Journey to the Wild: First Impressions of Masai Mara

“One cannot resist the lure of Africa.” -Rudyard Kipling

We arrived safely after a brief 40-minute trip on a tiny propeller plane from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Masai Mara Oleikiombo Airport. The landing strip blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings with a sparse dirt runway. The plane touches down gently, stirring up a cloud of dust that quickly settles back onto the sun-baked earth.

Stepping off the plane, the warm African breeze carries the scents of the savannah—a mix of earth, grass, and the distant hint of wildlife. Our guide was already waiting for us. He picked up our bags and took us to the truck. The safari car—a land cruiser equipped for the rugged terrain—stands ready to take us deeper into the savannah. As we loaded our bags and settled into the open-air truck, our guide started sharing stories and insights, setting the stage for the amazing adventure that awaited.

The thrill of our first safari trip was palpable. The first animal we spotted was a hyena on our way to the Base Camp Lodge. The drive to the lodge was an exciting preview of the wildlife that awaited us, from giraffes and zebras to springboks and hartebeests. It was about noon when we arrived at the Base Camp Lodge, and our guide told us he would be back at 4 p.m. to take us on our first game drive, promising more unexpected and thrilling encounters.

Our Masai guide, Steve, arrived on time for our first game drive. Upon leaving the camp, a diverse array of wildlife, including hyenas, giraffes, gazelles, cape buffalo, and topi (exclusive to the Mara and Serengeti), immediately greeted us. We also spotted a Thompson gazelle, a warthog, a cory buster, Elan, and a lilac-breasted roller, Kenya’s national bird. Each sighting of these exquisite animals was a testament to the region’s rich biodiversity.

What is special about Masai Mara?

The Masai Mara boasts a breathtaking tapestry of wild, rugged landscapes, friendly locals, and distinctive large and small wildlife. Renowned for the spectacular Great Migration, the Mara attracts 1.5 million wildebeests, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and other herbivores, to its vast savannahs annually from July to October. This awe-inspiring event, considered one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, is a testament to the region’s rich biodiversity and the interconnectedness of its ecosystems. The beauty of the African landscape is truly inspiring.

In the Masai Mara, black rhinos are the rarest of the African Big Five. Until recently, it was believed that the Mara only had the African Big Four for some time. Spotting these elusive creatures added more anticipation to our safari experience.

The Savannah came alive with a symphony of sounds. The air was filled with the melodious chirps of birds and wind blowing through the tall grass, adding to the sense of being truly in the wild. In the distance, the occasional grunt of a wildebeest or the bark of a zebra served as a reminder of the incredible wildlife that inhabited this land.

When we encountered our first herd of elephants, it felt like a dream come true. We were amazed by these beautiful animals’ sheer size and ease.

We had six game drives between Masai Mara and the Naboisho Conservancy. In the first two games, we saw four of the Big Five, a term coined by big-game hunters to refer to the most difficult animals to hunt on foot. These include the lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo. It was truly an unforgettable sight watching these majestic creatures!

The Zebras

Zebra: “There’s no limit to how much you’ll know, depending on how far beyond zebra you go.” Dr Seus

Zebras are the most accessible animals to identify; seeing them is always a treat! Zebras graze peacefully, and their black and white stripes create a striking pattern against the golden grass. Occasionally, you may spot them roughhousing with each other.

We came across a heartwarming scene that epitomized the beauty of motherhood in the wild. A tiny foal stood close to her mother, nestled within a small herd of zebras, seeking comfort and nourishment. The bond between mother and baby unfolded as we watched in quiet reverence. At that moment, the world around us faded into the background as we witnessed the timeless bond between mother and child, a bond that transcended species and spoke to the universal language of love.

On the game drives, we must have seen hundreds of zebras and wildebeests in one place that looked like a mini-migration!

The Giraffes

Our first encounter with the inhabitants of the Masai Mara filled us with awe. A tower of giraffes, with their long, elegant necks reaching for the tender leaves of the acacia trees, epitomized the grace and elegance of African wildlife. Their gentle movements as they navigated the savannah were a testament to the harmony and beauty of life in the wild.

Among the sea of giraffes, we once again spotted mother giraffes leaning down to bestow gentle kisses on their young calves and a baby giraffe sipping milk from its mother. We felt a profound sense of joy for the opportunity to bear witness to such extraordinary moments.

The sight of giraffes engaging in their iconic pose never fails to mesmerize. With their long necks gracefully intertwined, they create a breathtaking tableau that speaks to the beauty and harmony of the natural world. It’s not just about physical proximity; it’s about connection and companionship.

As we continue our safari through the Masai Mara, we carry the memory of giraffes in their iconic pose, a symbol of the profound connection that unites all living beings in the circle of life.

More Lions

We saw at least 40 lions, lionesses, and cubs from different parks, and they were all enchanting. Lions come out of the bush—first the lioness, then their cubs. We watched in breathless silence as a pride of lions lounged beneath the shade of a thorn tree, their golden coats shimmering in the sunlight as they rested after a successful hunt. Lions were fighting just five feet in front of our truck!

Oh, too many lions, so little time!

Hippos are among the Savannah animals that dislike the constant heat and sunlight. They spend the day in the water and feed during the night. Hippos are unpredictable and highly regarded as more dangerous than lions.

Every turn brought new surprises—zebras grazing peacefully, herds of wildebeest thundering across the plains like mini-migrations, their hooves kicking up dust clouds as they followed age-old pathways etched into the landscape.

Impalas and Gazelles play gracefully, whereas Elands and Hartebeests fight and pound their horns.

Our guide’s enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the area enriched the experience. He shared fascinating insights into the behaviors and habitats of the animals we encountered, making us feel connected to this sublime ecosystem.

Our first safari in the Masai Mara exceeded all expectations. It was a journey of discovery and connection, a reminder of the diversity and beautiful world we all live in. With our hearts full of gratitude, we were ready to continue our adventure, eager to see what the next day would bring to this extraordinary place.

The thrill of witnessing these animals in their natural habitat was indescribable. Every sighting was a shared moment of wonder and connection as we marveled together at the beauty and power of nature. The exhilaration of watching a wildebeest, the heart-pounding suspense of a lioness on the hunt, and the serene grace of zebras grazing peacefully—all these moments etched themselves into our hearts forever.

The African sky is breathtakingly impressive. This is one of the few places that genuinely touched our core. The sky, an expansive canvas of brilliant blue, meets the lush plains, creating a mind-blowing backdrop for a wonderful memory. When the sun dips below the horizon, the radiant sky looks like a painting with hues of orange and pink. We arrived at our camp on our last night at Mara and had the most remarkable bush dinner.

The Masai word ‘enjoolata’ conveys a profound sense of awe! Enjoolata is a joyous sensation that arises when you encounter something remarkable and unanticipated, physically or mentally. The expectation of the unknown is an amazing feeling. At every turn, there is something new. The excitement never gets old!

“If there were one more thing I could do, it would be to go on safari once again.” Karen Blixen

Author: Cristy
Photo Credit: Nathan