Know Mara Part 1
It is not without reason that Masai Mara is fondly called Mecca of the Wild Life.
Kenya is undoubtedly one of the best wildlife destinations in the world. Its legendary game reserves and famous national parks make it the best wildlife destination for wildlife aficionados.
But of all the reserves, Masai Mara boasts of some astonishing game experiences where enthusiasts from across the globe gather to witness the action of the wild in the wild.
However, Masai Mara and its surrounding Conservancy ensconced Ngama Hills in the east and Oloololo or Siria Escarpment in the west too boast of providing some stunning game experience.
You can watch the gazelle, wildebeest and zebra in large numbers grazing incessantly in the wide green-gold savannah that is spotted with thorn trees. A landscape that makes them easy prey to the unforgiving predators.
The ravishing beauty of Mara offers long, undisturbed views and utterly dramatic panoramas, making it a perfect location and a certain delight for photography.
Birding here is good too as it allows extensive opportunity to capture images of various species of exotic birds using your camera.
The famous black-maned Alpha male Mara lions are possibly the stars of the Mara show, but cheetah, elephant, hyena, and primates too are present in abundance.
Day 1 Nairobi to Masai Mara
So, to experience this experience, you are off to Nairobi, the Capital of Kenya with Kenya Airlines.
After spending some hours in the capital Nairobi, you visit the well-known Giraffe Centre and a few other attractions.
The following morning, you board this tiny Air Kenya air-plane at Wilson Airport, Nairobi that lands you at the Mara-Musiara Air(mud) Strip in the next 75 minutes.
There you are, now on the fabled land of Mara, the home of the big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhinoceros & Elephant) along with the medium 5 and the small 5, among several others.
Little Governor’s Camp, the beautiful camp in the heart of the National Park, is where you shall spend your following 3 nights.
While here, you will undertake several safaris or game drives, as they are called, in anticipation of achieving your aim to get face to face with the animated wildlife while in action.
On arrival at the camp, an amiable and convivial gentleman, Mr. George, the Manager of this place welcomes you.
However, while you are enjoying lunch in the open area of this camp, you are delighted to watch a colorful crocodile swim around in the wetland. Also, some amazing birds, including Sacred Ibis, add to your delight.
Leaving your lunch in-between, you rush to your cottage, get hold of your camera and click some pictures of them.
After lunch, you are now prepared to proceed for your very 1st game drive.
Bernard, the driver cum guide assigned to you is there with a brand-new Land cruiser Safari vehicle to show you around.
So, with your camera and all the accessories, you climb up this van and are off towards the savannah.
The first to come is a batch of Zebras seen grazing nonchalantly in the over the vast land. Bypassing these exciting, stripped animals, you then see a few Buffaloes around while on your way to spot a couple of young cheetahs resting around in the Savannah.
On reaching the venue, you wait for a while watching the activity of these big cats. Click some amazing pictures before you decide to leave them to themselves.
You are now on your way to visit a water-body that is infested with massive Hippos. And it does not disappoint you as one of them opens his enormous jaw, permitting you to take a stunning photo of the organs within.
While returning, you come across a beautiful animal that looked more like a cat and with a body resembling Leopard. It is called Serval Cat.
This is a slender, medium size cat characterized by a small head, large ears, a golden-yellow to buff coat spotted and striped with black and a short black-tipped tail. It has presumably the longest legs of any cat relative to its body. An excellent hunter, it feeds on rodents, particularly rats, small birds, frogs, insects and reptiles.
It’s 6.30 now. The sun is preparing to set beyond the horizon. You, therefore, decide to get back to your camp before it gets too dark.
Back in your tent, you take back-up of the day’s work and proceed for dinner in the dining room not too far from your tent.
Then, after some good fish meal and dark rum to accompany, you get back to rest for the day.
The following morning is your 2nd Game Drive scheduled early morning at 6 am.
Day 2
It’s 6am and you are prepared to venture once again into the fabled savanna of Mara.
Off to Mara Triangle along with Picnic Breakfastand Lunch to help remain in the wildernessfor the complete day.
During this whole day wandering in the wilderness of the Masai mara Triangle, you initially come across Long Crested Eagle sitting high over a dry tree. After taking its pictures a little ahead, you see this remarkable Black & White Casqued Hornbill perched high on a tree branch.
Later, as you drive on your left, you realize an attractive Grey Heron feasting on its just captured prey that is still alive.
Again, this time you see this Malachite Kingfisher with its morning breakfast of a tiny toad.
Then you come across a smart and elegant Secretary bird and the multi colored Egyptian Goose
Just then, the driver gets to know of a few Lions being in the vicinity. He immediately directs his jeep in that direction and drives fast towards that place. On reaching here, you get the first glimpse of the fabled Kenyan Lion.
There are not one or two but four Lions around. Nearby you see a large herd of Wildebeest observing the movement of these Lions. However, the Lions seemingly not hungry leave them without harm.
Then you see this Saddle Billed Stork searching for its feed from within the grass. By the time you reach close, she has found prey as a tiny toad. Few pictures of this prey-predator action and you move forward.
Then, luckily, to come across a cheetah with its four new born cubs trying to locate a prey. The mother cheetah is seen positioning herself on a small hillock for a wider view. Her cubs are seen following her as she walks around in search of prey.
However, despite her best efforts, she cannot find prey and finally leaves the place disheartened followed by her cubs.
And finally, as you come closer to the day’s end, you get to see the Lion pair in mating action.
Once back at the Little Governor’s Camp, considerably satisfied with the day’s sighting, you have your regular quota of drinks and retire for the day post a healthy dinner.