African Safari Bootcamp for Women

By Ken Wasil

The lure of Africa and a chance to change their lives bring a group of professional women together from three continents for great white hunter Cassidy Magriff's African Safari Bootcamp for Women. But a bruised lover and a Kenyan army officer have other plans for the band—to reap a profit and extract revenge.

Five women become stranded in the bush without food, water, or weapons: Henna, A Beverly Hills hairdresser; Theresa, a high-powered Spanish sales manager; Katie, a retired Australian soldier, and Kouri,a traveler working on organic farms around the world. Mo, the safari's geologist and a Kenyan—American who grew up with a Masai tribe, is saddled with the task of leading the troupe to safety.

Will they survive attacks by lions, leopards, and wild dogs? Will the robbers catch up with them before they reach safety? Will they succumb to disease, starvation, and the forces of nature?

Be with these brave and talented women as they fortify themselves with spiritual exercises and discussions of feminine literature, such as Jane Eyre, and conversations on the gamut of women's issues. Witness them form friendships and alliances and uncover talents and skills that contribute to the survival of their troupe and the emergence of their "inner Amazon Warriors". And most of all, witness the real Africa with its friendly loving people, harsh military, and magical environment.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ken Wasil
• Release date: Sep 2, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386245285

Book preview

Prologue

The soldiers drove the Bootcampers in the four Noah Vans for a half hour and then pulled off the highway onto a dirt road.  It was rough going; they bounced and bobbed over pot holes and small hills.  They made a right turn onto an even rougher road, and finally came to a stop in a clearing near several large manyattas.  Two more armed men came out to meet the vans. 

They walked from vehicle to vehicle, Everybody get out.

An older woman near the front said, Who are you . . . what are you going to do with us?

We're going to encourage you to donate your money and jewelry to our cause.  When you get outside, I'll pass around a basket.  I want you to take your wallets and other valuables and put them in it.  If you hold back, there will be severe consequences.  You saw what happened to the driver when he didn't do what we told him to do.

Motumbo whispered to her friends, I've been through a few of these incidents before.  Do what they tell you to do and they won’t harm you.  Let's stay together in case there’s a chance to escape.

The basket moved down the line of prisoners.  When it approached Motumbo and her friends she said, I'm sorry for such an unfriendly welcome to my country.  I know we'll survive this.

Henna said, When it rains it pours.  First we were hit by the rhino, then attacked by lions, and now we’re being kidnapped by robbers.

Denver and another one of the Bootcamp staff at the front of the line, pulled out pistols from their belts and fired at the captors.  One of the robbers went down.  Gun fire was traded back and forth.  Then both of the Bootcampers were hit and lay sprawled in the dirt.

Motumbo said, Come on, this is our chance.  She stooped down to minimize the chance of being seen, and led the four women into the bush.  She wove her way through the tall grass, occasionally checking behind her to make sure the others were with her and that they weren't being followed.

*  *  *

After ten minutes, they stopped to rest and the ladies fell to the ground, panting.  Motumbo said, We were very, very lucky.  I don't think they'll follow us because they only have a few men to guard the rests of their captives.  But I'm not going to leave anything to chance.  We'll keep on traveling and put as much distance between us and them as possible.

Kouri said, Well, at least we got away before we were robbed.

Henna was sobbing, Where are we?  What are we going to do in the middle of the jungle surrounded by lions with no food or water?  I don't know about you, but I’m heading back and taking my chance with those guys.  They said they'd let us go if we gave them our money.  She began walking and the four women held onto her shoulders.

Katie said, No Henna, you saw what they did to the bus driver and Florida.  We've run away, so they'll hurt or kill us if we return.

She put her arms around Henna, Come on darling, it will be alright.  Mo knows how to survive in Africa.  We’ll walk to the main road and hitch a ride.  Slowly the flow of tears subsided.

Motumbo, whose baby was resting on her chest in a sling, moved her onto her back, I know the general area of where we are; if we head overland, we could be in a village in a few days.

*  *  *

They arrived at a clearing under a broad acacia tree, "We'll camp here.  Our first priority is to gather wood and build a fire to keep away the predators.  There's not much chance of rain tonight, so we can sleep under the stars, unprotected.  When you’re walking on your own through the bush, watch out for movement and for snakes.  If you see anything, return to the clearing or call for help.

Theresa said, Come on ladies, let's empty our purses and share our resources.

One by one the women turned their shoulder bags and backpacks upside down.  They contributed two lighters, four cans of mace, a Swiss Army Knife with a three inch blade, three-quarters of a pound of cashews, 8 candy bars, two sodas, four bottles of water, and a bag of trail mix—not to mention enough makeup to stock a medium sized boutique.

Henna said, Well, it's enough for dinner and to get us through tomorrow, but after that, we're going to starve.

