WILD WILD WILD MAGADI, BUSHCRAFT SINE QUA NON .

 Wilderness survival  and abseiling euphoria.

Spanish bowline, blood knot, sheepshank , muntaz hitch, clove hitch , just but a few to mention were the order of the day at my fingertips and subconscious  for two months prior to my life defining experience.I will quote my all time favourite thespian  Denzel Washington , " if you hang around all time at the barbershop sooner you are gonna get a haircut."

After weeks of preparation ,gathering backpacking essentials,assembling gear entailing carmel bags,cooking nestings ,hiking boots, rain gear, camping tents ,firestarters, headlamps,first aid kits, ropes am amped for the next quest. well the inevitable has to happen so lingering in metropolis solace was not an option . My trainer has given me an overview , a reconnaissance survey type of mental preparedness but this does not mean my experience will be void of adversities.

Wednesday II.X.MMXXI 0800HRS like minded conservation enthusiasts, wildlife and tourism manager and i thronged the parking lot loading and cross checking our bush essentials awaiting departure to the wilderness. By 1100hrs the crew is solid and we are hitting the road . canopies fade away from the rear view mirror oblivious the more we are getting entangled in this bunduz affair. The atmosphere feels rather humid as am always at purr with the weather conditions to expect. Honestly the weather predictions promise us a whooping  three days of precipitation but it better than a rude awakening.

Sooner it`s a hustle and bustle as we grab our lunch and last minute shopping before picking our steak perharps the fireplace motivation before enroute to destination.We surpass champagne ridge , abandoned plane wreck lost in the serene views of olepolos sunset view of the ridge.In about half an hour we have done a 26km to tinga town the overhead sun scorching like a cast spell but the team is energetic . Mahamir is still awed,lost in the landscape or could it be a culture shock- my good buddy from the coast , bamburi probably not the norm of his day to day ecosystems but that`s the beauty of travelling. like my mantra 'we travel some of us to seek forever, to seek other places,other lives, other souls.'.

Tinga town sits in the vast dust plain embraced by hills at the horizon local maasai in regalia and residents going by their activities.i noticed an alarming concern on litter all over especially plastics as a sigh board reads ' no dumping' and a pledge to keep Oltepesi litter free but i will tackle this later.as of now we are trying to get to our basecamp to be before sunset.

Amidst the whistling thorn acacia and shrub dominated land we transverse the maasai land luckily vaal and i are sporting ostriches, kori bustards and before  we know it we are in a bird watching session sharing guru wisdom about geo location analysis of terrain, flora and fauna. i must say am impressed to be with like minded individuals.

In the bunduz always expect the unexpected , am interupted by a call to step out of the vehicle to look for our way out as we are stuck in the running water channels. The effort bore fruits and after a bit of toiling we are out. Proceeding am now crossing my fingers the terrain will be favourable to our destination only for moments later we are caught in the worst. our vehicle can hardly manouvoure and it`s emminent lest we toil , campsite by daylight is a pipe dream . one by one we are out in the thickets picking a stone hoping to lay them for the wheels to grip them but fate has it different despite all the efforts.

well someone has to do something, i consult our driver and am offered a jack guess i threw myself under the bus literally. In pursuit of a solution am crawling under targeting the u bolts placing my jack and toiling as  a thin sweat run down my visage as the old rustic like beneath of the automobile elevates from the ground . We set boulders as kickers under the wheel and in a few attempt we are out joy and hullabaloo filling up the place.

by the time we are at designated campsite am lost digesting what to expect now when the engine comes to a stop and it`s time to offload. 

It`s o6ooHrs and am aware soon we will be tucked in pitch black enigma .we hustle sorting out the luggage, analysing good camping location and in a few everyone is busy clearing the vicinity, pitching tents and mounting pegs . moments later it`s like a concentration camp as we grab flash lights trying to locate waterpoints and firewood for our meals before it`s too late.

Firestarters , tinders, embers and voila! smoke is emmiting from different trajectories thanks to the team effort. if one watched from an aerial view , a termite nest isn`t even such in a hustle and bustle. caught up in disoriented situations, trying to acclamatise and locate what is where our captains are running this nocturnal affair hoping maximum success despite name it. 

Word from our camp instructors is that a briefing is mandatory every 2100hrs henceforth and a morning workout at 0555hrs daily to 0700hrs daily for the next fort nights . For those lingering in eutopia reality has clearly settled in .After our first briefing it`s bush tactics time ! set on the slopes of an adjacent hill we try to make solace out of everything in our reach.

