The tent is basic with zip up sections for privacy. There is no running water but it does have the luxury of a flushing loo. When I want a shower I tell the Maasi guide as we’re approaching the camp. By the time I’ve walked to my tent, hot water has been poured into a bucket outside. On the inside, I pull a chain and have a lovely hot shower.

The food at the camp is fabulous. The guides prepare breakfast out on the open plains or by the river, lunch back at camp under a huge tree and in the evening a superb three course dinner under candle light.

[View with PicLens]

I’ve had some great adventures  – I have played with chimps in Uganda and pandas in the mountains of China. I have walked with lions in Zambia and been charged by elephants in Amboselli. A cheetah came up to me in Nanuyki and I have held the horn of a rhino. 

I hope children enjoy reading my books and learn about endangered animals.

True to Life Books are suitable for children from 5 to 9 years.

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What big teeth

I was resting by a riverbank, watching out for crocodiles, when a young African approached me and said, “ Would you like to walk with lions?”. I said “Yes”, then thought of a hundred questions I wanted to ask. How many, how big, how dangerous and for how long.

All these questions were answered when I sat down with a small and nervous group for the briefing. No flapping clothing, shirts buttoned up and tucked in because lions love playing with anything that moves. We must walk in single file. And we are given a stick to shout a loud, “No” if the lion has a ‘naughty’ look on its face. Last, if anyone is frightened, they can’t go.

I took a deep breath and off I went.

We were driven into the bush, then slowly walked up to four lions. Three female and one male. And they were big. Eight month old lions have paws the size of plates and rather sharp teeth. For a few minutes we got used to one another then started to walk into the bush. For one hour I walked with lions. It was amazing.

Three guides came with us. One at the front, middle and back. We walk in single file. When the lions want to pass us, the last guide calls out, “Lions walking through”. We stop and the lions overtake us. I was breathless with excitement when a lion brushed up against my leg as he walked past me.

When the lions want to rest, we do too. And this was an opportunity to pat them. The guide said “Walk slowly up to the lion from behind, place your hand firmly on its back to let the lion know you are there”, Then I start to stroke the lion. Wow! I’m trying to think of him as a very large cat, but it doesn’t work. This lion could eat me for lunch!

The hour is up too soon. Everyone is silent when we go back to camp. I want to be by myself to remember every detail of my hour walking with lions.

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