For as long as I can recall, I’ve felt an affinity with the animal realm. Any chance I had to go to the zoo, pet an animal, see the local wildlife, or watch television shows which were about animals – I was there with bells on. I’ve had a lot of different experiences with animals and as I wrote this article, I was unsure where to begin. However, I have to begin somewhere so here is a bit about my personal journey to Africa – I hope you’ll enjoy.
Over the years, watching National Geographic or Mutual Omaha’s specials on wildlife, was like being a part of Nature in my own home. Like a moth to a flame I would gravitate towards the shows, wishing I could experience being on a safari, helping animals and such. One year my dream and vision came to life. I had an amazing opportunity to take a trip to Africa – Nairobi, Kenya to be specific. And then onto Uganda, Africa. I went to participate in a black tie fundraiser for “Vanishing Herds” – something my great uncle began years ago based on his book. It was a big event and I met so many people from many walks of life. But that was not the jewel that bedazzled my heart.
Just when things couldn’t get any better. I had the honor of going on a safari in the Serengeti. This was the prize and totally priceless jewel to me. Being able to go on a safari in Africa. Living, breathing, eating, sleeping and all the normal functions – on the Serengeti. Imagine that. I also had the chance to meet a few members from a local Masi tribe. Wow!
During this expedition I didn’t have to rough it. I had a bit of luxury which I was so grateful for. Within the private tent, we a had cozy sleeping bed, running water for quick shower an delicious food. While on safari in the Serengeti, we slept under the stars and in nature. Before bed each night, I would look up to the sky in total awe. A canopy of stars hanging above my head embedded in black velvet. Some sparkled, whilst others remained steady and bright. It was as if you could reach out and pluck one at will. Even the weather was moderate and bearable. I slept, ate, breathed, walked and drove in the midst of wildlife. I felt so at home there. There was so much space and openness it took my breath away. To think, this is home too on the earth. Even if the people had a different way of living.
It is hard to imagine, how close the animals were. Yet, at night it was more obvious, only one thin wire fence separated us from the animals and the guards patrolling helped maintain the border. You could hear the night’s melodies of various of sounds, roars, elephants, hyenas and so forth. It felt surreal. To capture the experience and put into words is only giving you a tiny fraction of the magnificent journey. It’s like pouring the ocean into a swimming pool, so much will overflow and a small portion is contained.
I had the pleasure of seeing four of the Big 5. There are five ” must see” animals that are highly sought after when individuals visit Africa or on safari. For my visit, the leopard was MIA (missing in action). Although I kept hoping there would be a unexpected appearance until we left. But it did not happen. I did get a chance to feed a wild giraffe. There was a tree house built high enough to greet giraffes. I got to 
put food in the palm of my hand and present it to the giraffe that had walked by. Giraffes are so very sweet and gentle. Up close they appear big, have black tongues and have the most gorgeous eyelashes! It was a very cute tall and graceful creature. Imagine that, feeding a giraffe in the wild. Another incredible experience on the Serengeti. I could have stood there for most of the day, enjoying the scenery.
One day, we went driving on the Serengeti just as the sun was rising. Talk about not having words. The view was spectacular to say the least. We parked to have a picnic breakfast in the jeep with an amazing panoramic view. After breakfast, we continued to ride around and saw a lioness with her cubs having their morning breakfast on an animal. We were so close, I could see the pink and red stains of blood on their fur. The lioness momma was on high alert as she saw us park near by. We watched silently. In the distance was a momma rhino and baby close by. Soon as the momma rhino spotted us she began to charge into our direction. Then slow down and then move closer. We had to be extremely careful with her being so high strung about us being nearby. She was protective of her young one. It was so much to take in. Experiencing their energy, observing and appreciating life.
I completely soaked in the day’s experiences – I was amongst Nature and the animal realm in an open space. Nothing can compare. We can try to imitate it, yet it pales in comparison to Nature’s full glory. It changes your entire perspective and transforms your being. Simple, yet profound. My bond with animals grew as did my respect for Nature’s way. It reminded you of our own primal and instinctual side. Our intimate connection with our animal aspect or energy.
As I moved through this entire adventure, I felt raw or wide open and so in tune with the animal’s energies or vibration and life. As if you had no worries, total trust and surrender to life and nature. and its rhythms. It was a purely now moment. Being in the hands of the Divine alongside of the animal realm. We need each other on this journey upon the earth. Side by side honoring one another is the way in which we all evolve and transform. When we directly experience being with the animals we can learn so much about ourselves and them.
This was beautiful piece, a mere speck and one of the many experiences in my life where I have had the honor of being in harmony or relationship with the animal realm. Sometimes there are no words to describe such an alive, raw and open experience. Though I have tried here, given words here and there to my journey to Africa. I have yet to share about Animal Spirit Guides and energies. That is a whole other article for a future date.
Copyright 2009 Dipali Desai. spheresofessence.com. All Rights Reserved
