One of the most spectacular destinations in the world… especially if you are looking for a leisurely get-away-from-it-all… high adventure holiday is the Masai Mara ...I think there is no place to match the grandeur, splendor and awesome beauty of these golden grasslands of Kenya.

Kenya, its wildlife, climate and topography with its undulating terrains remains unsurpassable as a holiday destination.

Nairobi the capital is one of the most modern cosmopolitan city between Cape town and Cairo.

For me The Masai Mara game reserve situated on the south west border of Kenya and which is also the homeland of the tall Masai warriors has always been a favourite..

The wilderbeest migration .. The worlds most awesome and mind boggling spectacle takes place here in the Serengeti plains every year.
The Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is famous for the annual migration. Over a million wildebeest and thousands of zebra and antelope thunder across the savanna. This is the most awesome animal migration on Earth.. The incredible spectacle of them crossing the Mara river into Kenya happens in July and August.

In October the animals return again. Add to this the awesome grandeur of the mighty rift valley and the amazing drive along the rifts famous escarpment.

There are regular Air India and Kenya airways flights twice weekly from Delhi and Bombay to Nairobi. The plane arrives at the Nairobi international airport usually early in the mornings.. Yellow fever shots are a must. Take them weeks before your departure date.

There are many ways of getting to the Mara. You can join an organized tourist safari or make your own arrangements. By vehicle it takes six hours from Nairobi or by air just half an hour from Nairobi Wilson airport.

I prefer the journey by road, I always drive down to the mara in a friends battered old land cruiser, It's the ideal vehicle for freewheeling across the country or the parks.. the first leg of the journey is a memorable 100 mile drive that terminates at the lake naivasha. the city of flamingoes,( a must even if you are visiting Kenya for a few days) and its an easy few hours drive. from Nairobi through the meandering rift valley escarpment. As you descend down to the valley floor you cross the dormant Mount Longonot crater to reach Naivasha and its unique fresh water lake.

The sight that greets you at lake Naivasha is the most amazing you could ever imagine or will ever see.

Over 3 million flamingoes, both the Greater and lesser flamingoes breed and roost in this sprawling fresh water lake turning the lake into a virtual carpet of pink feathers. Thousands of pelicans, ducks and other water birds are also found here, and if you’re really lucky you might even catch a glimpse of the legendary Kudu with its magnificent spiralling horns.

This is largest breeding grounds of flamingoes in the world...

The lake is surrounded by lush papayrus and has nearly 400 species of other birds… If you are a ken bird watcher then this is the place. If you decide to stay overnight the lake Naivasha National Park nearby has many resorts and suitable accommodation, two hot springs are an added bonus at the ‘Hell’s Gate’ Park.

The Masai mara reserve borders Tanzania the mighty Serengeti plains is shared by both the countries, wildlife roams freely between Kenya and Tanzania. The concentration of game in the Mara during the mass migration is mind blowing. It has the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa

The rolling savannah grasslands dotted with the classic acacia trees have no parallel, though brilliantly captured on films like " Hatari", "Born Free" and "Out of Africa" there is no comparison to actually being there with the smell and sounds and air of the "majani wa mutoni"(smell of the wild grassland) engulfing you!!.

The open grasslands are also home to an incredibly rich and varied wildlife
lions, cheetas, leopards, wild buffalo and scores of deer and antelopes scattered all over the plains. This is truly the home of the big five!! The buffalo, elephant, rhino, lion and leopard.

lions are just all over the place, powerful majestic beasts the African Lion.. specially the male (simba malala) adorned with a massive mane is truly a handsome creature. Used to tourist traffic they do not react aggressively even if you spot them feeding on a kill.(But let this not fool you.. the lions move with lightening speed and many accidents have resulted in loss of life) always stay in your car and try no adventures this is the best way to avoid accidents.

 
The Mara is the ideal place to see the cheetah, sitting majestically on mounds or anthills taking in the ever-changing drama around on the plains and perhaps a possible quarry amongst the thousands of zebra, spotted hyena, jackal, hippo, giraffe, eland and scores of other species which make up the Mara.

The majestic elephant herds are another soft spot… I could spend months just watching them and their behavior patterns and their socializing.

They are not aggressive like their Asian cousins and are a reassuring presence. If it is leopards you are after then the acacia trees are the ones to head for. the regular haunt of the sleek powerful tree climbing cat.

The mara is an important part of Mans ancient history and evolution.. it was the home of the Neolithic man who it is believed lived here nearly 2000 years ago. The remains of the pottery and arrow heads used by them were found in the Lemek valley north of the reserve. The Masai have been here for centuries, living in harmony with the wildlife as pastoralists and no longer hunters of lions and wildgame. The masia goma or dance is a special treat and is a landmark of these proud and athletic warriors.

Drives thru the mara last the whole day.. the mornings and evenings are the most spectacular you are sure to catch the lions hunting and the cheeta make his breathtaking burst of speed.. touching an incredible 75 miles an hour chasing an Impala. This the time to really take photographs and record sounds of the wild especially the lion roars. The mara resounds with the rumbling thunder of the lions roars… calling out to each other.. this goes on for more than an hour at times..

There are some super spots by the river and water bodies where you can stop and alight from your vehicles for a picnic or lunch.

One of my favorite trips specially during the wildebeests migration has been a trip across the mara in a hotair baloon.. It is the most amazing and unbelievable experience and gives you a fantastic overview and a perspective few can imagine. During the migration it is best to spend at least a week to 10 days in the Masai Mara, there is a new experience and a new drama almost every day. It is difficult to tear yourself away from this grand arena where nature is at its zenith. Its primordial best...

The Masai Mara has several of the most luxurious and comfortable private game lodges,
 
There is also a wide range of safari lodges and tented camps. I prefer staying in the typical thatched bamboo huts the ones that blend so beautifully with the surroundings .The sight of them transports me back into time when my brother and I as little children used to accompany our father for our regular evening forays in the bush. The mara Simba lodge  and keekorok are  some of the favourite haunts…
 
Kenya has a temperate climate through out the year.

Situated on the equator at a height of over 5000 feet Nairobi has a cool temperate climate with cool nights and moderate temperature during the day. You can wear jackets and pullovers the year round. The nights are cool enough for you to look for a quilt.

The food is great and fresh fruits available all the year round.. only the mangoes are found once a year.

The Mara is God’s own country and I hope remains so forever, for me it will always remain paradise on earth.

Guidelines
when visiting the Masai Mara:

a) Keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing the wildlife. The silence has advantages: you will hear and enjoy the natural sounds of the Mara.

b) Don't leave any litter in the park. Do not remove any plants, wildlife artifacts or other items.

c) Do not feed the animals. Leave your vehicles only to make camp at designated areas and light camp fires only where permitted. Don't lean out of your vehicle or sit on the roof rack and don't touch any animals however docile they look. The cute cubs have enough power in their jaws to seriously injure you..

d) Take a local driver/guide or friend if possible. this will help save time and also ensure you visit the right spots at the right time and can have great time learning new names of animals and places which the locals are conversant with.

e) Animals have the right of way. Observe speed limits 30 Kph. Make sure your vehicle is reliable, carry a map, spare tyre and toolkit. Don't travel before sunrise or after sunset.

And above all remain calm but alert. Your consideration and respect for the animals, their home and their space will ensure you have a great time in natures truly amazing paradise.

1 moja 2 mbili 3 tatoo 4 enney 5 tano  6 sita 7 saba 8 nane 9 tisa  10 kumi.

-         Mike Pandey

January 2004