Our experiences
To get a good picture of the work of MLCR and to film this, Alfred asked us to join their patrol in the forests of Loita for a few days. After hours of driving on muddy, unpaved roads, an hour's walk in the dark and through a river, we arrived at the "base camp". Here, we stayed a night before the journey in the forest of Loita started. No mattress, toilet, shower, electricity or network. It quickly became clear to us that we were going back to basic, really back to basic.
We have walked 20 kilometers every day through the densely forested mountains of Loita with our backpacks and the rangers. The days started early with a cup of tea before we started our long journey for that day. In the afternoon we had a short break to eat a peanut butter sandwich. At the end of the afternoon we arrived in the next camp where we installed our tent and sat by the campfire, made by the rangers They did this to keep us warm, to cook but also to keep the wild animals away from the camp at night.
It was a tough journey through the rain, we were attacked by stinging plants and trees. Were completely disconnected from the outside world. Were startled by lions and elephants and enjoyed monkeys swinging from tree to tree during our hikes. After five days without any form of luxury and about 80 km of walking, we could look forward to a water resistant roof, a well-deserved shower and a bed. We can say that this was a special and tough journey. But as real Robinsons, we have survived this expedition.
What do they need?
Rangers
At first, they need more rangers to protect the whole area of Loita forest. With more rangers, they can monitor the area in a better way which hopefully lead to less poachers and deforestation.
Donations and Equipment
If they want to add more rangers, more money is needed to pay their minimum wages. In addition, money is needed to purchase (better) equipment such as binoculars, communication equipment and other items to work properly. This equipment could also be donated to the MLCR.