First night we are in our tents catching up and chit chatting some encouraging each other but sooner the majority drift off. I have a tendancy of getting familiar with the vicinity so am am cracking jokes with my crony Nito and Mansa when Nguruman warrior intervenes just to nug due to his lack of sleep. we share jokes and after bidding goodnight a loud chatter disturbs the peace as we try tuck in our sleeping bags, The chatter continues in rage a clearly indication someone noted invaders into their boulder filled and shrub setting. 

Not all battles are worth fighting so we swallow hard and embrace and soon everyone has drifted to slumber. 0550 hrs and the rolling stone has no time to gather moss, everyone is stealthily trying to grab jogging boots , sweat pants and leave tents to catch up with the entourage of our trainer like there is no felt weariness, What a great way to start but a wet blanket for the unfit and unwilling .After an our we are in our units trying gather firewood , water, first timers fumbling with tinders and embers getting choked trying to light a fire . well experience teaches best.

Breakfast hour and all are in an exchange of their  nocturnal enigma, some confessing krokuta krokuta outside their tents . As we are just attending briefing the heavens burst into torrents forcing us to clasp our tents as the wind blows in mockery. That said we are officially reminded where we are.

For the next couple of days , well everyone is acclamatising in a way or another embracing our source of drinking water for the next two weeks as we are trained extensively on bush life by our gurus             mr. kioko and Mr, Geoff alongside our patron Mr. Duncan. 

Everday before the sun touches the horizons in the west  a hike is the order of the day.The setting of the ridges is a bewilder to me everyday and i cannot get enough of it . we started by lighter hikes to build on confidence until the D- day came . what started as a normal afternoon hike turned out to the most defining day . 

i vividly remember our instructors gave an order we navigate 230 degrees from camp and out we were in our boots ,armed with litres of water in carmel bags, sugar, energy boosters , name it...little did we know what the elements conspired to offer this adventure hungry young souls. what started as drizzles turned into  a storm as we struggled getting rain gear and in a few we were tucked in the wilderness experiencing a fair share of the downpour still on the move.

Forward ever , backwards never was the mantra and in the heavy downpour to a point everything was soaked even waterproof boots likes of merel, salomon . Nevertheless the team fought the challenge wait a bit acacia playing evil in holding us back with a fair punishment from it`s hook thorns delaying you in the rain. 

Where there is a will comes a way and together the team made it to the first summit despite the adversities. little did we know this was the beginning of the test of time. Having gotten a sight bearing home we  pursued the thorny shrubs having a no back tracking rule until we face the true might of the down pour. 

I clearly remember i was one of the first ten in a single file descending the summit when we met the first stream and reluctantly  my preceeders hoped to the othere side. Being empathetic and caring i bought time to keep the team together so we could cross the stream enroute home.

Suddenly i got a spine chilling watch of events when one one of my good friend tried to land on the other side of the bank but unfortunately never made it to the other end. This was disturbing i must say ,all in good regards and encouragement she hoped only for the bank to be too slippery. I must say my other side showed here subliminally , in a flash second i saw my nguruman warrior dive in the water accompanied by great man Dicken and hastily tried to grab her now in shock and confusion. From this point action-reaction hit me so fast as i looked around other who tried to cross. Truth is we were caught in the eye of the storm and this was flash floods oblivious of the deep stream . It automatically clicked to me we were in vulnerability as i noticed another lady not making it and in the flash floods she started drowning- at this point you are trying to avoid more from crossing as you see someone go - inevitable had to happen. I  found myself with Nito holding hands in front of the lady drowning ready to give our best the water very strong but thank God our men joined in and held her -situation panic and confusion. I won`t forget seeing Mr. Duncan dive the other side try rescue the first lady as Nguruman warrior and Dickens battled the flash floods same time the second lady getting awash and more had to cross.   Everyone having crossed all soaked up , a somber mood engulfed as ladies broke down . At this point you have to be a man and strong encouraging them to keep on walking to get home. Truth is we has more streams to cross though not like the flash flood one. Am seeing local maa women try shout and warn us but it`s too late. some in tears ,looking back we made it home together and this strengthen our bond and team spirit.

Back at home we get a rude awakening as tents were blown away by the storm ,some soaked , we are wet at risk of hypothermia ! where do you start? Fireplaces all wet and firewoods are wet ..then it hit me i had a candle and out i was tryna spark a fire. Luckily i managed and a warm beverage was essential for everyone. A defining day to be frank.At our briefing our instructors confess we are the first group having bushcraft under such weather . What doesn`t kill  you makes you stronger and am so humbled see the ladies talk about it and still going on by bushcraft at our bonfire.

