The Kenyan savannah unfolded before us, beautifully lit, on the first morning of our women’s impact journey in the Maasai Mara. It felt as though it was just us and the wildlife amidst nature’s tranquillity. A cheetah, a mesmerising silhouette against the horizon, held the gaze of the group, showcasing her prowess. 600 meters away, she lay in wait, a symbol of patience and power. As she stalked her prey, a Thomson’s gazelle oblivious to its fate, we witnessed something truly extraordinary: four cheetah cubs, mirroring their mother’s every move with awe-inspiring precision. The chase unfolded, a blur of speed and instinct, and the cheetah struck with breathtaking grace. The cubs, a whirlwind of energy and exuberance, joined the feast under the shade of an acacia tree.
This powerful scene resonated deeply with our guests, bonding them through a unique experience. It mirrored the journey of the remarkable women they encountered and were surrounded by, fierce protectors and nurturing caregivers, navigating complex challenges with strength and eloquence. Like the cheetah, they embody a delicate balance of power and purpose, their actions a testament to the transformative potential of women who dedicate themselves to conservation.
Our transformative journey, led by Impact Ambassador Taran Gehlot in partnership with Soul Safaris, traversed Kenya’s diverse ecosystems. The experience guided us through a range of geographical biomes, from the tranquil mangroves of Lamu to the ancient forests of the Chyulu Hills. We were lucky enough to witness a diverse array of incredible wildlife, the two lion kills were particularly poignant, a stark reminder of the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
We met extraordinary women along the way whose lives are intertwined with the land they protect, such as those leading East Africa’s first all-female anti-poaching unit, established by the Zeits Foundation. These women, on the frontlines of conservation, demonstrate incredible courage and resilience.
We also confronted the stark realities: (rapidly) rising ocean temperatures in Lamu, the devastating impact of poaching on pangolins, and the imminent threat of lion extinction within two decades. Yet, amidst these challenges, we found beacons of hope: Aisha, who had the bravery to choose mangrove restoration over marriage, and Veronica, who fiercely trained as a ranger to safeguard the Samburu landscape. These meaningful interactions allowed our guests to connect personally with the people truly pioneering conservation in their daily lives. Our journey was a celebration of unsung champions, women breaking barriers far from the global spotlight. These women, embodiments of strength, resilience, and unwavering purpose, are not merely observers of change; they are its architects, actively shaping the future of our planet.
This journey was undertaken in support of Daughters for Earth, an NGO empowering women and girls as planetary protectors. Inspired by Wangari Maathai’s parable “I Will Be a Hummingbird”, Daughters for Earth mobilises women and girls to be agents of change, empowering them to do all that they can to preserve the natural world. The hummingbird philosophy recognises that consistent, seemingly small acts can have a profound collective impact. Daughters for Earth intends to raise $100 million to support over 500 grassroots projects worldwide, recognising the power of women in the global conservation movement.
Our time in Kenya reaffirmed a profound truth: every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger tapestry of change. From the cheetah’s swift grace to the extraordinary women we encountered, we witnessed the transformative power of purpose-driven action. At Journeys With Purpose, we support women who are leading the charge, shaping the future of the planet, one courageous step at a time.
If you’d like to learn more about our impactful journeys that immerse you in wild nature and create positive change, reach out to connect@journeyswithpurpose.org.
This article is written by Kim Bridgeman
Journeys With Purpose offers immersive conservation and ethical travel experiences. Through private and hosted trips with pioneering conservationists, guests experience rewilding and restoring biodiversity in the wildest corners of the world. Our “Seven Worlds, One Planet” approach is a global curriculum focused on recovering and conserving vibrant landscapes, biodiversity, wildlife and livelihoods across all seven continents.