Trip to Masai Mara.
It was my first time going to the Masai Mara National Reserve. The journey was quite long. I recommend using a Land Cruiser as it is more comfortable.
Check in at Mara Maisha Camp was in the afternoon, followed by a well laid buffet for lunch. As someone who is well versed on culinary arts and cuisine, I was impressed. The chef was friendly, came to personally ensure we enjoyed our food. He also advised on what would be served for dinner.
We were taken around the camp for a tour. Maisha Mara Camp has 52 units; 40 in the main camp and 12 in the private wing. The main camp has 20 single rooms, 10 double rooms, 6 triple rooms and 4 family tents. The private wing has 4 twins, 4 double rooms and 4 triple rooms. The camp also has a restaurant & bar, spa, gift shop and a swimming pool, where we relaxed before heading to our assigned room to rest and freshen up for dinner.
Dinner was served at 1930 hours. The buffet was presented well, the food smelled incredible and tasted even better. Yum! After dinner, we relaxed and interacted with other people around the bonfire and later retired to bed. Back in the room, which is beautiful and spacious, I had a lengthy hot shower and slept in a warm comfortable bed, (the turn down service was good) and even more comfortable pillows. Best sleep I had had in a long time! Hey, I do love my sleep, don’t judge me.
In the morning, we had our breakfast, also a buffet, then checked out and proceeded to the park for a game drive.
The game drive was everything I expected and then some. With an experienced professional guide, your chances to see the Big Five increases significantly.
The highlight was a group of female lions lying under a tree, panting, catching a breath after feeding on a wildebeest. They were so calm that for a moment I thought, ‘What if I reach out and pet them?’ The thought flew away as fast as it came.
We saw two elephants and a calf from afar and drove towards them. The closer we got to them the bigger they became, I was hitting imaginary brakes in my head. Do not go any further! The elephants were so close and slow, you could touch them if you stretched your hand, but I am a wise person. Being a typical Kenyan, the whole time I was thinking, “What if it flips the vehicle?” They were so big they towered the cruiser by far. And can you believe they are not even the biggest Elephants like the ones in the Tsavo or Amboseli?
You know all those photos and videos that show cheetahs climbing on top and inside the cruiser? Yeah…that was what I was afraid of. The cheetah was coming our way but changed its mind, went back to some bush, picked up a one week old cub with its mouth and wandered off. Did you know the months of January to March is the birthing season? Now you know, you are welcome.
Other animals that I got to see includes; giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hartebeests, elands, Grant’s gazelles, impalas, Thompson’s gazelle, topi, warthogs, waterbucks and different species of birds.
After the game drive, we departed for Nakuru in the afternoon.
I loved every second of the trip. What a wholesome experience!
Onto the next adventure…
Thru’ my eye by Wainaina Sylvia