Another day and we are on our usual routine, daily afternoon hikes and we go to the same course we never made it because of the storm as we reminisce and proceed . I realize something beautiful can be born out of every situation no matter how bad as we summit our pre -planned destination overlooking the pallette of the hilly land shrubs looking like mushrooms .

It`s been a week and i have lost count of days , let`s  say am now in  tune with the universe particularly i  have embraced the bush and all it has to offer. Sunday we wake up, made breakfast and had a meeting for our most anticipated challenge, we come up with a 'T.C.P' (travel control plan ) everyone included and considered . We agree to disagree and finally come to our conclusion we will be braking camp the next day enroute to Oltepesi  then Ologesaile museum , home to the first hominids and set camp there.

Am now aware this is time to put together everything we had come for, backpacking F.I.LO- L.I.F.O , HYDRATION , ENDURANCE, NAVIGATION, TEAM WORK, ....Next day we start with the normal morning exercise, headed to camp to make breakfast and trail food and by 0900hrs we had broke camp all in our backpack next for the next home.

Truth is the weather was here to give a fair share of it giving us the highest degrees we haven`t faced since day one. Off we leave camp Eremit our rule ' off road navigation'. On out t.c.p it`s an average 18km hike all day E.T.A 1800HRS but you will be surprised. The beginning everyone is amped as we pursue bushes and rocks amidst the ridges the sun scorching like a witch ! we do the first five hours only bushes to see and hills on the horizon getting dehydrated but we have to race against time. At 1300hrs is when we have a break at a stream to refill, all rushing to drink like animals in heat exhaustion and soak up themselves . 

To be frank this is not for the faint hearted for at some point what`s ahead of us is just mirage, no sign of human settlement.    We have our own challenges and tackle them still navigating on compass keeping records , sipping sugar and fluids to keep us going until i heaved a sigh of relief seeing electric lines and roofs at the horizon. The bush is tricky, this are not close as the weary mind tend to think! i realize this when am almost out of water and still we had to go. By now we have casualties who need potters i i being one and i must confess i don`t know where the endurance came from-At times look within to find the pot of gold.

Our motivation and landmark was a raised steel tank bearing in mind water and civilization. Apparently this was the most defining part of the the day 1500hrs approximate as others fainted, suffered blisters and the destination kept on becoming far. Mucho respect to the bouncers and the strong hearted whom we encouraged everyone although even us desperate for a drop of water. I remember carrying my backpack , Nito his and a casualties out in the shrubs heat and everyone too far in front but harder we kept going. My respect can`t be understated to likes of Calvin a.k.a fireman carrying two bags, Markos, Ahmed,Elisha, Dickens , Kelvin the bouncer and all that kept the team together.

Never have i had so much finishing power like when i sighted the tanks , started hearing sounds of automobiles and seeing human settlement. Nito and i came from the last in the troop to the first despite carrying three backpacks. My heart was relieved when the young maasai lady opened the tap to fill up my three water packs gulping the first like a man from a deserted galaxy all the locals in awe. 

Our arrival in the town caught everyone`s attention i remember a local saying, ' the military are here" . Briefed and given a twenty minute break we are out trying grab what you can as the body can hardly comply and in a few we are carrying our bags for the next part of the hike.

I remember seeing the sight bearing in the sunset but the more we trekked , the further it got . I kept together with a group  i could manage the pace our mates being at a distance we could see but little did we know. I recall it was at a river when the last person faded into the bushes trying to keep up and that was the beginning of our survival test.

 Whistle signals, bush codes but no response! dusk was settling in fifteen minutes to 1900hrs and we could not trace our team .First rule we stuck as a team and sent some of us uphill to look for directions. We later decided to move towards the sight bearing now not visible. Am already contemplating on what i have to survive the night and my team. Food in bits, water, flash light? fire starter? tents? we keep on moving sending sign of 3 light flashes red in color but no response . Together we hike a cliff and still sending signals that`s when our instructors intervene and lead us home.

All exhausted to even pitch tents but first things first. We pitch our tents and head to make fire and make our dinner . Never have i been so proud by the mention we did 25kms as it was off road on the contrary to the 18kms as we retired to our camps ready for the next day activities. Early as usual we are out for a workout , making our breakfast and the we are briefed on the task at hand. Navigation is the mission and we are offered maps, compass and given bearing to converge at certain locations . The terrain is so dry , natural and feature filled including rivers, waterfalls, ridges, depressions as note our observation. The landscape is picturesque with ambient sundowner moments and breathe taking sights.

we met up in the evening and returned to camp preparing for a journey back like we came next morning. After dinner we set our time  at the bonfire  and some had to patrol the whole night since we were at a conservancy. I woke up at 0430hrs for my patrol and to make my groups' breakfast and trail food ready to be the day's leader. I manage to wake everyone at camp and by 0830hrs we had broke camp and ready to leave as i  was assigned responsibility back to camp Eremit from ologesaile bandas and museum.

