It is day six and at 6 AM sharp; you leave with Keith and Jackson for yet another day to experience the wildlife of this incredible part of the planet.
Gaming in the Ol Kinyei and Naboisha Conservancy in Masai Mara, Kenya is a thrilling experience for every adventurer. This vast expanse of the conservancy is home to a diverse wildlife ecosystem, providing an opportunity for you to witness the magnificent African animals such as the Lions, cheetahs, zebras, and Buffalo.
The biggest benefit of visiting conservancies, however, is, being a private reserve, the number of vehicles allowed here is limited, and results in a more intimate and personal safari experience. You have a greater chance of coming across rare and elusive wildlife-viewing experiences that could be difficult in crowded Masai Mara National Reserve.
Now, in the next 30 minutes, you see yourself crossing the Ol Kinyei Conservancy and proceed southwards towards the neighboring Mara Naboisha Conservancy.
Within minutes after entering the Mara Naboisha Conservancy, you reach the Sanpucanpu Enkare pond where you are pleasantly surprised to see this large group of lions, totaling 24 nos., big and small together called Sanpucanpu Pride.
Even as you pull your camera and point the lens towards them, they look back at you prepared to pose.
While the seniors among them sit quietly bordering the pond, and with limited movement, the cubs enthrall you with their animated and playful nature.
It’s probably time for them to leave as you see them move out gradually, one after the other. Soon they are all away from your sight.
Once their departure is complete, you too leave in anticipation to counter some more and different wildlife activity ahead.
Another notable sight in the region is that of the spotted big cat – Cheetahs. This fastest moving land animal with its light built, thin long legs and a long tail is a delight to watch. Though not named among the fabled big 5 of Mara, (the big 5 include African elephant, lion, leopard, Cape buffalo and rhinoceros) this attractive animal with its body covered with black spots over the pale-yellow fur below and with prominent black line that curve from the inner corner of each eye to the outer corner of the mouth like a well-worn trail of inky tears is no less than any other.
Shortly afterwards, you are lucky to spot this amazing animal resting under the shade of a tree close to the track.
While you are busy clicking its pictures, he nonchalantly takes a long yawn, gets up, poops along the way and vanishes into the thick.
Then, as you meander carefully, searching and looking for more activity, you find yourself, almost unexpectedly, in front of these three ferocious looking lions belonging to the Enolera Pride who have recently hunted a zebra.
You can see each one of the three taking turns to devour this poor dead animal. Tearing open its soft underbelly, they access the dead animal’s organs and ultimately feast on its meaty muscles.
With no one around, you get ample time and space to cover their activity.
Interestingly, even as this feeding frenzy continues, they carefully guard their kill from other scavengers, particularly the hyenas and vultures, reputed to pounce on a free meal.
We know this region for its diverse bird life, and it is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. With over 570 different bird species, the diversity of birds here is awe-inspiring. It is not uncommon therefore to spot the remarkable African Fish Eagle, the startling Goliath Heron, the Spotted Nutcracker, and the beautiful White crowned shrike in their ecological habitat.
The sound of their calls, when heard, adds to the natural ambiance of this region.
The distinctive cry of an African Fish eagle is, for many, evocative of the spirit or essence of Africa.
Taking pictures of other animals along the way is captivating too. While you come across and shoot Black-Backed Jackal, Coke’s Hartebeest, and the African Buffalo along the way, the most mesmerizing scenes are of those mothers seen feeding their offspring.
While you fixated watching mother zebra and mother elephant gently nuzzle their precious calves as they feed them, the tenderness and care with which they nurture their calves fills you with a sense of awe.
You feel privileged to witness this motherly love in an action that reminds you of the powerful bond that exists between the mother and the child, regardless of species.
Overall, the Ol Kinyei and Naboisha Conservancy in Masai Mara, Kenya, offer you an unforgettable gaming experience with an excellent variety of wildlife.
These conservancies have a well-established eco-system, and any visitor shall appreciate the conservation efforts made by the locals in preserving the wildlife in this region. An unmistakable example. presumably, of how wildlife conservation and tourism can coexist.
A unique and breathtaking destination to explore the exclusivity of Africa’s wilderness that puts us in touch with nature, making it a perfect location for every adventurer.
As the day ends, you reach back to your camp before it gets too dark. Once in your tent, you get fresh and reach the dinner table for some drinks and dinner.
Tomorrow shall be the last day of you experiencing this reserve, an unarguable reflection of nature’s beauty.