Don't worry, I'm going to give you city slickers a lesson in survival.  The men love to spend time in the woods testing themselves against nature.  You’ll enjoy it, too.  I'll show you how to make weapons, find fruit, dig up edible roots, build shelters, and hold off predators.

Theresa said, What are we suppose to do if we are attacked by something.

Lions are the main challenge.  If a lion charges, stay completely still, stare at it, and raise yourself up onto your tippy toes to make yourself look bigger.  Sometimes it will be intimidated and run right on past you.  If you’re attacked, call for help.  We'll be safer if we remain together.

The sun, a huge ruddy ball, touched the horizon and turned the grassland and trees a bloody red and then purple as the light of the day faded from the land.  Motumbo built a fire and then Theresa handed out equal shares of candy bars, cashews, and water to each woman.  They sat around the fire not saying much, some with tears streaming down their checks, others with lost, far away looks on their faces.

Henna laughed, Well, at least we get to see the real Africa.  The other women started giggling and then they all went into hysterics and couldn't stop.

Kouri said, What should we do about sleeping.  Should someone keep guard?  Are the insects and snakes and bats going to gloom onto us and drain our blood and give us diseases?

Motumbo laughed, It's not as bad as you city girls think.  You’re going to enjoy this experience.  You're going to have more fun than you've had in a long time.  The other women looked at each other, shook their heads, and chuckled.

"That's a good idea Kouri.  I'll take the first watch then Theresa, Katie, and Henna will follow.  I've made a spear with the Swiss army knife.  If you see an animal approaching, thrust at it with the knife . . . if it won't leave, call for help . . . shout, yell, scream to scare it away and wake up the rest of us.

You've probably seen movies when you were a kid of young Masai warriors hunting lions during their initiation ceremony into manhood.  The tribe forms a broad circle around the boy to force the lion in his direction.  When the animal charges, the young man crouches down, holds his spear towards the attacking beast at a forty-five degree angle, and braces the other end on the ground.  The force of the lion’s weight drives the spear into its body.  She kneeled on the ground and demonstrated.  "If the boy was trained well and performs the maneuver correctly, the lion drops dead at his feet.

After the strenuous escape in the equatorial heat, the troupe fell asleep almost instantly.  Motumbo's stint guarding the camp was uneventful.  She heard cries of hyenas and the usual melodious sounds of the jungle.  Once a python slithered towards the camp, which she discouraged with her spear.  The other women took their turns as one replaced another.

Henna staffed the last watch a few hours before dawn.  She dozed on and off, waking up from her slumber when she heard a growl.  When dawn touched the eastern sky and began to spread across the hemisphere, she became fully awake.  She listened to the array of sounds and wondering what each one might be.  What is that . . . is it a distant light?  It was getting brighter . . . and there were two of them right next to each other.  In a few moments, she thought she saw something move.  Oh my god . . . it's an animal.

For a moment, she froze in terror as it silently crept forward and its full form became visible.  Then in a flash, it began to jog . . . then run towards her.  Henna screamed over and over again Aaarrrhhh . . . Aaarrrhhh, help . . . help.  The four sleeping woman woke up just in time to witness the lion leap into the air.  Henna tried to get the spear in position and aim it towards the approaching mass of flesh; however, it was awkward and she couldn't get the right angle.  At the last moment, she threw down the weapon, reached into her pocket and pulled out her can of mace and popped off the cap.  As the beast lunged towards her, she sprayed. The lion hit her in the chest and she went down flat on her back like she been hit by a Calgary rodeo bull..  The lion issued a painful growl and kept on running.

Motumbo and Kouri sprinted towards Henna .  They attempted to raise her up, but she was unconscious.  Kouri shouted, Katie, bring the water.

Kouri dabbed Henna's face with a damp scarf.

Theresa said, She's not dead, is she?

Kouri, who had had first aid training while working for a company said, No, I can hear her breathing and her pulse is strong.  She's probably only unconscious. Let's give her a little while to wake up.

The three women carried Henna over to the camp while Kouri sat next to her, stroking her forehead and adjusting her hands and arms, so she'd be more comfortable.  Theresa began handing out the morning's ration of candy bars, cashews, and soda.  A dark pall fell upon the group as they ate in silence.  Motumbo thought, An injured companion will make this trek all the more complicated, if not impossible.

After the meal, the troupe went about packing their bags and purses and wondering if they would be traveling at all if Henna didn't regain consciousness.  Suddenly, Theresa threw down her day-sack and began screaming as if she'd just been bitten by a snake.  Motumbo came running over and put her arm on her back, What happened.

I picked up my pack and a hand reached out and grabbed my fingers.

You'll be OK, Theresa.  Nothing's happened to you.  Motumbo walked over to the bag, bent down, lifted the edge, and look inside.  She smiled, reached inside, and pulled out a ball of fur.  It had a thick, gray, yellow tinged coat, short ears that shot straight up, huge round eyes for night vision, and a face like a cat’s but flatter.