Going back home this time we follow the main road  no offtrack navigation, the sun still so intense but the team is in  optimistic after having done off track navigation. By noon we ae having a stop over for lunch, hydration , dressing of blisters- everyone's concern in general. The group is amped , telling stories , jokes some humming guess a way to carry on. Who isn`t euphoric by the news of returning back to bootcamp one? I heave a relief sigh when i started noticing the environment being familiar at a far.  I confirm with my instructors and they attest the sight bearing is just adjacent to our base camp. Time is flying so we hustle before dusk fall.It`s about 1500 hrs and some are getting wornout but we encourage each other to finish the race .

I recall walking amidst the bush trails to  the adjacent landmark ,Eremit primary school and reaching camp ground seemed to be ever stretching. silently i pushed on with my cronies  until sites of large boulders and the base camp tent so tired that the thought of pitching a tent was a ptsd trigger of some sought but is there an option?

we arrive at 1610 hrs and aware of the fatigue but i must take the lead on my lot and make sure they have a meal before it`s dusk . I air my feet and take a walk to the stream with my favourite  just to change perspectives, cool down and come back rejuvenated. The beauty of human spirit is you can find magic in someone, though they can`t see it- you cannot  underrate it. I found the will to go in the catch ups and life experience stories and more so that the sundowner mood ,the  water trickling down ambience and the lush green grass.

Back at camp it`s 0830 hrs and everyone is tring to stay awake just to hog their dinner and go to rest.Am convinced we won`t have a bonfire but on the contrary every one has a resurgence as we discuss our goat eating plans to crown it all at the last night. Is pain a state of mind? how about fatigue as i am wowed by my mates resilience. Next morning we are out in our sweat pants doing our normal workout awaiting the day`s activity which is my most anticipated activity  and most fulfiling experience of this whole BUSHCRAFT EXPERIENCE.

In our outdoor session we are briefed and polished on knots and different ropes as we flex them ready for strainious activity . 

We polish up every bushcraft theory know how like country codes to observe, averting wildlife on trail, basic first aid and navigation even incoorporating navigation by stars. I must say am impressed by my buddy who has so much knowledge and curiosity to learn. Next we are out chatting on how to get sense of direction by weaver birds' entrance to the next, uniformity of treees towards water sources , weather indicators but dusk falls so fast.

Another day same old drill, after workout and brakfast we gather in our back packs for our activity outside camp. Here we meet our guide of the day Morris, a local who has so much knowlegde of this maa land. we leave camp at 0930 hrs and trek the banks of our water source deep into it`s source and continue now hiking high rocky altitudes for about four hours. 

One thing about adventure is you got to indulge, relate , connect, feel and live moment-Castro. Am lost in the serenity meeting locals in their daily endeavours and make friends so optimistic of my expectation. 

Once at a hilltop am gleeful by the site of an unusual rock with stairs like steps far in the horizon. My intuitions click that is the destination as it is confirmed as we pursue it. I must attest this country is beauty filled with attractions . At this point i want to be left here not in despair but the solace in the tranquility i have found in this undisturbed haven resting on the vast plain backdrop oblivious of it`s aesthetic appeal.

Am more exhilatered to find the spot we will be abseiling as i look up the giant flat rock towering me my adrenaline rush gushed as i lack words to thank Morris, Mr.kioko and Mr.Geoff. Hastily am creeping over rocks to find my way up to join Mr.Kioko who is carefully setting up the rope system i.e the air traffic control, carrabiners as am wearing my seat harness so amped to abseil this mighty boulder. At first nervousness is real, as no one has tried the system thanks to mountaineering protege who belays himself first .Next am at the rock`s edge back peddling my rope confirmed in the a.t.c as i do best what i promised my belayer.

Nothing feels this fulfilling as i go hands-free and pose for a freeze frame. I feel am walking on the rock and soon am at the boulder`s foot.

Am impressed by Mansa who follows and the first lady who has been my motivator as she is amped  leaving others with height phobia to face their fear. Am so grateful at the end of this abseiling session 27 of us have done it no injury as my curiosity has led me up again pursuing higher rocks admiring the views promising myself to come  do it again.