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| Clamian Kitesho |
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| Discussing the day's plan |
Each day was customized for us. Our main goal was to see animals, but Clamian would organize the day to include other activities about which we had expressed an interest.
We had this comfortable Toyota Land Cruiser for just the 4 of us. Lots of space and the vehicle is customized for optimal viewing for everyone.
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| Our ride |
Clamian attended a school just like the one we visited.
It is often not a high priority for boys to go to school because they are needed to tend the cattle. For the Maasai, cattle are like money, so it is easy to see how families focus on their livelihood rather than the education of their children.
Note the traditional houses in the background.
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| Tending the herd |
It must have been his destiny to get an education because he had to overcome formidable odds to get through school. A 7 km walk, each way! A school with scarce resources! Cultural values that did not support higher education! However, he had inspiration from an Uncle who is well educated and this man encouraged Clamian to persevere and get a degree in Tourism. He obviously had the spark within, because it is clear that he is doing what he loves.
Clamian is an expert in the flora and fauna of his native land. This herb is one the Maasai use to make mattresses. It works as a natural deodorant.
It worked well in the car too, on a hot sweaty day!
He worked for a number of years for one of the larger safari companies in Tanzania and then started his own company, Warrior Trails http://www.warriortrails.com Our safari was such a well-rounded experience because of the cultural aspects that were offered. We had some long drives, but he entertained us with lots of stories and willingly answered our endless questions about the wildlife, Tanzanian politics, the Maasai culture, tradition and his own life.
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| Spotting the leopard |
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| A teachable moment |
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