The legendary Masia Mara Game Reserve
I knew this was going to be the trip of a life time, I also knew there was going to be a lot of driving involved – the Masia Mara covers 583 square miles – and I always had a keen interest in wildlife (thanks David Attenborough !) but nothing could quite prepare me for how rewarding a safari in the Masia Mara would actually be. We set off in our 4 wheel drive, we each had a window seat, and a knowledgeable driver guide called Danny (who I am sure had the eyesight of a hawk – he could spot all kind of animals often far away in the distance and would then change his route to get up close to them) and straight away as soon as we entered the gates to Masai Mara we all knew immediately we were entering somewhere magical.
First impressions were of the vast lanscapes – the spectacular low, rolling hills appeared as if they never ended and with the contrasting deep blue sky over the horizon provided some great photo opportunities, yet if all this wasn’t enough we came across what we had primarily come for – thousands of grazing wildebeest, zebra, kudu, gazelle mingling and seemingly without a care in the world. We just sat there in silence in awe with the silence only broken with sound of the occasional camera click
We then had some well earned lunch at the Lake Nakuru lodge, again the views were breath taking and once again it felt like I was in another world. I really did have to get my wife to pinch me, what I saw on TV did not do this justice. The food was delicious yet enhanced by the beaming smiles of the wonderful staff and looking out to the thousands of pink flamingoes congregated on the lake – one could be forgiven for thinking it was a huge social gathering and we could have easily spent more time here and let time stand still for us.
We set off for our late afternoon game drive which is where we told to expect to see a lot more as when the sun starts to set, the predators especially, come out from the much needed shade and roam freely in search of their next meal. We were certainly not disappointed – lions (with their cubs in tow), herds of elephants, elegant giraffes and striking cheetahs were all spotted within this game drive and just fascinating to watch – again I had to keep reminding myself it was US in THEIR territory which made the experience exhilarating and a little surreal at the same time.
A long day, exciting day was completed back at our authentic African style lodge where after a refreshing shower we made our way for dinner and ended up in the bar where we shared experiences with other couples. When day 1 was over, I didn’t sleep very well because I was buzzing so much and knew this was only the start of my safari trip….
Now it’s your turn – Book your Safari holiday with Letsgo2 at: https://www.letsgo2.com/tours-and-safaris/default.aspx
