Summary
- Experience the breathtaking Masai Mara region.
- Enjoy a stay at the renowned Keekorok Lodge.
- Embark on exhilarating game drives to spot diverse wildlife.
- Witness stunning sunsets and majestic elephants.
The final stop of our Kenya Safari was three glorious days in the Masai Mara. It is here that you will see all the big 5 animals of Africa and you’ll witness some of the most beautiful sunsets on the planet.
Kenya Safari – The Masai Mara
The drive is a long and bumpy road from Nairobi to the Masai Mara and if you have the opportunity to fly there, we recommend you do so. We encountered a very rocky ride that seemed to last forever. Our guide Makau informed us that the road is much better these days as the Chinese are working on improving transportation throughout the country. Who knows, perhaps by next year it will all be smooth sailing.
Keekorok Lodge
We arrived at Keekorok lodge early enough to enjoy some lunch and take a break before our first sunset safari in the Mara.
Keekorok is the first resort in the Masai Mara and it is located right in the heart of it all. The airport is only a few short kilometers away and this was once the favored spot for celebrities embarking on their own Kenya Safari. Renowned figures such as Prince Charles, Paul Simon, and Carrie Fisher have stayed here.
In its prime, it was the place to stay in the Masai Mara. The Mara was the first great location in Africa for wildlife safaris, attracting dignitaries and celebrities who came to catch a glimpse of the big 5.
Currently, Keekorok attracts package tourists, serving buffet dinners and Nescafe coffee on the outdoor terrace during tea time. The overall atmosphere aims to present itself as a luxury lodge, but it hasn’t quite evolved with the times.
That’s not to say we didn’t enjoy our time at Keekorok; however, I envisioned a stay in a tented camp surrounded by wildlife rather than a concrete complex needing an update. Despite this, Keekorok is full of visitors, as the emerging Asian market seems eager to book their tours at this hotel.
The Kenya Safari on Masai Mara
Game Drive – Day 1
It doesn’t significantly matter where you stay in the Masai Mara since you will spend the majority of your time on game drives. We embarked on early morning sunrises and late evening sunsets across the African Savanna searching for various wild game in the heart of Kenya.
We hopped into our safari van, investing hours scanning our surroundings for wildlife. These animals are expertly camouflaged, and if you blink, you might miss an extraordinary opportunity.
Cheetah on a Hill
Our initial outing in the Masai Mara introduced us to a cheetah napping on a dirt mound. It appeared entirely unbothered as safari vans parked nearby. The Masai Mara enforces strict rules prohibiting vehicles from straying off the path, thereby keeping a respectful distance from the animals.
With Dave’s ultra zoom 500 mm lens and the close proximity to the mound of dirt, we managed to capture some remarkable shots of this cheetah. “Having the right camera lens is essential”.
The cheetah glanced back at us in a relaxed manner before resuming its nap. Shortly after, another vehicle arrived and stubbornly left its engine running. I felt a wave of frustration; that loud noise disrupted the cheetah’s peace and likely caused it great distress. The driver told our guide (after I expressed my concern) that his truck had battery issues and he couldn’t turn it off, thus affecting us all, including the cheetah. Moments later, the cheetah had enough and sauntered away.
We followed the cheetah for a brief period but ultimately decided to move on as it gradually distanced itself from the road.
Lions on Safari
On our route back to camp, we encountered another driver who informed us that some lions were resting nearby. We arrived just in time to catch sight of them before the sun began to set, leaving us excited about the days ahead. Within just a few hours in the Masai Mara, we had already spotted a cheetah and a pride of lions.
We couldn’t linger with the lions for too long as we needed to return to camp before dusk, as park rangers check tourists in as they return from safari. The conditions are precarious in the Mara, and if someone experiences a breakdown or doesn’t return to the lodge before dark, search parties are deployed. Returning late from a game drive can lead to serious trouble.
Elephants at Sunset
On our return to camp, we were treated to the most spectacular sunset we had ever witnessed. We have experienced beautiful sunsets throughout our lives; however, nothing compares to an African sunset, and this one left us in awe.
As the sky ignited with vibrant colors, a herd of elephants gracefully approached our vehicle, following a path directly towards us. As they moved silently through the long grass, my heart swelled with emotion. This was the most exquisite moment I had ever encountered.
The elephants drew nearer, while the sky exploded into even more vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. We needed to return to camp, or park rangers would send search parties, yet even our guide Makau found it difficult to tear himself away.
The elephants continued advancing toward us, and the entire herd glided within mere meters of our truck. They walked as if in a trance, moving deliberately yet calmly, akin to sliding over water. It was silent, it was magical, it was Africa.
For a safari in Kenya, you might want to consider Wilderness Zones Safaris, which is owned and operated by our guide James Makau.
