children now have to go to school, which means they are increasingly exposed to other influences. And anyway, school is expensive and leads to having fewer children, and therefore not as many different women. It is annoying to have to settle for just one. ;) And nowadays it is also not allowed to kill lions anymore. The Maasai was also interested in Switzerland - especially our climate fascinated him. He wanted to know which month would be the best to visit. He would like to make the trip when it's warmest. We told him that July or August would be ideal. He also wondered if he could build a Maasai hut here. We told him that he would definitely become famous with it, but that it would be difficult because our earth is less suitable for it.
When we talk about his imaginary visit, it somehow breaks our hearts. Because actually, all three of us know that it will never be possible. Working from morning till evening, sleeping in a small mud hut, and barely being able to support your own family. That will forever be his reality. Even though a trip to Africa is very exciting and educational, it is not possible (at least for us) to enjoy the holidays 'blindly'. The injustice of this world weighs heavily on our hearts. The differences between us and the people we meet are too great. Excuses from certain other travelers like 'I also work hard' or 'I deserve this trip once in a while' don't hold up. Ultimately, we know for sure that we simply got lucky - undeservedly and unfairly.