When I Decided to Foster a Baby Elephant in Kenya!

Over the years, I've realised that there are 2 kinds of journeys – one, a holiday where you chill, relax and enjoy soaking in the vibes of the place, and second, a more immersive experience that changes the way you look at life. My trip to Kenya was definitely the second kind and it has etched a mark on my mind, heart and soul.

“If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa.” - John Hemingway.

These words are so true! Whether it's the abundance of nature, embracing you with bliss or the breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with all shades of crimson or the warm people, who wouldn't understand your language but would still make you fall in love with them, Kenya was a much needed balm that soothed my soul. As I sit here writing this article during the #QuarantineDays, my heart still skips a beat thinking of those game drives, the starlit skies, the veil of clouds lifting from Kilimanjaro, all those strangers who became friends over smiles, the kids who'd come to hug me and my baby elephant (yeah, I'm fostering an elephant who lives at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage) touching my hands with her trunk!

I had actually traveled to Kenya for a volunteering programme, where I had to work at a childcare center in the outskirts of Nairobi. My entire trip was planned around that, and I tried to squeeze in all that I had on my bucket list over the weekends, keeping 10 extra days in hand for the game drives across Maasai Mara and Amboseli.

Here’s a sneak peek of how my month in Kenya passed by in the wink of an eye!

Waking up to gaze at the breathtaking views of Mt. Kilimanjaro (the highest free-standing mountain in the world) while staying at Amboseli.

A beautiful Maasai lady, who used to work at Camp Kimana in Amboseli. I was there for 3 days, we used to greet each other every morning and share smiles. One day she said something in Swahili, and I just nodded my head in response. Then, my guide told me that she says she’s happy to meet me! I had tears of joy.

One the best shots I got during the game drive at Amboseli National Park. That’s a lone male tusker with Kilimanjaro as backdrop.

A lioness, looking for her cubs, at Maasai Mara Wildlife Reserve.

The Lion King - soaking in the afternoon sun and enjoying his siesta!

Happy me, with the Maasai tribal folks at their village, closer to the wildlife reserve.

Walking down the Hell’s Gate National Park. It’s the only National Park in Kenya which has no carnivores, and thus, one is allowed to enter on foot. You can see dozens of zebras grazing. Hell’s Gate National Park is also known for the geothermal activities that happen here, and for a naturally formed gorge, which is quite popular amongst hikers.

With my bunch of kids at the volunteering project (thanks to Volunteering Solutions, who gave me this opportunity to be a part of a meaningful endeavor). They made me realise the true meaning of unconditional love.

Feeding Daisy, my tall-necked friend at the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi.

That’s Kiasa, my baby ele! I’m fostering her and she just turned 3, on April 15, 2020. I’ve been lucky to have spend a month in Kenya and if you’re also craving to soak in the wilderness, you should definitely travel to this gorgeous African country at least for one in a lifetime.