It's a bush baby.  They're harmless.  They like to hide in dark places.  She carried it over to Theresa who demurely reached out and petted the animal.  They passed the cuddly creature from person to person, each woman loving it in her arms.  When Kouri returned to Henna's side she said, She's coming around.  The troupe crowded around the injured woman and lifted her to a sitting position while offering water and encouragement.

Kouri said, You're going to be all right, girl.  How do you feel?

As if I'd been hit by a Cadillac going sixty miles an hour down Sunset Boulevard.

Motombo said, You were run over by a 1400 lb. lion.  You were brilliant.  The mace scared him and he went running off, probably in a lot of pain.  He'll think twice about attacking us again.

After Henna ate a brief meal, Kouri and Theresa helped her to her feet.  She was able to walk haltingly, and miraculously was uninjured.

Theresa said, Feeling better?

I hurt all over.  But I think I'm going to live.  Everything seems like it is still working.

PART l

Chapter One: Heathrow Airport, London, England

Cassidy McGriff stood in front of the twenty-five women assembled in the London Heathrow Airport, "Welcome to the African Safari Bootcamp for Women.  I take it you are all ready for your two weeks of growth and adventure in the most exciting crucible on the planet: The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.  You’ll face daily challenges and develop physically, mentally, and spiritual as you explore the flora and fauna in the external environment."

The women were assembled in a seating area just outside the check-in counters —backpacks, luggage, portmanteaus, carry-on bags were scatter haphazardly nearby.  They wore designer jeans, stylish blouses, hiking boots, and name brand tennis shoes. Most had on ample amounts of makeup and had completed recent trips to hair and nail salons.

Cassidy continued.  Now I’d like to introduce you to our staff.  This handsome man on my right is my new husband Denver Stills.  We were married in July, only two months ago.  He was a practicing dentist for twenty years in North Carolina. Then, for the past four years he has followed his passion: leading hunting expeditions in Central Africa.  You can relax and sleep soundly on our expedition, for he will use all of his talents to take care of you.

A hand went up at the back of the crowd that was attached to a tattoo covered arm of a young woman.  Yes Stacy.

What happened to the two husbands you had last year and the year before?

Laughter."

Cassidy looked a bit uncomfortable, Both of them are involved in other relationships.  My association with them and all that has gone on before in my life, has prepared me for my meaningful and exciting relationship with Denver, and she leaned over and put her arm around him.

This wonderful woman on my left is Lynn Hemstead, sometimes know as Punches".  After ten years on the Dallas, Texas Police Force, she moved to Tanzania and has been involved in tour and safari expeditions ever since.  She will be leading you in exercises and workshops and many of our day to day activities.

As was mentioned in the Bootcamp syllabus, it is imperative that you have your yellow fever vaccinations.  In fact, you will need your signed yellow fever card to return to your home countries.  It is also highly recommended that you have protection for malaria, polio, typhoid, and hepatitis as well as for tetanus.  Lynn will be going around the room and checking each of you for a yellow fever card.  Don’t worry, if you don’t have one or want to receive additional inoculations or medication, you will have the opportunity to do so during our two day visit to Nairobi.

One more administrative duty to take care of.  As I’m sure you’ve read in the syllabus, we ask that you turn into us all of your electronic devices: cell phones, IPods, laptops, music players, and hair dryers.  A collective groan echo from the audience.  "I know this is painful.  Most of us feel that we can’t live without these amenities, and indeed, depend on them as if they were a part of us.  However, in order to benefit from the sublime and healing nature of the African landscape and our introspective workshops, you will need to give up these distractions, so that you can focus your full energy on the experiences at hand.  Only in this way will you tap into your true feminine energy and develop the powerful Amazon Warrior that is hidden inside of you.

"Our staff will pass out labels so you can put you name on each item and claim them when our tour is finished.  Please place them in the baskets that will be passed down the aisles.  Thank you for your cooperation.

We have about an hour before the check-in counter opens, so Lynn will lead you in a few warm up exercises to get you revved up and ready to go to Africa!  Take it away Lynn.  Applause.

"Don’t feel embarrassed about doing these exercises in public.  We’re regulars at Heathrow and the airport management fully endorses these activities.  Now stand on your tip toes and move back and forth from one foot to another.  As you do so, stretch the opposite hand as high as you can into the air.  Excellent.  Now let’s jog in place . . . this will get the blood flowing after our long wait.  That’s the way. Now let’s move into jumping jacks . . . . 

"We’ll follow up the exercises with a mingle.  Walk around the seating area, introduce yourselves to your fellow passengers, and tell them what you currently do, whether it’s work, school, being a house wife, or something else.  Then tell that person why you’ve joined the African Safari Bootcamp for Women."

