Masai Mara - Part 2.
Day 3
On day 3, it’s early morning, along with Picnic Breakfast and Lunch, you once again leave the Little Governor’s Camp to further explore this fabled savanna of Masai Mara, Kenya.
With your fingers crossed, you proceed in anticipation of yet another fruitful day, along with Bernard.
As you are out, you are now witnessing several balloons rise slowly from different directions, ostensibly with enthusiastic visitors aboard for an aerial view of this area.
The early morning mist has carefully enveloped the wild inhabitants of this place, making the scene look surreal and divine.
Then, as you meander aimlessly driving through the muddy trails of the Mara Triangle, one by one you come across different species of attractive avian that compel you to halt and capture their pictures before moving on.
The sight of charming giraffes along the way too is enthralling.
While enjoying watching various wildlife here, one important member of the ‘big 5’, the leopard, is still elusive.
Bernard now drives you towards the Kenya-Tanzania border, where your deep desire to see this shy big-Cat is likely to be met.
Close to the border, near a small pond, you now see this beautiful spotted leopard resting right before you.
Soon, it gets up, takes a short stroll, and moves away, presumably hungry and looking for prey.
As this leopard gets beyond your sight, you request Bernard to drive you to the spot where the river crossing of Wildebeests and zebras could take place.
On reaching the banks of the river Mara, you patiently wait in your jeep with your camera ready to shoot as the crossing happens.
Soon, to your delight, you see a few dozen Wildebeests and zebras walk together from the other side of the river and towards its bank below.
This probably is the shallow part of the river Mara; hence, easier for the animals to cross.
However, this part of the river is infested with Hippos and even a few alligators are most likely around ready to pounce on anyone animal as they attempt to cross.
Just as a couple of them put their foot in the water, a loud deafening honk of a hippo scares them and they run back.
Sensing danger, the zebras and the wildebeests have now given up the idea of crossing, leaving you as well as other visitors, arguably, disappointed.
Not expecting a second try soon by them, you leave as do the others.
On the way back towards the camp, a couple of ostriches cross your path; a bunch of young, tiny, agile Mongoose rush ahead of you to cross the road and after momentarily standing on a small heap on the other side, instantly disappear within the tall grass.
Finally, on reaching the Camp, you thank driver Bernard, who has doubled as the guide, for his exceptional cooperation.
Once back in your tent, you have a quick wash and proceed with drinks and a normal dinner served at the camp’s restaurant.
The following day, you shall leave this place and move towards the conversancy area that is outside the Mara triangle.
The following 4 nights you shall spend at the Purni Bush Camp arranged by the Game Watchers Safari.
Day 4
Today, as you leave the Little Governor’s Camp, Bernard, for the last time, takes you towards the Talek Gate, from where, as planned, the representative of the Game Watchers Safari shall take you to the Purni Bush Camp for a 4-night stay there.
After transferring your luggage into another Jeep at the Talek Gate, you travel further along with Jackson and Keith, representers of Game Watchers Safari.
Since you have not been fortunate enough to witness the river crossings of the zebras and the wildebeests a day before, you plan to reach the same ‘Look-Out Point’ once again at the Mara River bank to try your luck.
While on the way, these enormous bunch of Topis are seen feeding themselves in the open savannah.
Then, crossing the Talek River, some thirsty Zebras nonchalantly quench their thirst.
A few clicks and you proceed towards your destination, the ‘Lookout Point’
At the ‘Lookout Point’ on the Mara River, as usual, scores of visitors from across the world have gathered in anticipation of witnessing the fabled and enchanting River Crossing of the wildebeests and the zebras.
So, after strategically positioning your vehicle in line with several other tourist vehicles, you wait patiently once again with your camera and keeping your fingers crossed for the expected event to happen.
A little later, you see dozens of wildebeests and zebras getting collected on the plain land that is above the river bed.
Soon, one by one, they climb down and then wait, rather cautiously, on the bank of the river, for a safe crossing. They probably are aware of hungry crocodiles waiting to grab one of them while in the middle of the river, for a good meal.
Then suddenly, one of the Zebra displaying his guts, enters the water and runs to cross to the other side. Watching him, all the others gather courage too and follow. The most anticipated river-crossing is now happening before you. A memorable spectacle during which your camera cannot stop its clicks.
After all of them have crossed safely to the other side, you then leave.
Just then, a leopard is seen walking on the bank of this river close by. Watching the crowd watch him, this shy animal soon vanishes behind the layer of rocks.
Mara Naboisho Private Conservancy
On entering the Mara Naboisha Private Conservancy, you are first welcomed by an Elephant family and then followed by a pair of Black Baked jackal seen quenching their thirst from a small pool of water.
Then before you reach the final destination of the day, the Porni Bush camp, you see these beautiful Lions resting.
One more attractive among them called ‘Osidai’ (which means beautiful one in the local language), is lying below a large tree yawning continuously, making for a magnificent set of pictures.
Finally, you have reached Porni Camp, where the camp’s manager, Mr. Ben, dressed in typical Masai attire, welcome you.
While speaking, he cautions you not to venture out of your tent, particularly during the night, without proper escort. There are wild animals moving around that could be harmful, he added.
He then directs you to the tent where you get fresh and be ready for the dinner followed by the night’s rest.