Someone called me a ‘wander woman’. I feel we only need confidence and courage to travel. I took it as a compliment, because in the roots of my genes is an insatiable desire to travel. Years ago, I was working for this travel agency as an executive. Then later went on to start a tour company called Travelogic, I never thought I would travel to the same country Kenya, where I was born. I had just returned from Istanbul and was still in that hangover. A few of my friends wanted me to join them for a wildlife tour and that too in Kenya… my native land. I didn’t have to think twice. After some research, I organized a 4-day tour and booked a budget safari through our tour operator in Nairobi. Our team of 10 eventually were off to Kenya. Within few minutes after coming out of the airport, we whizzed off to the camp that was pre-booked and paid, by a friendly driver come guide, Sean.

Wildlife at Masai Mara

Wild Cat Hunt

Told by many of our friends, I was asked to keep our fingers crossed to see exclusive breeds of animals including lions. It was just my luck that day; we were slap bang in front of a frisky male lion biting his partner’s neck in the peak of frenzied passion. Shortly afterward, and in-between a herd of Zebras, we spotted one of the rarest breeds of all wild cats. We had not only spotted the most beautiful and elusive cats of Africa but we realized we were the only vehicle around for miles. Sean pulled up close and turned off the engine, and we just watched as the gorgeous creature played in the long grass. As we were moving forward, we could see the petite and categorically cuddly looking Cervil with its ballooned shaped ears. It was nearly twice the size of its head. That was some start before even reaching, our tents. The ten of us were greeted by the camp people who made us settle down comfortably with a four-course feat. In our short time, we were treated with a veritable smorgasbord of wildlife. My fate, I was to see more animals than our friends who travelled before us. The next day, Sean made the call on the radio and the other jeeps pulled up… the big, muscular male cat hang out for a few minutes before retreating slowly into the jungle, as if he was saying “Okay that’s enough, nothing more to see here”. The leopard is the celebrity of anyone’s African safari, and as he left the great stage of the Masai Mara, we all had the feeling he knew where he stood in the hearts of his fans. He only ever shows up long enough for a quick sighting.

Masai Mara tribals

Tall Tales

The early morning drives were the most rewarding ones as we parked a few meters away from four cheetahs (just one year old or so) waiting for their mom to return with a kill. We were lucky to watch the tall giraffes so close to our vehicle and the herds of buffaloes and elephants crossing the lakes. The third day evening was a day of dancing with the Masais, around a camp fire. It was fascinating to see them jump up in the air with the spears in their hands. Their feet movements were fast, and brisk. They were wearing dark red colored outfits draped in a particular way and head gears along with the broad beaded ornamental earrings and necklaces. We were told that they would drink milk mixed with urine and blood of the cows for longevity. The men are warriors and they too adorn themselves with beads of all colors. Like them, I was much in tune with the nature and the wild animals. It was the last night in the wilderness. I never felt homesick as there was never a dull moment. We enjoyed every second we spent there and the next year called out for another visit.

Getting There

The nearest airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi (280 km away from the Masai Mara National Reserve). To reach Masai Mara from the airport, you need to take connecting flights- Air Kenya or Safarilink to the reserve’s landing strips. You’ll have to board from the Wilson Airport located 12.5 Km away from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Via road, you need to take the services of a number of safaris from Nairobi that ends at Sekenani entry point of the Masai Mara National Reserve. You can also hire a chauffeur driven car or a taxi. The ride is six hours. For getting around Masai Mara, you have the option of modified mini-buses or you can hire 4WD vehicles.

Safari ya salama!

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