One diad, consisting of two twenty-fivish long haired brunette women, proceeded, Hi, I’m jenny.  I’m the manager of a clothing boutique.  I’m doing the Bootcamp because I’m stuck in my life: same job, same income, same drab apartment.  I want to break out of the mold and do something different.  I want to shine and excel in my life.

Her partner smiled, I’m Carrie.  I’m a receptionist and secretary in a small publishing company.  Ditto what you said.  And I just broke up with a boy friend.  I keep falling into the same patterns with men—being nice and pleasing, going along with whatever the guys wants, taking a lot of shit, when I don’t deserve it.  I’ve got to make other choices in my life.

Alright troopers, take a seat.  Regina, an assistant, put on the song, "Get Up, Stand Up, Don’t Give Up the Fight" from Bob Marley on the loud speaker.

Imagine your life the way you want it.  See, hear, and feel the changes you want to make.  See yourself living where you’re happiest, doing the kind of work you’ve dreamed of, earning the income you’ve always wanted, and being with the loved ones you desire.

After several minutes, Punches came back on the loudspeaker, Superb work today.  You’ve already taken the first step towards your new life!  Now we’re ready to move to the check-in counter.  Remember to take everything out of your pockets when you pass through security.  Enjoy your flight and see you in Africa!

The troupe crowded into the boarding area at Gate 36.  In addition to the Bootcampers and staff, the passengers included a handful of Western tourists, mostly families; and a large contingent of native Kenyans.  Mulcido, who had visited her sister’s family in London for three month to help out with her nieces and nephews while her sister’s husband was recovering from an injury, stood in line next to the Bootcampers.  She had her carry-on luggage in front of her and her oversized purse on her shoulder while she surfed the web.  When the Stewardess said, Rows one through twenty-four, please come forward to the boarding area  The passengers poured down the ramp and into the jet.

Mucido sat in an aisle seat, set her purse in her lap, and took out a book she’d picked up at a used book stall near the London Bridge, Rule Britannia from Daphne Maurer.  It was a hilarious story about the United States and Britain joining forces and becoming one country.  After about an hour, she fell asleep.

The Boot campers, sans electronic devices, slept and entertained themselves with the in-flight movies and music.  Suddenly, Carol Wood started screaming with a terrified voice and then the stewardess came running over, Is there something I can help you with?

An animal landed on my shoulder and then sprang onto the seat behind me.

Cassie who was sitting next to Carol said, I was watching a movie and saw it zoom by out of the corner of my eye.

Excuse me, but you ladies wouldn’t be pulling my leg, would you?

No mam.  It had little tiny hands and fingers and it used them to push off of my face.  She shivered with revulsion.

The stewardess rolled her eyes and said to herself, Just my luck to get a bunch of kooks on Safari from London.

Just then the monkey jumped from the overhead storage area and landed on the stewardess’ head.  She screamed.  Carol’s scream woke up Mucido and the second shriek got her attention.  She looked down the aisle and then shouted, Pinky, what are you doing here?  I put you in the cage in London this morning.  How did you get on the jet?

Pinky jumped onto the arm of Florence’s chair and then scurried on the floor and into Mucido’s arms.  The stewardess called for help.  The lead steward came out and was told the problem.  He promptly took Pinky away from Mucido and locked her in a steel cabinet.

But she’s my pet . . . she’s just like us.  That’s so cruel to put her in a cabinet.  She’ll get lonely all by herself.

Chapter Two: New Delhi, India International Airport

Cassidy welcomed the guests, We’ll be here in New Delhi, India for a four hour layover.  Follow the signs that read Transfer and pass through security.  Then you can rest and relax in one of the lounges.  You’ll find an abundance of duty free shopping, restaurants, and coffee houses with free wifi.  The airline has given you one free meal voucher to use at a restaurant of your choice.  Make yourselves comfortable.

The passengers emptied their pockets and took off belts, hats, and backpacks and placed them in the trays of the scanning machine.  After they walked through the scanners, they were asked to stand on a one meter square platform where a guard inspected them with a wand and lightly frisked their bodies.  He ran his hand under their arms, over their chests and stomachs, up and down legs, backs, and across hips.  The women grimaced as they went through the procedure.  Clorinda said to the guard, Watch it buddy!

When the group had nearly completed the procedure, a loud crack echoed through the terminal.  Chantal Evans, a thirtyish American blond from Dallas, Texas with shoulder length hair, had slapped the guard.  Keep your hands to yourself!

She was rushed by four security personnel and held with vice-like griping hands.  The supervisor stepped over, Take her to the questioning room.

Cassidy walked over, "I’m sorry if there was a problem, officer.  Perhaps I can help, this is my group.  You know women are sensitive about their bodies, especially when they