Owing to the history of the origin of the company we at Roriston are fortunate enough to have a unique and special relationship with the Watha community of Galana Kenya. It is from this community that our outstanding indigenous trackers and guides come.
Until a single generation ago the Watha were a fully fledged hunter gatherer community. Watha bushcraft and hunting skills are recanted by those who have witnessed them with wonder and reverence. Tales of their tracking ability abound along with stories of their use of enormous powerful bows designed for the largest land animal on earth: The African Elephant!
The Elephant is the totem animal of the Watha and their way of life revolves around it. Today the hunting of elephant is both illegal and untenable in Kenya, but through Walking Safaris (a rare offering in Kenya), the Watha are able to apply their ancestral knowledge of their traditional hunting grounds as guides. Taking clients into the world of nature from their intimate perspective, not only are they the greatest trackers in all of East Africa, but their deep spiritual connection to each aspect of the environment is palpable when in their presence. The Watha people have expert understanding of all animal behaviour, being able to read their intentions with complete familiarity, but this ability takes on an elevated level of complexity regarding elephant behaviour, in which they are completely unrivalled.
From a young age all Watha are taught to represent elephant in a special dance called "Sobora", which emulates elephant body language. Boys and young men will apprentice adults until they are not just competent, but experts in the behaviour of all big game animals. During this coming of age period they will be expected to be able to make fire from friction, track a big game animal and survive for extended periods in the bush before becoming a man. Their language has seven words for elephant in various stages of development, along with other words for peculiarities such as tusk shape, size, habits, age and temperament. This cultural knowledge is truly privilege to take in when trailing these incredible creatures on foot.
A documentary about their culture is in production. For more information please see the video below.